When it’s hot enough to toast your sandals and the sky is a brilliant June blue, it’s time for your beach toe nails to match the excitement. Whether you’re heading off on a tropical getaway or just want to channel vacation mode every time you look down at your feet, this season’s styles are seriously next-level. But here’s the real question: are you feeling playful, soft, bold, or effortlessly chill this summer?
I’ve gathered my favorite Beach Toe Nails for Summer 2025, from tropical designs to simple gel looks you can do at home and they’re not just pretty pictures. They’re vibes. Let’s dive in.
Soft Rose Shimmer with Sunset Light
It’s easy to be drawn to the soft and sparkly pink look of this nail polish. It has a shade between pink seashell and metallic cotton candy, picking up the light to shine just a little. This is the perfect color for a linen dress, a glass of rosé by the pool and no shoes—it’s one of my favorite simple beach nail looks for summer nights.
I used OPI’s “Princesses Rule!” for the pink shimmer and layered one thin coat of Zoya “Leia” for that extra iridescent lift. You can use both formulas for a long time, making them perfect for any vacation gel mani-pedi set.
Start with a smoothing base coat (especially if you’ve had sun or salt exposure), then do two coats of the pink shimmer. Dry each layer completely if using gel and let the fan or UV lamp do the job for you. Make sure to finalize your paint job with a dry-fast glossy coat.
This look makes me think of spotting the first warm light of the evening, seen against the hot pavement around me. If you’re not looking for something extreme but still want something special? This is it.
Artful Confetti over Cream
Now this one’s pure vacation tropical designs energy. It’s got a calm base that’s mixed with bold splashes of teal, mustard, berry and tangerine, as if an abstract painting hit your feet. Beach umbrellas in Miami or pool tiles in Palm Springs came to mind, so I decided to create beach toe nails designs that say, “I’m on holiday and I’m not sorry for being extra.”
You’ll want a clean white base like Essie “Blanc” or Olive & June’s “BE”, then use a fine dotting tool or mini brush with highly pigmented polishes (I like ORLY Color Labs for their color mixing options) to apply the abstract spots.
The trick is not to overthink it. Create your base, let it dry well and then scatter different colors around. Let the first layer dry a bit before adding the next one so the colors don’t mix.
I love to wear this when I’m away with friends, especially when my sandals are neutral and my toes can join in the fun. It’s also a fun DIY date-night look (if you’re brave enough to paint your own toenails while watching Netflix on the couch).
Delicate Floral Blues on Sky Polish
This one stole my heart instantly. On a gentle pale sky blue background, you’ll see tiny flowers in vibrant cobalt colored with touch of tiny gold. It’s a sweet blend that feels grown-up and it captures the right mood for a vacation by the sea: calm, dreamy and refreshing.
Although floral nails seem difficult, you can create them with a fine detailing brush or by using stickers. The base color I recommend is Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in “Sugar Fix”. Use a tiny brush and some acrylic paint for the flowers, as it’s simpler than polish and finish with a gel-effect top coat.
I am reminded of porcelain tea sets and French Riviera tiles by this design. I wore a similar outfit for my cousin’s wedding in Sardinia and everyone seemed to like my pedicure almost as much as the shoes.
Neon Pop Rainbow for Playful Days
If any shoe design could say “tropical summer vacation,” it would be this one. The bright orange, sweet watermelon pink and lively bubblegum lilac on every nail add joy to my day. All the excitement of a shaved ice cone and a surfboard sitting by the beach can be found in this mix-and-match design.
I avoid complicated colors and stick with Gelish’s “Brights” or Beetles Gel Polish rainbow pack. They give strong color that stays on your nails, even after you’ve been in the sand and pool.
Worry less about being perfect and just give each color a toe to make a statement. I suggest applying two layers of each and then use a UV top coat for the extra shine. If you’re feeling brave, you could try matching your nails and your fingertips with the same color.
When I have rainbow toes, people I don’t know often tell me they like them. It’s instant serotonin for your sandals.
Flamingo Barbie Pink for a Statement
Having a glossy pink pedicure can really make you feel more confident. If you want a fun, bold look that’s simple, this is the one for you.
DND’s “Tickled Pink” or Madam Glam’s “Pink Barbie” can give you this shade. They both have strong color and look as good when applied at home as they do in a salon.
I find that a dry buff before applying polish makes the color stick better and reduces chipping. Don’t skip the cuticle oil; it will make your nails look very professional.
This shade? It gives me energy. It’s the kind of pink that makes your feet feel like they’re on a mini runway—even if you’re just heading to the farmer’s market in flip-flops.
