Top 23 Vacation Nail Art Ideas for Beach, Summer, and More

Ekaterina Zavalko 2 weeks agoLast Updated: 20 June 2024

0 17 12 minutes read

When it comes to preparing for a vacation, one often overlooked detail is nail art. Your nails can be the perfect canvas to express the excitement and themes of your trip, whether you’re heading to the beach, a tropical paradise, or even a winter wonderland. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best vacation nail art designs to make your holiday even more memorable. Each section features a unique nail design, complete with detailed descriptions, a list of necessary supplies, and step-by-step instructions for recreating the look at home.

Tropical Leopard and Stars

For a bold and playful vacation nail art design, this tropical leopard and stars look is perfect. The combination of leopard print and vibrant pink stars creates a fun and fierce aesthetic that’s ideal for any sunny getaway.

Elements: Leopard print, pink stars, nude base, rhinestones

Colors: Nude, pink, black, brown

Consumables:

Nude base polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Bubble Bath”)

Pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Mod Square”)
Black and brown polishes for leopard print (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Black to Black” and “Cocoa A-Go-Go”)
Rhinestones

Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)
Fine nail art brushes

Instructions:

Apply a nude base coat and let it dry.
Using a fine brush, create leopard spots with black and brown polish.
Paint pink stars randomly on the nails.

Add rhinestones for extra sparkle.
Seal with a top coat.

Minimalistic Sky Blue and White

This minimalist vacation nail art is elegant and serene, with sky-blue tips and white accents. It’s perfect for a relaxing beach holiday or a simple yet chic look.

Elements: Sky blue tips, white accents, golden star, pearls
Colors: Blue, white, gold

Consumables:

Sky blue polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Bikini So Teeny”)
White polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Alpine Snow”)
Golden star stickers

Pearl accents
Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a base coat.
Paint sky-blue tips on each nail.
Add white accents using a thin brush.

Place golden star stickers and pearl accents.
Finish with a top coat.

Vibrant Green Floral Design

For a fresh and lively vacation nail art idea, this vibrant green floral design is perfect. It’s great for a tropical vacation or to celebrate the spring and summer seasons.

Elements: Green tips, floral accents, dotted details, clear base
Colors: Green, white, yellow

Consumables:

Green nail polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Green-wich Village”)
White nail polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Blanc”)
Yellow nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Mellow Yellow”)

Dotting tool
Fine nail art brushes
Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a clear base coat.
Paint the tips of the nails green.

Use a fine brush to add floral accents and dotted details with white and yellow polish.
Finish with a top coat.

Tropical Sunset Stiletto Nails

Channel the tropical vibes with these stunning stiletto nails featuring a sunset design. The vivid colors and intricate palm tree detail are sure to transport you to a beach paradise.

Elements: Sunset gradient, palm tree art, stiletto shape, rhinestones
Colors: Orange, pink, black

Consumables:

Orange polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find”)
Pink polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Mod Square”)
Black polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Black to Black”)

Rhinestones
Fine nail art brushes
Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a base coat.
Create a sunset gradient using orange and pink polishes.

Paint palm tree silhouettes with a fine brush and black polish.
Add rhinestones for extra sparkle.
Seal with a top coat.

Neon Animal Print Nails

Go bold with these neon animal print nails. The bright colors and wild patterns are sure to turn heads and make a statement wherever you go.

Elements: Neon colors, animal print, coffin shape, matte finish
Colors: Neon yellow, neon green, neon pink, neon blue, black

Consumables:

Neon yellow polish (e.g., China Glaze Nail Lacquer in “Yellow Polka Dot Bikini”)
Neon green polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “I’m Sooo Swamped!”)

Neon pink polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Neon Pink”)
Neon blue polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Set Sail”)
Black polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Black to Black”)

Fine nail art brushes
Matte top coat (e.g., OPI Matte Top Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a base coat.
Paint each nail with a different neon color.
Use a fine brush to create animal print patterns with black polish.

Seal with a matte top coat.

Floral Delight

These nails feature a beautiful vacation nail art design with hand-painted pink flowers. The vibrant colors and intricate details make this design perfect for a tropical getaway or a summer vacation.

