The 24 Best Vacation Nail Ideas for Summer

hand with a starfish manicure — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Summer's here, which means we're busy—busy booking our vacations, that is. But before we all head out on our warm-weather trips, we're here to remind you to book a nail appointment (or DIY your manicure yourself!) to ensure you're looking your absolute best for all the vacay pics to come. With so many cute vacation outfits planned out, how do you choose the perfect manicure for the trip? Don't worry—we've got you covered. Whether you're heading somewhere tropical, jetting off to Europe, or even planning a poolside staycation in your backyard, there is a perfect nail design to match the occasion.

So set your work email to out of office, pack your bags, and get ready to scroll through some major summer nail inspiration. Ahead, find the 24 best vacation nail ideas for summer. If you need us, we'll be at the nail salon.

01 of 24

Seaside Set

Hands with long decorated nails and rings, showcasing intricate designs and embellishments — @myprettyset / Instagram

Headed somewhere seaside this summer? Get the nails to match. The set is complete with water-like nail effects, gold shell charms, and mini coconuts. Beach not included!

02 of 24

Tropical Tips

Person displaying a manicure with elaborate design including floral patterns on their nails, wearing rings on fingers — @nailtherapy.co / Instagram

Turquoise waters, bright flowers, and water-like beads instantly transport you to a tropical locale. Manifest your dream vacation by opting for a beach-inspired mismatched set complete with French tips and 3D designs.

03 of 24

Mermaid Vibes

Hand with nail art featuring intricate patterns and two rings — @disseynails / Instagram

Is this not one of the most whimsical designs you've seen? The chrome powder on top (which is also used to create a glazed donut nail) delivers a magical, mermaid-like touch. If Hailey Bieber were a mermaid, we imagine this would be her go-to manicure.

04 of 24

Fruit-Forward

Person's hands with intricate nail art featuring various colors and patterns, adorned with gold rings — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

The ultimate vacation includes summer picnics and fruit baskets, at least in our book. Match the seasonal vibe by drawing various fruits and a picnic blanket-inspired design on your nails. The cherry on top? Thin blue coquette bows for a totally girly look.

05 of 24

Tennis Brights

A bright tennis manicure. — @lolo.nailedit / instagram

This design is simple, but it packs a punch. It serves, if you will. After all, what could be more summery than a day spent playing (or watching, with a melon ball cocktail in perfectly manicured hand) tennis?

06 of 24

Sea Sparkles

A hand showing decorative nail art with intricate designs and patterns — @overglowedit / Instagram

Headed to the beach for your next trip? That calls for sparkly seashells and starfish. For an extra fun addition, try adhering nail pearls to mimic the bubbly ocean water. All you need is sunscreen and a bathing suit, and you're ready to go!

07 of 24

Beachside Babe

Hands displaying decorated fingernails with various artistic patterns and jewelry — @nailtherapy.co / Instagram

Ariel, is that you? This mismatched summer-inspired manicure is exactly what we'd imagine The Little Mermaid to ask for at a nail appointment. From the 3D starfish to the intricate seashell textures, this design captures everything under the sea.

08 of 24

Floral Mix-N-Match

Close-up of hands displaying decorated long nails with various floral designs — @angelsnailz / Instagram

Florals aren't just for springtime. Bring the pretty pastel colors of the summer season to your nails with some 3D flower designs. Top things off with rhinestones to add some extra bling.

09 of 24

Butter Is Better

A butter yellow manicure. — @myprettyset / instagram

Butter yellow has really been branded as a color of the summer over the past few years. This funky manicure has so much fun stuff going on—a good reminder to not take yourself so seriously and have a little fun. It's vacation, after all.

10 of 24

Mediterranean Getaway

A hand displaying long nails with intricate blue and white patterns — @trillanails / Instagram

Heading to Greece or Croatia this summer? This white and blue Mediterranean-inspired design has us ready to jump into the Aegean Sea stat. We especially love this look on extra-long lengths, as seen above.

11 of 24

Bold Starfish

Hand with a white sleeve featuring nail art of small red designs on a beige background, rings are worn on several fingers — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Be the sea star (of the show) with this starfish design that features a bold pop of color. We love using a nude nail polish for the base to channel the sandy sea floor and let the coral starfish really shine.

