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Top ways to experience Graceland and nearby attractions

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Graceland - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Protect Your Trip »

Graceland tours: the best options & what to expect.

Advice for making the most of your time at Elvis' famous home.

The Best Graceland Tours

Andrea Zucker | Courtesy of Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau

A visit to Graceland is a popular activity for both Elvis fans and Memphis tourists.

Note: Some tour providers on this list may be running more limited operations due to COVID-19 or may impose testing or vaccine requirements. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.

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.

What is Graceland?

• Where is Graceland located?

Is Graceland open for tours?

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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' Tupelo," which explores Elvis' early life in his hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi. 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.

Where is Graceland located?  

Graceland   is located in the Whitehaven community of Memphis, nearly 3 miles west of Memphis International Airport and 10 miles south of downtown.

Yes, Graceland is open for tours.

The cost per person varies depending on which tour experience you choose. Expect to pay about $30 to $200 for children 10 and younger. Adults can expect to pay around $50 to $200 per person. Keep in mind: Higher ticket fees mean a premium experience complete with VIP access, keepsakes, meal vouchers and more.

There are multiple tour options for visiting Graceland.

• Elvis Presley's Memphis + Planes Tour : This is the basic tour option. It grants visitors access to Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex and the Elvis' Custom Jets exhibit, but does not include access to the mansion. Tickets for this tour start at $48 for adults, with discounts for children.
• Elvis Experience Tour : Tickets for this tour, which start at $77 per adult, include everything in the above tour, plus access to the mansion complete with an audio tour.
• Elvis Entourage VIP : The Elvis Entourage VIP tour includes everything in both the other tour options, plus skip-the-line access to the mansion, a VIP shuttle to the mansion, access to a special exhibit, and a keepsake pass. Tickets start at $128 per person.
• Ultimate VIP Tour : The Ultimate VIP Tour includes everything in the Elvis Entourage VIP, plus a guided tour of the mansion with an experienced guide, access to a VIP lounge, a meal voucher to an on-site restaurant, an archives show and tell, the chance to buy exclusive souvenirs and a photo-op. Tickets for this experience start at $196 per person; children 2 and younger tour for free.

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 1/2 hours to explore.

Tourgoers can purchase tickets online or at the box office on-site. Tickets purchased online can be printed at home or downloaded on a smartphone (which saves time). You can also choose to pick up your tickets at will call; you must have a photo ID to pick them up. Patrons may also purchase a multiday ticket to access Elvis Presley's Memphis for an additional one, two or three days. Multiday tickets start at $17 per adult and can be purchased on-site only.

Tickets for exhibits at the Graceland Exhibition Center are not included in any Graceland tickets and require additional entrance fees. Tickets for those exhibits can be purchased on Graceland's website.

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 daytrips 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.

Andrea Zucker | Courtesy of Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Visit the mansion after 2 p.m. to enjoy fewer crowds and shorter wait times, as this is the slowest time of day. (Multiple travelers note long wait times when arriving before this time). Check Graceland's website for exact opening times; there are certain days and holidays where hours vary.
• You're welcome to bring cameras, but flash photography is not permitted.
• Video cameras cannot be brought into the mansion, attractions or gift shops.
• Note that two rooms in the basement of the mansion and the airplanes are not wheelchair accessible.
• Bring a permanent marker to sign the famous Graceland wall before you leave.

Patrons can reach Graceland by car. On-site parking costs $10. The lot is located next to Elvis Presley's Memphis and the ticket booth. The only way to get to the mansion itself is by shuttle, which is included in your ticket price. The shuttle pickup is across from the ticketing pavilion.

There are also a few public transportation options. The Memphis Hop, a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, makes stops every hour at several attractions in the city, including Graceland. This bus generally runs Wednesday through Saturday (it may not operate on Fridays during select months), and tickets cost approximately $35 for adults and $25 for children ages 4 to 12. Memphis Area Transit Authority No. 42 bus route stops close to Graceland.

Nashville sits about 215 miles northeast of Graceland (an approximately 3 1/2-hour drive).

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

• Gray Line Tennessee:  Nashville to Memphis with Skip-The-Line Graceland VIP Tour & Sun Studio. View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide  
• Graceland:  Elvis Presley's Childhood Home with Lunch & Transportation from Memphis. View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide  
• Memphis Best Tours:  Memphis City Tour with Admission to One Memphis Attraction.  View & Book Tickets »
• Blues City Tours: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour. View & Book Tickets »

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Memphis Tours
• The Best Nashville Tours
• The Best Whitewater Rafting in Tennessee
• The Top Things to Do in Tennessee
• The Best Places to Visit in Tennessee

Tags: Elvis Presley , Tennessee , Tours , Vacations , Travel , Tennessee Vacations , US Vacations , Southeast Vacations

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How to visit Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley

Elvis’s beloved, outré mansion is the second-most visited private home in the US, beaten only by the White House. Here are some tips on making the most of a visit to the former residence of the King.

Pay your respects for free

Time it well and you can visit Graceland ’s grounds without spending a dime. Every morning (aside from Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, when the site is closed), from 7.30am to 8.30am, fans can pass through the gates free of charge for an hour of quiet contemplation at Elvis’s graveside.

Plan around peak season

The party kicks off from 5-8 January for Elvis’s birthday celebrations, where crowds flock for a cake-cutting ceremony sometimes hosted by his ex-wife, Priscilla Presley. There are events all across Memphis, too, but plan ahead as hotels book up lightning fast. The bustle returns for the week surrounding 16 August, the anniversary of Elvis’s death, when celebrations go all out, with tribute artists in bejewelled jumpsuits and a moving candlelight vigil.

Hop on the shuttle

Combine Graceland with a visit to Sun Studio and stand in the precise spot where Elvis first belted out That’s All Right. A free shuttle whisks guests between the two landmarks every hour.

Bring the kids

Graceland is family friendly. A new entertainment complex includes interactive attractions such as an LED dancefloor quiz and a photo booth. Inside the mansion, children gravitate towards the hyper-themed rooms, including the Jungle Room, with its green carpet and neon-lit indoor waterfall.

Arrive fashionably late

Dodge the queues by visiting after 2pm, when things start to wind down, but there are still a couple of hours to take it all in before the site closes at 4pm.  

Don't miss

Sample a peanut butter and banana sandwich grilled in bacon grease — one of Elvis’s favourite eats — at the on-site Gladys’ Diner.

Published in the March 2023 issue of  National Geographic Traveller (UK)  

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A Travel Guide for Visiting Graceland on a Budget

 Taylor McIntyre/TripSavvy

Graceland, the legendary home of Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee, is viewed by some as a solemn experience, while others are motivated by amusement or curiosity. Whatever your reason for visiting, no one can deny that a stopover is a unique experience that attracts people from around the world. Fortunately, a value-packed Graceland tour can be done with some advance planning.

Admission Costs

Knowing what you'd like to see at Graceland can help you save money on tickets. Different tour packages cater to different visitors, from the history buff who's a casual Elvis admirer to the full-blown Elvis fanatic.

Basic admission (starting at $41) covers the Mansion Only Tour, which is audio-guided. The Elvis Experience Tour includes exhibits of his wardrobe, automobiles, gold records, and other features. An Elvis Entourage VIP ticket adds front-of-the-line admission privileges and access to the Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex museums and exhibits. An airplanes tour can be added on to those three ticket options for an additional cost. The most extensive and pricey selection is the Ultimate VIP tour, which includes everything the other tours offer plus a meal voucher, access to the Ultimate Lounge, a Graceland archives session, and more.

Children under 6 are free on all tours except for the Ultimate VIP Tour, though that has no charge for kids under age 2. Although there's a small fee, online orders could spare you long waits in line, allowing you to pick up tickets at will-call and be ready for your Graceland experience.

Money-Saving Tips

A few tricks can help you save at Graceland, whether you are in Memphis just for Elvis or simply want to stop by and pay your respects.

If Graceland is your main focus, you might want to consider becoming a member, which can help you cut back on costs if you are a frequent visitor .

If you'd like to visit the graves of Elvis and his family, walk up to the Meditation Garden at Graceland for free between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. (except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). And you can always pull off Elvis Presley Boulevard and take a selfie outside the famous mansion.

Big Elvis fans will come here just for Graceland, but for most people, it is a half-day adventure at best. Regardless, look at some of the other attractions in the area and make your trip to the city memorable. One good stop is to Sun Records, where Elvis cut his first demo record . According to legend, they asked Elvis which artist he sounded like, and he answered: "I don't sound like nobody." Soon enough, they discovered a new sound that swept the nation at this unassuming Sun Studio at 706 Union Ave.

See more Memphis music highlights using the free hourly shuttle running daily on a first come first served basis. The shuttle travels between Graceland, Heartbreak Hotel across the street, Sun Studio, and Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. If you stay downtown, you can start out at Memphis Rock 'n' Soul and visit both Sun Studios and Graceland without spending on gas or parking.

Rock 'n' Soul also offers a discount on a Backstage Pass, which includes admissions to Graceland, Sun Studio, Stax Museum, and the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.

When to Visit

The peak time for visitors is the annual Elvis Week in early- to mid-August when there are scores of special events such as concerts, movie screenings, and an Elvis Expo (off-property in downtown Memphis) of memorabilia. Reservations during this time are highly recommended, as individual events sell out months in advance.

For less stress and more value, go on a weekday and avoid times when school is not in session. The two busiest times are the August "Elvis Week" and January 8, which was Elvis' birthday.

Travel Arrangements

As you search for flights and Memphis hotel rooms, consider Graceland's location only 4 miles from Memphis International Airport (MEM). Although it's close to the airport, don't try to see the mansion on a layover. Traffic can be intense and waits at Graceland are often long. Security lines at MEM can become busy when travelers on business or holiday trips show up at the airport. Cabs are available to and from the airport.

Staying at The Guest House at Graceland is one option with discounts including admission to Graceland, seeing landmarks, and other Elvis-related events. Also, the Graceland RV Park and Campground is a less-expensive way to camp out within walking distance to Graceland and enjoy bike trails.

Hotels in the area around Graceland can be run-down or expensive. But the proximity to I-55 means you can reach a bargain room in another part of the city fairly quickly (unless it's rush hour). Some chain offerings are good values in the Bartlett area and just across the state line in Mississippi.

How Tours Work

The mansion and the visitor pavilion/parking complex sit on opposite sides of Elvis Presley Boulevard. Transportation across the street to the grounds and a headset enabling a self-guided tour of the property are included in the admission fee. The additional options available with the higher-priced tickets are on the pavilion-side of the boulevard: the jumpsuit, automobile, and airplane exhibits. You will be reminded at every turn that security cameras are watching you and that indoor flash photography is prohibited. The second floor of the mansion is off-limits; these rooms were Elvis' private quarters.

This is not the most elegant nor largest mansion you will ever see. You may be struck by the relative simplicity of Elvis' life, given his status as a world celebrity. Check out the "Jungle Room," furnished with outlandish carpeting, furniture, and kitsch, and the simple swing set he set up for his daughter Lisa Marie in the backyard. Everything here was left largely the way it looked at the time of Elvis' death in 1977.

Basic Information

Hours of operation vary by season, with longer hours during the summer months. It's possible to rent sections of the facility for private parties, and some people even get married here.

Elsewhere in Memphis

Memphis is known for more than Graceland. If you are staying downtown and using the free shuttle between Graceland and other attractions, you can maximize your time and money and have some other worthwhile visits. Highly recommended: the  National Civil Rights Museum , on the site of the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

A lesser-known but fascinating attraction is a five-block-long scale model of the lower Mississippi River at  Mud Island River Park , which is connected to downtown by a sky bridge. Anyone with a love of travel or geography will enjoy this site.

Downtown Memphis is home to Beale Street , which bills itself as the "home of blues and the birthplace of rock n' roll" and has two blocks of places to enjoy Memphis barbecue or live music. 

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My Itchy Travel Feet

The Baby Boomer's Guide To Travel

Best Tips for Visiting Graceland in Memphis, TN

This article may contain referral links. Read our DISCLOSURE

Within America’s vast wealth of national treasures, Graceland stands out as a timeless icon of rock and roll. If you’re exploring the South on a Southern musical road trip , visiting Graceland is a must!

Sure, Memphis, Tennessee has a lot of things to see and do, but those in the know head straight to Elvis country. Of course, to really experience this amazing piece of national history in all of its glory, you’ll need our tips for visiting Graceland.

Thankfully, My Itchy Travel Feet featured contributor, Debi Lander from ByLanderSea , is here to tell us all about her recent time exploring Graceland, Elvis Presley’s famous home, as well as staying in the luxurious Graceland Guest House, which opened in 2016. Read on to discover her visiting Graceland tips.

Table of Contents

Tips for Visiting Graceland

Elvis Presley shook the music industry in the 1950s. He rattled and rolled his way to the top, becoming the King of Rock’ n’ Roll.

I, however, was battling traffic on a drive west from Nashville toward Memphis. I kept hearing the lyrics of Paul Simon’s Graceland playing in my head, “I’m going to Graceland, Graceland—in Memphis, Tennessee, I’m going to Graceland.”

Elvis was born in Tupelo, Mississippi , on January 8, 1935, in a two-room house built by his father, grandfather and uncle. They were very poor. Many are surprised to learn Elvis had a twin brother, but unfortunately, he was stillborn.

When Elvis turned 13, his father moved the family to Memphis in hopes of securing a better job. But, Elvis had even bigger dreams, he intended to become a legend. Armed with his guitar and influenced by Captain Marvel in the comic books, Elvis envisioned himself with the character’s signature lightning bolt, hairdo and cape.

In 1953, after graduating from high school, Elvis used his own money to cut a demo record. In 1954, he recorded again, this time at the renowned Sun Studios in Memphis.

By 1955, RCA signed him into a contract, and in 1957, the young star, at age 22, bought himself a house and named it Graceland. He made sure to include a bedroom on the first floor for his parents.

I have to admit, I wasn’t a huge Elvis fan, but I was curious. Those lyrics in the Graceland song seemed to get it right again, “For reasons I cannot explain, there’s some part of me wants to see Graceland.”

On top of the curiosity, I’d heard about a 2017, $45 million, 200,000-square foot state-of-the-art Elvis Entertainment complex across the street from the Gates of Graceland.

Staying at the Guest House at Graceland

So, it was afternoon by the time my friend, Judy and I arrived in Memphis. We went directly to our hotel, the Guest House at Graceland . Another new project, this 450-room luxury resort adjacent to the Presley home, opened in 2016.

The hotel plays an Elvis theme through colors, style, and small details. I was afraid the place might be tacky, but the facility looms tasteful—and fun.

The outdoor heart-shaped firepit is called the Hunka Burning Love. TCB logos are discreetly tucked around, Elvis’ motto for taking care of business.

High-backed chairs in the lobby are designed to resemble the collars on Elvis’ capes. And peanut butter and banana sandwiches are served at 10 pm – his favorite nighttime snack.

For dinner, we’d wanted to go to downtown Memphis, but our reservations went missing, and plans got changed. Judy and I took the concierge’s advice and climbed into a pink Cadillac that took us to dinner at Marlowe’s , a BBQ joint nearby.Fun!

Evenings at the Graceland Guest House feature live music. We watched a performance from a guy who sounded exactly like Elvis, but in no way looked the part. He pulled us listeners into the songs and had many dancing.

Afterward, we enjoyed a leisurely night of watching Elvis on TV. If you want the full Elvis experience, this is the place to stay.

Boomer Travel Tip

Use our road trip planner to make the most of your next road trip adventure.

Guide to Graceland Tours

Tours of the Colonial Revival-Style home begin at the Welcome Center in the massive complex. Those staying at the Guest House take a shuttle.

Your budget might get rattled when you see the admission prices, but based on a full day’s entertainment, the tour and exhibits, just roll with it!

We took the VIP tour that included no waiting in lines, worth considering if you visit during busy times. (FYI—It’s almost always crowded, about 21 million have toured Graceland since it opened to the public in 1982.) Purchasing VIP tickets in advance is a good idea.

After watching an introductory movie, you hop a shuttle over to the mansion and begin the house tour. Instead of a guide, you’re loaned an iPad and headset, available in many languages.

You listen as John Stamos and Lisa Marie (Elvis’ daughter) provide information for a self-guided tour. Enter through the front door, flanked by stained glass panels. Upon entering, I felt I was in a pretty normal home.

Then, I walked around the first floor seeing the living room, music room, parent’s bedroom, dining room and kitchen before going downstairs. Here you stop in a billiard room where the walls are lined with hundreds of yards of folded fabric. The TV room sports three televisions – so Elvis could watch the major networks just like President Johnson.

You proceed back up to view the infamous Jungle Room, really just an animal-themed space. The public cannot visit the bedrooms on the second floor, so you exit to the rear of the property. If at any time, you want additional details, you can push a button to hear more.

The tour then winds through Vernon’s office, Elvis’ Dad, who handled his business affairs after Col. Tom Parker, the stables, handball court, trophy room and small museum.

The path ends at the graves of Elvis and his parents. By the time you get there, you have embraced the King.

I was somewhat surprised to find the memorials emotional; do I dare say I couldn’t help falling in love? I now understand why devoted fans make the pilgrimage. (FYI—Before the massive expansion project, tours ended here, but trust me, your visit is far from over.)

By today’s standards Graceland remains a lovely but dated home, indeed not an extravagant showplace. That’s the thing, you do feel welcomed into Graceland as if Elvis himself were inviting you to sit and talk.

It’s the humbler side of the performer with deep family roots. I think that’s why visiting Graceland in person is memorable.

The Elvis Entertainment Complex

When you are ready, a bus shuttles you back across the street. Browse your way through the Presley Motors Automobile Museum, The Entertainer Career Museum and Elvis Discovery Exhibits. Here, you discover the flamboyant entertainer, the on-stage Elvis, as if he dons the costumes and becomes that superhero from his childhood comic books.

