The Best Options & What to Expect

When Elvis Presley was just 22 years old, he purchased Graceland – a 10,266-square-foot mansion that occupied a nearly 14-acre property in Memphis, Tennessee. After the singer’s death in 1977, the executors of his estate found that the mansion’s exorbitant operating costs proved difficult to maintain, so they decided to open Graceland for tours in 1982. Since then, more than 20 million people from around the world have visited the mansion – which now spans 17,552 square feet – and its surrounding Elvis-themed museums and shops. Read on to plan your Graceland visit.

Graceland is a 120-acre institution dedicated to the life and music of Elvis Presley. The main draw is the mansion, but there’s more to see than Elvis’ former abode. Visitors can stop by Elvis Presley’s Memphis, a 200,000-square-foot museum and entertainment complex. This building houses the Presley Motors Automobile Museum and a series of exhibits, such as “Elvis: Dressed to Rock,” which features Elvis’ performance outfits from 1969 to 1977.

The Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, which displays the entertainer’s gold and platinum records, his famous jumpsuits and movie memorabilia, can also be found here. Tourists will also have access to 10 interactive exhibits and games. Located throughout the complex, the interactive features include quizzes, a simulated golf cart ride and photo booths that put travelers on Elvis’ movie posters and album covers. Finally, the complex houses two restaurants, a coffee shop, an ice cream parlor and a soundstage where tourists can watch Elvis’ movies and attend live music performances.

After you learn all about the King, check out the Graceland Exhibition Center. This 80,000-square-foot venue features a variety of rotating museum exhibits, covering a variety of subjects, including motorcycles, Muhammad Ali and Van Gogh. The complex also boasts a food court, a bar and a separate, rentable event space.

No, you cannot visit Graceland without a tour. To access the site, you must purchase one of its ticket packages.

The cost per person varies depending on which tour experience you choose. Ticket packages that include access to the Graceland mansion start at $82 for adults and $46.50 for kids ages 5 to 10. Tickets can cost as much as $240 per person ages 2 and older for the “VIP” experiences, which offer access to exclusive areas, special keepsakes, meal vouchers and more.

There are multiple tour options for visiting Graceland.

The mansion tour will take about 90 minutes to complete. Those who decide to tour the rest of Graceland’s offerings should budget at least 3.5 hours to explore.

Which Graceland experience you choose largely depends on your fascination with the King. Graceland visitors mention that even non-Elvis fans will enjoy the tour and the up-close look at the entertainer’s famous lifestyle. Visitors also appreciate the audio tour narrated by John Stamos. They recommend upgrading your tour to one of the VIP options, saying it is well worth the additional cost.

Graceland is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. (depending on the day of the week and time of year). It closes or has abbreviated hours on holidays. The last mansion tour begins at 4 or 5 p.m., depending on the day and time of year.

The best time to visit Graceland depends on what kind of experience you want. Travelers should check out Graceland’s events calendar as the complex and its hotel, the Guest House at Graceland, host numerous weekend events, concerts and day trips to Elvis’ hometown throughout the year. Visitors in the mood for a festive atmosphere will want to book a trip in late November, December or early January to see the estate’s holiday lights display and decorations.

Yes, you can stay overnight at Graceland. The Guest House at Graceland sits within steps of the mansion and features 450 rooms with designs inspired by Graceland, as well as two restaurants, an outdoor pool and a 464-seat theater for movies and performances, among other amenities.

Yes. You’ll find options for tours from Nashville (and more) below: