7 US Cities with the Best Street Art and Murals

Edgewood Avenue Bridge. Mural: Somos Borincanos by ARRRTADDICT. Photo by The Sintoses, courtesy Atlanta Beltline

Across America, street art is booming. The pandemic may be responsible in part for fueling the alfresco art scene because it was safer to socially distance from others when experiencing outdoor murals. Plus, unlike museums, such viewing is free and accessible to all, 24/7.

With so much blank canvas available on the sides of buildings, along alleyways, on water towers, and anywhere there is a large, empty wall, every city is getting in on the trend.

Murals can address social and political issues and acknowledge historical movements or figures. Or they can simply be abstracts beautifying the urban landscape in art-centric neighborhoods or sprinkled around town.

Such large-scale public artworks are often commissioned by cities and community groups to cultivate civic pride. Local stores use them to attract business, especially with images and messages ripe for Instagram selfies.

The proliferation has given rise to cities as mural hotspots, with walking and driving tours and annual arts events—think Bushwick, Brooklyn, and Wynwood in Miami. But here are other cities where they flourish:

Atlanta, Georgia. Photo courtsey of Discover Atlanta

ATLANTA, GEORGIA
The city of Atlanta has embraced creativity with 1,600-plus murals by international and local artists around numerous neighborhoods, including Cabbagetown, Little Five Points, and Old Fourth Ward. Get in your steps with a scenic art stroll along 22 miles of trails on the Beltline, where overpasses and tunnel walls have become graphic showcases. Under the Lucille Bridge, the colorful lines of the “The Highball Artist” are a nod to the path’s railroad roots. The annual Forward Warrior mural festival returns on September 14, 2024, with an interactive art experience transforming the walls of Wylie Street into a massive outdoor gallery.

Daytona, Florida, photo courtesy of Daytona Beach Area CVB

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA
This Florida beach town is not just for spring breakers; it’s also for art lovers. Their Mural Trail highlights 29 (and growing) murals. Beach goers can admire marine creatures frolicking on a seascape beneath the Daytona Beach Pier. Stroll downtown to see a mural of sharks swimming through a deep-sea forest and a beer-balancing toucan. Come in April for Mural Madness, part of two annual arts festivals that turn the city into an open-air gallery. Watch artists paint the town and vote for your favorites.

Denver, Colorado, photo courtesy of  Nick Marissa Napoletano

DENVER, COLORADO
Head to the RiNo Art District in Denver CO, October 3 – 5, 2024, for the annual Denver Walls festival, bringing art and culture to public spaces. Watch local and international artists adorn dozens of walls and participate in workshops, gallery openings, pop-up markets, and a live paint battle. Art appreciation pays off during the festival when rewards are offered to those who scan the bronze plaques on the murals. Take a walking tour year-round to see more than 100 murals throughout RiNo. You’ll also find many more in other neighborhoods, including the Santa Fe Arts District.

Houston, Texas, photo courtesy of Donkeeboy

HOUSTON, TEXAS
Big art. Bigger change. That’s the theme of a series of 44 murals across downtown Houston reflecting social and environmental issues, including gender equality, climate action, and clean water. They join hundreds more throughout Greater Houston. Take a guided golf cart tour for insight on the murals and background on the global artists, or create your own DIY tour.

Raleigh, North Carolina, photo of Garrett Poulos

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
Start your art adventure in downtown Raleigh NC, with the newly launched mural trail, accessible through a digital passport. Participants can "check in" at murals on their mobile phones to earn entries into drawings for local partner gift certificates. There’s the classic “I Believe in Raleigh” mural at Sola Coffee and the tech-forward “8-bit to 5G” mural on a parking garage, promoting the city as a prime destination for esports and gaming events. The design by artist Taylor White incorporates innovative, augmented reality elements. Scan the mural’s QR code and the art comes alive through your phone’s camera.

Rochester, New York. Photo courtesy Quajay Donnell; background mural by Addison Karl; foreground mural by Jarus

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK
12 years ago, the WALL\THERAPY project started in Rochester New York, with 4 muralists from South Africa painting alongside local artists. Today, there are more than 165 murals dotting the city, painted by artists from around the world through several public arts initiatives. Check out a bunch near the Public Market, or download a map for a walking or driving tour. One of the newest murals on Main Street merges 2 hot phenomena. Done by independent artist Mike Dellaria, this mural of Taylor Swift sports eclipse glasses in honor of the city’s location along the recent path of complete totality.

Virginia Beach, Virgina, photo courtesy of ViBe Creative District by Lori Golding Photograph

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA
Meet and watch muralists at work during the 7th annual ViBe Mural Festival, September 27 – October 6, 2024. Take a guided walking, bike, or golf cart tour along the 1.5-mile arts district. The 10-day festival features free artist talks, musical performances, and the opportunity to create your own artwork. 10 new murals will be added to the city’s walls. Or, come anytime to see the 65-plus murals that already exist. You’ll also find painted parking meters, sidewalk mini-murals, crosswalk paintings, and more in the ViBe Creative District.