All Elvis Presley and Rock and Roll fans can retrace the King’s history in Memphis, Tennessee, where he moved in 1957 at the peak of his popularity to Graceland Mansion.
The famous estate, located at 3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis, is open to the public, and the area offers plenty of experiences and attractions. If you’re looking for a Memphis stay that lets you enjoy the surroundings of Graceland while avoiding downtown traffic, the Memphis Vitality Hotel is the perfect choice for exploring the top things to do near Graceland Memphis.
Just a 15‑minute drive from the legendary home of the King of Rock and Roll, Memphis Vitality Hotel boasts a strategic location in the Business District of East Memphis near the Memphis International Airport, as well as a newly renovated property where you can unwind after a busy day of sightseeing and activities.
Among the comforts our hotel offers are:
- heated whirlpool
- heated indoor pool
- outdoor pool open from April 16 to October 31
- sun terrace
- new rooms with private bathrooms and all modern amenities
- free wi‑fi
- quick and easy self check‑in
- fitness center
- bar and restaurant
- parking
- wheelchair accessible facilities
Contact us to check our availability and follow our recommendations on the top things to do near Graceland Memphis.
Top 7 things to do near Graceland in Memphis
- 1. Take pictures at the Graceland’s gate
- 2. Visit Elvis’s grave
- 3. Visit Sun Studio
- 4. Experience Elvis Presley’s Memphis
- 5. Discover the interactive Graceland exhibition center
- 6. Try the local cuisine
- 7. Spend a day at Graceland
- 8. Find out how Elvis changed music
- Memphis Vitality Hotel: a quiet place for your stay in Memphis
1. Take pictures at the Graceland’s gate
The “music gates” at Graceland are a must‐see for anyone exploring the area around Elvis’ iconic home. They were designed by Abe Saucer specifically for Elvis, built by John Dillars Jr. of Memphis Doors Inc., and installed at Graceland in 1957 at a cost of just over $3,000. These gates set the stage for a memorable visit to one of the top things to do near Graceland Memphis.
2. Visit Elvis’s grave
Elvis and his family are laid to rest in Graceland’s Meditation Garden. Visitors can pay their respects every morning from 7:30 to 8:30, when the gates open to the public and you can stroll along the pathway leading to the Meditation Garden. This poignant ritual is among the top things to do near Graceland Memphis for any true fan.
3. Visit Sun Studio
Visiting Sun Studio is a must for its rich history. Known in the music world as “The Birthplace of Rock’n’ Roll”, the world’s most famous recording studio was opened by producer Sam Phillips at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis in 1950. It later became an icon for artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley, who recorded there during the early ‘50s. In 1953, an 18‑year‑old Elvis Presley recorded his first song at Sun Studio. Today, it is a national historic landmark that still functions as a recording studio in the evenings and welcomes visitors during the day.
4. Experience Elvis Presley’s Memphis
Elvis Presley’s Memphis is a vast exhibition complex located around Graceland. It includes the Presley Motors Automobile Museum, the Entertainer Career Museum, the Elvis ‘68 Enhanced Exhibit, the 90 for 90 Exhibit, Elvis Dressed To Rock, the Elvis Interactive Experience, and many other immersive attractions. This destination is essential when exploring the top things to do near Graceland Memphis.
5. Discover the interactive Graceland Exhibition Center
Opened in 2019, the Graceland Exhibition Center periodically hosts educational and interactive exhibits. The facility also plays host to parties, traveling events, fairs, and much more. Its dynamic schedule makes it a perfect addition to the list of top things to do near Graceland Memphis.
6. Try the local cuisine
You simply must try the local fare and specialties around Graceland. Two highly regarded restaurants in the area carry the names of Elvis’ parents: Gladys’ Diner and Vernon’s Smokehouse. For those looking to indulge like the King of Rock and Roll himself, the peanut butter and banana sandwich is a must‐try.
7. Spend a day at Graceland
Spend a day at Graceland exploring Elvis’ beloved home with private tours, guided visits, and museums featuring a variety of exhibits. You can also opt for a tour that takes Elvis fans from Graceland to his hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi.
8. Find out how Elvis changed music
The ICONS: The Influence of Elvis Presley exhibit showcases how artists have been inspired by Elvis and how the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll paved the way for many of today’s musicians and celebrities as a true pioneer in music. This exhibit is yet another highlight among the top things to do near Graceland Memphis.
Memphis Vitality Hotel: a quiet place for your stay in Memphis
The Memphis Vitality Hotel benefits from its proximity to the premier entertainment and attraction spots in Memphis.
Just a 15‑minute drive from Graceland, our Vitality Hotel offers the best deals and prices and exclusive services for a complete Memphis stay. Whether you’re here to explore Elvis’ legacy or discover the top things to do near Graceland Memphis, our hotel is the perfect base for your adventure.