There are some places that carry a sense of magic the moment you arrive, and visiting Graceland is undoubtedly one of them. For our family, who have always shared a love of music and, in particular, for the work of Elvis Presley, stepping inside this iconic home in Memphis felt like walking into a piece of living history that we had only ever experienced through songs and stories. If you’re looking for top tips for visiting Graceland, this is our honest review of our family visit with kids on our road trip through southern USA.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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First impressions of visiting Graceland
Arriving at Graceland is an experience in itself, beginning at the modern visitor complex which is well designed and filled with exhibits that explore Elvis Presley’s life after you have explored the house. You then cross the road via shuttle, and there is a growing sense of anticipation as the mansion comes into view, especially if, like us, Elvis’s music has been part of family road trips and playlists for years.
Seeing the white-columned façade for the first time feels surreal, not because of its size but because of its familiarity, and we were struck by how surprisingly modest it feels for someone of such global fame, which only adds to its authenticity and charm.
Stepping inside Graceland
Walking through the front door of Graceland feels like stepping back in time, with interiors that have been carefully preserved to reflect how Elvis actually lived rather than being overly polished or reimagined.
The living spaces feel warm and personal, from the elegant lounge with its soft furnishings to the dining room that hints at family meals and quieter moments away from the spotlight, and it is easy to picture Elvis relaxing here despite his extraordinary lifestyle. The Jungle Room stands out as one of the most memorable spaces, filled with bold textures and colours that perfectly capture his individuality, and as a family we loved how this room sparked conversation about his personality and creative spirit.
Our top tip – You will arrive on a mini bus as part of a group but don’t feel rushed, or forced to stick together. You can take your time here and it’s well worth doing. The upstairs of Graceland is closed to the public so the two lower floors are the ones you can view. Graceland is much smaller than you’ll expect and this part of the tour is over all too quickly so definitely linger over the rooms.
Exploring the grounds and meditation garden
Once outside, the grounds of Graceland offer a completely different atmosphere, providing space to reflect and take in the significance of where you are. The gardens are beautifully maintained and peaceful, creating a calm contrast to the energy of the exhibitions, and they give a real sense of the privacy Elvis must have valued.
The Meditation Garden is particularly moving, as it is the final resting place of Elvis and members of his family, and we found ourselves naturally slowing down here, taking a moment to reflect on his life and legacy. It is a respectful and quietly powerful space, and it felt important to pause and acknowledge the person behind the legend.
Our top tip – Definitely pause to watch the home film inside the garden rooms before you leave. Here, you watch Elvis jump up and down on a diving board and fly into a pool. Then you’re outside and there’s the pool, looking so small and personal. For me, it was a really special detail to see. To imagine all the family fun here at the pool. It was almost as if time stopped still. And a few steps from this point are the graves of Elvis and Lisa Marie. After our trip to Graceland, this was one of the areas that stuck with me.
The museums: a treasure trove for music lovers
Back at the exhibition complex, the scale of Elvis’s career becomes truly apparent, with museum spaces that are packed with artefacts, stories and visual displays that chart his journey from humble beginnings to global icon. The collection of stage outfits is a highlight, with dazzling jumpsuits that are even more striking in person, each one representing a moment in his career and the evolution of his performance style.
Alongside these are gold records, awards, photographs and personal mementos that build a detailed and engaging picture of his life, and we found ourselves lingering in these spaces, sharing favourite songs together as a family. It is immersive although at times slightly, overwhelming. There is so much to see.
Our top tip – For us, there was so much to see here, you could easily do it over a few days. As we didn’t have a few days, we didn’t stop to read and look at everything. Picking out key moments, costumes and artifacts, worked for us. I think otherwise it could feel slightly overwhelming. So I would say don’t go into this area expecting to see everything.
Cars, planes and the king’s lifestyle
One of the most enjoyable parts of visiting Graceland is exploring Elvis’s impressive collection of cars and planes, which adds a sense of fun and variety to the experience. The automobile museum showcases everything from classic cars to the famous pink Cadillac, offering a glimpse into his personal tastes and love of design and style.
Stepping aboard his customised jet, the Lisa Marie, is a real highlight, with its plush interiors and retro details giving a fascinating insight into how he travelled at the height of his fame. These elements bring a different dimension to the visit, showing not just the performer but the lifestyle that surrounded him, and they provided some of the most memorable moments for our family.
Our top tip – Definitely pause at the big table in the Lisa Marie. There’s a story here about how the real-life Lisa Marie celebrated her ninth birthday onboard with a cake. This detail becomes more poignant when you realise that she was nine years old when her dad died. It brings everything into focus I think.
Why visiting Graceland is a must-visit for families
What makes visiting Graceland particularly special is its ability to appeal across generations, creating an experience that feels both educational and personal at the same time. For adults, it offers a rich insight into music history and cultural impact, while for children it provides engaging visuals, interesting stories and a chance to connect with a figure they may only vaguely know. We found that it sparked meaningful conversations throughout the day, from discussing favourite songs to reflecting on how one individual can influence the world on such a scale. The layout is easy to navigate and well organised, making it a relaxed and enjoyable day out even with younger visitors.
Visiting Graceland was an experience that brought our shared love of music to life in a way that felt tangible and memorable. Standing in the rooms where Elvis lived, seeing the objects he used and walking through the spaces that shaped his world gave us a real appreciation of both the man and his legacy.
It is an experience that balances entertainment with reflection, offering moments of excitement alongside quieter, more meaningful pauses. For our family, it was an unforgettable highlight of our time in Memphis on our Southern USA road trip and one that we would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in music or cultural history.
You can find out more about Graceland and how to get your tickets here.
Our top tip – For those who really love Elvis the town of Tupelo, in Mississippi, is where Elvis was born and grew up until the age of 13. About two hours from Memphis you can see the diner he loved as a child, the cinema he had his first kiss, his elementary school and even the home he was born in. Read our full feature on the best things to do in Tupelo here for more details.
How fascinating to see the home behind the legend. It looks much more homely than I would have imagined. And that pink Cadillac!