Paint the Town at These Incredible Art and Music Destinations

Some people book vacations to see the beach, while others are all about learning the history of a new place. But if you're in the mood to travel for an excellent art or music scene, we have you covered!

You'll find artistic hubs all over the world, and these cities aren't just a dime a dozen. Here are 12 art and music destinations that will leave you singing their praises.

Nashville, TN

A display of bold, colorful stage outfits shows off the signature style of country music performers. Sequins, patterns, and hats give the exhibit a fun and nostalgic feel. Each outfit tells a story of the artist who wore it, capturing the heart of Nashville’s music scene.

Photo Credit: @Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Put on your cowboy boots, we're headed to Nashville! Of course, this Tennessee city is famous for the Country Music Hall of Fame. However, this attraction isn't just rows of plaques and platinum records- there's a museum, too.

The museum takes you through decades of country music history, from its roots as "hillbilly" music to modern-day legends like Taylor Swift. You'll spend several hours here (and in the gift shop), but be sure to leave time for some live music at a local bar. At the end of the day, head back to your cozy rental from Stay Local Nashville.

Charleston, SC

Guests explore a warm, softly lit art gallery with wooden floors and framed paintings lining the walls. A woman pauses in front of a large colorful portrait, taking in the details. The peaceful setting makes it easy to enjoy Charleston’s rich art history.

Photo Credit: @Gibbes Museum of Art

Charleston is the perfect place to check out all kinds of visual and performing arts. You'll find several art galleries, but the Gibbes Museum of Art offers numerous exhibits all in one place.

Opened in 1905, the museum showcases the region's storied history through sculpture, painting, and other decorative arts. Before wrapping up your stay, be sure to see a show at Charleston Stage's historic theatre. You'll be close to all the action from your Stay Duvet accommodation.

Scottsdale, AZ

Museum visitors study rows of beautifully crafted woven baskets displayed along a soft gray wall. The detailed patterns highlight Native American artistry, while spotlights make each piece stand out. The quiet space invites people to slow down and appreciate the history behind the work.

Photo Credit: @Heard Museum

Scottsdale probably isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of music, but it certainly has a thriving arts scene. Public art is big in Scottsdale, so much so that you can spend a morning taking a walking tour past 10 art installations.

Beyond that, Native American culture is an essential part of this art destination. The Heard Museum, only a 20-minute drive from Scottsdale, features breathtaking art from several tribes and highlights relevant social issues. Porter's vacation rentals keep you close to both Scottsdale and Phoenix attractions

Austin, TX

A massive festival crowd raises their hands toward the main stage, soaking in the music under a clear blue Texas sky. The energy feels electric as thousands of fans enjoy the outdoor concert together. Bright screens and stage lights make the moment feel larger than life.

Photo Credit: @Austin City Limits Music Festival

Austin is well-known for its incredible music scene! There are venues to suit every preference in the Texas capital. Plan your trip around the annual Austin City Limits festival to see some amazing headliners, or listen to intimate jazz sets at the Elephant Room.

Austin also has a lively indie art scene, with several studios and galleries scattered across the city. Visit Canopy to explore over 80 studios in one place.

New York City, NY

A sweeping view of the Gershwin Theatre shows its grand seating area curving toward a brightly lit stage set for the musical Wicked. The ornate backdrop, filled with gears and glowing green light, adds a magical feel even before the show begins. The spacious auditorium makes it clear why this Broadway venue is so iconic.

Photo Credit: @The Gershwin Theatre

New York City has it all, from world-renowned artists to massive music venues like Madison Square Garden. But what really positions NYC as one of the best art and music destinations is Broadway.

You simply can't visit the Big Apple without seeing a musical at a historic theatre. The Gershwin Theatre has hosted productions of Wicked for more than two decades, and this venue is a must-see for locals and tourists alike.

Paris, France

A wide view of the Louvre shows the famous glass pyramid surrounded by people walking across the grand courtyard. The historic stone buildings frame the modern structure beautifully under a bright blue sky. It captures the perfect mix of old-world Paris and modern design.

Photo Credit: @Musée du Louvre

We certainly can't talk about art destinations without mentioning Paris. The City of Lights is home to perhaps the most famous art museum in the world, the Louvre. It houses some of the most recognizable masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

Bear in mind, the museum gets extremely busy, and if you want to guarantee yourself admission, purchase a ticket well in advance.

