Music Pass: Entry to 7 Museums, Trolley Tour, Ole Smoky Tasting

If you’re thinking about making the most of your time in Nashville, the Music Pass offers a pretty convenient way to tick off some of the city’s biggest attractions. Designed to give visitors access to seven museums, a hop-on-hop-off trolley, and even a tasting at Ole Smoky, this pass is aimed at helping you see Nashville’s musical heart without getting bogged down in ticket lines or complicated planning.

What we particularly appreciate about this package is the ease of transportation—the trolley makes hopping between destinations seamless—and the inclusion of iconic museums like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Johnny Cash Museum. On the flip side, a common concern is the tight schedule some travelers face when trying to fit everything into just one or two days, especially since the pass is valid for up to a year. If you’re someone who loves flexibility, this is worth noting.

This tour setup works well for those who want a curated, hassle-free Nashville experience, especially if you’re keen to explore at your own pace while covering all the must-see landmarks. However, if you’re eager to go deep into each site or prefer guided, in-depth tours, you might find yourself wishing for more tailored options.

Key Points

• Flexible Validity: Your pass is good for a full year, giving you plenty of time to explore without rushing.
• All-in-One Access: Includes entry to seven museums, a trolley ride, and tastings at Ole Smoky, which saves time and money.
• Transport Convenience: The hop-on-hop-off trolley makes navigating Nashville’s key sites easy and fun.
• Museum Variety: From country legends to African American music, the museums offer diverse perspectives on American music.
• Potential Time Crunch: With so many stops packed into a couple of days, managing time can be challenging.
• Cost-Effective: At $260 per person, it’s a decent deal if you plan to visit all included attractions.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The Music Pass covers admission to seven major attractions — including the Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, National Museum of African American Music, and Musicians Hall of Fame. You also get a tasting at Ole Smoky Distillery and an entry to Madame Tussauds Nashville. Plus, there’s a self-guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium, one of Nashville’s most historic venues.

The hop-on-hop-off trolley is a real highlight, giving you a flexible way to move between attractions. It runs all day, looping roughly every 20 minutes, so you can hop off at the spots that catch your interest and explore at your own pace.

However, transportation to the attractions is not included—meaning you still need to get yourself to the starting points or between the stops if you’re not using the trolley. The ticket also only allows each attraction to be visited once and is valid for a full year, which is good if you want to spread your visits out over several days.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Let’s walk through the stops and what they offer.

Ole Smoky Distillery at 6th & Peabody

Your first stop is Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, famously known as the most visited distillery in the world. Located in Nashville’s lively SoBro area, this spot is more than just a tasting room. It’s a complex that combines a distillery, brewery, bars, and tasting areas, where you can sample moonshine, cocktails, and local brews. Food options like White Duck Tacos and Nashville’s signature hot chicken are available here.

One thing that stands out—based on reviews—is that visitors enjoy the tasting experience and the lively atmosphere. It’s a great way to kick off your Nashville experience, especially if you’re into spirits and local brews.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Next, you’re guided to Nashville’s most iconic music museum. The self-guided tour allows you to soak in the exhibits at your own pace. Expect to see a vast collection of country music artifacts, videos, and memorabilia that tell the story of the genre’s evolution over two centuries.

Most travelers find this museum both educational and engaging, with some noting the state-of-the-art design and the chance to see historic video clips and recordings. It’s a top highlight for music fans, especially those eager to understand the roots of Nashville’s musical heritage.

National Museum of African American Music

This newer addition to Nashville’s museum scene offers a dedicated look at African American contributions to American music. The museum uses interactive technology and curated collections to tell stories of genres like blues, jazz, gospel, and hip-hop.

Visitors tend to find this museum inspiring and educational, broadening the understanding of American music’s diverse influences. It’s a worthwhile stop if you’re interested in the full musical tapestry that Nashville is part of.

Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

Here, the focus shifts from the superstar to the studio musicians behind the hits. The museum features instruments used in recording iconic songs and spotlights musicians behind the scenes—such as those who played on hits by The Monkees, The Carpenters, or Elvis Presley.

The reviews mention that this spot is a unique look into the music industry and a favorite among those interested in the technical side of music production. It offers a different perspective from the star-focused museums.

Johnny Cash Museum

This museum boasts a comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia—more than you’ll find anywhere else. It’s dedicated to the life and career of the legendary singer-songwriter, with exhibits that appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.

Most travelers comment that it’s a must-see for country fans, and the self-guided tour allows you to spend as much time as you like exploring Johnny Cash’s story.

Madame Tussauds Nashville

Located in Opry Mills, this wax museum showcases interactive, life-size figures of famous musicians. You can pose with your favorites and enjoy themed settings that celebrate Nashville’s vibrant music scene.

While some reviews note that this is a more lighthearted stop, visitors enjoy the fun and the photo opportunities. It’s an engaging way to see the likenesses of musical icons and learn a bit about their impact.