Most folks begin strolling around the car displays, including the legendary pink Cadillac that Elvis gave to his mother a year after his purchase. Other notables include a 1975 Dino Ferrari, 1973 Stutz Blackhawk, and cars from his movies. (Ladies, if you are having trouble convincing your man to go to Graceland, this area may change his mind.)

The glass-encased costumes, displayed in chronological order, show off the star’s ostentatious outfits; nearly all are the jumpsuit style with large jeweled belts and capes. Often a video of the concert plays in the background, so you see Elvis wearing it during a performance.

Also displayed are the military uniforms Elvis wore while stationed in Germany. Still, another room shows the influence Elvis made on other performers and their outfit designs.

The space devoted to gold and platinum records and numerous awards truly overwhelms. The walls soar high overhead and are lined with glittering records and memorabilia.

The collection strengthens the validity of Elvis’ successful career and his impact on the entertainment community during his rather short life. Elvis is the story of a true rags to riches American dream.

If you have enough energy left, you can tour his two airplanes. We did not as our feet were dragging. Plan on a full day to take everything in.

Should you become hungry while browsing the exhibits, you can eat at a few themed restaurants within the complex and, of course, linger in the souvenir shops bursting with everything Elvis. 

Need to update your road trip gear? Start with our recommendations for best road trip gear .

Visit Tupelo, Mississippi to see Elvis’ birthplace

The next day we drove two hours south to Tupelo, Mississippi, to complete the Elvis story. We pulled into Johnny’s Drive-In for lunch. It’s a burger joint, unchanged since the days Elvis ate there. You’ll find a lot of Elvis memorabilia on the walls.

Next, we visited Tupelo’s homage to its hometown boy: the Elvis Presley Birthplace Park . The 15-acre setting features the wooden, two-room shotgun house where Elvis was born.

The museum is so small, it only takes about five minutes to tour. Each room had just one lightbulb. His family moved around a few times, losing the house, but Elvis grew up in this neighborhood, playing in the surrounding hills.

Of course, the museum is dedicated to the stories and memorabilia from Elvis’ early years. Presley’s childhood church, the place where he was introduced to gospel music, was moved to this site.

Inside, visitors experience a short multimedia presentation of the Assembly of God Pentecostal services of the 1940s. The memorial chapel next door, built after his death, was closed for repairs.

We strolled the paved Walk of Life Trail, noting events in the Presley family. One stop includes a life-size bronze statue of Elvis at 13, the age he left Tupelo.

Climb or drive up the hill to the Overlook, but don’t miss the two figures up there. The pair are entitled B ecoming . They symbolize the transformation from Elvis, The Boy, to Elvis, The Entertainer. Well done!

We then drove downtown and stopped by Tupelo Hardware, a surprisingly huge store. This is where Elvis’ Mama bought him his first guitar, a present for his 11th birthday. Apparently, when trying it out in the store, she asked him what he thought.

Elvis replied, “That’s alright Mama.” Who knew then that the guitar would set him on a path to fame and fortune?

Tips for a Graceland Tour

• Carefully read the difference between the various tour options. Buy your tickets online and print them out at home to save time. 
• Tours of the mansion take about an hour to an hour and a half while the exhibits take at least two more hours. Many make it an entire day, stopping for lunch. 
• There is a free activity book for children at Guest Services. 
• There is a special time for free-admission walk-up visits to the Meditation Garden at Graceland, where the gravesites of Elvis and his family are located. Visitor walk-up times are daily from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. All guests must enter the gates by 8:30 a.m. to walk up, and guests must leave the mansion grounds before Graceland tours start. There are no walk-ups on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. 

Tips for Visiting Tupelo

• Don’t miss the murals of Elvis and painted guitar-shaped artworks throughout the downtown area.
• The Visitor Center (free) includes a painting of the inspirational Captain Marvel comic book that many believe inspired Elvis’ extravagant looks.

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Tips for Visiting Graceland

Make a well-planned visit to Elvis Presley’s home using these tips for visiting Graceland. Maximize your visit, there is much to see.

Use these Graceland Tour Tips to get the most out of a full day doing the Graceland Tour in Memphis.

If you don’t live nearby, you will be planning a trip. I am also sharing with you where to stay and eat while in Memphis for your Elvis experience tour.

This article contains affiliate links. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

There is much more to visiting Graceland than only touring the mansion. Directly across the street from Graceland sits a huge entertainment complex complete with museums, gift shops, and restaurants for you to explore. This is where your Graceland experience will begin.

Table of Contents

How to get into graceland, presley motors auto museum, elvis career museum, other museums include:, elvis custom jets, souvenir shops, gladys’ diner, vernon’s smokehouse, rock-n-go diner, minnie mae’s sweets, how much does it cost to tour graceland, expert guide, vip private lounge, private archives, meal voucher, buy your tickets online before you go, what can you tour for free, guesthouse at graceland, graceland rv park and campground, dining and shopping, tips for visiting graceland, more places to visit in the south.

Your tour will begin at the Elvis Presley Memphis Entertainment Complex. This is where the ticket office is located.

It’s across the street in front of Graceland. There is a $10 parking fee. If you are staying at the Guesthouse, their shuttle runs every 30 minutes so don’t drive your own vehicle over and pay to park.

Graceland tours are scheduled every 15 minutes so you will be given a time on your ticket. Prior to boarding the shuttle, that is provided for your tour, you will watch a short, 7-minute video of Elvis’s career.

Once you are directed out to board the shuttle bus, you have an opportunity for your picture to be taken in front of a fun background. You are not obligated to buy these and you can opt-out of the photo if you like. They cost about $35 currently and can be found at the auto museum after your mansion tour.

You will also be handed an iPad and headphone set to listen to an audio tour narrated by John Stamos. As you make your way through the home of Elvis Presley, John who is also a big Elvis fan will tell you information about each room of the house tour.

You can spend as much time as you like on your tour. You are not required to board the free shuttle at any particular time. Just be sure not to miss the last bus of the day. Graceland hours of operation are daily 9-4. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex

A lot has changed on Elvis Presley Blvd. since the King of Rock and Roll passed away back in 1977. Over the years Elvis Presley Enterprises was able to purchase land across the street from the mansion. They built a 200,000-square-foot entertainment complex known as Elvis Presley’s Memphis. 

Elvis Presley’s Memphis enables you to follow the life path that Elvis took, and surround yourself with the things that he loved.

What will you find there?

A nice collection of vehicles owned by Elvis which includes the infamous pink Cadillac are on display in the car museum.

Fun fact about the pink Caddy. It was referred to as Glady’s car but she never learned to drive. The car earned the name Glady’s car because she wanted a pink Cadillac and that is why Elvis bought it. He loved his Momma.

You will be able to view up close hundreds of artifacts from the extensive Graceland Archives, including Elvis’ amazing collection of gold and platinum records, his stunning jumpsuits, memorabilia from his movies, and more. This museum is the world’s largest and most comprehensive Elvis museum in the world.

The items on display change from time to time as they are sent to locations around the world for his dedicated fans to enjoy.

The display of the iconic Elvis jumpsuits is amazing. They are stacked two and three high on three walls, each encased individually and lit so they are easy to view. But that isn’t all, there are more on display in this museum in various places including the famous black leather suit he wore for the 1968 Comeback Special.

•  Lisa Marie: Growing Up Presley
• Presley Cycles; Elvis motorcycles and other vehicles
• Private Presley, showcasing his service in the U.S. Army
• ICONS: The Influence of Elvis Presley, an exhibit that showcases Elvis’ influence on other artists
•  Archives Experience, which allows you to explore the Graceland Archives

Climb aboard Elvis’ customized jet, named after his daughter Lisa Marie, that features a living room, conference room, sitting room, and private bedroom, as well as gold-plated seat belts, suede chairs, and leather-covered tables, 24-karat gold-flecked sinks, and more.

Then, take a peek inside Elvis’ smaller Lockheed Jet Star, customized by Elvis with a yellow and green interior. Remember the decor is 70’s.

There are lots of souvenir shops at the complex. Many of them have similar items but some do have different things.

The T-shirts cost around $35 and up. You can find almost anything you can imagine. Shop Amazon before your trip for lots of Elvis t-shirts right here .

Restaurants at the Entertainment Complex

The menu includes; Classic American cuisine, including burgers, hot dogs, and pizza – plus one of Elvis’ favorites – Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches.

Vernon’s Smokehouse features authentic Memphis BBQ fare, including pork ribs, chicken, and beef brisket, seasoned with exclusive Vernon’s Smokehouse BBQ sauce. Also on the menu are; meatloaf, catfish, and BBQ spaghetti.

The Rock-n-Go is attached to Glady’s Diner and they share a dining room. They serve sandwiches, salads, and snacks. The menu also includes smoothies, iced coffees, and shaken iced teas.

Be sure to also visit Minnie Mae’s Sweets for hand-dipped ice cream, Root Beer floats, candy, and more! Choose from 16 delicious ice cream flavors.  

The good news is there are tickets available in a variety of price ranges. We chose the Ultimate VIP in order to enjoy the expert guide.

Tickets currently range in price from $48 up to $196 per person depending on the type of experience you prefer.

