Your vacation is just days away.
You’re about to walk on soft, warm sand feeling the ocean breeze on your skin. You’ve picked out the cutest swimsuits, planned the perfect itinerary, and stocked up on SPF.
But there’s one last thing you need to check off your list, your nails. Beach photos just hit different when your nails matches your summer aesthetic.
I’ve rounded up some of the most gorgeous and trendy beach nail designs, featuring stunning work from talented nail artists on Instagram (be sure to check out their page for more inspiration).
Whether you’re looking for simple beach nails, classic blue hues, or sandy neutrals. These beach nail designs lets you express your love for summer in a fun and stylish way.
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The Best Nails For Beach Vacation
Easy DIY Beach Nails Checklist
If you’re like me, and you love making your nails at home once in a while.
Creating a gorgeous beach nail at home is easy with the right tools and products.
Here’s everything you need for the perfect beach manicure:
- Sheer or Pearlescent Polishes – Soft, iridescent colors that give a glazed donut or seashell-inspired glow.
- Chrome & Holographic Powders – For a high-shine, reflective effect that mimics the shimmer of ocean waves.
- No-Wipe Gel Top Coat – Seals in chrome, pearl, or holographic powders for a long-lasting, glossy finish.
- Neon Nail Polishes – Bold colors like, electric shades of blues, lime green, and bright yellow for a vibrant summer look.
- White Base Coat – Essential for making neon shades pop and creating a smooth, even base.
- Glossy or Matte Top Coat – Glossy for a radiant, beach-ready shine or matte for a chic, velvety effect.
- Nail Art Brushes & Sponges – Ideal for creating ombré effects, gradients, or intricate details.
- UV/LED Lamp (for Gel Nails) – A must-have for curing gel polishes and powders for a durable, professional look.
With these basic nail kit essentials, you can easily achieve salon-quality beach nails at home.
And don’t forget that the most important yet mundane tip to a long lasting manicure is your nail prep.
Popular Beach Nail Colors In 2025
This summer, it’s clear that bold, eye-catching shades and soft, ocean-inspired hues are dominating the season.
These tropical beach nail colors will not only compliment your summer wardrobe but also make your hands and toes look effortlessly polished.
If you’re looking for the trendiest beach nails that will make your vacation photos pop, here’s what’s making waves:
1.
Pearlescent Pastels Are the New Neutrals
Move over, nude nails!
This summer, it’s all about soft, iridescent pinks, blues, and lavenders that shimmer like seashells under the sun.
2.
Ombre Beach Nails Are a Must
The natural fade of deep blue to white, sunset pink to coral, or sandy beige to gold is trending hard.
It’s the perfect way to capture the colors of the ocean and sky in one dreamy look.
3.
Chrome Blues Are The Ultimate Beach Vibes
Reflective, high-shine, and bold chrome blues and metallic teals are dominating summer nails this year.
Whether you go for a full chrome manicure or a subtle accent nail, this cute blue nails are a guaranteed showstopper.
4.
Glazed Donut Nails Are Still Going Strong
Hailey Bieber’s signature look has evolved into a summer staple, and for good reason.
The milky, pearl-like sheen gives off effortless coastal elegance that pairs beautifully with sun-kissed skin.
5.
Metallic Blues & Silver Holographic Nails Are Taking Over
The reflective, ocean-like shine of metallic blues, silver holographics, and rosy metallics is everywhere this season.
If you want your nails to catch the sunlight like a wave, this is the trend to try.
6.
Coral & Sunset Tones Are the Ultimate Summer Vibe
There’s a reason peach, tangerine, and deep coral shades are making a comeback.
They look incredible with a tan and bring that warm, tropical energy to any georgeus beach outfit.
7.
Turquoise & Seafoam Green Are the New Blues
Forget classic sky blue, these mermaid-inspired greens are the go-to shades for that major mermaidcore energy.
I love the way these uncommon beach colors gives a serious Caribbean vacation vibe.
8.
Ocean Inspired Neon Brights Are Back
If you’ve noticed an explosion of electric blues, and lime greens, neon nails you’re not alone.
These colors are the ultimate statement for beach days and pool parties, especially when layered over a crisp white base coat for that extra vibrancy.
9.
Sandy Neutral Toned Beach Nail Colors
While bold summer hues are stealing the spotlight, sandy neutrals are proving that soft, sun-kissed shades are just as striking.
The laid-back, natural look compliments beautifully with a summer tan, straw hats, gold jewelry, and breezy linen outfits.
10.
Bold Luminary Nails Are Doing The Talking
On the other end of the spectrum, bold, eye-catching nails are taking center stage this summer, inspired by the funky deck chair color palettes.
These bold, luminary shades are perfect if you love to make a statement with your nails.
Simple Beach Nail Designs For Vacation
If you’re looking for simple beach themed nails, that don’t require too much after suncare routine.
Here are simple summer beach nails that you simple beach vacation nails
5.
Vintage Coastal Charm
If you’re going for that effortless, “I just spent the day collecting seashells at hawaand sipping a piña colada” vibe, this is it.
What I really love is the attention to detail. The seashell texture, the tiny gold starfish charms, and the sheer wave effect literally mimics the way water glistens under the sun.
4.
Ocean Swirls
Now this is how you do beach nails that actually match the vibe.
But can we talk about the perfect pairing with the beachy bracelets? Simple but intentional makes a statement.
3.
Chic Rainbow Aesthetic
If mermaids had a signature nail set, it would be this.
I love how the tiny, 3D starfish, seashell accents, and the sheer nude base keeps the whole look soft. And let’s not forget how those gold rings complements the aesthetic.
2.
Marbleized Ocean Swirls French Tip
The almond shape is absolutely perfect for this design.
The way the marbleized blue French tip curl up look just like the sky on a peaceful summer day. So calm and pretty!
1.
Dreamy Ocean Breeze Gemstones
The soft blue shade looks like polished aquamarine.
The almond stiletto combo is super sleek and gives major confidence. It’s the kind of manicure that makes you feel expensive without even trying.
Short Beach Nail Ideas Pinterest
1.
Star Fish & Dotted Frenchies
summer white beach nails coral beach nails teal coral beach nails
The Cutest Press On Beach Nails
If you’re looking for last minute beach nails, and you don’t have time to go to the salon. These are the best press on beach nails I found on Amazon that will give you that salon-worthy look.
You can easily diy these beach nails at home but I recommend you use this super strong nail glue made specially for press on nails to avoid your nails popping off suddenly while on vacation.
And when you’re ready to take these fake beach nails off, without taking off layers of your natural nails, and causing bad damage. I recommend this gentle press on nail remover 100x.
1.
Medium Almond Press On Pink Nails
Press On Nails: 10pcs | Nail Tabs: 24pcs | Included Tools: Nail Remover Stick/Nail File | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes
