Nashville Murals Made Easy: A Local’s Self-Guided Tour for Visitors
Nashville is famous for its music, food, and honky-tonks—but ask anyone who’s visited recently and they’ll tell you the murals are just as much a part of the experience. From the Instagram-famous wings mural in the Gulch to the bold designs lining 12 South, these walls have become a must-do stop on any Nashville trip.
The challenge? Murals are scattered across different neighborhoods, and it can be tricky to figure out where to park, which ones are worth the stop, and how to fit them into a day without spending half your vacation in traffic.
That’s where we come in. This month, we hit the streets (in 101-degree heat, no less!) to capture fresh photos of Nashville’s most popular murals and put together a self-guided mural tour you can actually follow.
We’ll show you where to go, what’s changed, and even where murals no longer exist—plus insider tips on when to go for the best photos. And when you stay with Nautical Properties, you’ll be right in the heart of it all, just a short walk to the Gulch, downtown, and SoBro, and a quick drive to 12 South.
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Walk to Nashville’s Most Famous Murals in the Gulch
If you’re staying in one of our rental properties at The Hyve, congratulations! You’re just a short 10-minute walk from one of the most iconic murals in the entire city. The Nashville Wings Mural (What Lifts You by Kelsey Montague) is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city. It’s also directly across the street from other popular murals, making it easy to see a few different pieces all at once.
Kelsey has done incredible wing murals all over the world as part of her #WhatLiftsYou campaign. Designed to encourage people to meditate on what inspires them, the piece has become a must-visit for Nashville tourists. Don’t miss out on the smaller wings located next to the primary mural—perfect for little ones or your four-legged friends.
- Location: 230 11th Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37203
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays to avoid lines
- Where to Park: Staying with Nautical Properties? Skip the parking fees and take the 10-minute walk from The Hyve. There are garages and a paid lot directly across from the wings, too, for drivers.
- What's Nearby: Popular places like The Pub, Milk and Honey, and Biscuit Love are all just a few steps from the mural.
Image Caption: Nashville Wings mural: What Lifts You by Kelsey Montague. Located in The Gulch
From here, it’s a quick drive to Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood, where you’ll find another collection of iconic murals all in one walkable strip.
Image Caption: Smaller What Lifts You Wings mural, perfect for kid and pet poses
12 South Murals: Nashville’s Most Walkable Street Art Tour
The 12 South neighborhood has transformed into one of Nashville’s trendiest districts, filled with designer boutiques, local coffee shops, and restaurants that make it a perfect spot to spend an afternoon. It’s also where you’ll find some of the most famous murals of Nashville, all clustered along a walkable stretch of 12th Avenue South.
The only catch? Parking hasn’t kept up with the neighborhood’s growth. As a historic area with bungalow-style homes, most residents rely on street parking, and the few paid lots fill quickly. Between cars and heavy foot traffic, it can feel congested at any time of day. Our advice: skip the stress, call a rideshare, and enjoy the area on foot.
We recommend getting dropped off at Love Shack Fancy and strolling from there—you’ll hit the murals, shops, and eateries all in one pass.
Love Shack Fancy
Stunning pink florals decorate the side of this chic boutique.
Stag Provisions for Men
Welcome to Nashville, Music City USA
Faherty Nashville
Music City Kitty Mural
Cowgirl street art by Nashville Mural Artist Shelby Jordan
See her paint this live on her Instagram
Bottle Cap Mural
Cowgirls Love Tall Boys (Also by @ShelbyJordanArt)
Playdate
Popular 12 South bar located next to Bottle Cap
Bullets and Pearls Jewelry Shop
Floral Photo Wall
Looking Pretty Music City
One of the most popular murals in Nashville, TN
Draper James Blue & White Stripes
Know Before You Go: The famous "I Believe in Nashville" Mural used to be on the wall opposite the Draper James stripes. Unfortunately, it was vandalized and has since been painted over. There are no updates on whether the mural will be redone at this time.
Make Music Not War
On the side of Epice Restaurant
Flower Mural
Floral mural in 12 South, one of the most photographed Nashville murals. Located on the side of the UAL clothing shop.
Rivive - Nashville Fox Mural
Painted as part of a project to raise awareness about protecting Nashville's Rivers, you'll find this one on the side of Serendipity Boutique.
Masked Cowgirl Mural
After snapping a pic of the fox mural, look up and to the left to see this sneaky cowgirl
As you walk, take time to grab a coffee at Frothy Monkey (Nashville Looks Good on You mural is located toward the back alley). Stop for lunch at one of the many great restaurants, and maybe even find some souvenirs to commemorate the day!