Elements: Pink flowers, green leaves, yellow accents, almond shape

Colors: Pink, green, yellow, nude

Consumables:

Nude base polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Ballet Slippers”)

Pink nail polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Pink Flamenco”)
Green nail polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Mojito Madness”)
Yellow nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Nail Lacquer in “Happy Go Lucky”)

Fine nail art brushes
Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a nude base coat and let it dry.
Use a fine brush to paint pink flowers on each nail.
Add green leaves and yellow accents to the flowers.

Seal the design with a top coat.

Sunset Ombre

This ombre vacation nail art design features warm, sunset-inspired colors that blend beautifully. It’s perfect for a beach vacation or a summer getaway.

Elements: Ombre gradient, almond shape

Colors: Pink, orange, yellow, nude

Consumables:

Nude base polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Samoan Sand”)

Pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Cute as a Button”)
Orange nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Nail Lacquer in “Sunset Sail”)
Yellow nail polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Need Sunglasses?”)

Makeup sponge
Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a nude base coat and let it dry.
On a makeup sponge, apply stripes of pink, orange, and yellow polish.
Dab the sponge onto the nails to create the ombre effect.

Repeat until the desired opacity is achieved.
Finish with a top coat.

Abstract Neon

These nails feature a stunning abstract vacation nail art design with neon colors and gold accents. It’s a bold and vibrant choice for those who love to stand out.

Elements: Abstract neon colors, gold accents, coffin shape
Colors: Neon pink, neon yellow, neon blue, neon green, gold

Consumables:

Nude base polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Ballet Slippers”)
Neon pink nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Nail Lacquer in “Neon & On & On”)
Neon yellow nail polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Neon Yellow”)

Neon blue nail polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Music Is My Muse”)
Neon green nail polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Neon Green”)
Gold nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Go For Gold”)

Fine nail art brushes
Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a nude base coat and let it dry.
Use fine brushes to create abstract patterns with neon colors on each nail.
Add gold accents to enhance the design.

Seal with a top coat.

Pastel Rainbow

These pastel rainbow nails are perfect for a soft and dreamy vacation nail art look. The gradient effect is subtle yet striking, making it suitable for any vacation destination.

Elements: Pastel rainbow gradient, almond shape, matte finish

Colors: Pastel pink, pastel blue, pastel green, pastel yellow

Consumables:

Pastel pink polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Mod About You”)

Pastel blue polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Bikini So Teeny”)
Pastel green polish (e.g., China Glaze Nail Lacquer in “Re-Fresh Mint”)
Pastel yellow polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Banana Bandana”)

Makeup sponge
Matte top coat (e.g., OPI Matte Top Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a pastel base coat and let it dry.
On a makeup sponge, apply stripes of different pastel colors.
Dab the sponge onto the nails to create a gradient effect.

Repeat until the desired opacity is achieved.
Finish with a matte top coat.

Speckled Gradient

This design features a speckled gradient that transitions from pink to blue, creating a unique and modern vacation nail art look. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of edge with their nails.

Elements: Speckled gradient, square shape
Colors: Pink, blue, black

Consumables:

Pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Cascade Cool”)
Blue nail polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “No Room for the Blues”)
Black speckle polish (e.g., Nails Inc. Special Effects in “Camden Market”)

Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a pink base coat and let it dry.

Create a gradient effect by sponging blue polish onto the tips.
Apply a black speckle polish over the gradient.
Seal with a top coat.

Geometric Elegance

This geometric vacation nail art design combines sleek lines and intricate patterns, making it a chic and sophisticated choice for any holiday.

Elements: Geometric patterns, holographic accents, almond shape
Colors: Black, silver, nude

Consumables:

Nude base polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Ballet Slippers”)
Black nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Black to Black”)
Holographic nail powder or glitter
Fine nail art brushes
Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a nude base coat and let it dry.
Use fine brushes to create geometric patterns with black polish.
Add holographic accents for extra sparkle.
Seal with a top coat.

Neon French Tips

These neon French tips are a fun twist on the classic design, perfect for a vibrant and energetic vacation nail art look.

Elements: Neon French tips, square shape
Colors: Neon orange, nude

Consumables:

Nude base polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Samoan Sand”)
Neon orange polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Neon Orange”)
Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a nude base coat and let it dry.
Paint neon orange tips on each nail.
Finish with a top coat.

Pastel Waves

This pastel wave vacation nail art design features soft, flowing lines that create a serene and dreamy look, ideal for a beach vacation.

