Your Guide to the Best Outdoor Music Venues in the US

Are you ready to rock out under the summer sky? From coast to coast, the US is home to some of the most iconic outdoor concert venues in the world. To help you book your summer concert travel, we’ve put together a guide to some of our favorites—whether you’re a music lover or just looking for an unforgettable summer experience, these venues are sure to deliver. As a bonus, we threw in some of our favorite hotel picks so you can easily crash (or keep the party going!) when the show lets out. Enter to win tickets and travel to some of the most iconic outdoor venues across the US here.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a natural wonder that doubles as a music venue. The stunning red rock formations provide a majestic backdrop for concerts by world-famous musicians. Some of your favorite artists have released live recordings from Red Rocks, including U2, Dave Matthews, and Vance Joy.

When it’s time to rest your head after an epic show, head to nearby Golden for convenience and charm. If you’re looking for an authentic southwestern experience, the Table Mountain Inn is a vibrant Adobe-style boutique hotel with gorgeous mountain views. Alternatively, The Golden Hotel and Comfort Suites Golden West are excellent options for comfortable and reliable lodging.

Hollywood Bowl

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Bowl is a beloved outdoor venue with a rich history. From the Beatles to Beyoncé, the Bowl has hosted some of the biggest names in music over the years. Fans of classical music can even check out a live orchestra scoring their favorite films.

When it comes to choosing a hotel in Los Angeles, the options are plentiful. However, we have a few favorites that we think you’ll especially love. For those seeking modern accommodations, we highly recommend The Line in Koreatown. The BLVD Hotel & Spa offers comfortable accommodations just minutes up the 101 in Studio City. If you want to extend your fun, trust us and check out The Magic Castle Hotel in Hollywood.

Gorge Amphitheatre

Located in the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge in Washington, the Gorge Amphitheatre offers stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains. With a capacity of over 20,000, the venue has hosted legendary concerts by the likes of Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, and many more. This amphitheater is truly Gorge! Do you see what we did there?

The area around the Gorge boasts many scenic and unique accommodation options. Just off I-90, the Microtel Inn & Suites is one of the closest hotels to this rather remote venue. Lake lovers should consider checking into the Best Western Plus Lake Front Hotel, which is situated on the shore of Moses Lake and offers beautiful views as well as a variety of water-based activities including fishing, swimming, and boating. 

Tanglewood

Nestled in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, Tanglewood is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The stunning outdoor venue also hosts concerts by top musicians from around the world. This summer will see shows by James Taylor, Steve Miller Band, Robert Plant & Alison Kraus, amongst others.

The Berkshires offer a variety of unique and picturesque lodging options. For a dependable and economical stay, the Hilton Garden Inn in nearby Pittsfield is your best bet. If you’re looking to embrace the historic mountain lodging experience, check out the Red Lion Inn, a landmark hotel with traditional East Coast charm, or the upscale Cornell Inn Lenox, a charming 18th-century inn located in the heart of the picturesque town of Lenox, Massachusetts. 

Forest Hills Stadium

Originally built as a tennis stadium in the 1920s, Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, New York has been transformed into a unique and charming outdoor concert venue. This summer, the iconic space will host can’t-miss shows including Kevin Hart, Dave Matthews Band, and the inaugural Re:SET concert series.

While you could journey to Manhattan to spend the night, there are many options that offer the same cool but a lot more convenience right in Queens. The Boro Hotel offers sleek and modern accommodations for those who love contemporary design. Additionally, both the Collective Paper Factory Hotel and the Parc Hotel are excellent options that offer stylish and comfortable accommodations.

Blossom Music Center

Located in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Blossom Music Center is an outdoor amphitheater surrounded by 800 acres of parkland. The venue has hosted performances by a variety of artists, from classical to rock and everything in between. Check out Weezer’s Indy Rock Roadtrip, as well as Pentatonix this summer.

The Music Center is close to many great hotels in nearby Stow, including the Hampton Inn Stow, the Courtyard Akron Stow, and the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson which all offer affordable rates and comfortable rooms. Each of these hotels boasts a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and on-site fitness centers.

The Greek Theatre

Situated in the hills of Griffith Park in Los Angeles, the Greek Theatre is a beloved outdoor venue that has hosted concerts by everyone from Elvis Presley to Adele. With its stunning architecture and lush surroundings, it’s a must-visit for any music lover. The National, Billy Strings, Le Tigre, and many more will be getting themselves to the Greek this summer!

In LA, the party’s almost certain to continue once the show ends. Head downtown to the Freehand Hotel for trendy rooftop hangs, the Godfrey Hollywood for panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills and Downtown Los Angeles, or the cool Gold Diggers Hotel on Santa Monica Boulevard for a disco dance floor kind of night.

Santa Barbara Bowl

Located in the picturesque coastal city of Santa Barbara, California, the Santa Barbara Bowl is an outdoor amphitheater that has been hosting concerts for over 85 years. With stunning views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the venue offers a unique and unforgettable seaside concert experience. The Bowl has hosted a variety of legendary artists over the years, including Bob Dylan, Radiohead, and Stevie Nicks.

After experiencing the beauty of Santa Barbara from the Bowl, you won’t want to leave. Luckily, you don’t have to (yet)—there are plenty of great hotel options in the area that will allow you to continue to take in the tranquil lifestyle and seaside breeze. If you’re looking for economical digs, consider the mellow Best Western Plus Encina Inn & Suites. For more upscale options, the beachy Hotel Milo and Harbor View Inn both offer stunning ocean views and easy access to local shops and restaurants.

The Mountain Winery

Nestled in the hills above Silicon Valley in Saratoga, California, the Mountain Winery is a historic outdoor venue with a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. The venue’s unique setting among the vineyards makes it a popular destination for music lovers and wine enthusiasts alike. The Mountain Winery has hosted performances by Willie Nelson, Diana Ross, and Tony Bennett. Pop a bottle and groove under the stars!

There are numerous hotel options for Winery revelers in nearby San Jose and Saratoga. The Lodge Los Gatos and Inn at Saratoga both offer comfortable accommodations for reasonable prices. Additionally, Saratoga Oaks Lodge is a charming boutique hotel offering comfortable accommodations and a serene atmosphere.

Merriweather Post Pavilion

Merriweather Post Pavilion is a well-known music venue located in Columbia, Maryland. It has been hosting concerts since 1967 and has a seating capacity of over 19,000 people. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the pavilion is known for its unique design that includes a large roof that covers the seating area and stage. Animal Collective loves the venue so much they named their iconic album after it!

Once the fun’s over, head over to the Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel for spacious rooms and on-site dining options. The Doubletree Hotel Columbia is another great choice for those looking for a more affordable option, with comfortable rooms and a convenient location just minutes from popular attractions. For those seeking cozy charm, the Columbia Inn at Peralynna is a historic bed and breakfast offering personalized service and gorgeous views of Howard County’s rolling hills.