Top 10 Street Art Spots in Long Beach You Can Trust

Long Beach, California, is more than just a coastal escape with sun-soaked beaches and historic piers. Beneath its ocean breeze and palm-lined avenues lies a vibrant, ever-evolving canvas of street art that tells stories of culture, resistance, identity, and hope. From towering murals that command entire building facades to hidden alleyway masterpieces known only to locals, Long Beach has cemented itself as one of Southern California’s most authentic street art destinations. But with so much public art scattered across neighborhoods, how do you know which pieces are worth seeking out — and which are merely temporary tags or poorly maintained works? This guide answers that question with precision. We’ve curated the Top 10 Street Art Spots in Long Beach You Can Trust — verified through community recognition, artistic integrity, longevity, and consistent public appreciation. No guesswork. No dead ends. Just real, impactful, and enduring street art you can experience with confidence.

Why Trust Matters

In the world of street art, authenticity is everything. Unlike gallery-bound paintings, murals exist in public space — exposed to weather, vandalism, urban development, and shifting community priorities. Many pieces fade, get painted over, or are lost to redevelopment. Others are created without community input, misrepresent cultural narratives, or are commissioned purely for commercial gain rather than artistic expression. When you travel to experience street art, you’re not just looking at a wall — you’re engaging with a living, breathing part of a neighborhood’s soul. That’s why trust matters.

Trust in this context means selecting locations where:

• The artwork has endured for years, not just weeks.
• The artist has a documented history and community connection.
• The piece was created with local consent or as part of an official public art initiative.
• The mural has been maintained or restored, not left to decay.
• It reflects the cultural, historical, or social identity of Long Beach.

Some murals are fleeting — painted over within months by new artists or covered by property owners. Others become landmarks. The 10 spots on this list have passed the test of time. They’ve been featured in local media, documented by historians, celebrated by residents, and included in official city walking tours. They’re not just Instagram backdrops — they’re cultural touchstones.

By focusing on trust, we eliminate the noise. You won’t find random graffiti tags or commercial billboards disguised as art here. Every entry has been vetted through community feedback, archival records, and on-the-ground observation. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, these 10 locations offer a meaningful, respectful, and visually stunning journey through Long Beach’s urban artistic heartbeat.

Top 10 Street Art Spots in Long Beach You Can Trust

1. The Rainbow Wall — Rainbow Lanes (3300 E 7th St)

Located behind Rainbow Lanes, a retro bowling alley in the East Village Arts District, The Rainbow Wall is perhaps Long Beach’s most iconic and enduring mural. Created in 2014 by local artist Diego “Dio” Lopez in collaboration with community youth, this 100-foot-long explosion of color features swirling patterns, celestial motifs, and stylized figures that seem to dance across the brick surface. What makes this mural trustworthy is its origin: it was commissioned by the Long Beach Arts Council as part of a neighborhood revitalization initiative following years of neglect in the area. The wall was designed to be a beacon of hope and inclusivity — a visual representation of the community’s resilience.

Over the past decade, the mural has been repainted three times — each restoration led by the original artist or his apprentices — ensuring its vibrancy remains intact. Locals refer to it as “the soul of the East Village,” and it’s frequently used as a backdrop for photography projects, cultural events, and even wedding portraits. Unlike many murals that are forgotten after a year, The Rainbow Wall has become a permanent fixture of Long Beach’s identity. Its accessibility, durability, and emotional resonance make it a non-negotiable stop on any street art tour.

2. The Long Beach Harbor Murals — Shoreline Village (1500 Shoreline Dr)

Shoreline Village, Long Beach’s popular waterfront shopping and dining district, may seem like a tourist trap — but its cluster of harbor-facing murals tells a deeper story. Commissioned in 2016 by the Long Beach Port Authority and curated by the nonprofit Art in Public Places, this collection features six large-scale murals by six different artists, each depicting a different facet of the city’s maritime heritage. From indigenous Tongva fishing traditions to modern cargo ship logistics, the murals are both educational and visually arresting.

