Popular music in America is steeped in history, from jazz to rock ‘n’ roll and classic country. As a music fan, the chance to visit the United States’ best music cities is one you won’t want to pass up. No matter where your tastes lie, the magical art of music has an appeal that transcends genres, so enjoy this list of the best US destinations for exploring music history.
So, here are the best music cities in the US.
1. Graceland (Memphis, Tennessee)
When somebody mentions music royalty, you’ll likely think of Elvis Presley. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Graceland Mansion is an apt place to begin a journey into music history. That it stands in Memphis, Tennessee, one of the prime music cities in the US, probably won’t go unnoticed either.
Graceland offers several tours for music aficionados, with the Archives UVIP tour standing out. You’ll enjoy the Graceland archives in the company of an expert guide, experience a Q&A session with the archivists, see a private VIP exhibit and watch an Elvis artifact show and tell. Before leaving, you’ll see the EPM Entertainment Complex and the King’s custom jet collection. Finally, a VIP photo opportunity and receipt of a commemorative VIP badge will mark the end of an incredible experience.
Your Memphis experience has only begun, though. While fans are still mourning the recent hiatus of the Beale Street Musical Festival, there’s still plenty more to see. For an exhilarating live music experience, head down to Beale Street and take in the royal ambience of BB King’s Blues Club, where you can savor traditional Southern comfort food and dance the night away to blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll.
2. Radio City Music Hall (New York, New York)
Explore the great stage, the Roxy Suite and Radio City’s iconic architecture in the footsteps of the Radio City Rockettes and some musical legends at Radio City’s famed 6th Avenue venue.
With Hugh Jackman, Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band, and the Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge taking the stage in 2025, the musical history of the famed venue will continue growing.
New York City is an outstanding destination if you’ve got kids, and it’s also amazing for live music buffs. Madison Square Garden in Midtown, Carnegie Hall in Midtown and the Beacon Theater on the Upper West Side are three of the more famous destinations. A trip to Greenwich Village can include many venues where Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta performed before finding fame with “The Fame” as Lady Gaga. Check out the Beauty Bar, The Bitter End and the Cornelia Street Cafe, among them.
Related read: Where To Stay In New York City
3. Grand Ole Opry (Nashville, Tennessee)
If Memphis is a prime destination, Nashville is Tennessee’s music capital, especially if you’re a country music fan. The Grand Ole Opry is one of the most popular country music destinations and remains the dream performance venue of every aspiring country music artist as it nears its 100th birthday.
The Grand Ole Opry’s hallowed stage has hosted many stars in the United States. From the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe, and a teenage Elvis Presley to Jerry Lee Lewis, the Byrds and Johnny Cash, famous musical artists have appeared at the Opry en masse. Cash met his future wife, June Carter, on the day of his Opry debut in 1956.
Tours of the revered venue include the Opry 100 Exclusive tour, where you’ll enjoy the post-show backstage environment while sipping on the legendary backstage lemonade. Besides viewing some exclusive Opry memorabilia and photographs, you could win a setlist from the night’s entertainment, signed by one of the artists. When you leave, you’ll have an Opry 100 commemorative pin to take with you.
While you’re in the city, be sure to visit Ole Red, a honkytonk and country bar owned by Blake Shelton, the country superstar, or Legends Corner, at times frequented by artists as popular as Kid Rock, Toby Keith, Darrius Rucker and Justin Moore.
4. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland, Ohio)
The state of Ohio has spawned world-renowned artists and bands as popular and diverse as Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Filter, The James Gang, Marc Cohn, Nine Inch Nails, the Raspberries, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and Henry Mancini. Considering this, it likely makes sense that Cleveland, Ohio, is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Aptly positioned on Rock & Roll Boulevard, the destination features several exhibits and displays listed as levels.
