Days spent on the sand are finally here, but your packing list isn’t complete without the best summer songs to set the mood.
The thing is beach songs can sound like anything you want. Ukuleles and steel drums might come to mind first, but those aren’t the only sounds that invoke seaside fun. Summertime songs can be driven by synth sounds, gospel piano, classic ’80s songs, and even EDM beats. Similarly, the lyrics can be varied—the best beach songs can be carefree, dancy, wistful, or just plain catchy. Whether you’re spending your seaside time with a significant other or a group of friends or by yourself, the right soundtrack will transform a summer getaway from a quick weekend to forever paradise.
If you’re looking for some reggae, a bit of salsa from your favorite Latinx artists, chart-toppers, throwback ’90s jams, or some lo-fi beats to swim to, this summer playlist includes some of the best songs for your trip. (Landlocked this summer? Let this mix mentally take you to the shore.)
Hop on the aux and enjoy the escape as you press play on the ultimate summertime songs. There’s one for every mood, occasion, and even time of day for your vacation (or staycation). Because no matter where you are, there should be a vibe to match the adventure. Grab some headphones or blast your speakers and be transported to paradise. Here are the best summer songs 2025 has to offer.
1. “If It’s Lovin’ That You Want” by Rihanna
With reggae undertones and an accompanying island-themed music video, this Rihanna throwback is perfect for a beach getaway.
2. “Vacation” by Dirty Heads
Put this one on your summer party songs playlist as you finally use those vacation days that collected dust over the past year.
3. “Magic in the Hamptons” by Social House and Lil Yachty
If you’re thinking of a trip to the Northeast this summer, Social House’s debut single about the New York seaside communities could be spot-on.
4. “Dynamite” by BTS
If that key change doesn’t feel like a burst of sunshine to you, you’re lying to yourself.
5. “Bummerland” by AJR
Let AJR be the anthem for an optimistic return to summer! We’re only going up from here—as are the temperatures. Be careful during these heat waves!
6. “Starships” by Nicki Minaj
The song opens with “Let’s go to the beach.” Kind of a no-brainer when it comes to songs about summer.
7. “No Soy Una de Esas” by Jesse & Joy feat. Alejandro Sanz
This pop song from Mexican brother and sister duo Jesse & Joy is the sassy anthem for a summer fling.
8. “Yo No Sé Mañana” by Luis Enrique
A little salsa never hurt anyone, especially on a hot summer night.
9. “Dinero” by Trinidad Cardona
“Wake with the sun of the morning” and let this be the soundtrack to a lovely day.
10. “Sunday Candy” by Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment
The lyrics are all about that relief a Sunday brings after a busy week, which can be appropriate for a long-awaited vacation.
11. “Loving Is Easy” by Rex Orange County & Benny Sings
For those times you’re catching feelings and can’t stop smiling, put this one on your playlist.
12. “Hypotheticals” by Lake Street Dive
Alternatively, if you’re still playing a game of chicken with your summer beau, blast this anthem for those unanswered questions.
13. “Canyon Moon” by Harry Styles
“Watermelon Sugar” may seem like the obvious pick here, but give “Canyon Moon” a chance. After all, the sky has never looked so blue.
14. “The Days” by Avicii
Live your main character moment with this as one of your beach songs!
15. “Are You Bored Yet?” by Wallows feat. Clairo
Your perfect beach day could just mean lying perfectly still and watching the sun go down.
16. “San Francisco” by The Mowgli’s
Is the drive to the beach with all the windows down your favorite part? Excellent taste. Now queue this up to capture that summer feeling.
17. “Sweet Talk” by Saint Motel
This lighthearted summertime song sounds like a picnic on the sand.
18. “Waiting in Vain” by Bob Marley
Is it even a beach playlist without some good, classic reggae?
19. “Smile” by Katy Perry
It has been a while since being able to go out and smile under the sun, Katy. Glad you get it.
20. “Hold Up” by Beyoncé
I mean, if anything’s a summer vibe, it is Beyoncé strutting and glowing in a flowing golden sundress.
21. “Island in the Sun” by Weezer
You can never have too many songs about sunshine on your playlist, no matter the season. Let your worries melt to this summer jam from Weezer.
22. “Someone New” by Hozier
This mix of pop and soul from Hozier feels as light and refreshing as the breeze itself.
23. “Distracted Youth” by Quinn XCII
Quinn XCII made this album with some friends at a beach in Rhode Island, so if anyone knows how to make some beach songs, it’s him.
24. “Sunny” by Boney M.
Nothing wrong with a little disco in your summer day!
25. “Fine Apple” by Nic D
Word play + fruit + easy guitar strums = a perfect beach-day jam.
26. “Sour Patch Kids” by Bryce Vine
I’ve been saying this for years: This song is summer in a can. The carefree lyrics, earworm of a hook, and bright trumpet bridge make for the quintessential summery playlist pick.
27. “Sunkissed” by Khai Dreams
“Sunkissed” feels like waking up from a nap on a beach towel to the breeze blowing over you. The ukulele chords create a great backing track for any day on the coast.
28. “Summertime Magic” by Childish Gambino
This song is featured in the film Guava Island, in which Donald Glover serenades Rihanna. And don’t we all want that for our summer?
