40 Beach Nail Designs To Make Your Summer Memorable

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With summer in full swing, there has never been a better time than now to head to the nearest beach and have fun in the sun.

And with the best beach nail designs, you’re sure to make it a truly refreshing time.

So let your hair down, mermaids, and look through these 40 inspirational beachy nail ideas you’re sure to love.

a woman facing backwards while holding a star fish with both hands

Table of Contents

1 Why Consider Beach Nail Designs for Your Next Manicure
2 Best Beach Nail Designs: 40 Ideas
3 FAQs
4 Stay Vacay-Ready With Fabulous Beach Nail Designs

Why Consider Beach Nail Designs for Your Next Manicure

If this is your first time to have your nails done in a beach-themed design, you’re in for a lot of perks!

There are many reasons why beach-themed nails are a great idea, some of the most important of which are as follows:

Perfect for Summer

First off, beach nail designs are the perfect way to ring in the arrival of the season’s sunshine and fun.

Almost every idea is bright, refreshing, and bold, which makes it a great accessory for vacations and getaways.

Additionally, these designs contain elements that celebrate the best of summer.

So even if you get stuck indoors and can’t make it to a beach, the manicure can make you feel like you’re out in the sun.

Versatile and Flexible

Another beautiful thing about this type of nail design is that you’ll have a lot of room for creativity.

There are so many ideas that you can incorporate into a beach-themed mani, including these awesome designs:

Ocean waves
Mermaids
Sand and skies
Palm trees
Sea shells
Sunrises and sunsets
Underwater creatures

And they can come in any color!

There’s no need to stick to just blues and whites; you can play with hues from the entire whole color wheel when it comes to creating a design.

Ideal for All Ages

These designs are also suitable for anyone! With the variety of options to choose from, you can find nail inspo for the young and the young-at-heart.

Just make sure that you’re choosing non-toxic nail polish if you intend to paint a child’s nails.

Great Accessory for Summer Outfits

Finally, these nails are the exquisite finishing touch to a summer getup.

The flexibility in palettes and design elements also ensures that you can find the right aesthetic to pull together a complete look.

Best Beach Nail Designs: 40 Ideas

Ready to get started?

Here are some of the most amazing beach nail designs you can try at home.

Sea, Shells, Stars, and Sea Creatures

this mani that features most of the things you'd see on the shore: crabs, shells, starfish, and stones against a nude background — Image courtesy of @kuypernailart

Kicking off our list is this mani that features most of the things you’d see on the shore: crabs, shells, starfish, and stones.

All of these are set against a nude backdrop with blue waves on the tips.

Multicolored Nails With 3D Adornments

creamy pinkish-white nails with an iridescent finish topped with 3D seashells and pearls, along with shimmery blue-green and purple accent nails — Image courtesy of @kuypernailart

Why stick to one color when you can have three?

This set features creamy pinkish-white nails with an iridescent finish topped with 3D seashells and pearls, along with shimmery blue-green and purple accent nails.

Elaborate Waves

imaginative design with its excellent rendition of marvelous ocean waves, made even more realistic with shiny pearls, stones, and stars — Image courtesy of @nailsby_avril

There’s no reason to settle for basic waves!

Try this fully imaginative design with its excellent rendition of marvelous ocean waves, made even more realistic with shiny pearls, stones, and stars.

Purple Magic

If you’re looking for a beach design for nails that explores beyond the typical blues and whites, this set is it.

With glittery purple swirls, 3D purple stars, gems, and pearls on clear nails, it’s a purple fantasy that’s sure to wow.

Pale Blue Nails and Multicolored Starfish

For beach-themed nails that are simpler but still fun, this design uses a pale blue base decorated with multicolored starfish and white dots.

It’s easy to replicate at home!

Aquatic Theme

These blue nails with black mermaid scales, fine holographic glitter, and chunky glitter flakes are the perfect way to zhuzh up your mani with an aquatic theme.

Add some chrome violent accent nails for a little edge!

Light Blue Nails With Palm Trees

Easy, breezy summer?

Channel this vibe into your nails with this light blue set that features nude accent nails with black palm trees and soothing ocean waves.

Mermaid Nail Art

In the mood for pink beach nails?

This Malibu Barbie-worthy design features pink and blue nails, pink-and-blue ombré, mermaid scales, and cartoon mermaid nail art, replete with silver gems and 3D stars.

Beach Wave Tips

design is reminiscent of The Great Wave with its beautiful rendering of beach waves as French tips set against a nude backdrop — Image courtesy of @1999houseofnailsnz

Want a fresh take on a French manicure?

This design is reminiscent of The Great Wave Off Kanagawa with its beautiful rendering of beach waves as French tips set against a nude backdrop. For an added perk, it also comes with bird designs!

Glossy Blue and Orange Nails

abstract splattering of blue, white, and orange nail polish, resembling beach waves against an orange sunset — Image courtesy of @nails.by.iz_

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, try this abstract splattering of blue, white, and orange nail polish, resembling beach waves against an orange sunset.

