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10 America’s Best Street Art Cities
Street art is not just graffiti with spray paint on walls; it’s an open art gallery where the concrete becomes the canvas. Throughout America, there are a few major cities where walls are splashed with colors, and the art speaks a million stories. From popular buildings to neighborhood walls, these cities prove that good art isn’t always behind velvet ropes and “stay away” signs; sometimes, it’s on the street, open for anyone to see anytime. Let’s take a walk through these American art cities, where creativity is louder than the shaking cans of paint.
Portland, Oregon
The wall art in Portland is multicultural and diverse, just like the city, and thanks to the Regional Arts and Culture Council, new artwork keeps rising. Street art lovers should check out the Alberta Arts District or take a ride around the Central Eastside Industrial District, which is home to beautiful murals hidden on every street and alley. (Basically, you’ll need an extra phone battery just for photos!)
Some top hotels to stay in Portland:
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Richmond, Virginia
Richmond quickly rose to fame when it came to street art, thanks to the Richmond Mural Project, which has been happening every year since 2012. This project creates more than 100 street art pieces annually, turning ordinary streets into a colorful outdoor gallery. These arts are mostly done on historical architecture and revolve around contemporary art, offering a visually pleasing experience for those who love street murals. In short: history meets spray paint, and the result is stunning.
Some top hotels to stay in Richmond :
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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma might come as a shocker for most, but yes, this city is also home to some great street art. Visitors should check out Plaza District, which is home to famous rotating murals on plaza walls, done as part of the Oklahoma Mural Syndicate Project. Other great places to see murals are Bricktown and the Western Avenue Corridor. Who knew Oklahoma was hiding so much color behind its cowboy boots?
Some top hotels to stay in Oklahoma :
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Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a dream come true for every street art lover, featuring many new and old street art and galleries. To see great pieces of murals, visitors should go to the River Arts District, which once thrived as an Industrial Zone by the French Broad River, and now houses 200-plus art galleries and thought-provoking murals alone. The art in this city really captures its history and political ideology, making it a must-visit for every urban explorer. And yes, you’ll leave with paint envy.
Some top hotels to stay in Asheville :
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Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is known for its music, but did you know its street art is equally impressive? The city’s love for music comes alive in murals like the one of Dolly Parton, an icon of country music. Beyond music, the walls also tell deeper stories—highlighting human rights, resilience, and the strength of the city through its many challenges. Music may be the soul of Nashville, but its murals are most certainly the voice.
Some top hotels to stay in Nashville :
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Detroit, Michigan
Home to a remarkable collection of street art projects, Detroit displays its proud culture, reflecting the city’s transition from industrial decline to cultural resurgence. Visitors can see artworks of well-known artists like Shepard Fairey and newcomers like Sydney James. Their works can be seen in prominent locations such as Eastern Market and the Belt Alley. This Motor City is a must-see for urban explorers, thanks to the detailed and intricate murals shedding light on the city’s history and sense of community. Think of it as Detroit’s way of revving up creativity instead of engines.
Some top hotels to stay in Detroit :
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Chicago, Illinois
Murals in Chicago are not limited to walls; here, every corner, alley, building, bridge, and even train station is bathed in colors. The Wabash Arts Corridor itself features more than 30 street art pieces spread across seven blocks. And if that’s not enough, you can also check out Pilsen, Wicker Park, Rogers Park, Logan Square, and Bucktown. Basically, if you stand still too long in Chicago, someone might paint you, too.
Some top hotels to stay in Chicago :
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Denver, Colorado
Although there are many places to visit in America when it comes to street art, Denver has an unmatched vibe of its own. The first stop for visitors should be the River North Art District, one of the best areas to see murals made by both local and international artists. Explorers can also join well-known events like the CRUSH Walls festival, which highlights the city’s love and admiration for artwork, attracting art enthusiasts from around the world. Denver doesn’t just get high on altitude—it gets high on creativity, too.
Some top hotels to stay in Denver :
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Oakland, California
Oakland is another art-loving city known for its political charges and diverse murals. Some great neighborhoods to visit are Downtown, Uptown, and the Fruitvale District, which feature creative street art filled with social justice themes and empowerment. These artworks serve as a strong platform for political and cultural expressions, making this city a must-visit for activists and art enthusiasts. Oakland walls don’t whisper—they shout.
Some top hotels to stay in Oakland :
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Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Though Sioux Falls might not be the most famous city for street art, believe it or not, it has some incredible murals telling powerful stories of history and culture. Visitors should check out the Downtown Sioux Falls Art and Wine Walk, an annual event filled with beautiful street art and rotating murals. Another highlight is the SculptureWalk, a lively outdoor exhibit featuring more than 80 sculptures. In other words, Sioux Falls may be small, but it definitely punches above its artistic weight.
Some top hotels to stay in Sioux Falls :
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Final Brushstroke
From Portland’s hidden alleys to Sioux Falls’ SculptureWalk, America proves that art doesn’t just belong in museums—it thrives on the streets, walls, and even bridges. Whether you’re hunting murals for Instagram or just want to soak in the creativity, these best street art cities in America are waiting with open canvases. So, grab your camera, charge your phone, and get ready to walk through outdoor galleries where admission is always free.
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