You’ll start your journey at Level 0, where thousands of items tell the story of early rock through to emerging artists. Level 1 hosts the museum store, the All-Access Cafe, the Klipsch live music stage and a Backstage Stories exhibit. From there, things only get more interesting, with another four levels of exhibits, including a Pink Floyd tour replica of The Wall — the band’s memorable 1990 Berlin concert. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame experience is one you shouldn’t miss.
After your unforgettable meander through the Hall of Fame, some live music will likely tickle your fancy, and the House of Blues Cleveland will do nicely. Despite its capacity of a few thousand, the music venue emits a cool and intimate atmosphere where you can take in some high-quality rock and blues sounds. Southern-inspired dishes and some chilled beverages are on the menu — best of all, the music is free.
5. New Orleans Jazz Museum (New Orleans, Louisiana)
If you love the home cooking, welcoming hospitality and vibrant music scene in the Southern US, a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, will suit you perfectly. A visit to the New Orleans Jazz Museum, one of many notable music museums, will allow you to learn about the rich history of jazz, which originated among the New Orleans African-American community near the start of the 1900s.
There are some fascinating exhibits, including “It All Started in Jane Alley,” which takes you on a journey through the early life of Louis Armstrong. It illustrates his influences — including mentor Joe “King” Oliver — and how New Orleans shaped his identity, love for jazz and career. Many other fascinating and revealing exhibits make the museum a worthy destination for music lovers. You might even catch a live music event or presentation if you’re there at the right time.
Otherwise, head down to the impressive Preservation Hall in the New Orleans French Quarter, but don’t expect to buy beverages — they don’t serve them. In keeping with tradition, you also won’t find any restrooms. Buy your tickets online in advance, and head to the lively Spotted Cat nearby if you’re happy with a cash bar and fancy some old-time jazz and swing.
Related read: Chilling Encounters: Haunted Houses in New Orleans
6. C.F. Martin & Co. Museum (Nazareth, Pennsylvania)
Make your way up the East Coast to Pennsylvania for another fantastic musical adventure. Take the 100-mile trip from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and visit the Martin Museum at 510 Sycamore Street to view an amazing and extensive collection of Martin guitars. Over 100 guitars are on display, including the earliest known Martin and the world-renowned Dreadnought guitar, played by the likes of Elvis Presley, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell and Van Morrison. Kurt Cobain’s D-18 guitar, strummed on Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged, is another on show in the museum.
Come as you are and enjoy free entry, or make a donation to the Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation. During your visit, stop to take in the Martin ukulele collection and the mandolins, which were the first instruments that C.F. Martin & Co. built with steel strings, fingerboard inlays and pickguards. The museum also showcases its #1,000,000 and the #2,000,000 “Watch Guitar” as showpiece instruments.
If you are inspired after the Martin Museum and seek live music events in Pennsylvania, XL Live is Harrisburg’s newest and largest music venue. It features state-of-the-art digital sound and lighting and caters to various age groups with chill rooms, bars and delicious light meals.
Other Historical Music Destinations — Honorable Mentions
There’s no way to cover every great destination for exploring US music history, so consider these others if you’re nearby:
- Paisley Park (Chanhassen, Minnesota): Paisley Park is the late, great Prince’s private estate and production house, where he recorded most of his records. It’s open for public tours and hosts several exhibits revolving around another member of music royalty.
- Motown Museum (Detroit, Michigan): Home of Hitsville U.S.A., the Motown Museum offers interactive tours with curated exhibits that feature Berry Gordy, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson and many other famous Motown recording artists.
- Mercer Music at Capricorn (Macon, Georgia): Besides the legendary Capricorn recording studio, formed after soul great Otis Redding’s death, you can visit the museum with exhibits predominantly dedicated to Capricorn soul artists like Percy Sledge and Southern rockers, the Allman Brothers Band and the Marshall Tucker Band.
Choose Your Music History Destinations According to Your Travels
No matter where you go in the U.S., you’ll always find a historical music destination to visit. Music played an immense part in American history and continues to do so today, so choose an enlightening and entertaining piece of music history to call on, wherever your travels may take you. Remember to also take in some great live entertainment when you’re there!