RCA Studio B or Hatch Show Print

You get to choose between a guided tour of RCA Studio B, known as the “home of 1,000 hits,” or a visit to Hatch Show Print, a legendary letterpress poster shop.

Both are iconic Nashville institutions. RCA Studio B offers a behind-the-scenes look at a historic recording studio, while Hatch Show Print provides insight into Nashville’s concert poster history. Your choice depends on your interests—music production or graphic arts—but either way, you’re getting a taste of Nashville’s creative side.

Ryman Auditorium

The “Mother Church of Country Music” is a must-visit. You’ll enjoy a self-guided tour of this historic venue, famous for legendary performances and its role in shaping country music. Many visitors feel the atmosphere is electric, and even a short visit leaves a lasting impression on the musical history of Nashville.

Old Town Trolley Tours Nashville

Finally, the hop-on-hop-off trolley offers a full-day, flexible way to navigate the city. The narrated tours include fun facts and behind-the-scenes stories, making the ride informative and entertaining.

You can hop off at any site, explore, and hop back on another trolley as it loops about every 20 minutes. This makes it easy to customize your schedule and see more of Nashville’s sights at your own pace.

Honest Evaluation Based on Reviews

While most travelers find the pass offers good value and appreciate the variety of attractions, some note that trying to do all in one day is challenging. One reviewer pointed out that the trolley is not included with the pass, which might be confusing for some. The pass’s validity for a full year is a significant plus, giving you the flexibility to spread out your visits.

Others loved the tastings at Ole Smoky and found the museums to be well-curated and engaging. However, a few mentioned that time management is key—many wish for longer hours or more time at each site, especially since the attractions are spread out and some require walking or transport between them.

Practical Tips for Making the Most

• Plan ahead: Decide which attractions are a must for you and allocate your time accordingly.
• Use the trolley: It’s the easiest way to move between sites, especially if you’re pressed for time.
• Check opening hours: Some museums and attractions might have different hours or require scheduling, so arrive early or call ahead if needed.
• Bring your tickets: Since your tickets are valid for a year, you have plenty of time to revisit or explore more if you wish.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Music Pass is ideal for visitors who want a rundown of Nashville’s music heritage without the hassle of booking separate tickets. It’s particularly good for first-timers who want a structured yet flexible way to see the city’s highlights.

If you’re traveling with friends or a group that enjoys exploring at its own pace, the self-guided museum visits paired with the trolley make for a smooth experience. However, if you’re someone who prefers deep, guided tours or in-depth stories at each stop, this might feel a bit surface-level.

This experience suits those who appreciate variety and convenience and are comfortable navigating their day with a flexible, multi-attraction ticket. It’s also a good choice for folks who want to combine sightseeing with tasting local spirits and taking some fun photos at wax museums and historic sites.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Music Pass offers a solid way to get a broad taste of Nashville’s legendary music scene, especially if you’re mindful of time and want a cost-effective, self-guided experience. You’ll love the chance to see iconic landmarks, enjoy tastings, and learn about Nashville’s musical roots—all with the convenience of a trolley and a flexible schedule.

It’s best suited for curious travelers eager to quickly soak in Nashville’s musical heritage, but who don’t mind a packed day or spreading their visits over several days. While some reviews highlight the challenge of fitting everything in, the pass’s validity for a year means you can pick and choose what interests you most and visit in a relaxed manner.

If music history, museums, and a bit of fun are your priorities, this package will serve you well. Just remember to plan your day, enjoy the rides, and take time to soak in the lively, musical atmosphere of Music City.

FAQ

Is the pass valid for one day only?
No, your tickets are valid for a full year from the date of purchase, so you can visit at your own pace over time.

Does the trolley ride come with the pass?
Yes, the hop-on-hop-off trolley is included for one day, offering flexible transportation around Nashville’s main attractions.

Are all attractions included in the ticket?
Most are, including museums, tastings, and the wax museum. However, transportation to the attractions isn’t included—just the trolley ride and entry.

Can I visit each attraction more than once?
No, each attraction can only be visited once using the ticket.

What are the opening hours?
Most attractions are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it’s good to check specific sites before visiting.

Is there a limit on how many attractions I can visit in one day?
While there’s no strict limit, fitting all seven museums, a trolley ride, and tastings into one day can be challenging.

What should I bring for the museums?
Bring your tickets (which you’ll receive via email after booking), and comfortable shoes for walking.

Is the pass family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, many attractions like wax museums and historic sites are suitable for children and teens.

What if the weather is bad?
Most museums are indoor and can be visited regardless of weather. The trolley operates rain or shine, but check the weather forecast to plan accordingly.

Hopefully, this helps you decide whether the Music Pass is the right fit for your Nashville adventure. It’s a practical, flexible way to dip into the city’s musical soul without overcommitting—perfect for a first or second visit.