Beach nails: When the sun is shining, the waves are calling, and your suitcase is almost packed, there’s only one thing left to do—get your nails vacation-ready. Whether you’re headed to a tropical paradise, a breezy coastal town, or just dreaming of the sea breeze, a beach-inspired manicure is a great way to amp up your vacation look. From sun-drenched colors to nautical designs and playful seashell art, beach nails are a way to have fun, relaxation, and let your creativity run wild.
This summer, beach nails trends are moving toward bold colors, shiny finishes, and funky details like palm trees, waves, and even tiny starfish. Think vibrant turquoise, sandy neutrals, coral pinks, and bright blues reminiscent of the ocean. Or go for a minimalist look with light ombres and delicate whites that are reminiscent of the soft foam of ocean waves. No matter what your style is—glamorous, classic, or carefree—there’s a vacation manicure that will fit perfectly with your vibe.
In this roundup, we’ve gathered 30 stunning beach nails designs that will inspire your next salon visit (or DIY nail session). These looks are versatile enough for relaxing poolside, sipping cocktails on the shore, or dancing barefoot on the sand. Whether you’re headed to an island getaway or want to recreate a beach vibe at home, these nail ideas are sure to mesmerize you. Ready to dive in? Scroll through and find the perfect beach nails for your sun-kissed look.
1. Tropical Citrus beach nails
Bright, juicy, and full of zest, tropical citrus nails feature vibrant oranges, lemons, and limes for a fruity, sun-soaked vibe that instantly brings tropical vacation energy to your fingertips
2. Baby Blue Shells beach nails
InstagramCredit@heygreatnails
Soft and serene, baby blue shells bring a dreamy ocean vibe to your nails. Delicate seashell accents and pearly finishes add a touch of underwater magic to this coastal look.
3. Seaside-Inspired Nail Art beach nails
InstagramCredit@isabelle.manicuredsocial
Capture the essence of the coast with seaside-inspired nail art featuring waves, anchors, seafoam swirls, and sandy textures. Perfect for beach lovers craving that fresh, salty breeze aesthetic.
4. Tropical Jelly Nails beach nails
InstagramCredit@myprettyset
Translucent and vibrant, tropical jelly nails channel island vibes with fruity hues like mango, papaya, and guava. Their glossy, see-through finish gives a playful, sunlit glow perfect for vacation.
5. Beach Towel beach nails
InstagramCredit@emspolish
Inspired by bold stripes and bright colors, Beach Towel nails mimic your favorite seaside essential. Think vibrant patterns in blues, pinks, and yellows for a fun, retro-summer manicure vibe.
6. Under the Sea beach nails
Instagramcredit@vanityprojects
Dive deep with “Under the Sea” nails featuring shimmering blues, iridescent accents, and ocean motifs like fish, coral, and bubbles. This aquatic look brings mermaid magic straight to your fingertips.
7. Mykonos-Inspired French Nails beach nails
Instagramcredit@gelsbybry
Elegant and effortlessly coastal, Mykonos-Inspired French nails blend crisp white tips with vivid Aegean blue accents. This minimalist yet striking design echoes the island’s iconic architecture and Mediterranean charm—perfect for a luxe summer escape.
8. Water Surface Effect:
Instagramcredit@brushedbyb
Mimic the mesmerizing ripple of ocean waves with Water Surface Effect nails. Featuring glossy, reflective finishes and soft blue gradients, this design creates a fluid, sunlit illusion of shimmering seas.
9. 3D Chrome Seashells:
Instagramcredit@myprettyset
Make a bold statement with 3D chrome seashell nails. Shiny, metallic shells pop off the nail bed, adding texture and futuristic flair to your beach-inspired manicure. Perfect for those who love edgy ocean vibes.
10. Seashell French:
Instagramcredit@naildripmiami
A delicate twist on the classic French manicure, Seashell French nails feature soft, pearly tips adorned with subtle seashell designs—bringing a touch of seaside elegance to your everyday look.
