20 Beach Nail Designs That'll Make a Splash

Opt for a marble design to get a swirling water effect that'll mesmerize anyone who glances at your nails. The style incorporates shades of blue and a hint of white to appear as though your fingernails are pools of water.

Maximalists will appreciate these luminescent beach nails, which consist of shiny polish decorated with large pearls for a fresh-out-of-the-ocean appearance. To make them more eye-catching, add a shiny gold outline along a couple of nails.

Make a splash with a sea-glass-inspired design that mixes colors of green and blue. Top off the beach look with flakes of glitter to give it the appearance of the glass glimmering underwater.

You won't have to dig for seashells with this elegant art on your fingers. What makes these seashell nails pop is the 3D texture incorporated. It makes it look as though shells have replaced your nails.

Refresh your fingers with a 3D design mimicking droplets of water. The technique can be used in conjunction with any nail polish color.

Minimalists will love this manicure featuring cartoon-style drawings of standard beach supplies on a nude background, which helps make the art pop. From a red and white sun chair to doodles of flip-flops, it'll be like having your own packing list on your fingers.

Infuse the neon trend into your beach nail design with a tropical look. This manicure offers subtle beach Barbie vibes, utilizing neon pink and blue hues for a French tip.

This iridescent manicure doesn't scream beach mani, making it perfect for anyone who likes to keep their nails understated. The dual-chrome color resembles the colors in a beautiful mermaid tail in the best way.

For minimalists, you can infuse some beach themes into the classic French manicure. Using white and nude shades, create a typical smile line on the tip, then turn one nail into a seashell topped with a pearl accent.

We can't help but feel calm while gazing at these sea turtle beach nails. The art combines French tips with pink starfish and blue turtles for an underwater feel.

Beach nails don't have to be blue-focused — you can create a trendy look based on other plants and views, including a pink-hued sunset. Use an ombré base, and for an added touch of personality, incorporate palm tree and bird decals.

Keep things neutral using shades of gold, tan, and white. Your nails can evoke the calm vibes of sitting in the sand.

Sometimes, the simpler, the better. If you don't want something too complicated, use a blue base and white outline of common beach themes. You can keep it to one shape per nail or create a whole motif.

Another nature-themed beach design spotlights palm leaves. Rather than show off a traditional French manicure, you can create a green palm leaf extending toward the center of your nail. For a pop of color, add a flower next to the leaf.

We dare you not to sail over to the salon after peeking at this cartoon design. Creating outlines of sailboats, palm trees, and seashells gives the appearance of a beachy wallpaper print you'd find on vacation.

Make sure your nails are the first thing people notice by using a bold base shade of coral and beachy graphics that will land you compliments. Unlike most beach art, this style uses a thick, bright-white outline to make the sunset pop.

Your look doesn't have to be all calm waters. Bring the sound of crashing waves to life with water nails that'll have you saying, "Surf's up!" You can go with a nude base or add a soft light blue for a sky-like background.

Turn your nails into hypnotic mermaids by adding a scalelike design using your preferred colors. For extra beachy vibes, you can top them off with water droplets and starfish.

These 3D jellyfish beach nails are a must have if you're all about the details. The vivid purple against the light blue has a realistic feel, and you can combine it with water droplets or seashell accent nails to create an underwater story.

Opting for a bright coral base with white starfish accent nails will make a bold statement. For added texture, you can apply dots to the starfish.

Rylee Johnston is a New York City-based freelance writer who covers everything from beauty, fashion, and celebrity trends to home, pets, and more. With a degree in journalism and over three years of industry experience, she enjoys interviewing experts and testing out products to make the best recommendations for readers.