"With summer in full swing, vacation plans are officially finding their way out of the group chat and into everyone’s calendars. But as any girl knows, before the fun of vacation starts, there are a few things to get done—including sorting through your pinned vacation nail ideas for the ideal manicure. I always like to match my nails to the occasion, from seashell-inspired designs for beach trips to French-inspired nails for my dream trip to Paris (though I’m still working on making that one a reality).
Wherever your destination may be, a getaway is a great excuse to finally try out those out-of-the-box nail ideas you’ve had saved in your Pinterest board. We’ve rounded up 40 Pinterest-worthy vacation nail ideas that will be your perfect accessory on your upcoming trip.
1. Yellow Daisy Nails
This dainty daisy design will be the cherry on top of any beachy vacation outfit. Plus, it incorporates the color of the season: butter yellow.
2. Colorful Outlines
These colorful reverse French tips are a playful take on the classic manicure.
3. Lemons
Paired with a trip to a lemon orchard on the Amalfi Coast or fresh-squeezed lemonade during a low-key vacation, this design modernizes the classic lemon print.
4. Fruit Nails
Please tell me I am not the only person who picks vacation destinations based on food. These nails are unmatched for your next foodie getaway.
5. Neon Cuticles
Subtle yet playful, these colorful half-moon cuticle designs are a fun way to bring a pop of color to a minimal design.
6. Retro stamps
For the girls who are romanticizing their lives this summer, these postcard nails are a whimsical ode to your upcoming holiday.
7. Las Vegas
Heading to Sin City? With dirty martini olives and lucky eight balls, this design screams “Viva Las Vegas!”
8. Glitter Glaze
Take the viral glazed donut nail trend up a notch with a glitter topcoat.
9. Romantic Hearts
Have an anniversary trip coming up (or maybe a suspected engagement trips?). This simple heart design is a perfect touch to a romantic getaway.
10. Yellow Half Moon
This design takes a minimalist approach to the butter yellow trend. It’s the perfect manicure for anyone who wants to switch things up from a classic French.
11. Sunset Chrome
Watching the sunset on the beach is arguably one of the best parts of a vacation, and these nails will mimic the beautiful colors.
12. Gold Shimmer
If your vacation goal is to sit on a beach and become as bronzed as possible, this is the color for you.
13. Mixed Metals
If you’re a mixed-metal girl who wants a manicure to match her outfits on vacation, this is the look for you.
14. Blue Negative Space
Minimalistic girls, this is your moment—these negative-space nails mimic abstract waves on the beach.
15. Stars
From the bright lights of the city to the twinkling stars of the countryside, these nails are a sparkling design for any destination.
16. Waves or Snow?
These nails can be interpreted two different ways: waves crashing on a warm beach, or snowy mountains on a ski trip. Depending on your destination, the choice is yours!
17. Off-White
We’re bringing it back to the classics with this traditional off-white manicure. Headed anywhere for the Fourth of July? This should be your go-to.
18. Tropical Green
This color is begging to accompany you on your upcoming tropical trip.
19. Blue Swirls
Doesn’t something about these nails scream “Mediterranean vacation?” Live out your Mamma Mia summer with this gorgeous set.
20. Checkered & Cherries
Cherrys are trending for 2024, and there’s no better time to incorporate them into your manicure than for an upcoming trip.
21. Vanilla Latte Nails
Ideal for sipping coffee in a cute European café, these nails are as delectable as your morning latte. It is “Espresso” summer, after all.
22. Red French Tips
Looking for nail inspiration with a subtle pop of color? These are your best bet.
23. Evil Eye
Between the French tips and subtle art, these nails scream “I’m going on the trip of a lifetime.”
24. Orange Flowers
This bright, playful design is sure to bring good vibes to your next girls’ trip.
25. Deep Blue
Night owl? Try this deep, dreamy shade of blue to accompany you on nights out in the city you’re visiting.
26. Barbie Pink
Hi, Barbie! This beautiful pink shade fits any warm-weather trip.
27. Black French Tips with Accents
Pair this edgy design with a black shoulder bag or silver kitten heels and you’ll be ready to take on the town.
28. Matte Red
Let’s bring matte back! This matte cherry red color is perfect for trying out the red nail theory.
29. Strawberry Matcha Nails
These dreamy nails will give you a spark of joy every time you glance at them. Plus, they match flawlessly with the drink of the summer: an iced strawberry matcha latte.
30. Forest Green
Headed to a mountain destination or lakeside adventure? You don’t need to sacrifice your manicure. This subtle, forest green manicure will match the vibe perfectly.
31. Dainty Flowers
These dainty flowers are perfect for those who enjoy the simpler things in life.
32. Butter Yellow
Butter yellow is the most unexpected nail shade of 2024, and there’s no better time to try it out than vacation.
33. Mauve Flowers
Flowers are a classic design for vacation, but it can be hard to choose a color combination. This mauve set layers red and pink flowers to give more depth to the design.
34. Yellow Micro French Tips
Headed somewhere warm? Try a pop of yellow on your next French manicure.
35. Red-Orange
Typically go for a red manicure? Switch it up and try an orange-red shade to spice it up for summer.
36. Sky Blue
Manifest blue skies and good vibes on your upcoming trip with this sky-blue shimmer.
37. Multicolored Florals
This bright floral palette is ideal for pairing with your vacation dresses.
38. Accented Ombré
This soft ombré look is perfect for a trip with your friends or Bachelorette party.
39. Cow Print
Take nail art up a notch with this chic cow print. Bonus points if you pair them with cowboy boots.
40. Gilded Flowers
Take me to the Louve—these nails are a work of art.