Looking for the best beach songs to celebrate summer?
Summer is here, and nothing sets the mood like the perfect beach playlist. From classic tunes to modern hits, these songs capture the essence of sunny days by the sea.
Imagine lounging on the sand, waves crashing, and your favorite summer tracks playing in the background. Music enhances the beach experience, making moments unforgettable.
In this post, we’ve curated the ultimate list of beach songs to celebrate summer. Whether you are planning a beach party or a solo getaway, these tunes will surely bring the vibes.
Let’s check them out!
1. Surfin' USA, The Beach Boys
“Then everybody’d be surfin’ like California.”
The Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ USA,” released on March 4, 1963, presents California from an upbeat perspective. The summer anthem also mentions a few surfing locations. Brian Wilson and Chuck Berry wrote the song, considered one of the group’s best-known hits.
2. Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffett
“That frozen concoction that helps me hang on.”
Buffett’s best-known song, “Margaritaville,” peaked at number eight on the mainstream charts in 1977 and became his best charting hit. Buffett’s experience of running out of salt for his margarita inspired this summertime song.
Elvis Presley was supposed to record the music, but he tragically passed away the year it was released.
3. Kokomo, The Beach Boys
“That’s where you wanna go to get away from it all.”
This song’s lyrics tell about two lovers traveling to a location on the idyllic island of Kokomo, off the coast of Florida. The song mentions numerous actual Caribbean islands, including Aruba, Jamaica, Bahamas, Martinique, and Montserrat, in addition to the fictitious Kokomo.
Terry Melcher, Mike Love, Scott McKenzie, and John Phillips wrote the song, which was released as a single on July 18, 1988.
4. Under the Boardwalk, The Drifters
“From the park, you hear the happy sound of the carousel.”
The Drifters’ 1964 release “Under the Boardwalk” is a pop tune written by Kenny Young and Arthur Resnick. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man and his sweetheart having a secret meeting “out of the sun” and out of sight from other people, under a boardwalk in a beach town.
5. Walking on Sunshine, Katrina and the Waves
“I used to think maybe you loved me, now I know that it’s true.”
The Waves’ guitarist, Kimberley Rew, wrote the song “Walking on Sunshine.” According to him, the song resonates with a significant event in his life. In his words, it was “like walking out of my front door, seeing a comet, and being inspired.”
6. Good Vibrations, The Beach Boys
“She’s giving me the excitations.”
“Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys was written by Brian Wilson and included lyrics by Mike Love. It was released on October 10, 1966.
Wilson stated that he got the idea for this song from a girl who used to tell of her about vibrations. It’s also interesting to note that this summer anthem uses an Electro-Theremin.
7. Summertime, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
“It’s time to cruise, so you go to the summertime hangout.”
“Summertime” is the debut single from American hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince’s fourth studio album, Homebase, released in May 1991.
Steve Huey of AllMusic stated that this song represents “a warm, breezy reminiscence about growing up in Philadelphia and attending barbecues where the whole community showed up to see and be seen.”
8. California Girls, The Beach Boys
“The West Coast has the sunshine, and the girls all get so tanned.”
The Beach Boys’ ninth album, Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!), included the song “California Girls.” Mike Love and Brian Wilson wrote the song, with lyrics expressing admiration for the attributes of girls from various parts of the country, but a desire that “they all could be California girls.”
9. Rockaway Beach, The Ramones
“It’s not hard, not far to reach. We can hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach.”
Punk rock group The Ramones released the song “Rockaway Beach” in 1977, on their third studio album, Rocket to Russia. Bassist Dee Dee Ramone wrote the tune. Lead singer Joey Ramone grew up on Rockaway Beach in New York, which served as the song’s inspiration.
10. Wipe Out, The Surfaris
“Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha, wipe out!”
“Wipe Out” was written by Ron Wilson, Jim Fuller, Pat Connolly, and Bob Berryhill. The Surfaris, who rose to fame in 1963 with the single, were the band who first sang and recorded the song.
In the United States, “wipe out” is a slang word that technically means “falling off a surfboard,” especially one that appears painful.
11. Soak Up the Sun, Sheryl Crow
“For every time I feel lame, I’m looking up. I’m gonna soak up the sun.”
Sheryl Crow wrote the song “Soak Up the Sun” with Jeff Trott. Crow was recuperating from surgery, so she and Trott decided to write a joyful song to lift her spirits.