Ticket options

The most expensive option is called the Ultimate VIP Tour and includes:

• Graceland Mansion Tour with an Expert Guide For Each Small Group of up to 10 Guests 
• Self-guided tour of Elvis’ Custom Jets
• Full Access to Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex, including Presley Motors Automobile Museum
• Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum
• Self-guided tours of the Elvis Discovery Exhibits
• Access to Ultimate Lounge and Exclusive VIP Exhibit
• A meal voucher for a restaurant at Elvis Presley’s Memphis
• Exclusive Photo Opportunity
• Personal Graceland Archives Show and Tell Session
• Keepsake Backstage pass

The least expensive option is called Elvis Presleys Memphis + Planes. This option does not include the tour of the mansion.

Benefits of the Ultimate VIP

The most significant benefit of the Ultimate VIP package is the expert guide. They will tell you lots of tidbits and stories you won’t otherwise hear.

We got lucky and our tour guide was one of the archivists who doesn’t usually do tours but we were there during Elvis week and it was busy.

You will receive a set of headphones for wearing during the tour so you can hear your guide because they don’t talk out loud for other tourists to listen to the things you paid extra to learn.

Near the end of the mansion tour, you will be taken to the VIP Private Lounge to sit and relax for a few minutes. There is water available and a few displays for you to look at that others won’t see. We enjoyed it because it was very hot the day of our visit and it was nice to cool off.

After leaving the lounge, we were shuttled down to the only building on the property which isn’t original to the home. It was built to house memorabilia and archives.

If you are not doing the Ultimate VIP Tour, you won’t come to this archives building.

Here, you get to see up close some of Elvis’s personal possessions and will be allowed to touch one thing. On our visit that thing was one of Elvis’ guitars.

Also part of the Ultimate VIP package is a meal voucher to one of the restaurants on the Elvis Memphis campus. We ate at Vernon’s and it was very good.

Save time and buy your tickets online before you go. You can print them or have them available on your cell phone when you get there. If you have the QR code open on your phone, the ticket agent will scan it quickly and you can go through the line. They will scan the code for each ticket you purchased.

You are allowed to visit the Meditation Garden which is Elvis’s burial site during a one-hour time frame each morning. Visitor walk-up times are daily from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. All guests must enter the gates by 8:30 a.m. to walk up, and guests must leave the mansion grounds before Graceland tours start.

Elvis, Gladys, Vernon, his Grandmother who he lovingly called ‘Dodger’, and his grandson, Benjamin is buried there. You will also see a memorial marker for Elvis’s twin brother, Jessie, who died at birth.

Where to stay

The Guesthouse, built in 2016, is a quite beautifully equipped, luxurious hotel decorated to reflect the colorful style of Elvis Presley. Located literally next door to Graceland, you can walk over to the mansion.

The gorgeous furniture in the lobby is designed to pay homage to the high collars of Elvis stage wear.

Read my Review of The Guest House at Graceland . It’s full of pictures.

The Graceland RV Park & Campground is located on 19 acres just off Elvis Presley Boulevard. It is part of the Graceland Campus.

The Memphis campgrounds feature:

• Full Hookup Sites
• 30/50 Amp Service
• Bathhouse and laundry facilities
• Bike & Walking Trails
• Patrolled 24-hour Security
• Free campground-wide wireless internet access
• Swimming Pool
• Camping store providing ice, drinks, propane, souvenirs, books, t-shirts, camping and RV supplies, and a small business center.
• Brochures and local information are also available in the store along with maps and other related items.
• The office staff can assist you in making reservations for tours and [dining] out at represented restaurants in the area.

Unfortunately, there are not a lot of dining options located in the general area around Graceland or the Guesthouse. There are two restaurants inside the hotel but if you are staying a full week you will get tired of those. Their food is good but the prices are on the high side and the menus are limited.

We drove down to Southaven, Ms . for shopping. There is a nice Tanger Outlet there and we had a fun day shopping. It’s only about 11 miles from the Guesthouse so not far at all.

There are more dining options in this same area where the Tanger Outlets are. We went to a little pizza place where the food and service were both good and it was budget friendly.

Be sure to go to Marlowe’s Ribs and Restaurant which is just a few blocks down the street from Graceland.

They will come and pick you up in their pink limousine and bring you back. It’s a fun adventure and the food is quite good.

Graceland is the second most visited home in the U.S., second only to the White House. Of course, you want to get the most out of your visit. Use these tips to plan your trip to Graceland.

Visit the Graceland website to purchase your tickets in advance online.

• Wear comfortable shoes. There is a lot of walking involved.
• You are allowed to have bottled water in the mansion but no food.
• Flash photography is not allowed. Snap all the photos you want without the flash.
• Graceland is typically less busy in the afternoons, especially after 2:00 p.m.
• The last mansion tour of the day begins at 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m., depending on the day of the week and time of year.
• Bring a sharpie. You can sign the famous Graceland wall.
• The Graceland gates close at 5 p.m., that is when you can get a picture of the closed gates or early in the morning.
• Walking up to Elvis’s grave is free. You are only allowed to do that between 7:30-8:30 am before tours begin.
• The mansion tour takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
• You can easily spend most of a day touring the mansion and the entertainment complex with a break for lunch at one of the restaurants.
• Take cash for tips if you plan to tip the driver of the free shuttle.
• Use #graceland when sharing
• If you plan to visit during Elvis Week, book everything in advance and buy tickets to the shows in advance.
• Visit during Elvis week and buy tickets to the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Finals. The concerts are fabulous.

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Elvis Presley's Graceland Now Offering Live Virtual Tours

On March 19, 1957,  Elvis Presley purchased a mansion on a 13.8-acre estate in Memphis, Tennessee . Located at what is now 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard, the Graceland mansion became a castle for The King. Each year, thousands of Elvis fan visit Graceland for the ultimate Elvis experience. But this year, Graceland is offering live online tours for fans who can't travel to the historic home and Southern travel staple due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tours last two hours and will guide virtual visitors through Presley's home and through the Meditation Garden, where the musical icon is buried.

Virtual tours are scheduled for Jan. 27, Feb. 25 and March 25. More dates are expected to be announced.

Virtual tickets are available here .

Graceland is currently open for limited-capacity, in-person tours.

Graceland Tours

The year's first big celebration is held during the first weekend in January for a four-day celebration honoring Elvis' birthday (Jan. 8). Every summer, fans from around the world flock to Graceland for "Elvis Week," a week-long celebration of The King of Rock 'n' Roll's music, movies and legacy. This year, "Elvis Week" will take place from Aug. 11 through Aug. 17. The week culminates in the annual Elvis memorial candlelight vigil.

There are many different ways to experience Graceland. First you'll need to decide on a ticket option. Elvis superfans may want to opt for the Ultimate VIP Tour , which includes an expert Elvis tour guide, a meal voucher for Vernon's Smokehouse, a look inside Elvis' planes, a self-guided tour at Elvis' custom jets and full access to Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex, featuring the Presley Motors Automobile Museum, the Elvis: the Entertainer Career Museum, self-guided tours of the Elvis Discovery exhibits and an exclusive VIP exhibit. In addition, you'll also receive an exclusive photo opportunity, access to a private lounge inside Elvis Presley's Memphis, a keepsake backstage pass and more. The Ultimate VIP Tour costs $174 per person and the tour takes about four hours to complete.

If you want something a little more budget-friendly, there's the Elvis Entourage VIP Tour , which allows you to skip the line with a VIP shuttle and offers an audio-guided tour of the Graceland mansion. This option also offers full access to Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex and a self-guided tour of the Presley Motors Automobile Museum, the Elvis: the Entertainer Career Museum, Elvis Discovery exhibits and an exclusive VIP exhibit. The Elvis Entourage VIP Tour costs $99 per person.

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The Elvis Experience Tour includes a tour of the mansion as well as access to exhibits showcasing Elvis' career, automobiles, wardrobe, gold records and more. This tour is priced at $61 per person.

The least expensive tour option is the Graceland Mansion Only Tour , which will only allow you access to the mansion. There's still plenty to see, including Presley's personal family artifacts. At just $41 per person, it's a bargain.

Bottom line: if you're only interested in walking through the King's house, the Mansion Only tour might be your best bet. You'll still get to see Elvis' music room, TV room, the Graceland dining room and my personal favorite, the Jungle Room. But if your tour of Graceland isn't complete without a look at Elvis' jumpsuits, pink Cadillac or the pink Jeep he drove in Blue Hawaii , make sure your tour includes Elvis Presley's Memphis.

If you're just passing through Memphis or just want to visit Presley's grave, Graceland's Meditation Garden offers free walk-up visits from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.. The garden includes the grave sites of Elvis Presley as well as his parents and grandmother.

Lastly, the basics: Graceland's hours of operation vary throughout the year. Check here for a full list.

If you purchase a ticket to Graceland online, be sure to bring a photo ID and the credit card you used to purchase the ticket to the ticket office upon arrival.