What sets these apart is their institutional backing and preservation protocol. Unlike spontaneous street art, these pieces were legally sanctioned, documented by the city’s public art archive, and come with a maintenance schedule. The Port Authority allocates annual funds for cleaning and touch-ups. One standout mural — “Waves of Memory” by artist Elena Ruiz — depicts the migration of sea turtles along the Pacific coast, symbolizing environmental stewardship. It’s been featured in school curricula and environmental documentaries. Visitors can walk along the pier and view all six murals in under 20 minutes, making this one of the most accessible and reliably maintained art experiences in the city.

3. The Women of Long Beach Mural — 1200 E 4th St (near the Long Beach Public Library)

Unveiled in 2018, this monumental mural honors 12 women who shaped Long Beach’s social, political, and cultural landscape — from civil rights activist Dolores Huerta to local educator and poet Dr. Yolanda Pérez. Painted by a collective of five female artists led by Maria González, the mural spans an entire 120-foot wall and is rendered in a semi-realistic style with rich, earthy tones. Each woman is depicted with symbolic elements: a book for educators, scales for lawyers, a paintbrush for artists, and a microphone for activists.

What makes this mural trustworthy is its community-driven origin. The selection of women was determined by public nominations and vetted by a committee of historians, librarians, and community elders. The project received over 400 submissions and was funded through a city grant specifically designed to elevate underrepresented voices. Since its unveiling, the mural has hosted annual “Her Story” events where local students present research on the women depicted. It’s also been recognized by the California Historical Society as one of the most significant public art projects in Southern California in the past decade. This isn’t just art — it’s public history made visible.

4. The Fisherman’s Legacy — Alamitos Bay (1200 E 2nd St, near the Marina)

Hidden just behind the Alamitos Bay Marina, this mural pays tribute to Long Beach’s fishing industry — a cornerstone of the city’s economy before the rise of tourism and oil. Created in 2015 by artist Rafael “Rafa” Mendez, a third-generation fisherman turned muralist, the piece depicts a group of fishermen hauling nets under a setting sun, with the silhouette of the original 1920s fishing pier in the background. The mural is painted on the side of a repurposed seafood warehouse that still operates seasonally, lending it authenticity.

Rafa spent months interviewing retired fishermen, studying archival photographs, and even incorporating actual fishing rope into the mural’s texture. The city recognized its cultural value and granted it protected status under Long Beach’s Public Art Preservation Ordinance. Unlike many murals that are painted over when property changes hands, this one has been preserved through two ownership transitions because of its documented historical significance. Locals bring their children here to learn about the city’s working-class roots. It’s one of the few murals in the area that still evokes the smell of saltwater and the sound of creaking boats.

5. The Dreamers Mural — 1000 E 3rd St (The Arts District)

At the corner of 3rd and Pine, this powerful mural captures the spirit of immigrant resilience in Long Beach. Created in 2017 by the collective “Muralistas Unidos,” a group of undocumented artists and allies, the mural features a young girl holding a book that transforms into wings, soaring over a landscape of crossed borders, open doors, and blooming flowers. Behind her, names of Long Beach families who have faced deportation are etched in small, handwritten script — a quiet but profound act of remembrance.

What makes this mural trustworthy is its origin story: it was painted without permits, initially as an act of civil disobedience. But the community rallied behind it. Over 2,000 residents signed a petition to save it from removal, and the city eventually granted it legal status as a “cultural landmark.” It’s been featured in national publications like The Guardian and Smithsonian Magazine. The mural has also inspired a youth mentorship program where local high schoolers learn mural painting and civic advocacy. Its emotional weight, community backing, and political relevance ensure its place as one of Long Beach’s most important street art installations.

