If you’re looking for a new bucket list adventure and love music, we’ve got you covered. We’ve created a list of the best music museums in the U.S., covering everything from Elvis to country and everything in between. You don’t have to be a music pro to appreciate these stops—families, couples, solo travelers and generations of all types can enjoy interactive exhibits, historical memorabilia and one-of-a-kind musical viewpoints.
No matter if you’re a “Dancing Queen,” or have the “Eye of the Tiger,” pack the suitcase and plan out your road trip to visit these historical and insightful music spots.
1. American Jazz Museum
City: Kansas City, Missouri
Time needed: One to two hours
“It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.” You might find yourself humming that tune at this museum that celebrates the days when swing was the thing. Glowing neon lights advertising 1940s juke joints greet you in this shrine to a style of music that jazz lovers will enjoy.
Music memorabilia fills the American Jazz Museum, like Benny Goodman's shoes, Myra Taylor's dress and Harold Ashby's saxophone are next in line. Kids will find jazz storytelling sessions one of many fun things to do, while jazzophiles enjoy toe-tapping selections from the music library. Stay late for live jazz performances in The Blue Room, a copycat of a 1930s nightclub.
2. Elvis Presley’s Graceland
City: Memphis, Tennessee
Time needed: Two to three hours
Graceland is on the bucket list of every Elvis devotee, and the 600,000 Elvis fans that visit annually can’t be wrong. The king of rock ‘n’ roll’s former residence doesn’t disappoint; it’s heavy on 1970s décor like shag carpets, chandeliers, mirrored walls, stained-glass peacocks, brass accents and white furniture everywhere you look.
Don’t miss the Jungle Room, with carved wood chairs, monkey statues, a waterfall and tropical foliage. Other buildings house countless gold and platinum records, glitzy jumpsuits and memorabilia, making this road trip in the South a must-see for any music lover. And for fans of the television show Full House, you’ll notice a familiar voice narrating the audio tour—John Stamos. Have mercy!
3. MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture)
City: Seattle, Washington
Time needed: Two to four hours
There are many things to do at MoPOP, not just see: Besides looking at the most historical and significant pop culture artifacts, you can play vintage video games and immerse yourself in Seattle’s finest horror collection. Without a doubt, MoPOP is one of the best museums in Seattle, thanks in part to its several specialty exhibits.
Jimi Hendrix devotees will be in seventh heaven—the Seattle-born artist has his own gallery jam-packed with memorabilia. Record a song, jam with other wannabe rock stars in a soundproof room and take a computer-led guitar lesson at this AAA GEM attraction for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
4. Motown Museum
City: Detroit, Michigan
Time needed: One to two hours
Step inside this shrine to the Motown Sound and the early days of artists like The Supremes and The Jackson Five.
Peek into the second-floor flat where founder/mogul Berry Gordy lived, above the first-floor recording studio of Hitsville USA, where songs like “Baby Love” and “Dancing in the Street” were recorded in the early 1960s; you’ll see a lot of original recording equipment and instruments like Stevie Wonder’s piano.
At the Motown Museum, you can ogle tons of memorabilia and elaborate costumes (Michael Jackson’s glove! Sparkly girl-group gowns!) and sing a cappella rendition of “My Girl” in the studio at this AAA GEM attraction. Being one of the top museums in Detroit is challenging work, but the Motown legacy is worth it.
5. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
City: Cleveland, Ohio
Time needed: Two to four hours
Cleveland rocks, in part because it’s home to this AAA GEM attraction’s comprehensive collection. You’ll find an immense range of artifacts from various artists representing many subgenres, including alternative, soul, hip-hop, rhythm and blues, gospel and punk, making this more than just a rock music museum.
The huge collection of prized memorabilia includes 70 Beatles’ pieces such as John Lennon’s black coat from “Help!,” Jimi Hendrix’s handwritten lyrics to “Purple Haze,” Johnny Cash’s acoustic guitar, Notorious B.I.G.’s leather jersey and Joey Ramone’s leather jacket.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame also pays tribute to popular artists like Rihanna and Bruno Mars, keeping the youth in mind.
6. Sun Studio
City: Memphis, Tennessee
Time needed: One hour
Housed in a nondescript brick building, Sun Studio may not look very impressive (except for the gigantic guitar suspended outside), but it figures prominently in rock history.
