Staff Pick's: Albuquerque, NM
Music Roadtrip
Certified: 🌟 Certified
Description: Albuquerque sits at the crossroads of desert tradition and creative energy. The Sandia Mountains glow at sunset, neon signs flicker along old Route 66, and the city’s music culture stretches from vintage vinyl haunts to instrument shops filled with local stories. This route taps into Albuquerque’s eclectic, wide-open spirit—one built on curiosity, community, and discovery. Start at the Visit Albuquerque Visitor Information Center, your home base for exploring the city’s neighborhoods, venues, art districts, and desert landmarks. The staff can guide you toward festivals, live-music nights, cultural experiences, and the hidden corners where Albuquerque’s creative pulse feels strongest. Then begin your music trail at Mecca Music & Books, a beloved shop blending records, reads, and a proudly eclectic selection that reflects the city’s unique soul. Continue to Music Store / Radio Station KDEC, a hybrid hub that bridges music retail with the spirit of community radio—perfect for anyone who loves discovering local voices on and off the air. Head next to GuitarVista, a vintage guitar haven packed with instruments that seem to hum with their own histories. Musicians from all over the Southwest stop here for rare finds, expert knowledge, and honest craftsmanship. Keep the journey going at Nob Hill Music, an old-school neighborhood shop with friendly staff, essential gear, and deep roots along the iconic Route 66 stretch. Finish at 88 Keys Piano Warehouse, where rows of grand and upright pianos create a quiet, resonant gallery of sound. Whether you play or simply admire the craftsmanship, it’s a peaceful and inspiring stop amid Albuquerque’s vibrant, desert-lit scene.