Vacations aren’t just an opportunity for music lovers to get away from their day-to-day lives; they’re also an opportunity to explore the music scene in new cities. Whether you want to stay local or travel internationally, rocking out while on vacation is an option wherever you go. If you’re wondering about the top destinations for rock music lovers, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn where you can experience some of the best music on your next vacation.
Florida
Florida has everything from Disney World to sandy beaches, making the state one of the world’s top tourist destinations. For rock music lovers, a visit to the Sunshine State isn’t complete without exploring its music scene. Staying at a music-themed hotel like the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood is a unique way to fully immerse yourself in your favorite pastime. From there, you can explore nearby cities such as Miami, where you can enjoy live music performances.
London
If you’re staying in the UK, London is probably the top destination on your list. London’s music scene is one of the best in the world, and many of the leading British artists got their start on stages throughout the city. Although not all of Britain’s most famous bands hail from London, many have performed or recorded music there before making it big internationally, including the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, and the Yardbirds. Many talented young musicians call London home and exploring is a must for any music lover vacationing in the city. From Soho to Camden, music infuses life into England’s capital. Plus, it’s the UK’s biggest music festivals.
Cleveland
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is on the bucket list for most rock lovers, and you’ll have to travel to Cleveland to see it. Established in 1983, the museum has rotating exhibitions to inspire your inner rocker and if you enjoy live music, you can attend one of the regular live shows. The museum’s library and archives house the world’s largest collection of rock ‘n’ roll material, but you’ll have to schedule an appointment to explore everything they have to offer. Tina Turner, Carole King, The Go-Go’s, Jay-Z, Foo Fighters, and Todd Rundgren were all inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021.
Los Angeles
For many, Los Angeles is the city that comes to mind when they think of rock music. The City of Angels is home to the “Riot House,” where people share stories of Axl Rose throwing steaks to fans after firefighters told him to stop barbecuing on the balcony. Another fixture is the Whisky a Go-Go, a club that helped launch Mötley Crüe to fame. The club regularly hosts rock performances and is worth visiting while in the city. If you want to dig deeper into the history of rock music, you can visit the GRAMMY Museum. This institution hosts special exhibitions and permanent exhibitions covering everything from music and culture to music history. Be sure to visit the Walk of Fame while in Los Angeles to see the stars of your favorite musicians.
Memphis
No list of the top destinations for rock music lovers would be complete without mentioning the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll: Memphis, Tennessee. There’s a lot to see in Memphis, but its music scene is something you won’t want to miss. During the 1950s and 1960s, the city was one of the most important recording hubs, with Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Elvis, and Otis Redding all recording tracks there. Taking a stroll down historic Beale Streat is a must while visiting Memphis as you can take in some of the city’s greatest musical accomplishments.
Liverpool
The second UK city on our list is often referred to as the world capital of pop, and with good reason. The city has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including the Beatles. The Cavern Club, where the Beatles performed almost 300 times in their early years, is a must-stop while visiting the city. You can go on a Beatles tour or enjoy live music at the venue. Millions of tourists visit the city each year to see the birthplace of the Fab Four, with International Beatleweek being a must-attend event for many. Liverpool is also home to the International Music Festival and many other musical events.
