26 Beachy Nails That’ll Make Your Summer Insta-Famous
Dreaming of vacation but stuck at home? Your nails can teleport you straight to the shore. These 26 beachy nail designs are pure serotonin—no sunscreen required.
1. Saltwater Swipes
Channel ocean waves with this effortless look. Swipe sheer blue polish diagonally over nude nails for a “just dipped in the sea” effect.
Pro tip: Use a makeup sponge to blend the edges for extra realism. Perfect for when you want low-maintenance but high-impact vibes.
2. Seashell Shimmer
Actual shell fragments would be weird (and sharp), but iridescent topper polish? Genius. Dab pearly white polish with a dotting tool to create micro-shell accents.
- Try OPI’s “Shell We Dance?”
- Add one “shell” per nail near the cuticle
Bonus: Catches the light like real seashells without the sand in your purse.
3. Flip Flop French
Upgrade the classic French tip with neon colors inspired by your favorite pool slides. Think hot pink, lime green, or coral—the tackier, the better.
Paint tips thicker than usual for that “I live in rubber sandals” energy. Works especially well on short, squoval nails.
4. Sunburn Ombré
Who needs actual UV damage when you can fake it? Blend pink to orange polish from cuticle to tip for that “oops, fell asleep on the floatie” look.
Key move: Sponge on the transition for seamless blending. Pair with SPF 50 for irony points.
5. Palm Tree Silhouettes
Single black palm trees on clear or pastel nails scream tropical minimalism. Use striping tape or a thin brush—no artistic skills required.
Proportion hack: Taller trees on longer nails, cute stubby palms on shorties.
6. Beach Towel Stripes
Bold horizontal stripes in classic cabana colors (turquoise/white, red/white) turn nails into tiny towels. Alternate colors on each nail for maximum fun.
- Use Scotch tape as guides
- Top with matte coat for fabric texture
Warning: May cause sudden urge to order piña coladas.
7. Starfish Accent
One starfish-dotted ring finger steals the show. Draw five-pointed shapes with a toothpick or buy 3D nail charms.
Keep other nails sandy beige for balance. Basically a manicure version of that one cute anklet you only wear on vacation.
8. Coral Crush
Textured coral reef nails using lumpy topcoat or actual beads (if you’re brave). Stick to one accent nail unless you want to risk snagging every sweater.
Style note: Best for short vacations where you won’t be typing much. Worth it for the dopamine boost.
9. Mermaid Scale Magic
Fishnet stockings aren’t just for legs—press them onto wet polish to create instant scales. Peel off after 30 seconds, then layer holographic topcoat.
Looks complicated but takes less time than explaining your astrological chart to strangers.
10. Tidal Foam Tips
White polish flicked upward with a fan brush creates foamy wave edges. Add micro-glitter for sunlight-on-water sparkle.
Messier = better. Channel chaotic ocean energy.
11. Sand Dollar Details
Delicate flower patterns on nude nails mimic found treasures. Use a bobby pin dipped in white polish to stamp perfect circles.
Pair with: Actual beachcombing for full aesthetic commitment.
12. Sunset Gradient
Blend yellow, orange, pink, and purple vertically to recreate that golden hour glow. Sponge application hides multichromatic sins.
Guaranteed to make even airport layovers feel romantic.
13. Anchor Away
One minimalist anchor tattoo-style nail anchors the whole set (pun intended). Navy blue on white looks crisp; red on nude feels vintage.
Nautical but nice—skip the matching boat shoes unless you’re committed to the bit.
14. Driftwood Texture
Matte taupe with wood-grain strokes (use a striper brush) for earthy contrast. Looks especially cool with one glossy “wet sand” accent nail.
Basically a manicure for people who say “I prefer the Pacific Northwest coast” unironically.
15. Jellyfish Jellies
Sheer pink with wispy white tentacle designs = underwater cuteness. Add tiny rhinestone “bubbles” if you’re feeling extra.
Pro move: Paint the underside of clear tips for 3D effect. Mind. Blown.
16. Boardwalk Brights
Neon rainbow nails channel saltwater taffy shops and overpriced souvenir cups. Different colors on each nail? Absolutely yes.
Key rule: The more clashing, the more authentic. Bonus points for scratch-and-sniff topcoat that smells like sunscreen.
17. Sailor Knot Nails
Thin rope designs in metallic gold or silver elevate basic colors. Use nail art stickers if freehand seems terrifying.
Pairs well with: Suddenly calling everyone “captain” for no reason.
18. Seagull Silhouettes
Tiny black bird shapes flying across pale blue nails = instant coastal nostalgia. Space them unevenly for natural movement.
Optional: Add one “chips” nail with a dotted white seagull snack. Too meta?
19. Tide Pool Teal
Dimensional polish with blue/green shifts mimics shallow ocean water. Swipe on a “wave line” with white polish while wet for motion.
Almost too pretty to dunk in actual seawater. Almost.
20. Coconut Craze
Brown half-moons with white “husk” textures = tropical fruit fun. Add tiny straw details if you’re committed to the cocktail theme.
Warning: May induce sudden cravings for drinks with umbrellas.
21. Beach Ball Dots
Primary-colored polka dots on white nails = instant playfulness. Alternate dot sizes for that slightly-deflated-last-day-of-vacation realism.
Extra credit: Arrange dots in actual beach ball panel patterns.
22. Message in a Bottle
One nail with a “bottle” (blue base + wavy topcoat) and mini “note” (black scribble). Bonus if you write actual tiny secrets.
Pairs well with: Dramatically staring at the horizon.
23. Lighthouse Stripes
Classic red and white spiral on one accent nail. Use a bobby pin to create perfect circles—wobbly lines just add “hand-painted” charm.
Nostalgic AF without the actual smell of diesel from the marina.
24. Surf Wax Texture
Matte pastel yellow with bumpy topcoat mimics your board’s sticky grip. Surprisingly chic despite the weird inspo.
Best for: People who’ve never actually surfed but own multiple Billabong tees.
25. Pier Wood Grain
Brown polish combed with a toothpick creates weathered plank texture. Add “rusty nail” details with metallic silver dots.
Secretly makes you feel like a Pinterest-worthy coastal carpenter.
26. Bioluminescent Blues
Glow-in-the-dark topcoat over deep ocean blue = midnight swim magic. Charge under light and watch them shine like actual plankton.
Party trick: Flash your nails dramatically when someone says “it’s getting late.”
Ready to make every day feel like a beach day? Pick your favorite three looks and rotate them all summer. Pro tip: Send close-up nail pics instead of “wish you were here” postcards—way more impressive.