12 of 24

Pearly Chrome

Decorative manicured nails with intricate white designs — @gotg0ld / Instagram

Want a simpler take on the 3D manicure? This one's for you. With chrome-topped nude polish and a classic French mani, it'll easily match all of your vacation outfits.

13 of 24

Mango Madness

Hands with creative nail art in vegetable shapes and gradients — @myprettyset / Instagram

Bring some sweetness to your nails with this mango-inspired set. A summer fruit favorite, the notes of yellow, orange, and green complement each other perfectly. Not to mention the look jumps off a long almond-shaped nail.

14 of 24

Sunset Sherbet

Manicured hand wearing two rings — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Sunset nails, sunset blush—it's all about sunsets lately, and there's nothing prettier than a summer sky. The yellow-to-orange ombré with pops of light blue has us craving an orange creamsicle.

15 of 24

A Dip in the Pool

Close-up of hands with manicured nails, featuring artistic blue designs — @bhambnails / Instagram

Pool-inspired nails are refreshing in more ways than one. Use various hues of blue and 3D builder gel to create a water droplet-like design. As soon as your nails are done, dive right into the pool!

16 of 24

Fresh-Picked Strawberries

Hand with strawberry-themed nail art design, green tips resembling leaves — @overglowedit / Instagram

Cat-eye nail polish has risen to fame, and the magnetizing (literally) design isn't going anywhere. We love this fresh take on the trend by turning each nail into a sweet strawberry. To get the look, make sure to choose a cat-eye gel nail polish and sweep the magnet in one direction, from the base to the tip of the nail.

17 of 24

Vacation Polka Dots

A colorful polka dot manicure. — @brushedbyb_ / instagram

No matter what colors comprise your vacation wardrobe, you're going to find something that matches this vibrant polka dot design. Grab all your favorite colors (yes, all of them!) and a dotting tool to make it happen.

18 of 24

She Sells Seashells

Close-up of a hand showcasing decorative nail art with rings on fingers — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Dreaming of spending hours walking along the sand on your next getaway? These nails are for you. The seashell-inspired design matches perfectly with all the shells you're bound to collect in the sand.

19 of 24

Peachy Keen

Manicured hands with a detailed nail design featuring embellishments, highlighting nail art work — @tinybrushes / Instagram

There's nothing quite like biting into a freshly-picked peach by the pool on summer vacation. Bring that same energy to your nails with this sorbet-esque set, and add some extra juiciness courtesy of water droplets made of builder gel.

20 of 24

Oceanic Aura

Close-up of a hand with gradient blue painted nails, shaped in a pointed style — @digitzbydev / Instagram

Match the deep blue ocean with this simple yet show-stopping aura design. Aura nails often use a light and dark shade from the same color family to create a mesmerizing finish. The center color should be airbrushed onto each nail to create soft edges that melt into the outer hue.

21 of 24

Vibrant Ombrés

A hand with multicolored gradient nail polish and a ring with a decorative stone — @melanated.mani / Instagram

Popsicles, swimsuits, and sweet summer treats all seem to look vibrant and colorful. It only seems right to get the nails to match. Can't choose which bright color you like best? Choose all of them, like this manicure above.

22 of 24

Colorful and Abstract

Hands with colorful abstract nail art — @mspattycake / Instagram

Lean into the vivid shades of summer and let your personality shine through with a colorful abstract nail design. Make sure to use various-sized nail art brushes to get all the detailing.

23 of 24

Orchid Oasis

Hand with decorated nails featuring various artistic floral and color patterns — @myprettyset / Instagram

Orchid lovers, there's no need to miss your plant while you're on vacation. Bring a little bit of your favorite flower with you, courtesy of these floral-inspired nails. Our favorite detail? The spots that channel dotted orchids.

24 of 24

Dark and Moody

Manicured nails decorated with flower patterns on each hand — @nailtherapy.co / Instagram

When we think of summer-y vacation nails, we often think of bright colors. Here, try a moodier take on the style, with black bases and French tips topped with pink and blue flowers.