If you’ve been traveling with us for a while, you know we LOVE murals! Looking for local street art when exploring a new place is on the top of our list. Murals and street art are all the rage in big cities these days. These ‘top instagramable spots’ are on everyone’s to do list! Lucky for us, there are so many beautiful pieces right in our backyard. The next time you find yourself in our neck of the woods, be sure to check out these awesome murals on the Outer Banks.
20 Murals Spread Over 70 Miles
As you make your way down the main beach drag (Croatan Highway), you’ll find there are nearly a dozen murals visible from the road. The OBX has attracted several artists over the years, which can also be seen by the local artisan galleries that you can visit. The motivation behind each of the pieces vary widely.
The first piece featured in this article is located on the North side of Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill, and was designed by Dylan Ulmer. Ulmer is a local tattoo artist turned mural artist, though he states that painting was his first love. This was a major undertaking and learning experience for him. “The biggest issue I had was with the strips of wood that run up and down every 8 inches. I had to make it look understandable in three different ways.” Ulmer says. Inspired by the restaurants name [Shipwreck’s] in developing the piece, Ulmer began the piece after being ill for a few months. Having been diagnosed with early stage lymphoma, he actually started painting this mural two days after surgery. “It was definitely a cool learning experience. I really want to continue doing big projects like this one.” he says.
There’s History On These Walls
This piece by artist Sam Welty was a dream come true for him to complete. “I have wanted to do a mural about the Wright brothers in the area for a long time.” says Welty. Entitled ‘Great America XVIII. Achieving the Impossible’, this piece on the south side of the Kitty Hawk Super Wings is part of his “pet project – a series of historical murals all over the country”. The north side of the building features a pair of golden butterfly wings for those selfie getters, to which he says “people have responded really well!” Sam just recently completed his 20th piece “in Athens, Tennessee for the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.” You can find a gallery of his work at http://www.samwelty.com/.
One of the newest additions to the collection of murals on the Outer Banks is in Dowdy Park. This section of fence was erected by Dare County Arts Council and the Town of Nags Head, and painted in memory of Ravann and Sebi. Having played a big part in the local community, Ravann Horton and Sebastian (Sebi) Lopez sadly passed in an early 2020 in a house fire.
“The music notes outlining the holes in the peek-a-boo wall represent always being able to see Ravann and Sebi through music, the waves represent their love of the beach, the Shel Silverstein quote is from their favorite book “The Giving Tree,” and the clasping hands represent unity.
The Outer Banks Voice
Brightly Coloured Nautical Works
As you make your way towards Hatteras village, you’ll notice an increase in ocean themed murals. Most of these have been designed and painted by local art teacher Justin Pax, aka JPax. The brightly coloured contributions around Hatteras Island by JPax and his team really bring the buildings in this little fishing village to life. “I’m just a man that wants to put more color in this world.” his Instagram profile boasts. You’ll find several swordfish pieces as well as a few octopus, among other nautical creatures.
The OBX Mural Trail
From North (Kitty Hawk) to South (Hatteras), the murals on the Outer Banks are:
- Butterfly Wings by SweltyArt (at Super Wings, Kitty Hawk)
- “Great America XVIII. Achieving the Impossible” by SweltyArt (same location as previous)
- Deep Sea Ship Wreck by UlmerInk (at Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill, Kitty Hawk)
- Jolly Roger’s Pirates (at The Jolly Roger restaurant, Kill Devil Hills )
- Big Fish(es) by OnieTonie (at Exotic Home, Kill Devil Hills)
- Geometric Sunset (at Ocean Atlantic Rentals, Kill Devil Hills)
- Ocean Life (at Ben Franklin, Nags Head)
- Sunrise Wave (at The Spot, Nags Head)
- Ravann and Sebastian Memorial by collective of local artists (at Dowdy Park, Nags Head)
- Brew Thru by Ranta (at Brew Thru, Nags Head)
- Surfin’ Pig by Tsunami (at Sooey’s BBQ & Rib Shack, Nags Head )
- Ocean Music (at Burger Burger, Avon)
- Kite Borders by JPax & Crew (at Car Wash, Avon)
- Mahi Mahi, Swordfish and Wahoo by JPax (at Balance Oil, Hatteras)
- Hungry Octopus by JPax (at Scratchmade Snackery, Hatteras)
- Red & White Swordfish by JPax (at the Village Red & White Market, Hatteras)
- Rum Barrel Sea by JPax (at Nedo True Value, Hatteras)
- Sport Fish by JPax & Crew (at Jeffrey’s Seafood, Hatteras)
- Yellow Submarine by JPax (at Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop, Hatteras)
- Under the Sea by JPax (at Woodall Way, Hatteras)
Did we miss any? Let us know!
Plan Your Visit
There are so many beautiful murals on the Outer Banks, and we’ve left out some of the pictures to motivate you to explore them yourself!
Looking for a road trip destination this year? Why not check out the Outer Banks of North Carolina! Generally people head to the Outer Banks for a little ‘RnR’ on the beach. And why wouldn’t you? This 200-mile (320 km) long strip of barrier islands, located on the eastern coast of North Carolina has LOTS of beaches to offer. Here are seven other social distancing activities you can enjoy in the OBX.
Considering a trip to the Outer Banks? We’d love to host you in our very own pirate themed Airbnb. We hope to see you soon!
Do you have a favourite collection of murals that you’ve come across in your travels?
I like this. A great way to explore the area. 🙂 thank you for sharing 🙂
You bet bubbles! Always happy to share fun adventures with our audience.
These murals are simoly stunning! Wonder how much you enjoyed your tour out there! Very informative post. Keep sharing!
Thanks so much Saptarshi! Murals definitely add a unique twist to exploring a destination.
Yet one more good reason to visit Outer Banks; it’s high on my list of future adventures!
There is so much to do here Megan, in addition to sitting on the beach, and we think people miss that part. Definitely reach out to us if you have any questions about the OBX 🙂
That’s amazing! I love a good street art story.
Thanks so much Jamie! It’s been fun exploring different destinations through their murals.
What a unique experience and a great day trip! I always love finding murals and any art really while I’m exploring a new place. Thanks for sharing!
Yes Daniella! We agree that exploring a new destination through the art work that it has to offer is such a great way to learn more about it.
Wow I didnt know this existed. Definately will be on my bucket list!
Pretty neat, right Karine? It’s nice to have a little something else to do if you need to get away from the beach. Safe travels!
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This piece was laid out well and will make it easy and efficient for us to find all the murals. Thank you!
Thank you Jo – hope you enjoy exploring the murals of the Outer Banks. Would love to hear which one was your favourite. Safe travels!