Read More:  8 Things You Didn't Know About Graceland

What to Bring:

• comfortable shoes for walking
• cash to pay for parking, if necessary
• a Sharpie to add your name to the fieldstone wall that surrounds the Graceland property

Where to Eat:

There's no shortage of good eats in Memphis. For the direct Elvis connection, try Elvis' favorite — the fried peanut butter and banana sandwich at Gladys' Diner (named for mama Presley herself), located inside Graceland.

Of course, no trip to Memphis is complete without getting some authentic Memphis BBQ. Hit up Central BBQ on South Main, Payne's Bar-B-Q in Midtown or Pollard's Bar-B-Q in Whitehaven. You won't be disappointed.

If you're planning on visiting Graceland for the first time, read on to find out what to see, where to eat and where to shop in the land of The King.

Where to Shop:

A trip to Graceland calls for some Elvis merch. Visit the official Graceland store  to buy everything from Elvis t-shirts to rhinestone-embellished Elvis socks.

But as you would expect, Elvis gift shops in Memphis don't end with Graceland. Venture out to Boulevard Souvenirs (located across the street from Graceland) to pick up Memphis memorabilia and Elvis collectors items.

For locally owned shops and vintage duds, be sure to check out Memphis' Cooper-Young District.

Where to Stay:

For the full Elvis experience, stay at the Graceland Guest House, a luxury hotel located right inside the gates of Graceland.

In the mood for a historic stay? Check out the Peabody Hotel , which was built in 1925 and is one of the most beloved Memphis hotels.

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Tips to help you take care of business when visiting Elvis' home

Planning a visit to graceland here are some helpful hints, for novice and veteran visitors alike — for memphians as well as for out-of-towners..

Five letters, two syllables and one word that echoes eternally — or seems to, if you live in Memphis.

Aug. 16, 2021, will mark the 44th anniversary of the Memphis death of the 42-year-old King of Rock 'n' Roll. 

Hundreds, perhaps thousands of people will be here for the preceding evening's "Candlelight Vigil" at Graceland, to pay their respects to Elvis, to join the millions who have visited the mansion since it opened for public tours on June 7, 1982.

Since that date, which arrived less than five years after Elvis' death, the home that is said to be visited by more people than any other in the U.S. with the exception of the White House has been joined by an increasing number of complementary attractions, including a performance venue (the Soundstage), a museum complex (Elvis Presley's Memphis), a hotel (The Guest House) and more, in addition to the expected eateries and souvenir shops. 

Where "Graceland" was once simply the Whitehaven mansion retreat that Presley purchased in 1957, "Graceland" now can refer to an entire Elvis Presley Boulevard campus.

The choices can be daunting. So here are some helpful hints, for novice and veteran Graceland visitors alike — for Memphians as well as for out-of-towners. A "Graceland Survival Guide," if you will.

In this guide:

• What to see at Graceland
• Food options in Graceland
• Best souvenirs
• Tips for visiting
• Activities for non-Elvis fans
• Other Memphis music spots
• Best restaurants in the area

How much do tickets to Graceland cost? What are the hours?

Graceland is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. An Elvis Week exception occurs Aug. 15, when the gates reopen at 8:30 p.m. to enable fans to pay their respects to the Presley family by taking part in the "Candlelight Vigil" procession that leads up the driveway and to the gravesites in the Meditation Garden. The gates are expected to remain open until everyone in line has taken part, which typically occurs in the early morning hours of Aug. 16, the day that marks the anniversary of Elvis' death in 1977. 

The exhibits at Elvis Presley's Memphis open at 9 a.m. and generally stay open until 4 p.m. 

The Graceland Exhibition Center (currently home to "Inside the Walt Disney Archives") is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Graceland ticket prices seem to be available in as many options as there are recordings in the Elvis discography. If you say "All I want to do is visit the mansion," you're out of luck. The cheapest ticket option that includes the mansion is the "Elvis Experience Tour," which costs $75 for an adult, with "adult"  being rather liberally defined as 11 and older. The cost for a kid age 5-10 is $43. The "Elvis Experience" includes access to Elvis' two jet airplanes and to the Elvis Presley's Memphis complex.

At the top of the price chart, an "Ultimate VIP Tour" ticket is $190. Meanwhile, many other ticket packages are available, and Elvis Week is full of events that require separate tickets. However, there is no charge for participating in the candlelight vigil.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit graceland.com .

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Back to the top of this guide

What all does Graceland include?

Graceland Mansion:  Still the centerpiece of the Elvis experience, fans can tour Graceland Mansion with the benefit of an interactive iPad tour hosted by John Stamos and featuring commentary and stories by Elvis and his daughter, Lisa Marie. The mansion tour allows visitors to take in the living room, Elvis' parents’ bedroom, the kitchen, TV room, pool room, the famous Jungle Room, his father’s office, the newly enhanced Trophy Building, the Racquetball Building — newly restored to how it looked in 1977 — and the Meditation Garden.

Elvis Presley's Memphis:  Opened in 2017, Elvis Presley's Memphis is a 200,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art entertainment and exhibit complex. Boasting a variety of curatorial and special offerings, it promises to let fans experience "Elvis’ life and career like never before — his roots, his influences, and his artistry." 

Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum:  A heavily immersive experience, the Career Museum offers hundreds of artifacts and photos from significant events in Elvis' life. Fans can tour the extensive Graceland Archives, including Elvis’ massive collection of gold and platinum records, jumpsuits and stage clothing, memorabilia from his movies, and hundreds of other one-of-a-kind pieces. 

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Presley Motors Automobile Museum:  Fans will delight in viewing a collection of some of Elvis’ favorite automobiles. This includes unique and iconic cars like Elvis’ Pink Cadillac, a Stutz Blackhawk, a 1956 Cadillac Eldorado, Dino Ferrari, Mercedes Benz limousine, Rolls-Royce sedans and much more.

Elvis' Airplanes:  No trip to Graceland is complete without a tour of Elvis' customized airplanes. The Lisa Marie includes a living room, conference room, private bedroom and features gold-plated seatbelts, leather-covered tables, and 24-karat gold-flecked sinks. Elvis’ smaller Lockheed JetStar, the Hound Dog II, is also on display. 

Elvis Discovery Exhibits:  A collection of themed exhibits showcases Elvis’ passions, personal influences and his impact on the history of rock 'n' roll and continuing influence on the pop culture landscape. Among the current exhibits are the Presley Cycles Exhibit, X's & O's: Elvis and His Love of Football, Icons: The Influence of Elvis Presley Exhibit, Elvis’ Tupelo Exhibit, Hollywood Backlot, Private Presley Exhibit, Archives Experience, and the Lisa Marie: Growing Up Presley Exhibit.

Immersive and Interactive Experiences:  Graceland has recently introduced 10 state-of-the-art, immersive experiences that offer fans dozens of interactive, shareable moments and one-of-a-kind customized photos and videos that can be downloaded and shared with friends and on social media. Some of the current interactive experiences include the “Elvis Yourself” Virtual Dress-Up Experience, the Elvis Album Covers Photo Booth and Elvis: Front Row — An Immersive Concert Experience.

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Graceland Mississippi Excursions:  For those looking to adventure a little farther and dig a bit deeper into regional music history, Graceland now offers day-long guided, luxury motorcoach tours of major Mississippi landmarks and museums as a complement to the Elvis experience in Memphis. The luxury coach experience offers trips to the city of Elvis' birth, Tupelo, Mississippi, and a separate Mississippi Delta Blues tour.

To purchase tickets Graceland tours, exhibits and packages, visit  graceland.com/ticket-information .

What are the food options at Graceland?

AT GRACELAND

Visitors have four options on the property to grab a quick bite to eat.

Vernon's Smokehouse features authentic Memphis barbecue fare, including pork ribs, chicken and beef brisket. In addition, classic Southern cuisine and Elvis' favorite home cooking — including meatloaf, catfish and barbecue spaghetti — are served.

Gladys’ Diner serves up classic American cuisine, including burgers, hot dogs and pizza. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches, one of Elvis' favorites, are also on the menu.

Stop by Rock 'n' Go for coffee, freshly-made sandwiches, salads and snacks. The café offers a full line of espresso drinks made to your specifications. The menu also includes smoothies, iced coffees and shaken iced teas.

Be sure to also visit Minnie Mae's Sweets for hand-dipped ice cream, Root Beer floats, candy and more. Choose from 16 ice cream flavors.

All four restaurants are located at 3717 Elvis Presley Blvd.

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AT THE GUESTHOUSE AT GRACELAND

You don’t have to be a hotel guest to dine at The Guesthouse at Graceland , 3600 Elvis Presley Blvd. The two restaurants in the hotel are open to everyone.

Delta's Kitchen offers a la carte or buffet breakfast featuring contemporary versions a traditional Southern breakfast. At night, the restaurant turns into a finer dining Southern-inspired restaurant featuring steak, double-bone pork chops and fresh fish.

EP’s Bar & Grill is a casual gastro-pub just off the hotel lobby. You’ll feel right at home in this Memphis-inspired setting with lots of Southern flair and plenty of TVs to feed your sports cravings. There is even a pool table. The menu includes everything from gourmet burgers to seared salmon. The bar features a selection of Elvis-themed cocktails. 