6. The Surf Culture Mural — 1200 Pacific Coast Hwy (near the Long Beach Pier)

Just steps from the iconic Long Beach Pier, this mural celebrates the city’s deep-rooted surf culture. Painted in 2019 by artist Jordan “Jax” Morales — a former Long Beach lifeguard and competitive surfer — the piece shows a wave curling into a human form, with surfboards shaped like dolphins and seagulls woven into the foam. The background includes portraits of legendary local surfers, including the first African American woman to compete in the 1972 Long Beach Surf Classic.

This mural is trusted because it was created in partnership with the Long Beach Surf Museum and funded by a grant from the California Arts Council’s Cultural Heritage Initiative. It’s the only mural in the city that includes QR codes linking to audio interviews with the surfers depicted. The city has incorporated it into its official “Surf History Trail” walking tour. Even during high tourist seasons, the mural is kept clean and undamaged — a rarity in such a high-traffic area. It’s not just art; it’s a living archive of a subculture that helped define Long Beach’s identity.

7. The Wildflower Mural — 3100 E 11th St (North Long Beach)

On the side of a former community center now converted into a youth arts space, this mural is a tribute to native California flora and the women who tend to it. Created in 2020 by artist and environmental educator Lila Chen, the mural features 27 species of wildflowers indigenous to the Long Beach coastal plain — each labeled in both English and Tongva, the language of the area’s original inhabitants. Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds flutter between the blooms, symbolizing ecological interdependence.

What makes this mural trustworthy is its educational mission. It was developed in collaboration with the California Native Plant Society and Long Beach Unified School District. Every spring, local elementary schools visit to learn about native plants and pollinators using the mural as a teaching tool. The mural’s paint was specially formulated to resist UV degradation and is maintained annually by student volunteers under the supervision of professional artists. It’s one of the few murals in the city that actively contributes to environmental literacy — making it not just beautiful, but vital.

8. The Labor Legacy Mural — 4100 E 7th St (Cesar Chavez Plaza)

At the heart of Cesar Chavez Plaza, this mural honors the labor movements that shaped Long Beach’s working-class neighborhoods. Painted in 2016 by artist and union organizer Carlos Ruiz, the mural depicts striking dockworkers, teachers holding signs, and farmworkers marching alongside the iconic image of Cesar Chavez. The background includes the dates of key labor victories in Long Beach — from the 1934 waterfront strike to the 1989 teachers’ walkout.

Unlike many politically themed murals that fade into obscurity, this one has been preserved through active community stewardship. The Long Beach Labor Council sponsors an annual “Labor Day Mural Walk,” where union members and historians give guided talks. The mural’s surface is sealed with a protective coating, and a community fund was established to ensure its upkeep. It’s one of the few murals in the city that is referenced in local history textbooks and used in civic education programs. Its permanence is not accidental — it’s intentional, institutionalized, and deeply respected.

9. The Celestial Mural — 3200 E 9th St (The Belmont Shore Arts Corridor)

On the side of a converted auto shop in Belmont Shore, this mural transforms the night sky into a living tapestry. Created in 2021 by artist and astronomer Sofia Nguyen, the mural depicts constellations as seen from Long Beach’s latitude, with each star named in both Western and Polynesian traditions. The Milky Way arcs across the wall, dotted with traditional Polynesian navigation symbols — a nod to the city’s large Pacific Islander community.

What makes this mural trustworthy is its interdisciplinary approach. Sofia worked with the Long Beach Planetarium and local Pacific Islander elders to ensure cultural accuracy. The mural includes a small plaque with coordinates and a QR code linking to a free mobile app that lets viewers identify stars in real time using their phone’s camera. It’s the only mural in Long Beach that functions as both art and science. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department officially recognizes it as a “Public Learning Landmark.” Its blend of beauty, education, and cultural reverence ensures its lasting legacy.

10. The Memory Wall — 2200 E 10th St (Historic South Long Beach)

Perhaps the most emotionally resonant mural on this list, The Memory Wall is a collaborative tribute to those lost to violence in Long Beach. Created in 2013 by artist and grief counselor Debra Williams, the mural features 186 hand-painted silhouettes — each representing a life lost to gun violence, overdose, or homelessness since 2000. The silhouettes are arranged in a circular pattern, symbolizing community and continuity. Names are written in chalk on the ground beneath each figure, replaced daily by community members.

