You don't have to step inside a gallery to experience art in Carolina Beach. More than 20 unique, hand-painted murals can be found throughout our island town, turning restaurants, shops and gathering places into colorful landmarks. Many are part of the Carolina Beach Mural Project's Art for wALL initiative, which brings together North Carolina artists to create works inspired by the island's wildlife, history, culture and community.

Whether you're following the mural trail on your own or with a tour group, use this guide to experience the island through its art.

 

Plan Your Art Adventure

Many of our murals are located within walking distance of the iconic Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Carolina Beach Lake Park, so you can admire colorful works of art as you stroll through town. Check out the full map at this link.

Prefer a guided experience? Wilmington Walking Tours offers a Carolina Beach History & Mural Tour that highlights local surf and shag culture while amplifying diverse community voices. You can also join Tasting History Tours for a 90-minute CB Mural Tour, complete with a refreshment break.

Insider tip: For a unique family-friendly experience, Wilmington Walking Tours offers a free kids’ mural tour on select dates. Bring the little ones along to see six murals and take part in fun activities designed for ages 5 to 10.

 

10 Must-See Murals

 

 

With 21 (and counting) murals spread throughout Carolina Beach, there's plenty of art to discover! Here are 10 of our favorites:

  1. “Welcome to Carolina Beach” – As you arrive on the island, you'll spot the mural that started it all. Inspired by a vintage postcard, "Welcome to Carolina Beach" captures the excitement and nostalgia of a beach vacation while celebrating the community that calls Carolina Beach home. Fun fact: More than 50 volunteers ages 5 to 87 painted this mural, led by local artist Susan Nuttall.

  2. “Surf & See” – Look closely and you'll notice a camera lens at the center of "Surf & See," surrounded by imagery inspired by coastal wildlife and surf culture. The mural honors local photographer Robbie Johnson and can be found at The Veggie Wagon. While you’re visiting, step inside to grab a sandwich or an organic smoothie for lunch, or get some fresh produce to take home.
  3. “Carolina Dreamin’” – Grab a coffee from Crush & Grind and take a moment to admire this mural near the Boardwalk. Inspired by sunrise surf sessions, native dune plants and the island’s creative spirit, Jason Parker's "Carolina Dreamin'" brings bold color and energy to the heart of town.
  4. “Record Weekend” – Outside SeaWitch Café & Tiki Bar – part restaurant, part concert venue – "Record Weekend" pays tribute to Carolina Beach's enduring live music scene. Look for subtle nods to records, musicians and cheering crowds woven throughout the design, then stick around for a drink and live music, hosted seasonally on select dates. 
  5. “Summer on the Boardwalk” – Wrapping around Hurricane Alley's, this mural celebrates one of Carolina Beach's most iconic landmarks and one of the last remaining vintage boardwalks in the country. Inspired by childhood summers spent on the island, artist Scott Nurkin filled the mural with familiar sights, from amusement rides and fireworks to longtime local favorites like Britt's Donuts.
  6. “Marine Magic” – This mural, located on the exterior of The Dive, brings to life an underwater scene featuring a larger-than-life shark, turtle and jellyfish in a kaleidoscope of colors. After snapping a picture with the mural, step inside for pub favorites like burgers and fries or surprising finds like a deep fried PB&J dessert. Fun fact: Raman Bharwaj, the South Asian artist behind the design, has painted more than 30 murals in North Carolina and has exhibited his art in India, Norway and the U.S.
  7. “Indigenous Fly Feaster” – While visiting Kate's Pancake House, take a look at the fantastical mural covering the building's exterior. Created by Wilmington artist Tiffany Machler, the piece pays tribute to the Venus flytrap, a rare plant that grows naturally only in Carolina Beach and the surrounding region. Insider tip: To see live Venus flytraps, stroll the Flytrap Trail at Carolina Beach State Park between mid-May and mid-June (when the plants are in bloom), or join a ranger-led Flytrap Hike.
  8. “Beach Breeze” – This mural celebrates one of Carolina Beach's most beloved traditions: the annual Cape Fear Kite Festival. Painted by local artist Jenna Rice on the exterior of the Carolina Beach Arcade, it captures the colorful energy of hundreds of kites soaring above the shoreline. After seeing the mural, head inside to play nostalgic arcade games like Skee-Ball and air hockey. 
  9. “Kite’s Eye View” – You’ll have to look down to find this one! As the town’s first asphalt mural, “Kite’s Eye View” transforms a stretch of Pavilion Avenue near the Boardwalk into a walkable work of art, featuring beach balls, flip flops, flowers and other summer motifs.
  10. “Community in Bloom” – The project’s latest mural was installed at the Katie B Hines Center in spring 2026. Designed by Susan Nuttall in collaboration with local student artists, it features a symbolic tree of life surrounded by native birds and wildlife, including cardinals and hummingbirds.

Bonus Stop: “Maggie the Whale” – Everyone loves “Maggie the Whale”! Painted by UNC-Wilmington grad Gina Elizabeth Franco and debuted at the 2025 Azalea Festival in Wilmington, the whale-shaped parade float is currently on display at the Carolina Beach Marina. For updates on Maggie’s location, check the Carolina Beach Mural Project’s Instagram.

 

Annual Art Events

For more creative fun, plan your trip around one of Carolina Beach’s annual arts events.

  • The Carolina Beach Market takes place seasonally on Saturdays at Carolina Beach Lake Park. Browse a variety of booths featuring local artists, makers and vendors offering everything from handcrafted goods to original artwork.

  • Each May, MuralFest brings artists, residents and visitors together for a two-day celebration of public art featuring live painting, artisan vendors, food trucks and family-friendly activities. Insider tip: The artworks created during the festival stay on display at Carolina Beach Lake Park all summer long!

 

Beyond the beach, Carolina Beach's growing collection of murals offers a unique way to explore the island's culture, history and natural beauty. Be sure to explore the full mural map during your visit – you never know what masterpiece you'll discover next!