You’ve planned the outfits, booked the flights, and scouted the photo ops—but what about your nails?
Vacation nails aren’t just an afterthought; they’re the silent showstopper in every cheers, every wave, every selfie.
Get them right, and you’ll feel as polished as you look—effortlessly flawless from takeoff to touchdown.
Vacation Nails Ideas
Colorful French Tips + Florals
Bright French tips with a gradient twist? Yes, please. Toss in some dainty white flower accents, and you’ve got yourself a playful yet polished look that screams summer without trying too hard.
Tropical Colors + Abstract Nail Art
Glossy nude nails with teal, glittery blue spots, and peachy accents? These tropical-inspired abstract designs are equal parts chic and playful. Perfect for sipping cocktails under a palm tree or just pretending you are.
Match Your Bikini
Your bikini is cute—why not let your nails join the party? Go for a glossy nude base with swirls or patterns that match your swimwear for a coordinated look that’s practically begging for a beach selfie.
Blue Waves on Matte Nails
Matte blue nails with wave details? It’s like carrying the ocean on your fingertips. Keep it matte for sophistication or add a glossy topcoat if you’re feeling extra.
Matte Nails & Tropical Art
Short square nails with a matte nude base get a fun upgrade with tropical designs like vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and even a toucan. This look perfectly captures the sunny, vibrant energy of a tropical getaway and adds a playful yet stylish touch to your vacation vibe!
Blue French Tips
Long coffin nails get a fresh twist with baby blue French tips and delicate white lines underneath. The soft blue adds a breezy, summery vibe while keeping the timeless elegance of a classic French manicure. It’s a chic choice that pairs effortlessly with any vacation outfit!
Retro Summer Nails w/ Waves + Flowers
Bright pink, blue, and yellow nails with retro swirls and flowers give off major 70s summer vibes. It’s bold but not over-the-top and perfect for poolside lounging or road-tripping with the windows down.
Pink Seashell Nails
Mermaid-core is alive and well, and these seashell-inspired pink nails are proof. The soft lines and gradient shades make them unique yet simple enough to pair with any beach outfit.
What kind of nails should you wear on a beach vacation?
The options are endless, but the goal is simple: nails that look amazing and survive the sand, sun, and sea.
Whether you’re into bold designs or prefer a minimalist vibe, here are some ideas to get your beach-inspired manicure just right:
- Colors that pop: Think summer shades like pinks, blues, yellows, or corals that scream tropical fun.
- Beachy accents: Wave patterns, ocean art, floral designs, palm trees, or even tiny seashells can add a playful touch.
- A touch of luxury: Pearl accents or glitter polish can mimic the sparkle of sunlight hitting the water.
As for shape and length, it’s all about what works for you. Long nails are glamorous but might not hold up well during active beach days.
Opt for shorter nails if you want something low-maintenance yet chic—square or almond shapes are always a safe bet.
Whatever you choose, make sure your nails match your vacation mood and keep you looking polished all trip long!
Pastel Rainbow Nails w/ Chrome Finish
Pastels and chrome are two hot nail trends in 2023, so pairing them up for a vacation nail design is a must! You can stick with this rainbow gradient design or choose your favorite pastel shades. Either way, you’ll have a stunning manicure!
Beach Nails w/ Your Besties
Planning a girl’s trip to a warm and sunny vacation spot? Hit up the nail salon together and go for anything from colorful French tips to ocean wave nail art to trendy glazed donut nails. Then you’ll be ready for a gorgeous vacation pic like this, right in front of the ocean!
Neutral Nails w/ Tropical Leaves + Gold Flakes
If you want a refined manicure that still has vacation vibes, try elegant tropical nails like these! Milky white nails are the perfect base to make emerald green and gold leaves pop, and we love the addition of gold flakes for some extra flair.
Glazed Donut Nails w/ Leaf Accents
Glazed donut nails get an upgrade with chic floral nail art! Leaf accents are definitely summer vacation-worthy, and we love how the white leaves add a chic and feminine touch while still keeping these nails minimal.
Pink Gradient Manicure
Gradient nails are simple but so beautiful and will elevate any outfit you wear during your vacation. We love the shades of pink between red and white, and you can rock this nail design on square nails or go for stiletto or coffin nails for a bold look!
Pink Bachelorette Nails
Going out of town for a bachelorette party? Go for a bright and playful look like this! Pink nails are feminine and flirty, and the floral nail art is perfect for a summer nail design.
Colorful French Tips
Colorful French tips are perfect for sitting poolside with a frozen drink or lounging on the beach and soaking up the sun. Add some glitter details to make this manicure pop even more, or keep it simple with these gorgeous colors.
Classic Mani w/ Royal Blue Polish
Bright blue nails are definitely a good look for relaxing by the pool and listening to your favorite songs! And this classic manicure will pair well with anything from summer dresses to a chic matching set.
Nude Almond Nails w/ Gem Accents
If you prefer neutral tones but still want something unique and glamorous, try accenting your nails with gems! Your nude nails will perfectly match any outfit, but the gem accents will definitely give you those luxurious vacation vibes.
Asymmetrical French Tips
Are you planning to hit up South Florida for your summer vacation? Go for asymmetrical French tips in bright shades for a bold and playful look that’s perfect for the beautiful beaches and nightlife in Miami!
Seaside Nails w/ Gold Details & Pearls
Get inspired by the ocean and rock a shimmering pastel blue manicure! The gold flakes, chunky blue glitter, and pearl accents perfectly fit the beach aesthetic, making these gel nails one of our favorite picks for vacation nails.
Blue Coral Nails
Blue polish has an instant summer feel, and coral nail art is a simple but chic design to wear for a tropical vacation. If you want a more intricate look, add glitter, pearls, or white accents to make this manicure even more eye-catching!
Vacation Nail Colors
Choosing the right nail color for your trip depends on two things: the vibe of your destination and the season you’re traveling in. Keep it simple by matching your manicure to the mood of your getaway.
For a beach vacation: Go bold with bright, summery shades that pop against the sand and sea. Perfect colors include:
– Pink
– Blue
– Green
– Peach
– Coral
– Nude or glazed donut tones for a chic, understated look.
For a winter getaway: Stick to classic, cozy hues that match the snowy scenery. Great options are:
– Red
– Green
– Blue
– White
– Nude
Neutrals for any occasion: Cream, beige, or black nails are timeless and work for both sunny escapes and chilly retreats.
To take your vacation nails up a notch, add gold or silver accents they work beautifully with any color palette and instantly elevate your look.
Chic Nails for Vacation
Heading to a chilly destination or jetting off abroad? No matter where you’re going, there are stunning nail designs to match every vibe and occasion!
Glossy Nude Nails
French Manicure
Classic Manicure w/ White Nail Polish
Glazed Donut Nails
French Tips + Mickey Mouse
Purple Disney Nails w/ Sparkles
You can also rock some Disney nails with a youthful and feminine feel. Shimmering purple ombre, sparkle accents, and Mickey Mouse art are a must if you’ll be spending time at Disney parks during your vacation!
Hot Pink + Glitter
When it comes to vacation nail designs we love bright and stylish looks.
White Animal Print French Tips
Winter Getaway Nails
Christmas Red Nail Polish & Snowflakes
Blue Glitter + Candy Cane Stripes
Blue glitter polish and white details are another perfect combo for a winter aesthetic! This look is a must if you’re planning to hit some snowy slopes on a winter ski trip!
Final Thoughts
Nailing your vacation look (pun intended) is all about choosing designs that fit your destination, mood, and style. Whether you’re jetting off to a tropical paradise or heading to a snowy retreat, your nails can add that extra flair to your getaway.
Here’s how to make sure your vacation nails are as flawless as your travel plans:
- Pick a Design That Suits Your Destination If you’re hitting the beach, go for ocean-inspired blues, seashell details, or tropical florals. For a winter getaway, think snowflakes, deep reds, or icy whites. Match your nails to the vibe of where you’re going—it’s like packing the perfect outfit but for your hands.
- Opt for Long-Lasting Options Gel polish or acrylics are your best friends when it comes to durability. They’ll survive everything from salty ocean dips to clumsy luggage handling without chipping. If you’re more into press-ons, pack an extra set just in case—you’ll thank yourself later.
- Don’t Forget Maintenance A topcoat is non-negotiable for keeping your nails chip-free and glossy throughout your trip. Throw one in your bag along with a mini nail file and some nail glue if you’re rocking press-ons or embellishments.
- Choose Practical Shapes and Lengths Long stiletto nails might look fabulous on Instagram, but they’re not ideal for ziplining or snowboarding. Go for shapes and lengths that won’t get in the way of your vacation activities—short square or almond nails are chic and practical.
- Coordinate With Your Outfits Your nails don’t have to match every outfit, but they should complement the overall aesthetic of your wardrobe. Neutral tones are versatile, while bold colors or intricate designs can act as statement accessories.
- Add Some Personality Vacation nails are the perfect excuse to try something fun—think glitter accents, neon tips, or playful patterns like palm leaves or candy cane stripes (depending on the season). It’s all about having fun and feeling good!
- Plan Ahead Book that salon appointment early or set aside time for DIY if you’re doing them yourself. Nothing kills pre-vacation vibes like rushing through a manicure at the last minute.
Your vacation nails are more than just polish—they’re part of the experience. So take the time to pick a design that makes you feel fabulous because when your nails look good, everything else just seems to fall into place.
Safe travels and happy manicures!