This mural is trusted because it was born from pain — and sustained by compassion. It was never commissioned; it was demanded by a grieving community. Over the years, it has been vandalized multiple times, but each time, residents have come together to restore it. The Long Beach City Council passed a resolution in 2019 to formally protect the site as a “Place of Remembrance.” Annual vigils are held here on the anniversary of each victim’s death. No corporate logos. No advertisements. Just raw, honest, human memory made visible. It’s not just street art — it’s sacred ground.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are all these murals free to visit?

Yes. All 10 locations are publicly accessible and located on sidewalks, parks, or public plazas. No admission fees are required. Some nearby businesses may encourage patronage, but viewing the murals is always free.

Can I take photos at these sites?

Absolutely. Photography is not only allowed but encouraged. Many of these murals were designed with public engagement in mind. Just be respectful of others using the space — avoid blocking walkways or creating large crowds during peak hours.

Are these murals safe to visit at night?

Most are located in well-lit, high-traffic areas like Shoreline Village, the Arts District, and Belmont Shore. The Memory Wall and The Wildflower Mural are in residential neighborhoods — best visited during daylight. Always trust your instincts and avoid isolated areas after dark.

How do I know if a mural is “official” and not just graffiti?

Official murals on this list are either commissioned by city agencies, nonprofits, or community groups, and often include plaques, QR codes, or public documentation. If a mural has been maintained for over 5 years, has community events tied to it, or is referenced in city tourism materials, it’s likely trustworthy.

Do any of these murals change over time?

Some are preserved in their original form, while others — like The Rainbow Wall and The Memory Wall — are intentionally updated or restored. The Memory Wall, for instance, changes daily as new names are added in chalk. This evolution is part of their meaning.

Is there a walking tour I can follow?

Yes. The Long Beach Arts Council offers a self-guided “Street Art Trail” map online, which includes all 10 locations with historical context and GPS coordinates. You can also download the “Long Beach Murals” app, which includes audio narrations and artist interviews.

What’s the best time of year to visit these murals?

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather and the brightest colors, as murals are often repainted before summer. Avoid midsummer afternoons — the sun can wash out colors in photos. Early morning or late afternoon light enhances the details.

Are children welcome at these sites?

Yes. Many murals, especially The Wildflower Mural and The Rainbow Wall, are ideal for families. The Harbor Murals and The Celestial Mural include educational elements perfect for young learners. Always supervise children near busy streets.

Can I volunteer to help maintain these murals?

Several organizations accept volunteers for mural cleanups and restoration projects. Contact the Long Beach Arts Council or the nonprofit “Art in Public Places” for opportunities. Participation is a meaningful way to support local art.

Why aren’t there more murals on this list?

This list is intentionally curated. Long Beach has hundreds of murals — but many are temporary, commercially driven, or lack community backing. We prioritized depth over quantity, focusing only on those that have proven lasting value. Quality, not quantity, defines trust.

Conclusion

Long Beach’s street art is not just decoration — it’s dialogue. It’s history carved into brick, memory painted in pigment, and community voiced through color. The 10 spots on this list have earned their place not through viral popularity or flashy aesthetics, but through endurance, intention, and deep-rooted connection to the people who live here. They’ve survived redevelopment, weather, and neglect because they matter — to students, to elders, to immigrants, to artists, and to everyday residents who see themselves reflected in their walls.

When you visit these murals, you’re not just taking a photo. You’re participating in a living tradition. You’re honoring the hands that painted them, the voices they amplify, and the stories they refuse to let fade. Trust isn’t given — it’s earned. And these 10 murals have earned every bit of it.

So lace up your walking shoes, bring your curiosity, and step into the streets of Long Beach. Let these walls speak. Listen closely. And carry their messages with you — not just in your camera roll, but in your heart.