Whether you're visiting for Elvis Week, another Elvis-themed event or you're just curious about the King's connection to Memphis, it's easy to follow in his blue-suede footsteps around town. From major attractions to hidden gems, star-studded halls to humble beginnings, here's your Elvis Presley bucket list as only Memphis could make it.
Graceland and Elvis Presley's Memphis
Graceland Mansion
It’s the most famous rock ‘n’ roll residence in the world, so it’s a must-see during your visit to Memphis. An interactive iPad tour will guide you through Elvis' home, which has preserved his bold décor throughout. See touching home videos of Elvis with his daughter Lisa Marie. Don’t forget to check out the newly restored racquetball building while you’re there.
Plan your visit to Graceland
Elvis Presley's Memphis
This new multi-million-dollar entertainment and exhibit complex is located across the street from Graceland mansion. With an assortment of curated spaces honoring the King's career, wardrobe, plane and car collections — plus restaurants, shops and fun interactive opportunities — it's the perfect complement to your Graceland visit.
Visit Elvis Presley's Memphis
THE Guest House at Graceland
Located just a few steps from Graceland mansion, this AAA Four-Diamond resort reflects Elvis’ signature swagger (Priscilla Presley herself oversaw design aspects). With restaurants and a new soundstage booking headlining concerts, The Guest House is becoming a destination in and of itself.
Book your room
Meditation Garden
Elvis and his loved ones are interred on the grounds of Graceland among beautiful landscaping and peaceful sculptures. Plus, guests who arrive early and leave before the first public tour of the day begins are allowed free access to pay their respects to Elvis and his family in the Meditation Garden.
Visit the Meditation Garden
Gates of Graceland
Not only are the Gates of Graceland a fantastic photo opportunity year-round, they also serve as the center of the annual Candlelight Vigil that unites thousands of fans during Elvis Week. Read the love notes from fans written on the wall or leave your own message.
Start planning for Elvis Week
Celebrate ELVIS WEEK & MORE
Starting with Elvis' birthday celebration in January and ending with the seasonal magic of Christmas at Graceland, Graceland invites fans year-round for on-site events. The culminating event is Elvis Week, of course, but you'll find live music at Graceland Soundstage, Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist events and more all year long.
Check Graceland's events calendar
Sneak a Peek at Elvis Bucket List Stops in Memphis
Elvis' Old Stomping Grounds
THE Arcade Restaurant
The Arcade is not only the oldest diner in Memphis, it has been a local favorite for years. Elvis loved The Arcade and regularly ordered their fried peanut butter and banana sandwich. In his honor, there is an Elvis booth decorated with pictures of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Take a seat, order the sandwich, take a selfie. You'll be glad you did.
Enjoy a meal at The Arcade
Lansky BROTHERS
Shop with the Clothier to the King® at Lansky Brothers. This family-owned retailer helped develop Elvis Presley’s signature style. As a teenager, Elvis shopped at the original location at 126 Beale St. Today, you can shop at Lanksy's inside the historic Peabody Hotel.
Shop at Lanksy Brothers
Coletta’s Italian Restaurant
This time capsule/restaurant claims to have created barbecue pizza, a favorite of Elvis' and the most Memphis pizza on the planet. Dine in the Elvis Room at the South Parkway location among pictures and memorabilia commemorating the times when Elvis and his entourage would take over a private dining room at the restaurant.
Dine at Coletta's
Circuit Playhouse
This Midtown Memphis playhouse in the Overton Square Performing Arts District was once a movie theater. Elvis was known to rent it out late-night for private midnight screenings of his favorite movies with his closest friends. You can catch a play or musical here almost anytime, but annually during Elvis Week, the theater guides storytelling tours based on anecdotes shared by Elvis' moviegoing companions. Following your tour, sit in the original theatre seat reserved for the King for a one-of-a-kind photo op.
Connect with the theater for tour reservations, concert tickets and more
Audubon Drive
After his first #1 hit, “Heartbreak Hotel” in 1956, Elvis purchased a home for his family in leafy East Memphis. The home is currently a private residence, but you can drive by on your own or ask a local tour guide to swing by.
Find a Memphis music tour guide
UPTOWN SQUARE (Lauderdale Courts)
Between 1949 and 1953, Elvis lived at this housing project with his parents. He’s said to have practiced guitar in the laundry room. Tour or even stay overnight in The Elvis Suite, restored to reflect the period during which the Presleys lived onsite.
Arrange your visit
Local Museums, Tours and Attractions Honoring The King
Sun Studio
Visit the recording studio that started it all. In 1954, a young Elvis Presley walked into Sun Studio and recorded "That's All Right" and changed the way the world would listen to music. Sun Studio also recorded some of the biggest names in the business, from Rufus Thomas and Howlin' Wolf to Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis, and continues to record rising and celebrated artists today.
Hold Elvis' mic at Sun Studio
Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
Curated by the Smithsonian Institution, this museum connects regional folk music traditions to Elvis and other Memphis music legends, weaving the origin story of rock 'n' roll and soul music. See Elvis' costumes, lyrics and other memorabilia, and listen to a rockin' playlist as you go.
Visit the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
Elvis Statue on Beale Street
Explore over two dozen restaurants and bars on Beale Street, and of course, live music. During your walk "10 feet off of Beale," look down and note the 150+ brass music notes embedded into the sidewalk. When you find Elvis Presley’s marker, take a selfie and tag @MemphisTravel to let the world know you were here!
Plan your walk down Beale
Memphis Music Hall of Fame
Elvis Presley is included in five Halls of Fame: Rock ‘n’ Roll, Rockabilly, Country, Gospel and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame right on Beale Street. Celebrated for his ability to successfully blend different genres, appeal to a wide audience, sell millions of records around the globe and give back to the city he called home. Elvis' tribute in the Memphis Music Hall of Fame is a beautiful one that succinctly captures what made him such a legendary artist.
Visit the Memphis Music Hall of Fame
THE Peabody MEMPHIS
Not only does the Peabody Hotel showcase their world-famous ducks, it holds several pieces of Memphis history. "Duck" in for the twice-daily duck march (11 a.m. and 5 p.m.) and while you're on-site, wander up to the mezzanine for a peek inside the history room. See if you can find Elvis' RCA contract, then walk outside to discover Elvis' name on the Peabody Duck Walk of Fame, honoring Memphians for their contributions to the city.
Make your Elvis Connection at The Peabody
MUSICAL TOURS
Although you can only view Elvis Presley’s iconic pink Cadillac at the Presley Motors Automobile Museum in Elvis Presley's Memphis, local guides offer walking and car tours, with the type of narration only an insider can provide. Choose from American Dream Safari or Classic Memphis Tours for private tours; for public bus tours, Backbeat's the thing — ask about Elvis Week Hound Dog Tours!
Learn more about Memphis music tours
OVERTON PARK Shell
After Elvis toured the Beale Street club scene as a rising star, it was the Overton Park Shell, an open-air amphitheater, that gave him his first paid gig when he opened for headliner Slim Whitman. Since then, the Shell has hosted local, regional and international soul, folk, rock, funk and country talent on its stage. Every spring, summer and fall, the venue hosts a total of 50 free concerts in the park. Visiting during the off-season? Stop by for a photo in front of the 1930s-era stage or schedule a tour of the historic space including the green room.
Visit the Overton Park Shell