In the song, Crow is broke and unable to pay for necessities or pleasures, but she realizes that dwelling on her grief will not help her. Instead, she makes the most of what she has and “puts on a happy face” that she intends to share with others.
12. Island in the Sun, Weezer
“We’ll never feel bad anymore.”
“Island in the Sun” is the second single off the group’s 2001 self-titled follow-up album, Weezer. Whether it’s a mental state or an actual island, the song never reveals if the narrator ever makes it to that serene area. In the song’s repeated refrain, he continues to yearn for the island, hoping that his bad feelings will eventually go away.
13. Surfer Girl, The Beach Boys
“I will make your dreams come true.”
The Beach Boys recorded the song “Surfer Girl” for their album of the same name in 1963. The song’s lyrics were influenced by writer and vocalist Brian Wilson’s first girlfriend, Judy Bowles, with whom he spent 3.5 years.
14. Escape (The Piña Colada Song), Rupert Holmes
“And the feel of the ocean and the taste of champagne.”
British-American singer-songwriter Rupert Holmes wrote and performed the classic summertime hit “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” on his fifth studio album, Partners in Crime, in 1979.
The song tells the story of the narrator, who notices an advertisement in a newspaper about a woman looking for a partner who must, among other things, enjoy piña coladas.
15. Here Comes the Sun, The Beatles
“I feel that ice is slowly melting.”
The Beatles recorded “Here Comes the Sun” for their 1969 album Abbey Road. George Harrison wrote it, and it’s one of his best-known songs. The lyrics express his relief that spring has finally arrived, and his brief break from the band’s commercial dealings has finally come.
16. Sun is Shining, Bob Marley
“Sun is shining, and the weather is sweet.”
“Sun Is Shining” by reggae group Bob Marley & the Wailers was included on their 1971 album Soul Revolution Part II. The song creates an air of appreciation for the little things in life and talks about resilience. It serves as a unifying tune and an emotional reminder that we are all part of the same human family.
17. Boys of Summer, Don Henley
“I can tell you, my love for you will still be strong after the boys of summer have gone.”
The opening song on Don Henley’s 1984 album Building the Perfect Beast is “The Boys of Summer.” The song explores the themes of growing older and reflecting on the past. It describes how the subject looks back on a former summertime romance and what he has lost.
18. Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay, Otis Redding
“Two thousand miles, I roam just to make this dock my home.”
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” penned by Otis Redding and Steve Cropper, was released on January 8, 1968. The composition is about not knowing what to do, being alone, and feeling aimless.
19. Cruel Summer, Bananarama
“It’s too close for comfort. This heat has got right out of hand.”
The 1983 single “Cruel Summer” by British girl pop duo Bananarama was one of their biggest hits. The song centers on the experiences of a young girl who finds herself idle in the city during the summer. Her lack of companions worsens the extreme physical heat that she feels.
20. Cake by the Ocean, DNCE
“Red velvet, vanilla, chocolate in my life.”
Released on September 18, 2015, “Cake by the Ocean” was DNCE's debut single. Co-written by Swedish team Mattman & Robin, Joe Jonas, and Justin Tranter, the song makes a playful reference to the cocktail Sex on the Beach. According to other interpretations, it also literally discusses making love on the beach.
21. Catch a Wave, The Beach Boys
“Catch a wave, and you’re sittin’ on top of the world.”
“Catch a Wave” is a classic summer song by The Beach Boys, released on September 16, 1963. Numerous artists have created multiple renditions and covers of this song. It explores surfing, a dopamine-inducing sport, and encourages listeners to try it at least once.
22. Starships, Nicki Minaj
“Let’s go to the beach-each, let’s go get a wave.”
“Starships” by Nikki Minaj was released on February 12, 2012. It is a song about realizing one’s potential in life. A music video featuring the well-known beach-themed tune was filmed in Hawaii.
23. Surf City, Jan & Dean
“And we’re goin’ to Surf City ‘cause it’s two to one.”
Released on May 17, 1963, “Surf City” by Jan and Dean is about a fictitious surfing spot with two girls for every boy. Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys contributed significantly to the song's creation. This anthem epitomizes the surf culture of the 1960s.
24. Beyond the Sea, Bobby Darin
“Happy we’ll be beyond the sea, and never again I’ll go sailing.”
