We all know that Sacramento has a vibrant arts scene — and we’re not just talking about Crocker Art Museum or Sol Collective Art Gallery. One of our all-time favorite galleries? The City of Trees itself.

Today, we’re sharing where to find pieces that really paint a picture of Sacramento with our guide to 12 murals in town.

Koi fish are a breed of ornamental common carp, often symbolic of prosperity and perseverance. | Photo by SACtoday staff

Koi fish, MARRS building off J Street | By Maren Conrad
This mural extends down the backside of the MARRS building, which houses the German beer hall LowBrau. It features multiple massive koi fish in black and white surrounded by a sea of blue-painted brick.

Some of the murals in Sacramento base their themes on the uses of the building it decorates. | Photo by SACtoday staff

People in ornate frames, 1723 J St. | By various artists
This mural scrolled along the side of Maverique Style House gives a vintage feel with its muted colors and old-timey characters. The peacock feathers, florals, and detailed frames compliment the salon's more minimalist interior.

Street art adds vibrancy to otherwise forgettable alleyways in town. | Photo by SACtoday staff

Green-haired women, 930 20th St. | By various artists
The side and back of Big Brother Comics features this mural of green-haired women. From the flowing hair to the golden poppies and butterflies, the vibrant art adds a touch whimsy to this downtown building.

Taking a walk around Downtown and Midtown is a great way to discover hidden gems. | Photo by SACtoday staff

Betty Inada, 2011 I St. | By Shaun Burner
On the side of Bryant Christie Inc., this mural is a tribute to Sacramento-born jazz artist Betty Inada. She moved to Japan at age 19, becoming Japan's most popular female jazz singer in the era before WWII.

The artistic styles of murals in Sacramento cast a wide variety of local expression. | Photo by SACtoday staff

An abstract face, 2020 I St. | By John Horton
This mural decorates the building of The Wellness Club, a fitness center adorned with disco balls and party lights. The vibrancy of its interior is well-matched by the mural, which follows abstract, futurist-style themes common in Horton's portfolio.

Sacramento itself is the muse for many local artists. | Photo by SACtoday staff

Downtown Sacramento + Tower Bridge, 614 16th St. | By unknown artist
Barber's Shop Automotive is home to this mural the depicts a panoramic view of Sacramento's iconic Tower Bridge and nearby downtown buildings. The beloved local auto shop was in a previous building for 42 years, before starting over in its current Midtown location after a fire.

If you pay attention to the artist info left behind on murals, you may see some familiar names. | Photo by SACtoday staff

A goldfinch, 15th + N streets | By Jaya King
Yellow birds are just one of the common themes in Jaya King's mural work around Sacramento. This colorful piece is also the work of King, with artistic aid from GsUltimatic and Juliet Elise.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C91eOrMxnCs/
Spirit of California, 3223 Folsom Blvd. | By Miles Hermann
Located in Sacramento Mural Alley in East Sac, this colorful piece depicts the promise of prosperity and reinvention in California. "It's the land of vast riches from the Sierras to the sea. Spiritus Vita et Gestis — the spirit lives in the lives of the people," Hermann explained.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLnegKSJCNq/
The Lower American River, 700 H St. | By Stephanie Taylor
This towering piece spans three stories above the Sacramento County Administration Building plaza in downtown Sac and was commissioned by the Sacramento Water Forum for its 20th anniversary. Featuring an underwater perspective as if looking up, it's designed to celebrate the beauty of the Lower American River. It was created from Taylor's original painting; read her thoughts on the river.

Artist Micah Crandall-Bear gives pretty sunset vibes in this alley mural in Sac's Midtown community. | Photo via Google Maps

Sunset Circle, 730 R St. | By Micah Crandall-Bear
Located in Midtown's RS Alley, this pretty mural gives laid-back sunset vibes and aligns perfectly with Crandall-Bear's portfolio of abstract landscape works.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBZdniqTytj/?img_index=1
Red leaves, Harlow's at 2708 J St. | By Jeremiah Kille
As if the beloved Midtown music venue wasn't already cool enough, its exterior features beautiful red leaves and other symbols totally up for interpretation, as art should be.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CjUdowjOBVw/
Having my Seat at the Table, 1403 19th St. | By Shonna McDaniels
Community activist Shonna McDaniels is the founder + director of the Soujourner Truth Art Museum. She's also a professional artist, teacher, and muralist with a "goal as an artist to leave a legacy about the Black experience." This mural depicts a woman dressed in a vibrant yellow dress and hat leaning on a table next to a vase of flowers. Her eyes are mesmerizing.