Visit these murals in Myrtle Beach to create your own virtual postcards

Up and down the Myrtle Beach coast, restaurants and public buildings are covered with eye catching murals. Visiting these five popular landmarks are a great way to explore the Grand Strand area.

The “Whaling Wall” at Myrtle Beach Convention Center. 2101 N Oak St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Robert Wyland’s “Whaling Wall” painted on the side of the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and refreshed by Tommy Simpson in 2018. Courtesy VisitMyrtleBeach.com

One of Myrtle Beach’s biggest and most famous landmarks, the “Whaling Wall” spans the North side of the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Originally painted by one of America’s most famous muralists, Robert Wyland painted these in 1993 as part of a series of 100 whale murals, the enormous work feature protected Right Whales was refreshed by local muralist Tommy Simpson in 2018.

Simpson is well known locally for his other works in public spaces around the region.

Conway’s “Shoo-Fly locomotive” and many others. Kingston St, Conway, SC 29526

Tommy Simpson was commissioned to paint the 19th century locomotive train nicknamed the “Shoo Fly,” in Conway, S.C. Photo courtesy Tommy Simpson. JASON LEE/jlee@thesunnews.com

Conway, S.C. is becoming a destination for art lovers with colorful murals decorating the sides of many historic buildings. The historic “Shoo-fly” steam engine #62 that ran downtown in the 19th century was commissioned by the city and completed in 2019 by local artist Tommy Simpson as a centerpiece of the refreshed Kingston Park. But don’t stop there. There are other equally impressive works within walking distance including the F.G. Burroughs Steamboat, the boy fishing on the side of the Trestle, and the Coca-Cola mural on the side of Papa’s General Store. Conway’s newest mural, completed by city employees last year in a paint-by-numbers fashion on the side of 1000 Scarborough Alley is visible as soon as drivers cross the Main Street Bridge.

Pawleys Island’s Old Town Hall. 321 Myrtle Ave, Pawleys Island, SC 29585

April Bensch’s mural on Pawleys Island Old Town Hall. Courtesy VisitMyrtleBeach.com

Pawleys Island is an art lovers mecca with many shops and galleries featuring local artists. The island’s Old Town Hall was damaged in 2016 by Hurricane Matthew and has been replaced by a new facility but the historic building remains. On the South side of the building visitors will find a scene painted that by local muralist April Bensch that perfectly blends her art with the marsh beyond.

Surfside Beach “Hat Lady” - 813 Surfside Dr, Surfside Beach, SC 29575

A mural on the side of a building off Surfside Drive in the town of Surfside Beach, S.C. was painted by Tommy Simpson. JASON LEE/jlee@thesunnews.com

Painted in 2009 the Surfside Beach “Hat Lady” mural is a retro look at beach life along the Grand Strand. Framed in the style of a postcard, visitors can make great postcards of their own for their Instagram feeds. The massive mural is painted on the side of Borgata of Surfside restaurant.

Lulu’s Cafe Myrtle Beach. 1903 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Myrtle Beach native, now living in San Clemente, CA, Drew Brophy paints a mural on the wall of Lulu’s Cafe in Myrtle Beach, Friday afternoon. The completed work, the largest he has done, will be 61x16 feet and require over 400 cans of graffiti paint to complete. 08/31/12__Photo by Charles Slate Charles Slate/cslate@thesunnews.com

The 61-foot wall of Lulu’s cafe features a giant colorful surfing scene painted by Drew Brophy in 13-days using 400 cans of graffiti paint according to the artist. Instagram users and Trip Advisor reviewers love to have their pictures made with this Myrtle Beach Landmark.

Interested in knowing more about the artists behind the area’s most popular murals?

Big art is taking over the Grand Strand. Meet the Myrtle Beach area muralists behind them.