29. “New Light” by John Mayer
Play this one as the sun goes down and the sand cools because the vibe is just right for sunset.
30. “Have It All“ by Jason Mraz
Your playlist needs this song full of Mraz’s trademark relentless optimism.
31. “Skate” by Silk Sonic
Take a mental trip to the boardwalk with this funky ode to summer skating.
32. “3 Nights” by Dominic Fike
Euphoria star Dominic Fike wrote this summer tune about his time traveling in Fort Myers, Florida, so it’s perfect for that beach bonfire.
33. “Eso Que Tu Haces” by Lido Pimienta
Let this vibrant anthem of self-respect carry you to a state of calm at the oceanside.
34. “As It Was” by Harry Styles
Another one of our favorites from summers past. If your drive to the beach has you reminiscing, enjoy the bittersweet vibes of this track.
35. “Lost” by Frank Ocean
Let this Frank Ocean tune inspire you to explore the hidden corners of the beach.
36. “All Good” by Samm Henshaw
Riding solo for your beach trip? Blast this song for positive vibes and the joy of me time.
37. “Chiquitita” by ABBA
Leave the blues behind with this bouncy ABBA throwback. (Bonus points if you take a trip to Greece à la Meryl Streep in Mamma Mia.)
38. “Oh My God” by Adele
Let loose with this single from Adele, and let it fuel a carefree day at the shore.
39. “Don’t Go Yet” by Camila Cabello
Cap off your playlist with the flamenco-influenced tropical song. Just try to listen to it without dancing.
40. “Tuya” by Rosalía
Feeling a summer romance? Dance like Rosaliá while getting ready for a night out with your seasonal significant other.
41. “Life Is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts
This one is for those late-night drives with the windows down, hands in the air, as you escape out of town. When it comes to summer country songs, you can’t top this.
42. “Valentina” by Daniel Caesar
Wind down after a full day at the beach with Caesar’s sultry summer love song.
43. “Self Love” by Metro Boomin & Coi Leray
Summer is the time to show yourself some love, whether that’s taking an extra vacation day off of work, indulging in a summer nail trend at your manicurist, or simply enjoying an evening sipping wine on your front porch. Whatever you choose, do so with this mellow beat playing in the background.
44. “Summer Bummer” by Lana Del Rey ft. A$AP Rocky and Playboi Carti
Del Rey and Rocky knew what they were doing here with this summer anthem.
45. “Just a Stranger” by Kali Uchis ft. Steve Lacy
Uchis is literally on a beach singing about wanting dollar bills, not love, in this music video. And isn’t that how we’d all want to spend the month of August?
46. “La Playa” by Myke Towers
Songs about the beach can transport you there—just like this track from Towers about the Puerto Rico seaside and mermaids.
47. “Me Fui De Vacaciones” by Bad Bunny
Feel the Caribbean energy with this song that’s perfect for unplugging.
48. “Pasa El Tiempo” by Caloncho
The vibrant guitar riffs on this track will uplift your spirit anywhere and at any time.
49. “Loco” by Enrique Iglesias ft. Romeo Santos
Grab a dance buddy and move your hips to the strums of the guitar in this steamy bachata.
50. “Mañana Será Bonito” by Karol G ft. Carla Morrison
Feel the summer breeze as you get this empowering song from Karol G.
51. “Surfin’ U.S.A” by The Beach Boys
When it comes to summer classics, it doesn’t get beachier than this. Add a little West Coast surfer vibes to your playlist with this beloved Beach Boys song, one of the best summer songs of all time.
52. “Soak up the Sun” by Sheryl Crow
Anytime you’re outside—camping, canoeing, or just on a morning run—turn on this uplifting song about being happy during both the bad and good times. Also a solid choice to listen to while you apply self-tanner (just saying!).
53. “I Ain’t Worried” by One Republic
Remember how carefree Miles Teller looked on that beach in Top Gun: Maverick? Channel those vibes all summer long with this upbeat song from the soundtrack.
54. “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa
A summer song for everyone to enjoy. I could dance, you could dance, we could all dance the night away with this disco-pop song from the Barbie soundtrack.
55. “Paradise” by Bazzi
This is one for those spontaneous, feel-good summer nights and days as Bazzi reminds us to enjoy every passing moment.
56. “Snow on the Beach” by Taylor Swift ft. Lana Del Rey
A romantic song about finding an unexpected love and the joy of realizing they’ve fallen for you too.
57. “Stolen Dance” by Milky Chance
“Do the boogie all night long”—on the beach, in your office…we don’t judge.
58. “PINACOLADA” by Thisizlondon, Ayra Starr, and 6LACK
“Pinacolada” is a classic beach cocktail that makes for an equally classic song, perfect for a bit of dancing on a sunny day at the beach.
59. “Beautiful” by Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, and Charlie Wilson
This 2005 Snoop Dogg song is filled with good vibes and will make anyone feel on top of the world.
60. “Under the Boardwalk” by The Drifters
“Under the Boardwalk” is a classic summer song from 1964 that is filled with good vibrations, whether you’re still applying sunscreen or splashing about in the water.
The post 60 Best Summer Songs for the Ultimate Beach Soundtrack appeared first on Glamour.
