When you travel full-time like we do, you end up at some of the most iconic places in America, and Graceland is one of those stops that feels almost like a pilgrimage. Whether you’re an Elvis Presley fan or just curious about the man who shaped rock ’n’ roll, a visit here is more than just touring a house—it’s stepping into a piece of cultural history.
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Location
Graceland Address:
Graceland Mansion
3764 Elvis Presley Blvd
Memphis, TN 38116
How to Get There:
Graceland is located about 10 minutes south of downtown Memphis and roughly 3 miles from Memphis International Airport. It sits right along Elvis Presley Boulevard (US Highway 51).
RV Parking Info:
Graceland has a large paid parking lot at the visitor center complex across from the mansion. Oversized vehicle parking (including RVs and motorhomes) is available for an extra fee, though it may feel tight for larger rigs. Many RVers choose to unhitch their toad and park the motorhome elsewhere when visiting. We left ours and the campground.
First Impressions of Graceland
Driving into Memphis, Graceland doesn’t announce itself with glitz and glamour. It’s tucked back off Elvis Presley Boulevard, behind the famous gates adorned with musical notes. As soon as you step inside the mansion, though, you realize this isn’t just a celebrity home—it’s Elvis’s sanctuary.
The rooms are a time capsule of the 1970s, complete with shag carpet, bold colors, and plenty of gold accents. Walking through the living room, the jungle room, and the trophy building, you get a real sense of who Elvis was—both as a performer and as a family man.
Touring the Elvis Presley Mansion
The self-guided iPad tour of Graceland Mansion offers narration, photos, and videos as you move from room to room. What struck us most was how modest the mansion feels compared to today’s celebrity estates. Yes, it’s grand, but it’s also warm and personal.
One highlight for us was the Jungle Room, a quirky, almost playful space that’s become legendary among fans. It’s easy to imagine Elvis holding impromptu jam sessions there—the walls practically hum with history.
The Elvis Presley Experience Complex
Across the street from the mansion, Graceland has evolved into a comprehensive entertainment complex. Here you’ll find:
Elvis Presley’s Car Collection
Another highlight of the museum complex was Elvis’s impressive car collection. Elvis loved automobiles, and Graceland preserves that passion with a rotating display of some of his most famous rides.
The standout, of course, is the pink Cadillac Fleetwood — the car he famously gave to his mother, Gladys. Beyond that, the collection includes Cadillacs, a Stutz Blackhawk, Mercedes-Benzes, Jeeps, motorcycles, and even a dune buggy. Each car feels like a snapshot of Elvis’s larger-than-life personality: bold, stylish, and sometimes a little over the top.
Walking through the exhibit, you really sense how much Elvis enjoyed the freedom and flair of the open road. For RVers like us, it was easy to relate — while our rigs may not be Cadillacs, the joy of travel is the same.
Elvis Presley’s Private Jets
As an aviation enthusiast, the highlight for me was stepping aboard Elvis’s private jets. The Lisa Marie, his Convair 880, is outfitted in true Elvis style — think gold-plated seatbelt buckles, suede sofas, and a full conference table. It wasn’t just a plane; it was a flying palace. The smaller Hound Dog II, a Lockheed JetStar, gave us a glimpse into the practical side of his air travel.
Standing inside those cabins, you realize just how quickly Elvis’s world expanded. These jets weren’t just for luxury — they were tools that let him keep up with a schedule only a global superstar could demand. For me, as someone who loves aviation, it was a rare treat to see aircraft preserved in such detail.
Elvis Presley Memorabilia
The museum complex also houses an incredible collection of Elvis memorabilia that brings his career to life. Walking through the exhibits, we saw everything from his iconic stage costumes — glittering jumpsuits, rhinestone jackets, and flashy belts — to his gold and platinum records lining the walls.
What stood out most was how personal some of the items felt. There are letters, photographs, movie posters, and even some of Elvis’s everyday belongings. Together, they paint a fuller picture of who he was — not just the superstar on stage, but also the man behind the music.
For us, the memorabilia exhibits made the Graceland experience richer. Seeing the artifacts in person connects you to the history in a way that watching clips or listening to old recordings can’t quite match.
While it’s impressive, this side of Graceland also felt very commercialized. Gift shops, themed restaurants, and ticket add-ons are everywhere. It’s easy to see why some visitors describe it as a tourist trap. That said, if you’re a devoted Elvis fan, the exhibits are still fascinating and worth exploring.
The Meditation Garden
Perhaps the most emotional part of visiting Graceland is the Meditation Garden, where Elvis rests alongside his parents and grandmother. Despite the number of visitors, the space feels quiet and reflective. Fans leave flowers, notes, and mementos, showing just how alive Elvis’s legacy still is.
Tips for Visiting Graceland as an RVer
- Parking: There’s a large paid lot, but big rigs may find it tight. Consider unhitching your toad before arriving.
- Tickets: Several packages are available. The Ultimate Elvis Experience Tour includes a Step into Elvis Presley’s world on this private Memphis tour that goes beyond the usual stops. Visit iconic spots like Beale Street, the legendary Lansky Brothers, and the Overton Park Shell, where Elvis gave his first big performance. End with a photo op at Graceland’s famous gates or return downtown for a smooth wrap-up. It’s the perfect experience for anyone wanting a deeper look into the King’s life and legacy.
- Best Time to Visit: Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during the summer or Elvis Week in August.
- Photography: Allowed inside the mansion (no flash). A fast lens like my Nikon Z 24-120mm worked great indoors.
Practical Tips for Travelers
If you’re traveling through Memphis and considering a stop at Graceland, plan to spend at least half a day here. Even if you’re not an Elvis superfan, the combination of history, music, and culture makes it a memorable experience. Pair your visit with a stroll down Beale Street, or stop for Memphis-style barbecue to round out your day. Adding local flavor helps balance the touristy side of Graceland with a more authentic Memphis experience.
Final Thoughts
We had a great time touring the mansion and grounds, and for Elvis fans, Graceland is a bucket-list stop. But we also felt the overall experience leaned heavily into commercialization—more like a tourist attraction than a historical site.
Still, visiting Graceland is more than a tourist stop—it’s stepping into a pivotal part of American culture. Elvis Presley’s influence on music and pop culture is undeniable, and this tour brings his story to life.
As full-time RVers, we love weaving cultural landmarks into our travels. Graceland didn’t disappoint in terms of history and atmosphere, but go in knowing it’s also a business machine designed to keep visitors spending.
As full-time RVers, we love mixing iconic stops like Graceland with local city flavor. If you’re planning a trip to Memphis, the Premium Elvis Experience Tour makes it easy to see Graceland and the best of Memphis in one day.
What part of Graceland would you be most excited to see — the mansion, the jets, or the memorabilia? What’s the most memorable tourist attraction you’ve ever visited? Let us know below.
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