When exploring things to do in Palm Springs, the Elvis Presley Honeymoon Home stands out as a unique and fascinating destination for music and history enthusiasts. This iconic residence, one of the few celebrity homes open to the public in the city, offers an intimate look into the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Although tours were available in the past, it is important to note that, as of 2022, this location is currently closed to visitors. Updates will be provided if it reopens.
Tour Details
For those who had the chance to visit, tours were conducted at 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM, each lasting 30 minutes. Advance booking was required, and tickets cost $30 for adults and $15 for children. The home is located at 1350 Ladera Cir, Palm Springs, CA 92262.
The iconic exterior of Elvis Presley’s Honeymoon Home, featuring its futuristic design and stone staircase over water
A House of Tomorrow
Elvis Presley leased this remarkable home between the ages of 31 and 32 for one year. Dubbed the “House of Tomorrow”, it was a showcase of cutting-edge features for its time, including vacuum ports for cleaning, an indoor kitchen grill, and wall-mounted radios. Though Elvis never owned the property, he rented it for $21,000 for the year.
Originally, Elvis planned to marry here, but when the press discovered his intentions, he escaped through the back door and flew to Las Vegas for a private wedding. After tying the knot, Elvis and his bride returned to spend four days at this home for their honeymoon before he had to return to work on a movie set. Today, the 5,500-square-foot house is on the market for $7 million, and its future as a tour destination remains uncertain.
The living room of Elvis Presley’s Honeymoon Home, showcasing its spacious 64-foot couch and central fireplace
The Tour Experience
Visitors arrived 5 minutes before their scheduled tour and parked in the cul-de-sac. The approach to the house was unforgettable, with stone stairs crossing over a water feature, leading to a front door that gave the home the appearance of a spaceship. The tour groups were kept small, allowing for a personalized experience with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and explore at a leisurely pace.
Stone stairs leading to the entrance of Elvis Presley’s Honeymoon Home, crossing over a water feature
The Living Room
The living room was a highlight of the home, featuring a 64-foot couch and a central fireplace. The space was adorned with photographs of Elvis interacting in various parts of the house, adding a personal touch to the tour.
A close-up of the 64-foot couch and central fireplace in the living room of Elvis Presley’s Honeymoon Home
The Kitchen
Despite its relatively small size, the kitchen was well-equipped with a large refrigerator and a built-in BBQ grill, reflecting the modern conveniences of the era.
The kitchen of Elvis Presley’s Honeymoon Home, featuring a built-in BBQ grill and large refrigerator
The Jukebox
One of the most charming features of the home was its vintage jukebox, which remained in working condition. Visitors could even select and play Elvis’s songs, adding a nostalgic touch to the experience.
A vintage jukebox in Elvis Presley’s Honeymoon Home, ready to play classic tunes
The Pool and Backyard
The backyard was expansive, featuring a large pool that likely hosted many lively parties during Elvis’s time. The property also offered a view of Marilyn Monroe’s home, which was privately owned but visible from the backyard.
The backyard of Elvis Presley’s Honeymoon Home, featuring a large pool and expansive space
The Upstairs
The upstairs area included the main bedroom and bathroom. The bathroom featured a large sunken tub in the center, surrounded by striking black-and-white tiles. The master bedroom offered a view through the home’s distinctive spaceship-like windows, providing a unique perspective of the street below.
The upstairs bathroom of Elvis Presley’s Honeymoon Home, featuring a large sunken tub and black-and-white tiles
The master bedroom of Elvis Presley’s Honeymoon Home, with its open and inviting design
A view from the master bedroom of Elvis Presley’s Honeymoon Home, looking out through the unique windows
A Memorable Experience
The tour guides enhanced the experience by allowing visitors to interact with the home’s features, including lying on the bed, sitting on the couch for photos, and playing music on the jukebox. While the $30 price tag might seem steep, the tour offered a fun and immersive way to connect with Elvis Presley’s legacy and the mid-century modern style of the era.
For those who appreciate music history and iconic architecture, Elvis Presley’s Honeymoon Home was a must-visit. Although it is currently closed, its unique charm and historical significance continue to captivate fans worldwide. Explore the legacy of Elvis Presley and experience a piece of rock ‘n’ roll history.