Sin City landmarks where the King made his home, made movies, and made music history
Viva, Las Vegas! — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
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Las Vegas, the glittering oasis in the Nevada desert, holds a special place in the hearts of Elvis Presley fans worldwide. Sin City has transformed since the King was alive, but there are still echoes of Elvis everywhere. While many of the locations he visited, performed at, and lived in are no longer standing, many are still there, hidden in plain sight, such as the International Hotel (now Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino), where Elvis performed 636 sold-out shows.
From iconic wedding venues to legendary restaurants and hotels, Las Vegas is brimming with places that pay homage to the King of Rock and Roll. Yet, these are the four must-see places for the biggest Elvis Presley fans.
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, formerly the International Hotel
Elvis makes his way backstage at the International Hotel — Photo courtesy of Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino
Fittingly located off Elvis Presley Boulevard, this was Elvis’ home away from home during his multiyear residency, and it is the perfect place to start our tour.
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From the Sky Villa penthouse where he stayed to the performance hall where he crooned and drove teenagers wild, Elvis’ footsteps are all over this resort. It's truly the "Home of Elvis in Las Vegas."
The famous Sky Villa was Elvis' home away from home and still attracts high rollers — Photo courtesy of Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino
Originally known as the International Hotel, the property opened its doors in 1969, marking the beginning of a storied relationship between Elvis and this iconic establishment. The King of Rock and Roll captivated audiences in the hotel’s legendary showroom from 1969 to 1976.
Book a room at Elvis' home away from home — Photo courtesy of Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino
Today, the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino continues to pay homage to its rich Elvis legacy. The hotel lobby features a statue of Elvis, capturing his charismatic stage presence and serving as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary talent and influence on the Las Vegas entertainment scene. For fans of Elvis, a visit to the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is a must.
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Little Church of the West
Little Church of the West, where Elvis got 'married,' is the oldest standing structure on the Strip — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
While today, the Las Vegas Strip is filled with wedding venues of all shapes, sizes, and themes, the grandaddy of them all is the Little Church of the West. This charming venue was immortalized in the 1964 romantic comedy "Viva Las Vegas" as the location of the very first Elvis-themed wedding, when the King "exchanged vows" with co-star Ann-Margret.
Initially located in the Western Frontier Village of the Hotel Last Frontier — one of the first major resorts on the Las Vegas strip — this quaint chapel was already known for hosting many famous nuptials. A few of the more notable include the weddings of Betty Grable and Harry James and of Zsa Zsa Gabor and George Sanders.
The chapel retains much of its original character — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
Standing as a testament to the city's romantic allure and storied past, this iconic wedding venue is a Las Vegas landmark that has retained much of its original character and would be immediately recognizable to Elvis if he saw it today. With its intimate size and vintage charm, the chapel offers a unique atmosphere that captures the essence of Las Vegas' bygone era.
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Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art, University of Nevada Las Vegas
The site where Elvis and Ann-Margret performed 'C'mon, Everybody' is now an art museum — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
Scenes from “Viva Las Vegas” also were filmed at what is now the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art on the campus of the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). Just blocks off the Strip, this is where Elvis and Ann-Margret performed “C’mon Everybody” in what was then the university's new gymnasium.
Designed by renowned architect Paul Revere Williams, the striking modernist design of the art museum's exterior remains as Elvis would remember it. However, the interior has been transformed into a hub for exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement.
The interior of the gym where Elvis once rocked out has been transformed into a contemplative art space — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
With its commitment to showcasing local and international artists, the Marjorie Barrick is a great spot to explore and engage with the ever-evolving world of contemporary art. Also, a visit to the Marjorie Barrick is completely free! (Donations are encouraged.)
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Golden Steer Steakhouse
Tucked away in a strip mall is Elvis' favorite steakhouse, the Golden Steer — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
No Elvis-themed journey would be complete without dinner at the Golden Steer Steakhouse, nestled in an unassuming strip mall in the heart of Las Vegas. Since opening its doors in 1958, this legendary steakhouse has welcomed countless celebrities, politicians, and even mobsters. When performing in Vegas, this was Elvis’ favorite post-show dining spot.
Although renowned for its prime steaks, the Golden Steer is a place where stories come to life. The restaurant's classic decor, adorned with vintage photographs and memorabilia, harkens back to the days when the Rat Pack roamed Vegas' streets. You can even sit in the booths once reserved for the stars, including Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and Muhammad Ali.
Elvis performing at the International Hotel during his residency — Photo courtesy of Westgate Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
As you explore these iconic places, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for Elvis' influence on the city's cultural tapestry. The spirit of Elvis lives on in the heart of Las Vegas!