Best Graceland souvenirs?

After your trip to Graceland, you will want to bring home a memory from the experience. Here are five of our favorite items available at the Graceland souvenir shops.

Elvis Presley TCB Sunglasses ($25) are a replica of the sunglasses Elvis wore. They are available in gold or silver.

“Elvis Presley's Graceland: The Official Guidebook” ($25) is a collectible hardcover tour book filled with Elvis and Graceland photos and information. It’s a must-have for all Elvis fans and Graceland visitors.

Graceland offers dozens of items with Elvis’ signature TCB slogan. A pair of TCB Socks ($9.99) will keep you “taking care of business” long after your visit.

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An Elvis Bobble-Head ($29.99) is a fun way to remember your trip. This mini replica of the King is perfect for a desk, bookshelf or mantel. 

And, you can’t leave Graceland without taking home some Elvis music. The souvenir shops offer a large selection of CDs. We recommend “ELVIS 30 #1 Hits.” Released in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Elvis' passing, this album  presents a career-spanning serving of the King's chart-toppers.

Tips for visiting Graceland and Elvis Presley's Memphis

Beyond the exhibits: Graceland during the summer and during Elvis Week in particular is a fun and fascinating place to visit even for those on a budget. Don't want to spend much money? Loaded with both quality and kitschy representations of the King, with import record albums, with examples of the ways in which an artist and celebrity can be made into an icon and "brand," the souvenir shops function as Elvis and Americana exhibits in their own right. "Elvis tribute artists" sometimes perform impromptu mini-concerts on sidewalks and in parking lots, and Elvis Presley Boulevard outside Graceland on "Candlelight Vigil" night is an outdoor folk-art gallery, as fans create mixed-media tributes to the King in the street, using chalk, candles and other items.

Planning your visit: Give yourself plenty of time to explore Elvis Presley's Memphis, the sprawl of restaurants, shops and museums located across the street from the Graceland mansion. Opened in 2017 and perhaps still underappreciated, the best of the exhibit spaces devoted to costumes, vehicles, music and movie memorabilia and other artifacts from the Graceland archives compare favorably with similar showcases at the Country Music and Rock and Roll halls of fame. 

GRACELAND MEDITATION GARDEN: Gladys Presley's Elvis-designed tombstone returns to Graceland

"Free Morning Walk-Ups":  All year 'round, from 7:30-8:30 a.m. daily, early risers can take a free-admission walk up the driveway of Graceland to the Meditation Garden on the south side of the mansion and visit the burial sites of Elvis; his mother, Gladys; his father, Vernon; and his grandmother, Minnie Mae Presley. (The garden also contains a memorial to Elvis' stillborn twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley.) During Elvis Week, the walk-up is especially interesting, as the driveway and garden are filled with wreaths and flower arrangements and artwork and other fan-made tributes to the King. What's more, Graceland adds free-admission evening walk-up hours to the Elvis Week calendar: The times are 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 11-14 and Aug. 16, and 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 17. (Why no special hours for Aug. 15? Because that's the night of the "Candlelight Vigil," the annual ceremony and procession to the garden that marks the anniversary of Elvis' Aug. 16, 1977, death, and which usually attracts hundreds of fans.)

Things to do for the non-Elvis fan

"Inside the Walt Disney Archives":  At the Graceland Exhibition Center through Jan. 2, "Inside the Walt Disney Archives" collects more than 400 paintings, posters, dolls, props, costumes and other artifacts from the House of Mouse and some of its affiliated companies (including 20th Century Fox). Kids who love Disney cartoons as well as serious adult connoisseurs will get a kick out of such props as Julie Andrews' "Mary Poppins" carpet bag, a Donald Duck animation cel, a Hugh Jackman "Wolverine" costume and a "light cycle" from the world of "Tron."

INSIDE LOOK: What to expect at 'Inside the Walt Disney Archives' at Graceland

"Icons: The Influence of Elvis Presley":  So, you're indifferent to Elvis? You prefer Springsteen, Hendrix, Sam Cooke or KISS? You're in luck. "Icons: The Influence of Elvis Presley" is an exhibit at Elvis Presley's Memphis that features clothing, instruments, stage costumes and other items that once belonged to or were used by everyone from Dolly Parton to Post Malone, including Buddy Holly, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, Justin Timberlake and Gene Simmons of KISS, to name a few.

Presley Motors Automobile Museum: Vrrrrooooommmm! Sure, Elvis owned 'em. But you don't have to be a Presley fan to get a charge (from an alternator or otherwise) from collector's item cars and other motor vehicles on display at the Presley Motors Automobile Museum at Elvis Presley's Memphis. A pink Cadillac, a pink Jeep, a 1973 Stutz Blackhawk, a 1975 Dino Ferrari, the red MG from "Blue Hawaii," motorcycles and go-carts and dune buggies and more.

The Wall: The brick-and-stone wall that separates the grounds of Graceland from the sidewalk and street has through the years functioned as a journal, a condolence card, an art canvas and a billboard for Elvis aficionados to express their feelings about the King. The words carry special meaning for fans, of course, but anybody who walks its length should be impressed by these hand-scrawled expressions of love and loss, which testify as surely as does a Facebook post to the human need to be heard.

Soundstage at Graceland: Located across the street from the Presley mansion, the 1,500-seat Soundstage at Graceland has become one of the Memphis area's premiere entertainment spots since it began hosting concerts regularly in 2019, in partnership with the Live Nation booking agency. Whether your taste in music is country (Tanya Tucker) or punk (X). Shows scheduled for 2021 include Cheap Trick, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, "The Monkees Farewell Tour" (reuniting Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz) and the other Elvis, Costello; past highlights have included Melissa Etheridge, Chubby Checker, the Violent Femmes and the 2020 Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants.

Other Memphis music spots to visit

If you’re visiting Graceland from out of town, here are five other spots in Memphis you need to check out 

Sun Studio, 706 Union Ave.: No visit to Memphis is complete without a trip to the legendary Sun Studio. Known as “The Birthplace of Rock ’n’ Roll,” it was the recording home to music legends from B.B. King and Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. See and hear the history of the studio as part of guided tours that take place seven days a week. For more information or tickets, visit  sunstudio.com .   

Stax Museum of American Soul Music, 926 E. McLemore Ave.: Located on the original site of the Stax Records studio in Memphis, the Stax Museum pays special tribute to the artists who recorded there, as well as other American soul legends, with interactive exhibits, films, stage costumes, musical instruments, vintage recording equipment used at Stax, records, photographs, permanent and changing galleries, and a rare and amazing collection of more than 2,000 items of memorabilia and artifacts. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday. For more information and tickets, visit  staxmuseum.com .

STAX MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SOUL MUSIC: Stax Museum receives massive archive from late Chicago soul historian Bob Abrahamian

Blues Hall of Fame Museum, 421 S. Main St.:  Opened in 2015, the Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall of Fame Museum offers plenty for both blues diehards and casual fans to enjoy. Featuring a mix of exhibits and in-depth history, the story of the music and the more than 400 Hall of Fame inductees is told through galleries, interactive touchscreen displays and one-of-a-kind memorabilia. Located in Downtown Memphis, the Blues Hall of Fame Museum is open Wednesday-Sunday. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit  blues.org/hall-of-fame-museum .

Memphis Music Hall of Fame, 126 S. Second St.:  The Memphis Music Hall of Fame museum and exhibition highlight a group of musicians from the Bluff City and its environs who were responsible for shaping modern music and changing the world forever. A fun, fascinating and educational exhibition, the Hall features never-before-seen memorabilia, rare video performances and interviews, interactive exhibits, and much more. Located Downtown, at the corner of Second and Beale, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame is currently open Wednesday-Sunday. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit  memphismusichalloffame.com .

Hernando’s Hideaway, 3210 Old Hernando Road: A famed and iconic Memphis nightspot located near Graceland, Hernando’s Hideaway offers food, drinks and plenty of live music. This year’s Elvis Week offerings include performances by Linda Gail Lewis, Rosie Flores, Jason D. Williams, James Intveld and Dale Watson, among others. For a full schedule or to purchase tickets, visit  worldfamoushernandoshideaway.com .

Must-try restaurants in Whitehaven?

Whitehaven is home to Graceland — it's also home to some of the best eats in the Bluff City. Here are some of our favorites.

Trap Fusion (4637 Boeingshire Drive, 901-207-5565) is known for its from-scratch, healthier versions of soul food. Influences of Cajun and Caribbean fare are evident in many of the items at this Whitehaven restaurant that opened in 2019. Dishes like Jerk Chicken Pasta, Fish & Grits and Stuffed Turkey Sandwich have customers returning often.

Even though the sign out front says Valle’s, most people know this Whitehaven restaurant as the “Italian Rebel.” Valle's Italian Rebel  (1636 Winchester Road, 901-345-5164) opened back in 1977. For 44 years, owner Louie Valle has been at the helm of this lunch-only eatery. Valle makes everything from scratch — including breads, sauces and Italian sausage. Stop by for one of the thick-crust, rectangular pizzas and a side of toasted ravioli, or one of the many pasta dishes.

Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant (4381 Elvis Presley Blvd., 901-332-4199) may just be the most popular eatery in town for Elvis fans. Located down the street from Graceland, Marlowe’s has been serving Memphians and Elvis fans since 1974. In fact, Elvis even ate here. Ribs, brisket and an Elvis-inspired burger are some of the eats you can enjoy at this vintage eatery. Save room for the Crispy Crème Banana Foster Sundae. It’s Marlowe’s version of his favorite sandwich served as a dessert. And, if staying at a hotel in the area, Marlowe’s fleet of Elvis-inspired pink limousines will shuttle you from your hotel right to the restaurant and drive you back when you finish.

Deep Fried Sweet Spicy Love. With a name like that, you know the chicken has to be good. Lou Martin, the “Uncle Lou” behind Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken (3633 Millbranch Road, 901-332-2367), started selling his now world-famous spicy fried chicken back in 1992 at the Liberty Bowl, where he has been a vendor ever since. In 2001, he decided to open shop at his current location on Millbranch Road. His chicken — which is a favorite of celebrity chef Guy Fieri — is crispy, spicy and sweet all at the same time.

Suga Mama Snoballs (1717 East Holmes Road, 901-474-8711) is known for its Southern-inspired signature flavors. One-of-a-kind snoballs come topped with cheesecake or strawberry shortcakes. The most famous snoball is the Banana Pudding flavor. A banana-flavored snoball is stuffed with banana pudding ice cream and garnished with cookies and whipped cream just like a classic banana pudding. If the mood for something savory, owner Marci Clark also makes killer nachos (we love the seafood nachos) and over-the-top loaded potatoes.

And after all these great eats, if you need a pick-me-up, stop by Muggin Coffeehouse  (1139 Brownlee Road 901-529-7759). The only independent coffee shop in Whitehaven offers a full espresso menu and features fun coffee creations with Memphis themes.  We recommend the Zippin Pippin. Named after Elvis' favorite Libertyland roller coaster, it's a white mocha topped with caramel.

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The Best Time to Go to Graceland

Arguably one of the best-known attractions in Memphis, Tennessee, Graceland is the legendary home of the King of Rock and Roll. Elvis Presley was just 22 years old when he purchased Graceland in 1957. It was home for Elvis, his family and his entourage until he passed away in an upstairs bathroom in 1977. His ex-wife, Priscilla, and daughter, Lisa Marie, opened Graceland for public tours in 1982. Graceland is open year-round, but special events and weather considerations make some times more ideal than others for visits.

Tour Options and Attractions

The Graceland complex includes the mansion, Elvis’ private collection of cars, two airplanes once owned by Elvis and numerous special exhibits that provide greater insight into Elvis’ life and career. The Graceland Mansion Tour provides admission to the mansion and two exhibits. The Platinum Tour adds the airplanes, the car museum and most additional exhibits. The VIP Tour adds an exclusive exhibit focusing on his daughter, Lisa Marie, along with all-day access to the mansion and front-of-line privileges.

Seasonal Considerations

Memphis is hot during the summer, with average high temperatures around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are generally cold, with temperatures regularly dipping below freezing. Snow is not uncommon, with December precipitation averaging just over six inches. Like all tourist attractions, Graceland draws much of its business during the summer and school holidays, meaning that you are likely to encounter long lines and hordes of children. Operating hours are longest in the summer and shortest from November 1 through the end of February. Hours are extended during the busy Christmas holidays. The mansion is closed on Tuesdays from December 1 through February 28, except during Christmas week.

Special Events

Graceland hosts major events throughout the year that draw massive crowds of loyal Elvis fans. Elvis Week, held each August, is one of the biggest gatherings of Elvis fans from around the world. Impersonators, tribute performers and fan club representatives are among the invited guests, as well as musicians and actors who worked directly with Elvis during his career. The Heartbreak Hotel maintains a year-long waiting list for reservations, while tickets to the outdoor concerts generally sell out months in advance. Other crowded events include Elvis’ Birthday Celebration in mid January and Christmas at Graceland, which lasts from late November through early January.

Time of Day

If you choose the VIP Tour, arrive as early as possible to make the most of your day. Otherwise, consider arriving shortly before lunchtime for the Platinum Tour or in the early afternoon for the Mansion Tour. The audio tour of the mansion and grounds takes between one and two hours to complete, while most people spend an additional hour or so on the other exhibits of the Platinum Tour. Allow the early morning crowds to disperse for a more relaxed day.

• Weather.com: Monthly Averages for Memphis, Tennessee

About the Author

Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer specializing in disabled adventure travel. She spent 15 years working for Central Florida theme parks and frequently travels with her disabled father. Fritscher's work can be found in both print and online mediums, including VisualTravelTours.com. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of South Florida.

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• Greg Campbell/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

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Paul Simon Sings ‘Graceland' At White House State Dinner - Update

UPDATE: Paul Simon performed “Graceland” at the White House State Dinner for Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Kishida Yuko.

Kishida also made a Star Trek reference at one moment, using the phrase, “To boldly go where no one has gone before,” then naming cast member George Takei.

PREVIOUSLY: Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are making a return visit to the White House as guests at tonight’s White House State Dinner for Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Kishida Yuko.

Also on the list: Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, Apple’s Tim Cook, actor Robert De Niro and figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi. Los Angeles notables include Lynda Resnick and Stewart Resnick, and journalists invited include NBC News’ Kelly O’Donnell, president of the White House Correspondents Association, and photographer David Ake.

Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, is also a guest with with Amy Rule, along with children Zach and Ilana. Not attending is Emanuel’s brother, Ari, CEO of WME.

Paul Simon will perform at the dinner.

As he arrived, De Niro, with girlfriend Tiffany Chen, was asked how he felt about the 2024 election. “What do you think?” he said, per a pool report.

The complete list:

THE PRESIDENT AND DR. BIDEN

HIS EXCELLENCY KISHIDA FUMIO, PRIME MINISTER OF JAPAN & MRS. KISHIDA YUKO

Mr. Akiba Takeo, National Security Advisor

Mr. Arima Yutaka, Director-General, North-American Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Ajay Banga & Mrs. Ritu Banga

The Honorable John Bass, Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs, U.S. Department of State & Ms. Audrey Hsieh

The Honorable Stephen K. Benjamin, Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Public Engagement & Miss Jordan Grace Benjamin

The Honorable Anthony R. Bernal, Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to the First Lady & Mr. Brian Mosteller

Mr. Jeff Bezos & Ms. Lauren Sánchez

Ms. Ashley Biden & Dr. Howard Krein

Ms. Finnegan Biden

Ms. Naomi Biden Neal & Mr. Peter Neal

The Honorable Richard T. Bissen, Jr., Mayor of Maui County, Hawaii & Mrs. Isabella Bissen

The Honorable Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State & The Honorable Evan M. Ryan, Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary

Mr. Neil Bluhm & Ms. Leslie Bluhm

Mr. Brent Booker & Dr. Katherine Booker

General Charles Q. Brown Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Department of Defense & Mrs. Sharene Brown

The Honorable Bill Burns, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency & Ms. Sarah Burns

The Honorable Kurt M. Campbell, Deputy Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State & The Honorable Lael Brainard, Assistant to the President and Director of the National Economic Council

The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton, 42 nd  President of the United States & The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, 67 th  Secretary of State of the United States

The Honorable David Cohen, Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency & Ms. Suzy Friedman Cohen

Mr. Tim Cook & Ms. Lisa Jackson

The Honorable Roy Cooper, Governor of North Carolina & Mrs. Kristin Cooper

The Honorable Diana DeGette, U.S. Representative & The Honorable Lino Lipinsky de Orlov

Mr. Robert De Niro & Ms. Tiffany Chen

Mr. James Dimon & Mrs. Judy Dimon

Mr. Michael C. Donilon & Mrs. Patricia Donilon

Ms. Ilana Emanuel

The Honorable Rahm Emanuel, Ambassador of the United States to Japan & Ms. Amy Rule

Mr. Zachariah Emanuel

The Honorable Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin & Mrs. Kathy Evers

Mr. Fred Eychaner & Mr. Danny Leung

Mr. Shawn Fain & Mrs. Stella Fain

The Honorable Jon Finer, Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor &

Ms. TJ Fadel

Mr. Laurence Fink

Mr. Bill Freeman & Mr. Tom Loftis

Dr. Funabashi Yoichi 

Mr. Funakoshi Takehiro, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ms. Susie Gelman & Mr. Michael Gelman

Ms. Xochitl Gonzalez & Mr. Daniel Lubrano

Mr. Robert Goodman & Ms. Jayne Lipman

The Honorable Philip Gordon, Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor to the Vice President of the United States & The Honorable Rebecca Lissner, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor to the Vice President

Admiral Chris Grady, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Department of Defense & Mrs. Christine Grady

The Honorable Jennifer Granholm, Secretary of Energy, U.S. Department of Energy & Mr. Daniel Mulhern

Mr. Jon Gray & Mrs. Mindy Gray

Mr. Rene Haas

The Honorable Avril D. Haines, Director of National Intelligence & Mr. David Davighi

