Love music and road trips? Hit the Blues Highway (U.S. Route 61). This legendary road cuts through the Mississippi Delta, showcasing the birthplace of blues, soul, and rock.
Discover historic studios, authentic juke joints, and cool museums along the way. This ain’t your average vacation—it’s a musical pilgrimage. Pack your playlist.
Kick Off in Music City: Nashville, Tennessee
Start in Nashville—it’s non-negotiable. Check out Elvis’s gold Cadillac at the Country Music Hall of Fame, then grab a Grand Ole Opry backstage pass before hitting Broadway’s wild honky-tonks.
The Ryman has hosted everyone from Johnny Cash to Harry Styles. Don’t miss RCA Studio B, Elvis’s creative playground. Bonus points if you belt out “Blue Suede Shoes” while you’re there.
Pay Tribute to the King in Tupelo, Mississippi
Elvis didn’t just appear one day in a white jumpsuit. He started here in Tupelo. His childhood home is tiny, but his legend is massive. The museum next door lays out his journey from small-town boy to rock ‘n’ roll royalty.
Stand where he got his first guitar at Tupelo Hardware Co. If you’re an Elvis fan, this stop is non-negotiable. Grab a milkshake at Johnnie’s Drive-In—Elvis was a regular here as a kid.
Walk the Blues Trail in Clarksdale, Mississippi
Clarksdale oozes blues history. The Delta Blues Museum is packed with relics from Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, and Ground Zero Blues Club is where the magic still happens—live music, cold drinks, and a place that feels like blues was baked into the walls.
Want a real experience? Crash in one of their upstairs juke joint-style apartments for a night of zero regrets, just great music.
Stand at the Crossroads of Blues Legend
Legend has it that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at the Crossroads of Highways 61 and 49. Did it happen? Who knows. But the Crossroads sign is a must-snap photo op.
Swing by Abe’s BBQ next door—the pulled pork is solid, but their hot tamales? Unbeatable. Blues history and good food? Win-win.
Visit the B.B. King Museum in Indianola, Mississippi
B.B. King wasn’t just a blues legend—he was the blueprint. His museum in Indianola walks you through his life, his iconic “Lucille” guitars, and the impact he had on music.
Next door, Club Ebony still keeps the blues alive with live performances. If you’ve ever even thought about playing air guitar, this stop’s for you.
Step Inside the Historic Dockery Farms
This spot is blues history ground zero. Dockery Farms is where Charley Patton developed the sound that shaped everything—from blues to rock. The site is open for self-guided tours, but the real gem?
The on-site recordings play as you walk around. It’s like stepping back in time, minus the questionable dental care of the 1900s.
Stroll Down Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee
Beale Street doesn’t sleep—it’s wall-to-wall blues, neon signs, and music spilling into the street. Start at B.B. King’s Blues Club, wander into Rum Boogie Café, and keep your ears open for whoever’s playing next.
Looking for a break from the noise? A. Schwab’s general store has been selling quirky souvenirs and Memphis nostalgia since 1876.
Explore the Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Memphis isn’t just about the blues—it’s where soul music thrives. The Stax Museum honors legends like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes (yes, his gold-plated Cadillac is here).
There’s even a replica of Studio A, where hits were made. Before you leave, hit the gift shop—they sell exclusive vinyl releases you won’t find anywhere else.
Tour the Legendary Sun Studio
Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis—they all launched their careers in this tiny studio. The tour is packed with wild behind-the-scenes stories, plus you get to stand in the exact spot where Elvis recorded “That’s All Right.”
Tours sell out, so book early. If you’re lucky, you might even walk in on a recording session—this place is still making music.
Visit the National Blues Museum in St. Louis, Missouri
The National Blues Museum in St. Louis is interactive, packed with memorabilia, and covers how blues shaped everything from jazz to hip-hop.
Stick around for their jam sessions—you never know who might show up. And since you’re in St. Louis, find a solid BBQ joint after. Blues and ribs? Name a better duo.
Eat and Listen at Po’ Monkey’s Juke Joint
It’s as authentic as it gets—Po’ Monkey’s was one of the last great Delta juke joints. While the original owner has passed, plans to restore this historic blues shack are in the works.
Even if it’s not open yet, the weathered exterior alone tells a story. If you love blues history, this place belongs on your list.
Discover Jazz History at the New Orleans Jazz Museum
New Orleans may be the home of jazz, but blues built the foundation. This museum highlights legends like Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton while hosting live afternoon performances.
Bonus: It’s inside the old U.S. Mint, so you get some extra history with your music fix. Before you leave, check out their rotating exhibits featuring rare instruments, sheet music, and behind-the-scenes stories of jazz pioneers.
Catch a Show at Preservation Hall
No frills, no mics, just pure magic happening right before your eyes. Preservation Hall sits at the ABSOLUTE TOP of places to catch traditional jazz and blues in New Orleans.
The shows pack in sweaty, authentic, once-in-a-lifetime moments—and yeah, tickets vanish faster than free beer. Show up early to snag a decent spot, and prepare yourself for a musical experience that’ll ruin ordinary concerts for you forever.
Step into the Legendary Tipitina’s
Tipitina’s isn’t your average music joint—it’s basically a religion for serious music heads. The place has welcomed legends like Dr. John and every single Neville Brother through its doors and still pulls in acts that’ll blow your mind.
Play your cards right, and you might stumble into one of their Sunday night Cajun dance throwdowns, where even people with two left feet suddenly become dancers.
End Your Journey on Frenchmen Street
Forget Bourbon Street—Frenchmen Street is where real music fans go. The Spotted Cat, Blue Nile, and d.b.a. keep live music rolling every night. Between brass bands, blues, and jazz, this is the best way to wrap up your Blues Highway adventure.
Late-night eats here? Next level. Just follow the sound of trumpets and saxophones drifting through the humid night air, and you’ll find yourself exactly where you need to be.