In 1953 young Elvis Presley cut his first single at this little recording studio, and Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins recorded on-site in the 1950s. Some great blues and country artists also laid down tracks here early in their careers, including B.B. King, Charlie Rich and Conway Twitty.
7. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
City: Nashville, Tennessee
Time needed: Two to three hours
You won’t be headed for a heartache when you visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. Grab your cowboy boots and denim and step into the “Smithsonian of country music,” where you can explore past and present country music's pinnacle roots.
With interactive music museum exhibits, legendary artifacts (hello, Luke Combs’ first dollar bill!) and audio recordings, there’s much to do for country fans of every age. And no trip to Nashville would be complete without a Swiftie presence—this museum houses The Taylor Swift Education Center, creating a fun learning environment for all age
8. Grammy Museum
City: Los Angeles, California
Time needed: One to two hours
If music award season is your thing, the Grammy Museum is a must-see. From Hip Hop to Latin music and everything in between, engross yourself in your favorite Grammy performances from years past, including Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and Imagine Dragons.
If that’s not enough to make you get in your car and visit, perhaps the ability to view Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” outfit will. At this museum of music, you can view displays of artists' and movie costumes, bringing you one step closer to feeling the presence of your favorite Grammy winners.
9. Birthplace of Country Music Museum
City: Bristol, Virginia
Time needed: One to two hours
Housed in the historic Bristol Paramount Theater, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is the perfect place to visit for any fan of country music or music history museums. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the studio at Radio Bristol and view country music artifacts, including instruments used by legendary country musicians.
While you’re there, visit State Street, where the state lines of Tennessee and Virginia meet. Walk in the footsteps of country music legends and feel their presence as you explore both the museum and surrounding areas.
10. Stax Museum of American Soul Music
City: Memphis, Tennessee
Time needed: One to two hours
Undoubtedly one of the most influential music museums, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a staple visit on any music lover’s tour. This museum is the original location of Stax Records, which signed some of the most notable soul greats—Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Isaac Hayes, to name just a few.
If you have never had the opportunity to dance on Soul Train, you do now—dance like no one’s watching on the Express Yourself dance floor while watching vintage episodes of the cultural phenomenon.
11. Woodstock Museum at Bethel Woods
City: Bethel, New York
Time needed: One to two hours
Far out and groovy, baby! A true step into the past, The Museum at Bethel Woods brings the infamous “no rain” chant right to you, time-traveling you back to one of the most iconic music festivals in history.
Walk through the main museum exhibit, where you can witness 20 Woodstock films, over 160 artifacts and five interactive productions. It’s time to break out your bell bottoms and flower power and listen to the music that brought together more than 400,000 music enthusiasts in August 1969.
12. National Music Museum
City: Vermillion, South Dakota
Time needed: Two to three hours
The National Music Museum is hands-down one of the most extravagant attractions to visit if you love music. It boasts one of the largest and most diverse collections, housing thousands of popular and obscure musical instruments.
For those wanting a more immersive experience, the museum features concerts and performances throughout the year to bring you a first-class music experience.
13. Woody Guthrie Center
City: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Time needed: One to two hours
You can’t think about American folk music without thinking of Woody Guthrie. Known for his powerful songs about social and political issues, Woody became a natural influence for musical powerhouses like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Cash.
At the Woody Guthrie Center, you can explore the many instruments that Guthrie used in his lifetime and samples of his original artwork, notebooks and hand-written lyrics. Ignite your passion by taking in various folk music events and listening to samples of Woody’s music.
14. New Orleans Jazz Museum
City: New Orleans, Louisiana
Time needed: One to two hours
If you plan on visiting New Orleans, make your way over to the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Here, explore the history and legacy of jazz music with the Big Easy with interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Walk through the history of jazz, making stops in the Golden and Modern Ages. Take a Jazz Academy class, read through the archives of jazz history or catch a live show at The Spotted Cat. Whether you are an avid jazz fan, a fan of NOLA or a fan of music history, this stop is a must on your musical museum tour.
Plan Your Next Musical Trip With AAA
AAA Travel can help bring your trip to see the best music museums in the U.S. to life. Use your membership to get the best deals on hotels, rental cars and dining experiences while touring the country on your musical journey.