Four musical meccas you won’t want to miss in the Deep South

It’s no secret that some of the best music in the United States can be found in the Deep South, but what spots stand out in each city?   

There’s something special about music in the USA. It’s seen the birth of era-defining sounds, from jazz and the blues to rock ‘n’ roll, and has been graced by some of the world’s biggest stars. While Americana and the country’s artistic pulse can be felt from the Great Lakes to the glittering Los Angeles, the only place to truly appreciate the rhythms of North America’s renowned musical heritage is the Deep South.  

Why you should add the Deep South to your travel wish-list 

There’s a lot to love about the southern US, from its trademark hospitality and comforting Creole cuisine to the rockabilly rhythms of its most famous musical highways.  

Our team has been soaking up the country’s greatest hits and thinking more specifically about which streets and spots stand out in the most famous southern music cities. As the United States gears up for its landmark 250th anniversary in 2026, there’s never been a better time to explore this delightful part of North America. From world-famous Beale Street and bohemian Marigny to Nashville’s bustling Broadway, here are four must-see spots for your next American adventure.  

What Deep South destinations are best for a musical getaway? 

New Orleans, Mississippi 

Best known for its elegant architecture, traditional food and live music, New Orleans, the ‘Big Easy’, is considered the birthplace of jazz. With its diverse cultural influences, this charming hub has retained its unique atmosphere and traditions. Explore the French Quarter, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in New Orleans and the Garden District before boarding a steamboat jazz cruise along the Mississippi.

Our inner-city highlight – Faubourg Marigny

While the iron-balconied French Quarter might be the first thing that springs to mind when it comes to the ‘Big Easy’, the neighbouring Marigny district is the locals’ choice for music and for good reason. At the centre of this riverside suburb is Frenchmen Street, a more intimate and authentically Louisianan alternative to the more popular Bourbon Street. Complete with a sprawl of delightful Cajun restaurants, live-music venues and boutique stores, Marigny is a must-visit if you want a taste of the real New Orleans. 

Nashville, Tennessee 

Tennessee's vibrant capital, Nashville, has earned its 'Music City' nickname through decades of showcasing every genre imaginable. Country music is part of the foundation in Nashville – with iconic venues like the legendary Historic RCA Studio B, home to Elvis' RCA recordings, and the Grand Ole Opry, the world's longest-running live radio show. From the Grammy Award-winning Nashville Symphony Orchestra to indie rock at intimate venues, jazz clubs, blues bars and everything in between, the city's 250+ music venues celebrate the universal language of music in all its forms. 

Our inner-city highlight – Lower Broadway

Running through the heart of Nashville is the electric Lower Broadway, where music spills from every doorway 365 days a year. Home to the historic Ryman Auditorium, which hosted the Grand Ole Opry broadcast for nearly three decades, Broadway is a street that's evolved into one of America's most dynamic musical highways.  

Beyond the iconic music hotspots, you’ll find culinary delights such as Nashville's signature hot chicken, and year-round sporting action with four professional teams calling Nashville home. Venture to one of Nashville’s award-winning museums, such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or the National Museum of African American Music to explore interactive exhibits and take a walk down music memory lane. 

Memphis, Tennessee  

Elvis’ beloved hometown, Memphis, is a musical mecca. Built along the Mississippi River in Tennessee, this spirited city is also known as the home of the blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. Stroll along atmospheric Beale Street, America’s most famous musical highway, and visit Sun Studio, famous for its pivotal role in the early years of Elvis Presley’s career. 

Our inner-city highlight – Downtown 

With so many musical landmarks to choose from, it can be hard to pick just one must-see part of Memphis, but the city’s Downtown area does more than enough to deserve a spot on any Deep South itinerary. Soak up the smoke and smells of the city’s famed barbecue pits and explore the studios that propelled Tennessee’s biggest stars to global fame on colourful Beale Street.  

While Downtown’s rock ‘n’ roll heritage is already well known, you can also see the city from a different perspective with stops at the Blues Hall of Fame and National Civil Rights Museum.    

Birmingham, Alabama 

A historic city in Alabama, Birmingham is renowned for its rich civil rights legacy and lively cultural background. This destination’s strong musical heritage centres on blues, gospel and soul, and its southern food culture encompasses classic barbecue and an award-winning dining scene. 

Our inner-city highlight – Fountain Heights  

Nestled in Downtown Birmingham, the charming Fountain Heights district is the perfect choice for an introduction to Alabama’s turbulent civil rights history. Home to the infamous 16th Street Church, a former civil rights headquarters, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Monument, this quiet neighbourhood is a treasure trove of poignant landmarks and civil rights history. Also of interest nearby are the Lyric and Alabama theatres, a pair of vaudeville-era venues which host the city’s biggest productions to this day.   

Discover the Deep South with Newmarket Holidays 

Whether you’re keen to tap and sway to the music in lively Nashville or follow in the King’s footsteps, you can explore all four of these fascinating music cities on our Elvis Presley’s Memphis, New Orleans and Nashville. To kick off your own Deep South getaway, or for more information on this award-winning itinerary, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today.