Add a glossy top coat, and you’re all set!

Blue Marble Tips With Gold Flecks

Want something subtle but still stylish?

These nude nails feature blue marble designs that mirror the look of seafoam and sea waves, dotted with flecks of gold for an easy luxe vibe.

Ocean-Inspired Stiletto Nails

this design bears a striking resemblance to the subtleties in the colors of the ocean with its marbly mix of different blue shades — Image courtesy of @natalie_thedollshouse

Another refreshing idea for beach-themed fingernails, this design bears a striking resemblance to the subtleties in the colors of the ocean with its marbly mix of different blue shades.

It also comes with flecks of glitter and side French tips on the pale nude accent nails.

Gold and Blue Nails

nails with nude base, paint blue marble designs on the tips, and finish it off with some gold outlines for a waves-against-the-shore look — Image courtesy of @natalie_thedollshouse

If you’re looking for a design that’s not too out there but also not boring, this will work just fine.

Take a nude base, paint blue marble designs on the tips, and finish it off with some gold outlines for a waves-against-the-shore look.

Marble Nails With Gold Flecks

nails features a watery mix of various blue tones speckled with flecks of gold to create a marbly effect, set against a pale nude backdrop — Image courtesy of @natalie_thedollshouse

For beach nails with an artsy aesthetic, this nail idea is a standout.

It features a watery mix of various blue tones speckled with flecks of gold to create a marbly effect, set against a pale nude backdrop.

Blue and Pink Palette

Need something for music festivals at the beach?

Consider this set that features pink and blue nails, chunky glitter flakes, iridescent nail foil, and 3D gems — perfect for some subtle but glam beach inspiration.

White and Blue Nails With Gold

white and blue marble design with wave-like splashes accentuated with gold foil on the middle of creamy white nails — Image courtesy of @jal.nailartist

If you’re looking for cute short beach nails, this white and blue marble design is a must!

With wave-like splashes accentuated with gold foil on the middle of creamy white nails. It’s clean, fresh, and perfect for summer.

Dark Blue Nails and Ocean Waves

For a navy blue design with a twist, this set has dark blue nails and nude nails that feature ocean wave nail art with navy blue outlines.

It’s cohesive, contemporary, and captivating!

Summer Seascape

Want cute summer beach nails that contain everything great about the season?

This set has orange-pink sunsets, palm trees, birds, the aloha sign, gold flecks, pastel lines, and wavy French tips.

Blue Nails With Gold Flecks

Another take on the marble look, these gel beach nails feature solid navy blue nails and accent nails with wave-inspired designs and gold flecks.

The result? A relaxed but elegant manicure.

Shell-Inspired

For simple beach nails that pack a powerful punch in aesthetics, this seashell-inspired design is done with a sheer white base overlaid with embossed white seashell lines and finished with 3D pearls.

Pastel Nails and Mermaid Scales

pastel-colored mani that features shimmery pink, blue, and purple nails, along with mermaid scales on ombre pink-and-blue accent nails — Image courtesy of @practicallymagic_nailsbeauty

Channel mermaidcore with a pastel-colored mani that features shimmery pink, blue, and purple nails, along with mermaid scales on ombré pink-and-blue accent nails.

Underwater-Themed Multicolored Nails

nails that flaunt a linear purple-and-blue-green gradient base and white octopus and turtle nail art — Image courtesy of @practicallymagic_nailsbeauty

If you want a design that’s a little more elaborate, nothing’s better than this!

Step into an underwater world with these nails, which flaunt a linear purple-and-blue-green gradient base and white octopus and turtle nail art.

Nude Nails With Waves and Black Birds

tasteful mani that features simple black birds with ocean waves used as French tips on a nude base — Image courtesy of @practicallymagic_nailsbeauty

A captivating yet simple beach nail design, this is a tasteful mani that features simple black birds with ocean waves used as French tips on a nude base.

Ocean Marble

A beach-themed design with blue marble? Yes, please!

This set features marbly beach waves on nude nails, with accent nails lined with glamorous 3D gems.

Scales and Glitter and 3D Stones

Looking for a set that’s multitextured? This design features nude nails decorated with black scales and 3D rhinestones.

An overload of blue-green glitter flakes crowds the accent nail, giving the mani a hint of beachy glam.

Ocean Waves

this set mimics the look of beach waves crashing against the shore, with foamy and marbly blue waves painted on a nude base — Image courtesy of @lamournailsnz

Also one of the cutest beach nail designs for short nails, this set mimics the look of beach waves crashing against the shore, with foamy and marbly blue waves painted on a nude base.

Sea Turtle and Blue Marble

striking contrast between the deep blue marble designs and the nude base creates a breathtaking look, made even more eye-catching by the turtle design and marble tips — Image courtesy of @nailsbyjenny_az

In this nail set, the striking contrast between the deep blue marble designs and the nude base creates a breathtaking look, made even more eye-catching by the turtle design and marble tips.

