Beach Vacation Nail Ideas - living after midnite

Tis the season to start saving ALL the beach vacation nail ideas so that you’re set when it’s time to make that pre-summer vacation or spring break nail appointment!

I am the queen of waiting until the last minute when it comes to deciding on a fun nail design, so I’m putting together this massive list of beautiful nail art so that you (and I) have plenty of options to choose from for an upcoming vacation.

70 Beach Vacation Nail Ideas

Whether you’re a fan of bright colors, French tips or palm tree designs there is a beachy, fun nail art design for everyone here! I’ve truly got nail ideas for everyone, even the girls that don’t like nail art.

Neon Beach Nails

Are many many beach days in your future? Then these neon beach nails are perfect for you. No matter where you’re headed, a tropical island or a sleepy beach town these neon nails will be the perfect accessory to all of your fun vacation outfits. I also love the way neon nails look against sun-kissed skin!

While I don’t necessarily have a favorite neon polish, I’m very partial to neon green nails especially with turquoise accents and of course neon orange and hot pink! Recently I’ve done a neon snake print manicure and neon aura nails for beach trips, but I’m currently obsessing over the 3D lime nail art I included below! I haven’t tried any 3D nail art, yet, but this mani is truly a work of art and is really making me want to try the trend out for myself.

Palm Trees

If you’re looking for the ultimate tropical beach nail design it has to be palm trees! I love that this is a design you can incorporate into an elaborate manicure or you can add them to a simple one color manicure for a subtle nod to your upcoming summer beach vacation. 

And while palm trees may seem like a nail design that a nail artist needs to do for you, I think if you have a steady hand it’s definitely a design you can do on yourself. Especially if you’re adding it just as an accent on your ring finger for example! I really love the gold foil examples I included below. The gold looks so good against a creamy pink sunset inspired backdrop.

3D Flower Nails & Flower Nail Art

If you’re headed to a tropical place like Hawaii I highly recommend going to with a flower nail art! There are so many different types of flowers like orchids or jasmine you use as inspiration, but you can also just go with a more generic flower nail art. I’ve tried both and they are equally perfect, especially when it comes to beach nail designs. And I know nail art like pink flowers may seem a little juvenile I promise as you scroll through the inspiration below I promise you’ll fall in love too.

If you’re feeling extra, find a nail artist that can do 3D flower nail art. I’m absolutely obsessed with all the 3D hibiscus flowers I’m seeing lately. I love the way they look when incorporated with beachy muted colors like pastel green and soft pink. My nail tech doesn’t use builder gel, but I’m tempted to find someone local who does so I can try this trend out.

Fun French Mani

Not really a nail art girl, but want something a little special for your next tropical vacation? Why not try a fun French mani! The neutral base coat will keep it more reserved, but the fun tip is a nice touch to change it up. 

You can play it safe and opt for something more traditional and just go for a pop of color on the tip. Also, you can follow all the trend I’ve been pinning constantly to my and go with a double French tip where you add a thin line of a different color under you colorful French tip. You can go with something more organic as a tip instead of a clean oval shape. Or you can do more of an ombre French tip. Last summer I did a chrome orange ombre manicure and I loved how it mimicked a sunset.

Shell Nails

The beach vacation nail idea I’m most excited about has got to be these shell nails. I can not get over how insanely beautiful they look and they will perfectly compliment the sandy beaches you’ll be frequenting on your vacation. All of the manicures I included below are slightly different, but they are all equally amazing.

Some shell nails look exactly like shells I almost can’t believe my eyes. I also love how so many incorporated pearls, such a nice touch to truly complete the beach look. And some chrome gel polish as the top coat to give the manicure that iridescent look that reminds me of mermaids. Either way I’m in love with all of them. 

Nautical Vibe

If you’re headed New England on your next vacation may I suggest going to a nautical manicure. There is just something so classic New England about a baby blue manicure with anchor nail art or a red, white and blue striped lifeguard look. 

And if you like the nautical idea, but are looking for something a little more subtle I included a few ideas for you too.

Tropical Designs

I did include tropical nails in the title of this blog post so you KNOW I was going to include some really great tropical nail designs to use as inspiration for your next vacation nails. There are so many fun beach nails with starfish, ice pops, umbrellas, fish and more.

I also absolutely love all the water inspired manicures that are more subtle, but equally perfect for a beachy vibe.

European Summer Nails

Headed on that bucket list European Summer adventure this year? Then you need the ultimate euro summer nails! Think blue and white tiles, citrus fruits, cocktails, seashells, flowers and more. I honestly don’t even know how to accurately describe a European Summer manicure, but I promise as you scroll through these inspiration photos you’ll agree that these are the perfect nails for your summer in Italy or Greece or Spain!

Coral Nails

Now by coral nails I don’t mean the color (thought those are amazing too), I mean coral as in coral reef nails! I love the organic shapes that make up these coral nail designs and how it’s pretty much impossible to mess up so this is a great option if you’re looking to do an at home manicure with a design. You can do something super colorful or just two-tone, either way it’s guaranteed to look amazing.

Simple Beach Vacation Nails

And last, but certainly not least is for my girls looking for a simple beach vacation manicure. And by simple I don’t mean boring! I have some great examples of classy vacation nails with pale colors, iridescent top coats, delicate nail art and clean lines that you’ll fall in love with. And the best part is that these nails will not only look amazing on your trip, but they also look amazing once you get home.

So let me know…what are you favorite style of beach vacation nails? Did I miss anything from my list. And if you’re looking for even more fun vacation nail inspo, check out my round up!

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