Elements: Pastel waves, almond shape
Colors: Pastel pink, pastel green, pastel blue, nude

Consumables:

Nude base polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Ballet Slippers”)
Pastel pink polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Mod About You”)
Pastel green polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Mint Candy Apple”)
Pastel blue polish (e.g., China Glaze Nail Lacquer in “Re-Fresh Mint”)
Fine nail art brushes
Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a nude base coat and let it dry.
Use fine brushes to paint wavy lines with pastel colors.
Seal with a top coat.

Tropical Paradise

These nails bring the tropics to your fingertips with vibrant flowers and beachy elements. Perfect for a tropical vacation nail art theme.

Elements: Tropical flowers, beach elements, almond shape
Colors: Coral, white, gold, green

Consumables:

Coral nail polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Tart Deco”)
White nail polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Alpine Snow”)
Gold glitter polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Go For Gold”)
Green nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Nail Lacquer in “Four Leaf Clover”)
Fine nail art brushes
Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a base coat.
Paint tropical flowers and beach elements with fine brushes using coral, white, gold, and green polishes.
Seal with a top coat.

Neon and Black Contrast

For a bold and striking vacation nail art look, this design features neon colors contrasted with black tips, creating a dramatic effect.

Elements: Neon base, black tips, square shape, rhinestones
Colors: Neon yellow, black

Consumables:

Neon yellow polish (e.g., China Glaze Nail Lacquer in “Celtic Sun”)
Black polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Black to Black”)
Rhinestones
Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a neon yellow base coat and let it dry.
Paint black tips on each nail.
Add rhinestones for extra sparkle.
Seal with a top coat.

Pink Neon Mesh

This striking vacation nail art design combines a vibrant pink mesh pattern with sleek white and pink French tips, perfect for a bold and trendy holiday look.

Photo credit by: @blagakatalinnailinstructor

Elements: Pink mesh pattern, white and pink French tips, coffin shape
Colors: Neon pink, white

Consumables:

White nail polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Alpine Snow”)
Neon pink polish (e.g., China Glaze Nail Lacquer in “Pink Voltage”)
Mesh nail art stickers
Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a white base coat and let it dry.
Create pink French tips on each nail.
Apply mesh nail art stickers to the desired nails.
Seal with a top coat.

Neon Yellow and Leopard Print

For a daring and eye-catching vacation nail art design, this neon yellow look with leopard print accents is perfect. The bright colors and bold patterns make it ideal for a fun summer trip.

Elements: Neon yellow base, leopard print accent nail, square shape
Colors: Neon yellow, black, white

Consumables:

Neon yellow polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Neon Yellow”)
Black nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Black to Black”)
White nail polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Alpine Snow”)
Fine nail art brushes
Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a neon yellow base coat and let it dry.
Use a fine brush to paint leopard print patterns on the accent nail with black and white polish.
Seal with a top coat.

Neon Rainbow Geometric

This vibrant vacation nail art design features neon rainbow colors with geometric patterns, creating a fun and playful look that’s perfect for any summer getaway.

Elements: Neon rainbow colors, geometric patterns, coffin shape
Colors: Neon pink, neon orange, neon yellow, neon green, neon blue, black

Consumables:

Neon pink polish (e.g., China Glaze Nail Lacquer in “Neon & On & On”)
Neon orange polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Neon Orange”)
Neon yellow polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Need Sunglasses?”)
Neon green polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Neon Green”)
Neon blue polish (e.g., China Glaze Nail Lacquer in “Turned Up Turquoise”)
Black nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Black to Black”)
Fine nail art brushes
Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a nude base coat and let it dry.
Use fine brushes to paint geometric patterns with neon colors.
Outline the patterns with black polish.
Seal with a top coat.

Pink and White Abstract

This abstract vacation nail art design features pink and white swirls that create a playful and modern look, perfect for a stylish holiday.

Elements: Pink and white swirls, square shape
Colors: Pink, white, nude

Consumables:

Nude base polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Ballet Slippers”)
Pink nail polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Mod About You”)
White nail polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Alpine Snow”)
Fine nail art brushes
Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a nude base coat and let it dry.
Use fine brushes to create abstract swirls with pink and white polish.
Seal with a top coat.

Neon Green and Pink Watermelon

This vibrant vacation nail art design combines neon green tips with a pink base and watermelon seed accents, making it perfect for a fun and fruity summer holiday look.