Once you’ve snapped your way through 12 South’s mural row, you can expand your tour to other neighborhoods like Charlotte Ave, The Nations, or Berry Hill. Each of these neighborhoods has its own mural style and vibe, which makes them great add-ons if you’re making a full day of your street art tour in Nashville.
More Murals Beyond the Gulch and 12 South
The Gulch and 12 South are the two biggest hubs, but Nashville’s mural scene stretches into other neighborhoods, too. If you’re looking to see even more of the city’s creativity—and you don’t mind a short drive—Charlotte Avenue, The Nations, Hillsboro Village, and Berry Hill each offer murals that stand out for their artistry, scale, or pop culture punch.
Charlotte Avenue Murals
As you drive away from downtown, keep your eyes peeled on the right side of the road. The Off the Wall Charlotte murals are one of the most colorful stops on a Nashville mural tour. A huge collection of individual pieces that flow seamlessly one after the next, it's easy to enjoy these from the car as you make your way to The Nations neighborhood, where you'll find great eateries like Bare Bones Butcher and 51st Deli, and fun bars like Centennial and Perfectly Fine.
Jessi Zazu Mural
Artist: Sarah Tate
Artist: @SentRock
Artist: Seth Prestwood
The Nations
As we mentioned, once you pass Off the Wall, just keep driving until you reach 51st, then turn right to enter the Nations neighborhood. The second you turn onto the street, you'll see one of the most powerful murals in the city.
The Nations Silo Mural by Guido van Helten — a 200-foot tribute to community and history.
The mural depicts Lee Estes, a longtime Nations resident, and captures the history of a neighborhood balancing change and tradition.
Hillsboro Village Murals
Hillsboro Village is a small but colorful pocket for Nashville murals, located near Vanderbilt and Belmont. It's great for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Catch an indie movie at the Belcourt, grab lunch at Fido, shop for unique gifts, and see all of this great street art, too!
Belcourt Theater Dragon Mural
UAL Drippy Lips
Molly Green Mural by Terabella Aversa
Berry Hill
Berry Hill’s murals reflect its creative roots—recording studios line the streets, and the art ranges from rustic country music tributes to bold, modern portraits. Our favorite is painted outside East Iris Recording Studios. Be sure to visit for spots you won't find along any other self-guided mural tour in Nashville.
Post Malone Mural
From larger-than-life portraits to playful dragons and celebrity cameos, Nashville’s mural scene goes far beyond the city center. Every neighborhood tells a different story—and exploring them is one of the best ways to experience Nashville like a local.
Quick Tips for Your Nashville Mural Tour
- Best Time for Photos: Early morning or late afternoon. Midday sun creates strong shadows, especially on murals that face east or west.
- Avoiding Crowds: Weekdays are your best bet if you don’t want to wait in line at popular murals like the wings in the Gulch.
- Parking: 12 South is especially tight on parking—use rideshare to save time and stress. The Gulch has garages and available lots, but they'll cost you.
- Pair Murals With Food: Plan stops around local spots like Biscuit Love in the Gulch or Frothy Monkey in 12 South for a more relaxed outing.
- Expect Changes: Not every mural you've heard about is still around. That said, you're bound to stumble across so many pieces that aren't in this, or any other blog. Nashville is full of street art and creative people. Half the fun of sightseeing is finding pieces you've not seen mentioned anywhere else!
Book a Rental that Surrounds You with Art
Featured Property: Nashvegas
Nashville’s street art is unforgettable, but you don’t have to limit your mural tour to the city sidewalks. When you book a vacation rental with Nautical Properties, you’ll find unique art and murals inside your home away from home, too. From statement walls to one-of-a-kind pieces, our properties bring the city’s creative energy indoors. Pair that with a central location—just a short walk from the Gulch and minutes from 12 South—and you’ll have the perfect base for exploring everything Nashville has to offer.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nashville Murals
Where are the most famous murals in Nashville?
The most photographed murals are in the Gulch (including the Nashville wings mural) and along 12 South. These neighborhoods offer the largest clusters of murals in one area.
How long does a self-guided mural tour in Nashville take?
If you stick to the Gulch and 12 South, you can see the highlights in about 2–3 hours. Adding Charlotte Avenue, The Nations, Hillsboro Village, and Berry Hill can turn it into a full-day outing.
What’s the best time of day to visit Nashville murals?
Early morning or late afternoon is best for lighting. Midday sun can cast harsh shadows that make photos tricky.
Are Nashville murals free to visit?
Yes! All the murals highlighted here are public art pieces and free to enjoy. Just remember to be respectful of businesses and neighborhoods while you take your photos.
Can I walk to murals from my vacation rental?
Yes. Nautical Properties rentals at The Hyve are about a 10-minute walk from the Gulch, where the famous wings mural is located, and just a short drive to 12 South, Berry Hill, and other mural neighborhoods.
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