Washington, DC

Visitors move slowly through a bright, open gallery filled with sculptures and colorful framed artwork. A tall wooden sculpture stands in the center, catching the eye as people chat and study the art around them. The space feels lively and inspiring, perfect for an afternoon exploring culture in D.C.

Photo Credit: @National Gallery of Art

When you think of Washington, DC, you probably picture government buildings and history museums. However, music is absolutely thriving here! There's a fantastic indie scene and lots of venues featuring up-and-coming acts. 9:30 Club always has fantastic shows on its docket! Of course, DC also shines as one of the top art destinations.

It's home to the National Gallery of Art, where you can view works by da Vinci, Cezanne, and Cassatt. Your Home Sweet City rental is the perfect home base to explore this bustling art and music hub!

Santa Fe, NM

A calm modern gallery displays a series of dark-toned abstract artworks arranged neatly along a clean white wall. Soft natural light from the small windows above gives the room a warm and peaceful feeling. The minimalist setup lets the textures and details of each piece stand out.

Photo Credit: @Santa Fe Railyard Arts District

Santa Fe is another destination that might not immediately come to mind, but its art scene isn't one to miss. With several art districts throughout the city, you're sure to find artworks that speak to you.

Canyon Road is dotted with dozens of galleries, and the Railyard features contemporary, edgy pieces. The Plaza district is also a must- it's home to the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts.

Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN

A charming craft shop decorated with fall leaves and cute scarecrow inflatables welcomes visitors with a warm, homey vibe. Bright flowers and outdoor décor add pops of color around the entrance of Black Bear Crafts. It feels like a friendly spot to browse handmade goods in the Smokies.

Photo Credit: @Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community

Gatlinburg (and the whole of the Smoky Mountain region) is a staple destination for Appalachian folk art. The local arts and crafts community showcases the work of dozens of artisans, from woodworkers to jewelers.

If you have time in your itinerary, we recommend "doing the loop," where you'll explore an eight-mile stretch of road home to over 80 artists and craftspeople. Mountain Laurel Chalets' accommodations serve as a fantastic jumping-off point for your artistic adventure.

Asheville, NC

A group of actors performs a dramatic reading on a small, dimly lit stage, creating an intimate and emotional scene. The cast stands at music stands while a historic war image is projected behind them, adding depth to the performance. The warm lights and simple setup make the moment feel raw and powerful.

Photo Credit: @North Carolina Stage Company

Similar to Gatlinburg, Asheville is one of Appalachia's most well-known art destinations. The art scene features all kinds of folk art and performing arts. The city has enough small galleries to make a day of it- think of it as an art tour of Asheville!

Beyond that, performing arts and theatre are big in this vacation town. We recommend grabbing tickets to a North Carolina Stage Company show! The luxury accommodations from Greybeard Rentals give you the perfect place to relax after a long day of enjoying the arts and culture scene.

London, UK

A live band performs on stage with dramatic lighting and a huge butterfly-like image projected behind them. The musicians are surrounded by tropical plants and instruments, giving the show a dreamy, artistic vibe. The mix of visuals and music creates an immersive concert experience inside the Roundhouse.

Photo Credit: @Roundhouse

London has it all when it comes to music. In fact, some of the most famous musicians in the world started out in London- think the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and Pink Floyd. Today, you can still see live music at some of the city's iconic venues.

For one, Roundhouse is still hosting concerts, stage shows, and even poetry workshops. Royal Albert Hall and the 100 Club are also worth a visit for music lovers!

New Orleans, LA

This gallery room features bold, colorful photographs displayed on deep gray walls, creating a striking contrast with the warm wooden floors. Each piece shows a different scene, from tall trees against a sunset wall to glowing nighttime landscapes. The quiet space feels perfect for exploring modern Southern art at your own pace.

Photo Credit: @Ogden Museum of Southern Art

New Orleans is synonymous with lively jazz music, and you simply can't visit this city without hearing it in person. The historic Preservation Hall features live music every night, and the French Quarter is teeming with jazz clubs.

If you prefer visual arts, the Ogden Museum of Visual Arts is always creating compelling exhibits that reflect Louisiana culture.

The best thing about art destinations is that no two places are exactly the same! You can hop around different art and music hubs and find something unique in each spot. As you plan your next trip, be sure to check out our destinations for some inspiration.