The Honorable Bill Hagerty, U.S. Senator & Mrs. Chrissy Hagerty

The Honorable Bruce Harrell, Mayor of Seattle, Washington & Mrs. Joanne Harrell

The Honorable Kamala D. Harris, Vice President of the United States & Mr. Douglas C. Emhoff, Second Gentleman of the United States

The Honorable Mazie Hirono, U.S. Senator & Mr. Leighton Kim Oshima

The Honorable Amos Hochstein, Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for Energy and Investment, National Security Council & Mrs. Rae Ringel

The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York & Mr. William Hochul

Mr. Hosaka Shin, Vice Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

Mr. Hoshide Akihiko

Mr. Amos Hostetter & Mrs. Barbara Hostetter

Mr. Iijima Isao, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister and Cabinet

Ms. Ikuta Lilas

Mrs. Amabel B. James & Mr. Ryan Petersen

The Honorable Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives & Mrs. Kennisandra Jeffries

Her Excellency Kamikawa Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Mr. Katahira Satoshi

Mr. Katanozaka Shinya

Mr. Tony Kawai

Mr. Kobayashi Ken

Mr. Arvind Krishna & Mrs. Sonia Krishna

The Honorable Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State & Mrs. Nami Kritenbrink

Mr. Kunieda Shingo

Ms. Megan Myungwon Lee & Mr. Jeff Werner

The Honorable Mark Macarro, Tribal Chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians & Mrs. Holly Macarro

Mr. Maeda Tadashi

Ms. Judy Marks & Mr. Chris Kearney

The Honorable Doris Matsui, U.S. Representative & Mr. Roger Sant

The Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Homeland Security & Mrs. Tanya Mayorkas

Mr. David McCall & Mrs. Donna McCall

Mr. Sanjay Mehrotra & Mrs. Sangeeta Mehrotra

The Honorable Jeff Merkley, U.S. Senator & Ms. Brynne Merkley

Mr. Mikitani Hiroshi

His Excellency Moriyama Masahito, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

Mr. Murai Hideki, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary

Ms. Ellen Nakashima & Mr. Alan Sipress

Ms. Mira Nakashima & Mr. Jonathan Yarnall

Ms. Niki Nakayama & Ms. Carole Iida-Nakayama

The Honorable Bill Nelson, Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration & Mrs. Grace Nelson

Mr. Niinami Takeshi

Ms. Kelly O’Donnell & Mr. J. David Ake

Dr. Okina Yuri

Mr. Ono Keiichi, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs

Mr. Otsuru Tetsuya, Executive Secretary to the Prime Minister

The Honorable Thomas E. Perez, Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs & Ms. Ann Marie Staudenmaier

The Honorable John D. Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation & Ms. Mae Podesta

The Honorable Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve of the United States & Mrs. Elissa Leonard

The Honorable Natalie H. Quillian, Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff & Mr. Ryan Quillian

The Honorable Gina Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Department of Commerce & Mr. Andy Moffit

The Honorable Mira Rapp-Hooper, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for East Asia and Oceania, National Security Council & Mr. Matthew Brest

The Honorable Bruce N. Reed, Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff & Ms. Bonnie LePard

Mrs. Lynda Resnick & Mr. Stewart Resnick

The Honorable Steve Ricchetti, Assistant to the President and Counselor to the President & Mrs. Amy Ricchetti

Ms. Cecile Richards & Mr. Kirk Adams

Mr. Robert Roche & Mrs. Ritsuko Hattori Roche

Mr. Josh Rogin & Mrs. Ali Rogin

Mr. Ethan Rosenzweig, Acting Chief of Protocol, U.S. Department of State

Mr. Michael J. Sacks & Mrs. Cari Sacks

His Excellency Saito Ken, Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry 

Mr. Sawada Jun

Mr. Serizawa Kiyoshi, Vice Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of Defense

The Honorable Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania & Mrs. Lori Shapiro

Mr. Alex Hideo Shibutani

Ms. Maia Harumi Shibutani

Mr. Shikata Noriyuki, Cabinet Secretary for Public Affairs

Mr. Shimada Takashi, Executive Secretary to the Prime Minister

Mr. Brad Smith & Mr. Gregory Smith

Mr. Masayoshi Son

Mr. Robert Michael Stavis & Mrs. Amy Stavis

The Honorable Jake J. Sullivan, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs & Ms. Maggie Goodlander

The Honorable Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative & Mr. Robert Skidmore

The Honorable Mark Takano, U.S. Representative & Mr. Glen Fukushima

The Honorable Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations & Mr. Lafayette Greenfield, II

The Honorable Jill Tokuda, U.S. Representative & Ms. Susan Morita

Ms. Maria D. Toler & Ms. Casey Albert

The Honorable Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff & Mr. Ray Tomasini

Ms. Ueno Yukiko

The Honorable Pranay Vaddi, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Arms Control, Disarmament, and Nonproliferation, National Security Council & Mrs. Megan Vaddi

The Honorable Richard Verma, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, U.S. Department of State & Ms. Zoe Verma

The Honorable Lorraine A. Voles, Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the Vice President & Ms. Ruby Smith

Mr. Kent Walker & Ms. Diana Walsh

Mr. Mark Walter & Mrs. Kimbra Walter

The Honorable Steven Westly & Mrs. Anita Yu Westly

Mr. Eugene Woods & Ms. Lauren Wooden

His Excellency Yamada Shigeo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States

Ms. Kristi Yamaguchi & Ms. Yukiko Saegusa

Mr. Yamamoto Takayoshi, Executive Secretary to the Prime Minister of Japan

The Honorable Janet L. Yellen, Secretary of the Treasury, U.S. Department of Treasury & The Honorable Adewale Adeyemo, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, U.S. Department of Treasury

Mr. David Zapolsky & Ms. Lynn Hubbard

The Honorable Jeff Zients, Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the President & Mrs. Mary Zients

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Tim Cook, Robert De Niro, and Hillary Clinton rubbed shoulders at the White House state dinner for Japan — see the night's best photos

• President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden hosted a state dinner for the prime minister of Japan.
• Cherry blossoms appeared in the White House decor and menu as well as in guests' outfits.
• High-profile guests included Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook,  Robert De Niro, and the Clintons.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko Kishida, to the White House for a state dinner on Wednesday.

The event, featuring cherry blossom-themed decor and high-profile guests, was more than just an excuse to dress up and decorate the White House . The two leaders reaffirmed military and economic partnerships between the US and Japan and announced new technology initiatives related to cybersecurity, sustainability, and artificial intelligence .

Take a look at some of the highlights from the state dinner.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko Kishida, at a state dinner on Wednesday evening.

Jill Biden wore a purple and silver beaded dress by Oscar de la Renta, matching Yuko Kishida's violet gown. First ladies' staffers often coordinate with world leaders ahead of visits to ensure that their outfits won't clash.

Dinner was served on china sets designed by Lady Bird Johnson and Laura Bush.

The menu included house-cured salmon with shiso leaf fritters and dry-aged rib-eye steak with shishito pepper butter.

Cherry blossoms appeared throughout the evening, from the decor to the desserts.

The dessert of salted caramel pistachio cake with matcha ganache, cherry ice cream, and raspberry drizzle also featured edible cherry-blossom decorations on top.

Naomi Biden wore a pink cape dress printed with cherry blossoms from Belgian designer Bernadette.

The president's granddaughter was accompanied by her husband, Peter Neal. The couple held their wedding at the White House in 2022.

Hillary Clinton wore a pink caftan reminiscent of a Japanese kimono.

She attended the event with her husband, former President Bill Clinton.

"Bill and I were thrilled to join President Biden and the First Lady in welcoming Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Mrs. Yuko Kishida, and other allies and friends last night at the administration's state dinner for Japan," Hillary Clinton captioned a photo from the event on Instagram . "Cherry blossoms everywhere!"

Jeff Bezos' fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, wore a daring, fiery-red sheer corset dress by Rasario.

A former news anchor and helicopter pilot, Sanchez began dating the Amazon founder in 2018.

Robert De Niro and his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, also attended the dinner.

The Booksellers Room in the White House was decorated with koi pond-inspired decals on the floor and fans representing " the flourishing ties between the United States and Japan," according to the pool report.

Apple CEO Tim Cook also made the guest list.

Cook also attended a state dinner in 2023 hosted in honor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India.

The East Room was decorated with colorful springtime blooms and butterflies made of glass and silk.

In a media preview of the state dinner, Jill Biden said the White House would be transformed into a "vibrant spring garden — a place of joy and renewal, of hope and growth."

Kishida toasted Biden with a quote from "Star Trek," expressing hope that US-Japan relations would "boldly go where no one had gone before."

In his speech, Biden referenced the fraught history between the two countries that has transformed into close diplomatic ties post-World War II.

"We both remember the choices that were made to forge a friendship," Biden said. "We both remember the hard work, what it has done to find healing. Tonight, we pledge to keep going."

After dinner, Paul Simon sang his hit songs "Graceland" and "Slip Slidin' Away."

Simon was chosen to perform at the state dinner because both Jill Biden and Fumio Kishida are fans of his music, Reuters reported.

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