11. Oceanic Swirls:
Instagramcredit@imarninails
Flowing and dreamy, Oceanic Swirls blend shades of blue and turquoise with graceful, wave-like patterns. This design captures the soothing motion of the sea, perfect for a calming beach-inspired manicure.
12. Sandy Shimmer:
Instagramcredit@LOLO.NAILEDIT
Capture the golden glow of sunlit beaches with Sandy Shimmer nails. Soft, sandy tones paired with subtle glitter create a sparkling, textured look reminiscent of warm coastal sands.
13. Y2K Hibiscus:
Instagramcredit@nailed.byl
Bright, bold, and nostalgic, Y2K Hibiscus nails bring back early-2000s vibes with vibrant hibiscus flower designs. Think neon colors and playful patterns perfect for a fun, tropical throwback manicure.
14. Gold Foil:
Instagramcredit@phoebesummernails
Add a touch of luxe to your beach look with Gold Foil nails. Delicate gold leaf accents shimmer against sandy or ocean-inspired bases, creating a sun-kissed, glamorous finish.
15. Sunset Aura:
Instagramcredit@lolo.nailedit
Embrace the warm glow of twilight with Sunset Aura nails. Blending soft pinks, oranges, and purples, this gradient design captures the breathtaking colors of a beachside sunset.
16. Seagulls and Waves:
Instagramcredit@phoebesummernails
Bring coastal charm to your nails with Seagulls and Waves. Delicate bird silhouettes soar above soft, flowing wave patterns—perfect for those who love a serene, seaside vibe.
17. Baby Pink Shells:
Instagramcredit@glitterbels
Soft and feminine, Baby Pink Shells combine a gentle pastel pink base with delicate shell accents. This sweet, subtle design adds a touch of beachy elegance to your manicure.
18. Starfish Details:
Instagramcredit@lolo.nailedit
Add a whimsical touch with Starfish Details—tiny, textured starfish embellishments that bring playful ocean charm and beachy vibes straight to your fingertips. Perfect for a fun, seaside-inspired look.
19. Seashell Accent:
Instagramcredit@glitterbels
Highlight one or two nails with delicate seashell designs or 3D embellishments for a subtle yet striking beach-inspired manicure. The perfect way to add coastal charm without overwhelming your look.
20. Fiji Flower
Instagramcredit@nuka.nails
Inspired by the tropical blooms of Fiji, this design features vibrant hibiscus flowers in bold reds and pinks set against soft, sun-kissed backgrounds—bringing island paradise vibes to your nails.
21. Mismatched Sea-Inspired Art:
Instagramcredit@vanityprojects
Celebrate the ocean’s playful spirit with mismatched sea-inspired nails. Each nail tells its own story—waves, shells, starfish, and coral in varying colors and textures—for a fun, eclectic beach vibe.
22. Hokusai-Inspired Wave:
Instagramcredit@shoreditchnails
Channel the iconic energy of Hokusai’s famous “Great Wave” with bold, swirling blue and white designs. This artistic manicure blends traditional Japanese art with modern beach vibes for a striking statement.
23. French Aura Nails:
Instagramcredit@heluviee
Elevate the classic French manicure with a soft, glowing aura effect. Gentle pastel hues and subtle gradients surround the crisp white tips, creating a dreamy, ethereal beach-inspired look.
24. Make a Splash:
Instagramcredit@nuka.nails
Dive into vibrant colors and dynamic designs with Make a Splash nails. Bold blues, bright whites, and water-inspired patterns come together to create a lively, energetic manicure perfect for any beach day.
25. Tropical Flora + Classic French:
Instagramcredit@gotg0ld
Combine timeless elegance with island vibes by pairing delicate tropical floral designs on accent nails with a crisp, classic French manicure. This look balances sophistication and playful beach energy effortlessly.
26. Palm Tree Scene:
Instagramcredit@yo_keshh
Bring the beach to your fingertips with a Palm Tree Scene design. Silhouetted palms against sunset gradients evoke tropical evenings and relaxed island vibes—perfect for a serene, vacation-ready manicure.