Pastel Summer Nails

In this pastel set, palm tree and seashell nail art take center stage, as well as 3D pearls and glitter.

It also uses solid white and pink colors on most of the nails and a tri-color gradient on one nail to provide depth and balance.

Lilac Shell Nails

Need something simple and classy?

This design spotlights lilac nail polish with clear lines to create a shell-like effect, complete with 3D pearls.

3D Shells and French Tips

Want beach wedding nail designs? This lovely set features a clear glittery base with seashell designs and lovely pearls.

Throw in some white French tips, and you’ll be ready to walk down the aisle.

Beach Sky

This beach sky-inspired nail set showcases stiletto and coffin nails decorated with either a glittery blue base or black palm trees over pink sands and blue skies.

Meanwhile, 3D rhinestones and blue streaks adorn the white accent nail.

3D Starfish and Footprints

beach nails with sand designs, try this beautiful set of pale blue nails with starfish and accent nails that feature pale blue ocean waves against beach sand — Image courtesy of @nails_byjolie

For beach nails with sand designs, try this beautiful set of pale blue nails with starfish and accent nails that feature pale blue ocean waves against beach sand, complete with footprints for a lifelike effect.

Waves, Shells, and Stars

nails with two-toned blue waves, white seafoam, and creamy pale beige sand on long stiletto nails, then decorated with 3D shells — Image courtesy of @nails_byjolie

If you have acrylic nails, this design’s perfect for you!

Paint two-toned blue waves, white seafoam, and creamy pale beige sand on long stiletto nails, then decorate them with 3D shells and stars for more personality.

Orange Sunset

Live your best tangerine dreams with these tropical beach-themed nails.

Featuring sunsets against teal waters, flamingo silhouettes, palm trees, and plain tangerine accent nails, it’s a vision worth emulating.

Life Underwater

hand-painted tropical fish nail art, glittery blue base, and iridescent flakes at the tips, which recreate life at the bottom of the ocean — Image courtesy of @evelinail_art

Next on our list of creative beachy nail designs is this set that gives us a glimpse of underwater life.

You have your hand-painted tropical fish nail art, glittery blue base, and iridescent flakes at the tips, which recreate life at the bottom of the ocean.

Beach-Themed Art

nails with nude base, paint thick tips with a marbly mix of neon green, blue, and pink, then draw blue shells and dots — Image courtesy of @evelinail_art

If you want an interesting design, try this!

On a nude base, paint thick tips with a marbly mix of neon green, blue, and pink, then draw blue shells and dots to pay homage to the underwater world.

Relaxing at the Beach

this design pairs pale pink nails with nail art that features pink skies, blue waters, black cliffs and stones, and a black swing — Image courtesy of @evelinail_art

For a calm, serene look, this design pairs pale pink nails with nail art that features pink skies, blue waters, black cliffs and stones, and a black swing suspended from a branch.

A Nice Day by the Sea

nail art of lighthouses, birds, the ocean, blue skies, and green grass with plain blue accent nails — Image courtesy of @evelinail_art

If you want something bright and even a bit nostalgic, this elaborate nail art of lighthouses, birds, the ocean, blue skies, and green grass is just divine.

Plus, it has plain blue accent nails for balance.

Sea and Sand

marble nails and gold tips with 3D gold stars to mimic the sand and add dimension to the design — Image courtesy of @nailcouturelincoln

Another great option for cute and simple beach nails, these marble nails reminiscent of the ocean are stunning.

It also has gold tips with 3D gold stars to mimic the sand and add dimension to the design.

3D Nails With Pearls

translucent purple nails with glitter, seashell lines, and silver glitter dots — Image courtesy of @gocaranzanails

If you want something feminine but also perfect for the summer, these translucent purple nails with glitter, seashell lines, and silver glitter dots are a beaut!

Work in some 3D pearls to up the pretty mermaid vibe.

FAQs

Do Beach Nail Designs Look Good on Everyone?

Yes, beach nail designs are perfect for all types of people and all types of hands!

They come in various colors, as well as nail shapes and sizes, to suit anybody.

Which Nail Colors Are Best for the Beach?

While you can use just about any color for beach nail designs, the most popular are blue, white, pastels, orange, and beige.

Stay Vacay-Ready With Fabulous Beach Nail Designs

With your variety of options, it won’t be challenging to find the best nail design that perfectly suits you.

There are designs that pay homage to the underwater world, feature sea creatures and mermaids, mimic beach sunsets and ocean waters, and more.

You can also use nail art to draw beach-themed elements and give more character to the design.

So go ahead. Choose a design that personally speaks to you and lets you bring your beach fantasies to life!

Did You Enjoy This?

Here are more nail designs you’ll want to check out!

Author

Kat
Kat brings a seasoned voice to our beauty blog with 13 years of dedicated writing experience. Her deep-seated passion isn't just limited to words; she's always on the pulse of emerging makeup trends. Beyond her articles, Kat crafts hand-made crochet swimwear and sundresses, and effortlessly steps in as a muse for beauty photoshoots. Kat holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology.
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