| Graceland Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Location | Memphis, Tennessee, USA |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CT) |
| Daily Budget | $80 to $300+ per person |
| Best Time | March to May, September to November |
| Getting There | Memphis International Airport (MEM) |
Graceland is the home of Elvis Presley and the second most-visited private residence in the United States after the White House. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the estate includes the mansion tour, Elvis’s car collection, his two custom airplanes, and extensive exhibits on his life and career. Whether you are an Elvis superfan or simply curious about one of the most influential cultural figures of the 20th century, Graceland delivers an engaging, surprisingly moving experience. Memphis itself adds world-class BBQ, Beale Street blues, and the National Civil Rights Museum to make a complete trip.
For a broader framework for organizing any trip, our how to plan a trip guide covers the fundamentals.
Best Time to Visit Graceland
March through May and September through November offer comfortable weather (60s to 80s F) and smaller crowds. Elvis Week (around August 16, the anniversary of his death) is the biggest annual event with candlelight vigils and special events but also the most crowded period. Summer (June through August) is hot and humid (90s F). Winter is mild but quieter.
Getting to Graceland
Memphis International Airport (MEM) has direct flights from many US cities. Graceland is about 15 minutes south of downtown Memphis. From Nashville, Memphis is about 3 hours west on I-40. A rental car or rideshare is needed between Graceland, downtown, and other Memphis attractions.
Top Things to Do in Graceland
- Graceland Mansion Tour: Walk through the rooms Elvis lived in, including the famous Jungle Room, the TV room with three screens, and the Meditation Garden where Elvis is buried. Audio tour narrated by John Stamos. About 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Elvis Presley’s Memphis Complex: Across the street from the mansion. Includes Elvis’s car and motorcycle collection, his custom Lisa Marie airplane, and exhibits on his music, movies, and cultural impact. The Ultimate VIP Tour ($180) adds backstage areas.
- Beale Street: Memphis’s legendary entertainment strip. Live blues music pours out of clubs every night. B.B. King’s Blues Club, Silky O’Sullivan’s, and numerous juke joints. Free to walk; most clubs have a small cover charge.
- National Civil Rights Museum: Built around the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. One of the most powerful museums in America. Allow 2 to 3 hours. About $18 per adult.
- Memphis BBQ: Memphis is one of America’s great BBQ cities. Central BBQ, The Bar-B-Q Shop, and Payne’s are local favorites. Dry-rub ribs are the Memphis specialty. A BBQ crawl is practically required.
- Sun Studio: Where Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and B.B. King recorded. Guided tours of the studio where rock and roll was born. About $16 per adult.
Where to Stay
The Guest House at Graceland is a resort hotel on the Graceland campus ($150 to $350 per night) with Elvis-themed decor and shuttle service to the mansion. Downtown Memphis near Beale Street has hotels from $100 to $250, convenient for nightlife and the Civil Rights Museum. Budget options along Elvis Presley Boulevard near Graceland offer chain hotels from $60 to $120. Most visitors stay downtown and drive to Graceland.
Sample 2-Day Graceland Itinerary
- Day 1 – Graceland and South Memphis: Morning Graceland mansion tour and the Memphis complex (allow 3 to 4 hours for everything). Afternoon at Sun Studio. Evening BBQ dinner at a local favorite, then Beale Street for live blues.
- Day 2 – Memphis Culture: Morning at the National Civil Rights Museum (allow 2 to 3 hours). Afternoon walk the Riverwalk or visit the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Final BBQ stop and evening on Beale Street.
Budget Estimate
Budget travelers can manage on $80 to $130 per day with a budget hotel, BBQ meals ($10 to $18), and prioritizing free activities (Beale Street walking, Riverwalk). Graceland admission ranges from $45 (mansion only) to $180 (Ultimate VIP). Mid-range travelers should plan for $150 to $250 covering a downtown hotel, Graceland tour, Civil Rights Museum ($18), Sun Studio ($16), restaurant meals, and Beale Street. Multi-attraction passes save money if you plan to visit several Memphis sites.
Planning Tools
Ready to start building your Graceland trip? Our free AI trip planner can generate a custom itinerary based on your dates, budget, and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Graceland tour take?
The mansion tour itself takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you visit the full Memphis complex (cars, planes, exhibits), allow 3 to 4 hours total. The Ultimate VIP Tour adds about 1 hour.
Is Graceland worth visiting if I’m not an Elvis fan?
Graceland is an interesting cultural experience regardless of your feelings about Elvis. The mansion is a fascinating time capsule of 1970s taste, and the exhibits on his cultural impact are well done. Combined with Memphis’s BBQ, blues, and civil rights history, the city delivers a rich 2 to 3 day trip.
When is Elvis Week?
Elvis Week takes place around August 16 each year (the anniversary of Elvis’s death in 1977). Special events include a candlelight vigil at the Meditation Garden, concerts, and fan gatherings. Hotels near Graceland book up months in advance. It is the busiest and most expensive time to visit.