Lemon Cream Dream
Just like how real gelato melts smoothly into the sun, the soft yellow polish simply melts when exposed to it. It’s a pretty and comfortable option, but it still stands out against the usual beach colors. I enjoy the way it highlights warm colors and sunny skin. You’ll find that it’s the kind of trip that makes people quietly notice your style.
Essie’s “Sunny Business” or OPI “Don’t Tell a Sol” are the best for getting a soft yellow that isn’t streaky. A glossy top coat makes the dish look just like something you’d find at a beach picnic.
I love that this color looks neat, simple and remains charming. If you’re on a long vacation, you can just slip on a white linen cover-up, put on some woven sandals and go to the market or the beach.
Shell Holographic Shine
Want something with a hint of sparkle that’s also elegant? The holographic chrome finish gives it a look like it just came out of the sea foam. The polish can be anything from pale blue to opal and it seems like mermaid armor to me. It’s a perfect beach vacation nail art moment with just the perfect touch of art.
I recommend starting with a neutral polish like OPI “Funny Bunny” as a base, then rubbing in a chrome powder (try Born Pretty’s holographic mirror powder) using a silicone sponge. Seal it with a gel top coat and cure.
To me, the design appears perfect for peaceful beach mornings when everything seems soothing. Bonus? It goes with everything—especially your poolside metallic accessories.
Boardwalk Rainbow Pop
The design is a delight—bright colors pink, yellow, green and blue are seen in pairs on both feet. It’s lively, full of fun and makes me think of a carnival at the beach. If you’re dreaming of popsicles, cycling and daytime parties, this nail look is perfect for you.
One of my favorite parts of Lights Lacquer is their “Summerland” line which holds shades called “Cherry Jelly” and “Sky Blue.” Simply paint two coats of every color, add a glossy top coat and you’re ready for summer!
I wore these shoes for a birthday trip to Santa Cruz and people I didn’t know would stop and comment on how much my toes looked like candy. If you like bold summer designs that are still simple, this is your moment to embrace them.
Power Blue Chic
This deep cobalt blue pedicure has main character energy. It’s a great choice because it’s rich, flattering and looks amazing with gold jewelry or studded sandals. I imagine Grecian roofs and stylish Mediterranean vacations. If you like a simple, powerful look for your beach toe nails, this is perfect for you.
If you want to try this shade, try Olive & June “OMG” or Essie “Butter Please.” Make sure the base is even and smooth, so you don’t see any imperfections in the color.
This shade feels like a mood. It’s the kind of shine that makes me feel a bit more confident, even when I’m just wearing it at home. It offers all the benefits of a good vacation mani-pedi: it’s easy, looks great and stays in your memory.
Ocean Fade with Glitter Dust
Now this is art. This shade moves from rich deep sea green and touches on slightly lighter blue before settling on bright vacation white, sparkling with glitter just like the light on seawater. It’s like a gentle wave on your toes—a great choice for beach toe nails fans who like something a bit more upscale.
You can make this nail design by using a sponge to spread layer of Zoya “Cecilia” into a layer of Orly “White Tips” that is still wet. End your manicure with a top coat covered in glitter or regular glitter gel polish.
Glitter and the sea always seem to go well together. Although it is simple, this kind of vacation is hard to ignore—you’ll often notice it as you read under an umbrella or dip your toes in the water.
Twilight Gradient with Crystal Detailing
This one seems like the time just before the sun disappears over a tropical island. A gradient from blue to seafoam can be seen on the big toe and a line of rhinestones is drawn across it to look like a starry arc. It’s chic, a little theatrical and ideal for strolls along the beach or dinners by the sea—one of the more sophisticated beach nail ideas this season.
I used a sponge to mix Madam Glam “Dark Sapphire” with Modelones “Mint Green” for the gradient. Simply apply a dot of nail glue and then top coat your design to make it last longer.
Every once in a while, I want to wear something that feels like a fancy black dress for your feet. It manages to look like a vacation by the ocean, while still being sparkly and fun.
Groovy Magenta Swirl
This is what I call the pool party pick. Soft pink color predominates through most of the toe area, but the main attraction is the neat swirl design featured on the biggest toe. It’s got a lively beat, a great fit and is perfect for nails that look special but are still wearable.
The swirl look can be achieved either by water marbling or by swirling black, white and hot pink gel polishes together on your nail, before curing them. If you want your lines to be neat, you should use a nail sticker.
For some reason, when I have swirls on I feel confident and nostalgic for the Y2K age of flip phones and heavy sandals. It’s a small design, but it punches hard.
Butterfly Garden Glow
Soft-glam summer magic is created by the bright pink polish and the stunning butterfly decal on this pedicure. The gold trim catches the sunlight beautifully, so the dress is perfect for vacations, weddings by the sea or taking pictures at sunset on the pier. There’s something undeniably romantic about it.