Bobby Darin popularized Charles Trenet's French song “La Mer” in 1959. “Beyond the Sea” is the English translation of the song. Jack Lawrence, who wrote the English words, transformed the French original, an homage to the sea, into a love ballad.
25. At the Beach, The Avett Brothers
“Summer, summer, summertime to help us forget nine-to-fives.”
The Avett Brothers’ 2004 song “At the Beach” discusses contentment and the positive things in life. The song talks about letting go of regular work obligations and simply enjoying yourself during summer. Seth Avett & Scott Avett wrote this summery song.
26. No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems, Kenny Chesney
“No boss, no clock, no stress, no dress code.”
Kenny Chesney’s “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” was released on April 23, 2002, as his third single and album title track. This piece explores enjoying a drink at all times, not having to worry about what to wear, and not having work-related duties.
27. Knee Deep, Zac Brown Band
“Mind on a permanent vacation; the ocean is my only medication.”
In this song, Zac Brown is floundering in a post-breakup funk and decides to buy a boat and go on a permanent vacation. Everything feels OK when he is knee-deep in the water. The song was written by Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, Coy Bowles, and Jeffrey Steele and released on May 9, 2011.
28. Summer Nights, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
“Summer heat, boy and girl meet.”
The quintessential summer anthem for a short-lived love affair, “Summer Nights,” sung by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, is a popular song from the musical “Grease.” Released in August 1978, the song describes how a boy and a girl meet and immediately fall in love during summer vacation.
29. California Gurls, Katy Perry
“But nothing comes close to the golden coast.”
“California Gurls” was the lead single for Katy Perry’s album Teenage Dream, released in 2010. It reportedly responded to another song about New York, with Perry saying that California is also a great place. The state is indeed the spot for endless summers.
30. Only the Ocean, Jack Johnson
“After your one decision to go to the water for a reason.”
“Only the Ocean,” the last song on Hawaiian singer-songwriter Jack Johnson’s fifth studio album, To the Sea, was composed as a tribute to his late father. The song was released on June 1, 2010, and, according to Johnson, it makes him think of his famous surfer father. Johnson claims that when he goes to the ocean, it’s as though he is visiting his father.
31. Beachin’, Jake Owen
“Just watching her blonde hair, sun burn, stare at them.”
“Beachin’” is a song by Jake Owen. It’s about a guy who is attracted to one of his pals while hanging out and enjoying himself at the beach and drinking beer. This summer song, written by Jaren Johnston, Jon Nite, and Jimmy Robbins, was released on February 3, 2014.
32. Hot Fun in the Summertime, Sly & The Family Stone
“I cloud nine when I want to.”
Sly and the Family Stone released “Hot Fun in the Summertime” on July 21, 1969. It’s an anthem about all the fun things you can do in the summer. Rolling Stone included it in the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list.
33. Sunroof, Nicky Youre (feat. Dazy)
“You got me stuck on the thought of you.”
A collaboration between Nicky Youre and Dazy, “Sunroof” was released on December 3, 2021. It talks about meeting someone and finding yourself thinking about them all the time. It’s a quick, catchy tune that topped the UK’s TikTok charts in 2022.
34. When the Sun Goes Down, Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker
“'Cause when the sun goes down, we’ll be back for more.”
Written by Brett James, “When the Sun Goes Down” by Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker peaked at number one on the country charts. A definite feel-good tune, it was released on February 3, 2004. With its beach vibes and summer lovin’ theme, it talks about how everything gets better when the sun goes down.
35. All Summer Long, Kid Rock
“She’ll forever hold a spot inside my soul.”
“All Summer Long” by Kid Rock was the third single to be released from his seventh studio album, Rock ‘n Roll Jesus, on March 17, 2008. It was the fourth song by Kid Rock to appear on the Billboard Hot 100. The song talks about a short-lived love affair, with the narrator remembering his enjoyable adventures with a girl he met.
Final Thoughts on Best Beach Songs to Celebrate the Summer
With these beach songs, your summer playlist is complete. Let these melodies enhance your days by the shore, creating memories filled with sun, sand, and surf.
Hit play, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy the perfect soundtrack for your summer adventures. Here’s to endless good vibes and unforgettable moments!
And if you want more fun inspirational songs, be sure to check out these blog posts:
- 31 Best Songs About Needing & Asking for Help
- 25 Best Songs About Growing Up & Coming of Age
- 25 Best Songs About Dealing with Strong Emotions
