Two girls side hugging and posing in front of the Graceland Mansion
Alex Shansky

The Ultimate Elvis Presley Bucket List

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

See Where Elvis Recorded: Sun Studio

In 1954, an unknown Elvis Presley grabbed a mic and sang his heart out, making Sun Studio one of the most famous recording studios in the world. Today, you can take a guided tour through this incubator of rock 'n' roll. Photo by Alex Shansky

Eat Like a King: The Arcade Restaurant

Plan for a meal, dessert or drinks at The Arcade and ask for the Elvis booth. It's decorated with pictures of The King for you to enjoy alongside the restaurant's Southern- and Greek-style favorites. Photo by Oui We Girl

See How a King Lived: Graceland

Purchased in 1957 for $102,000, Graceland was home to Elvis until his death in 1977. It is one of the most visited homes in the U.S. and offers an intimate look at the man behind the icon. Photo by Andrea Zucker

Rock like a King: Overton Park Shell

In what music historians often call the "first rock 'n' roll show," Elvis played his first paid gig at Memphis' Overton Park Shell. Today, the venue hosts free concerts from spring into fall. Photo courtesy of Overton Park Shell

Dress Like the King: Lansky Bros.

In 1946, Bernard and Guy Lansky founded Lansky Brothers. What started as an Army surplus store among the bars and clubs on Beale Street quickly changed course to sell trendy clothes to local youth and musicians. The vivid silky fabrics at Lansky's contradicted the traditional styles popular in the South at the time, and the store would go onto outfit Elvis Presley and other iconic Memphis musicians. Shop for your own signature look today. Photo by Dan Ball

Tour or Sleep Over at Elvis' Apartment: Uptown Square

Elvis and his parents lived in Lauderdale Courts (now Uptown Square) between 1949 and 1953. It was here that Elvis would practice his guitar in the laundry room, play with other musicians who lived nearby, walk to Beale Street and listen to records at Pop Tunes around the corner. Contact Uptown Square to find out how you can tour or even sleep over in the Presley family apartment. Photo by Kerry Crawford

vintage blue car parked in front of sun studio
The Arcade / Oui We Girl
Graceland Mansion | Andrea Zucker
overton park shell with rainbow lights
Lansky Bros Clothing / Dan Ball
Lauderdale Courts Memphis
Boutique, Luxury, Brand Names . . .
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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

elvis statue on beale street |Marvin Garcia
Elvis grave in graceland
Overton Park Shell  concert
Craig Thompson
Fans in front of Elvis' Pink Cadillac | Alex Shansky
MEMPHIS IS MORE THAN BBQ
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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

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