Ten Elvis-Themed Attractions

To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the passing of Elvis Presley, TripAdvisor editors have compiled a list of 10 places where travelers can celebrate the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. From Graceland in Memphis to the shores of Oahu, Elvis fans will won’t want to miss these exciting attractions:

Travelers can visit and tour Elvis’ home, Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee (TripAdvisor traveler photo)

Graceland – Memphis, Tennessee
Ranked among the most-visited private homes in America, more than 17 million fans have passed through Graceland’s doors since they first opened to the public 30 years ago. Visitors can walk in Presley’s steps as they tour the white-columned mansion and grounds, including the Meditation Garden where the King was laid to rest, while premium packages also allow visitors to see Presley’s airplanes, cars and more. Adult admission from $32 (seniors from $28.80).

Elvis Presley Museum – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Opened by a fan who started collecting artifacts after the King gifted him his belt in 1971, this museum boasts the “World’s Largest Private Collection of Elvis Memorabilia.” Visitors can take in a wide array of Elvis’ personal possessions, including the 1967 Cadillac Coupe de Ville used during his honeymoon with Priscilla and ornate gold jewelry branded with the King’s personal motto, “Taking Care of Business.” Adult admission from $12 (seniors from $10).

Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel – Memphis, Tennessee
Located across the street from Graceland, this accommodation is aptly named after Elvis’ first number one hit single on the Billboard charts. Travelers can stay in one of 128 guest rooms which feature black and white photographs of Presley and 1950s-style wood furnishings, including an elaborately decorated King-themed suite. After a day of touring Memphis sites, guests can enjoy the free, in-room Elvis movies or a dip in the seasonal heart-shaped pool. Average nightly rate: $106+.

Bay Beach Amusement Park – Green Bay, Wisconsin
Visitors to this amusement park can rock and roll down Elvis’ favorite track. In 2010, Bay Beach Amusement Park purchased and relocated the Zippin Pippin, one of the oldest wooden rollercoasters in America and Presley’s favorite ride. Elvis reportedly liked the attraction so much that he would occasionally rent out the entire Memphis amusement park it was originally located in, and story has it he rented it just a week before his passing. Park admission is free of charge; it costs $1 to ride the Zippin Pippin.

Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum – Tupelo, Mississippi
Built by Elvis’ father for $180, Presley lived in this two-room Tupelo house until he moved to Memphis at the age of 13. Visitors can stroll the grounds of the 15-acre dedicated Mississippi landmark which also features a recently renovated museum and theater, meditation chapel, “Elvis at 13” statue, and Walk of Life path with granite blocks marking each year of Elvis’ life in Tupelo.  Adult admission is $12 ($10 for seniors and $6 for children).

Sun Studio – Memphis, Tennessee
As a recent high school graduate, Elvis walked into Sun Studio in August 1953 and paid to record two songs as a gift for his mother. The studio owner took notice of the singer’s unique voice and style and asked Presley back for another recording session, during which Elvis recorded “That’s All Right”. Travelers can visit the studio daily from 10 a.m. – 6.p.m., with tours taking place hourly. Adult tours are $12 (children 5-11 are free).

Johnnie’s Drive In – Tupelo, Mississippi
Visitors to this roadside restaurant can enjoy their meals in the very booth Elvis often occupied, directly beneath a picture of the young star-to-be sitting in the same seat. A plaque outside the diner reads, “While attending nearby Lawhen Elementary, Elvis often stopped here for one of his favorite meals—a cheeseburger and an RC Cola— or as Elvis called it an R-C-C. One of Elvis’ best friends was James Ausborn, who often joined him here.” Cheeseburgers cost from $1.41.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – Oahu, Hawaii
Travelers visiting Oahu can enjoy the same sandy shores the King was known to love — Elvis shot many of the beach scenes of his first tropical movie, “Blue Hawaii,” here in 1961. Today, visitors can learn about the luscious lagoon’s conservation efforts, and enjoy what some regard as the island’s best snorkeling. Open every day except Tuesday, admission is $7.50 for adults (free to Hawaii residents and children under 12). Parking is $1.00 per vehicle, and visitors can also rent masks, fins, snorkels, and lockers for an additional charge.

G.H. Booth’s Hardware Store – Tupelo, Mississippi
Located on Main Street of Elvis’ hometown, visitors can stop in at this three-story building where Presley’s musical mastery began. In January 1945, Gladys Presley brought her son to the local hardware store to buy him a birthday present. Although he initially wanted a rifle, Elvis left the store that day with his first guitar, purchased for $7.75. An ‘X’ marks the spot where Presley stood more than 65 years ago, and fans are welcome to the store during normal business hours.

Coletta’s Italian Restaurant – Memphis, Tennessee
First opened in 1923, this Italian eatery claims to be Memphis’ oldest restaurant and the originator of barbeque pizza. Visitors to the restaurant can enjoy its other claim to fame — a slice of Elvis’ favorite pizza.  Visitors can chow down in the “Elvis room”, which still features the singer’s frequented table in addition to other memorabilia. Prices for the barbeque pizza range from $9.25 to $20.50.