Ever seen a concert on a 100+ year old stage nestled in between towering rock formations? Or on the banks of a river with sweeping mountain views?

These outdoor venues put every dark, cramped club to shame with countryside views and finely-tuned outdoor acoustics so that you can hear every note, even when you’re lounging on a blanket with a flask and some picnic food well away from the front row.

The Gorge

George, Washington

Drive 150 miles east of Seattle and you’ll hit this jaw-dropping stage set up on the banks of the Columbia River. You’ll catch views of the Cascade mountain range and the Columbia Gorge canyon in addition to the stage.

Red Rocks

Morrison, Colorado

The Colorado rocks don’t just look amazing — they also provide great acoustics. A temporary stage was set up back in 1906, and it’s since been transformed into a stunning backdrop for countless famous performances.

Hollywood Bowl

Hollywood, California

This bandshell, which naturally pumps music from the stage to the audience, is set against the hills, away from the bustle of downtown L.A. and with a great view of the iconic Hollywood sign.

Merriweather Post Pavilion

Columbia, Maryland

A venue so good that Animal Collective named an album after it. It was designed by famed architect Frank Gehry in the center of the woods, making it feel like a forested hideout.

The Greek Theater

Berkeley, California

Not to be confused with the less scenic Greek Theater in L.A., this one was built way back in 1903 with the ancient Greek theater Epidaurus as inspiration. The result is a beautifully ancient-looking amphitheater near the San Francisco bay.