I started with “Bubblegum” from DND and added gold butterfly decals from Daily Charme. Simply press the glitters onto semi-dry polish, apply top coat and you’re done!
It makes me think of a romantic proposal by the beach in a movie—the type of look that says “I’m feeling pretty today.” Gold anklets or dainty toe rings look great paired with this bracelet.
Plum & Glitter Party Mix
It’s the kind of pedicure that works for both sand and city life. A dark purple plum base is complemented by a hot pink sparkle accent nail which gives the nails a noticeable contrast. It’s ideal for the end of summer evenings when the sun has set and the music keeps going.
I think OPI “Lincoln Park After Dark” and Zoya “Binx” create a beautiful crushed-glitter pink for this combo. Adding a matte top coat to your purple gives it a lovely texture if you prefer mixing finishes.
I wore the same dress to a concert on the beach last year and danced barefoot in the sand and it stayed perfect all night and looked even better with a tan.
Tangerine Sunburst
There are days when the sun seems to stay up all evening. This bright orange pedicure feels like bottled sunshine. If you’re up for something bold, this style is electric and will make your legs look great with sandals or bare feet at the beach. It’s the ultimate vacation tropical color.
Tangerine Tease by Essie or Hot & Spicy by OPI will give you a deeply colored nail polish. For nails with texture, use a ridge-filling base to make the bright color look even more juicy.
Orange is such an underrated pedicure color. It looks great when paired with bronzed skin and white clothes and it gives your steps a surprising boost. I call this my sunshine-in-a-bottle shade.
Royal Blue Elegance
If you want your feet to make a statement without saying anything, try this deep and shiny blue. A clean, elegant and timeless outfit, this is what you’d wear on a vacation at the ocean. The shiny finish and gem on the toe make this look like something you’d wear on vacation, especially with a cocktail enjoyed under a cabana at sunset.
Because of the purple-toned theme, these colors work very well as a finishing touch: OPI “My Car Has Navy-gation” or CND “Blue Eyeshadow”. They both have strong pigment and need only two coats to look rich.
For me, this color is a staple of summer—it looks great with white, neutral colors and metallics. This one’s for the beach babe who leans classy, not kitschy.
Pink Heart Grid Pop
This playful grid is made up of hearts in bright pink and graphic art. It’s cheeky, modern, and totally statement-worthy—like a love note on your toes. If you’re taking a solo trip to the beach or spending a weekend with your partner, this is perfect for a romantic summer.
You can get the look by using Essie “Mod Square” or Lights Lacquer “Juicy” for the base color. To do the hearts, either use a special nail kit or a tiny, narrow brush with black gel polish. Finish with top coat for that glass-like sheen.
Whenever I go on a girls’ trip or to a music festival, I choose this color because it looks like part of my outfit.
Mint Mojito Cool
If summer could be smelled, it would smell like this color. Using mint green creates a beachy atmosphere in the easiest, prettiest way. It’s simple enough to avoid looking plain and it matches all your sandals. I’m a fan of this beach toe nails vacation gel idea for a relaxed, sandal-free trip.
You can go with Olive & June “Minty” or choose Deborah Lippmann’s “La Vie en Rosemint” instead. Don’t forget to use a brightening base coat—it will help your pastels shine.
This color gives me spa-in-Tulum vibes. I put it on for a weekend of yoga, sunbathing and enjoying iced lattes outside. It’s low-key, pretty, and perfect.
Step Into Playful Pink
This pair features bright pink, black speckles and the word “STEP” on the big toe. It’s quirky, bold, and unapologetically Gen Z-coded. Jean shorts, crop tops and fun slides are all you need to show off this bold design.
The best polish here is Color Club “Cotton Candy”, topped with a splatter-style nail art pen (try Maniology) or a dotting tool dipped in black. If hand-lettering isn’t your thing, you can use nail decals for the “STEP” part.
It isn’t like anything I usually choose, but I actually liked it a lot. You’ll love that it’s bold and still wearable and it’s the kind of toe art that people will notice.
Blue Spiral Vortex
Now this is what I call high-energy designs toenails. You can create this bold look by painting your toes turquoise and adding a bright aqua spiral to each big toe which looks like a little wave. This style looks as if you matched your clothes to your strappy sandals.
Store “Too Yacht to Handle” from China Glaze as your base and add the swirl with a detail brush and Essie “Strut Your Stuff”. Always have a top coat ready to seal it, since this design lasts longer.
It reminds me of summer energy drinks and early morning swims. It’s a joy to wear, comes in bright colors and is perfect for photos by the pool.
