How to Visit Graceland

From his fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches to his love for cars, everything is Elvis at Graceland. The mansion, built by Elvis Presley and named after his mother Grace, is located in historical Memphis, Tennessee. Graceland is a fun vacation destination even if you aren't in love with the King.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a time of year to visit Graceland. On August 16, the anniversary of Elvis' death, Memphis and Graceland swarm with thousands of Elvis fans. If this is your first trip to Graceland, this day might not be the best time to comfortably enjoy the sights.

2. Book a hotel in or around Memphis, Tennessee. There are many hotels and motels to choose from. Some of the most famous hotels are the Peabody Hotel that has its own family of ducks living on the roof. The world famous Heartbreak Hotel is also an option that is located close to Graceland's gates.

3. Decide on the tour you want to take. Graceland has many tours and packages for visitors. The Graceland Mansion Tour includes an audio presentation and a tour of the Graceland Mansion and grounds. The Graceland Platinum Tour includes an audio-guided tour of the Graceland Mansion and grounds, along with self-guided tours of the Sincerely Elvis Museum, Elvis's Automobile Museum, Elvis's two custom airplanes, and Elvis After Dark. The Graceland Elvis Entourage VIP Tour includes everything in the Platinum Tour and makes you a VIP with front of the line access, special all-day tickets and a keepsake backstage pass. A limited number of VIP tours are available each day. Passes and discounts do not apply to the VIP tour. Tours are available by calling the Graceland reservations department at [phone], [phone] or in person at the Graceland ticket window.

4. Choose places to eat during your visit. Memphis has everything from barbecue to pancakes to caviar. The Chrome Grille has Southern food and barbecue in an automotive-themed atmosphere. Rockabilly's Diner has a menu of cheeseburgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken sandwiches, fries and other casual fare in the nostalgic feel of a 50's diner. Shake, Split & Dip is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.

5. Explore Memphis. Believe it or not, there is more to Memphis than Graceland. The Art Museum at the University of Memphis has free admission. Watch the Beale Street Flippers in the Beale Street Historic District. Beale Street is where W.C. Handy wrote the first Blues song. Visit museums, parks, nightclubs, restaurants and shopping in Memphis' historic district. The Walk of Fame on Beale Street honors famous musicians from Memphis. The National Civil Rights Museum is located in the Lorraine Hotel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Observe all the steps of making whiskey at the Jack Daniel's Distillery. This distillery is the America's oldest registered distillery.

Tips & Warnings

• Graceland hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from March to October. In November, it is open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. December through February, Graceland Mansion is open Monday and Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During that time, the Mansion is closed on Tuesdays while plaza attractions remain open.
• Plaza attractions including the Car Museum, Sincerely Elvis, and Airplanes are open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All operations are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and sometimes on New Year's Day. Call for other holiday hours.
• West Memphis is not the safest part of town. When booking a hotel or looking for a place to eat, try to stay away from the west side of Memphis.

Resources

• Order tickets to visit Graceland
• Look through Memphis travel information