Looking for the perfect soundtrack for your beach day? You’re in luck! I’ve curated the top 36 best songs for the beach that will transform your seaside experience into an unforgettable adventure. From laid-back acoustic vibes to upbeat summer anthems, this carefully selected playlist hits all the right notes for your sandy escapades.
Best 36 Beach Songs
Let’s dive into these beach-worthy tunes that’ll have you feeling those summer vibes in no time. Whether you’re catching waves, building sandcastles, or simply soaking up the sun, these songs will be your perfect companions.
1. Jack Johnson – “Better Together”
In Between Dreams (2005)
The ultimate beach troubadour, Jack Johnson sets the perfect mood with this gentle, acoustic love song. Its warm, mellow vibes perfectly capture that feeling of watching the sunset with someone special.
2. Beach Boys – “Good Vibrations”
Smiley Smile (1967)
Could any beach playlist be complete without the Beach Boys? This psychedelic masterpiece captures the essence of summer with its innovative production and heavenly harmonies.
3. Bob Marley & The Wailers – “Three Little Birds”
Exodus (1977)
This reggae classic brings instant relaxation with its reassuring message and laid-back rhythm. Perfect for those moments when you’re stretched out on your beach towel without a care in the world.
4. Calvin Harris – “Summer”
Motion (2014)
This EDM anthem captures the electric energy of a beach party in full swing. With its pulsating beats and euphoric drops, it’s perfect for those moments when the beach transforms from relaxation spot to dance floor.
5. Jimmy Buffett – “Margaritaville”
Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes (1977)
The ultimate beach bum anthem that perfectly encapsulates the carefree coastal lifestyle. It’s impossible not to feel relaxed when this classic starts playing through your speakers.
6. Sublime – “Doin’ Time”
Sublime (1996)
This sun-soaked reggae-rock fusion brings the Southern California beach vibe to life. Its lazy, swaying rhythm perfectly matches the gentle roll of the waves.
7. Kenny Chesney – “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems”
No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems (2002)
Country meets paradise in this barefoot anthem that’ll make you want to kick off your shoes and forget about life’s worries. Perfect for those lazy beach afternoons.
8. Sheryl Crow – “Soak Up the Sun”
C’mon, C’mon (2002)
This feel-good hit radiates positive energy with its bright guitar riffs and optimistic lyrics. It’s the perfect soundtrack for working on your tan or playing beach volleyball.
9. The Kooks – “Seaside”
Inside In/Inside Out (2006)
This indie gem captures the romantic side of beach life with its acoustic charm and heartfelt lyrics. Perfect for those intimate moments watching the waves roll in.
10. Zac Brown Band – “Toes”
The Foundation (2008)
With its island-infused country sound and carefree lyrics about putting your toes in the water, this song practically demands a cold drink in hand and sand between your toes.
11. Weezer – “Island in the Sun”
Weezer (Green Album) (2001)
This alternative rock classic brings a perfect blend of peaceful vibes and catchy hooks. Its “hip hip” chorus is impossible not to sing along to while basking in the sunshine.
12. Surfaces – “Sunday Best”
Where the Light Is (2019)
This upbeat modern classic radiates positivity with its bouncy rhythm and feel-good lyrics. It’s the perfect soundtrack for those picture-perfect beach day moments.
13. Dua Lipa – “Levitating”
Future Nostalgia (2020)
This disco-pop banger brings the perfect amount of energy for a beach dance party. Its infectious rhythm and stellar production will have everyone up and moving in the sand.
14. The Ventures – “Walk Don’t Run”
Walk Don’t Run (1960)
This instrumental surf rock classic captures the essence of catching waves. Its iconic guitar riff practically invented the sound of summer.
15. Kygo & Whitney Houston – “Higher Love”
Single (2019)
This tropical house remix breathes new beach life into a classic hit. The perfect blend of modern electronic beats and timeless vocals makes it ideal for sunset sessions.
16. Jason Mraz – “I’m Yours”
We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. (2008)
With its laid-back ukulele and feel-good lyrics, this acoustic gem captures the carefree spirit of beach life perfectly. You can’t help but smile when this one comes on.
17. Ziggy Marley – “Beach in Hawaii”
Love Is My Religion (2006)
Carrying on his father’s legacy, Ziggy brings the perfect reggae vibes for a tropical beach day. The song practically transports you to paradise with its island rhythm.
18. Violent Femmes – “Blister in the Sun”
Violent Femmes (1983)
This alternative classic brings a different energy to beach time with its quirky rhythm and memorable melody. Perfect for when you need a break from traditional summer songs.
19. Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne – “Rather Be”
New Eyes (2014)
The combination of classical strings and modern dance beats creates an uplifting beach anthem. Its positive message about being exactly where you want to be resonates perfectly with beach vibes.
20. Peter Tosh – “Legalize It”
Legalize It (1976)
This reggae classic brings smooth, laid-back vibes perfect for a mellow beach session. Its groove matches the rhythm of the waves perfectly.
21. Vampire Weekend – “A-Punk”
Vampire Weekend (2008)
This indie rock hit brings infectious energy with its upbeat tempo and sunny guitar riffs. Perfect for adding some alternative flair to your beach playlist.
22. Katrina & The Waves – “Walking on Sunshine”
Walking on Sunshine (1983)
This quintessential feel-good song radiates pure joy with its bright horns and energetic vocals. It’s impossible to be in a bad mood when this classic comes on at the beach.
23. Tame Impala – “The Less I Know The Better”
Currents (2015)
This psychedelic pop masterpiece brings a dreamy atmosphere to your beach experience. Its groovy bassline and ethereal production create the perfect sunset soundtrack.
24. Poolside – “Harvest Moon”
Pacific Standard Time (2012)
This dreamy cover of Neil Young’s classic perfectly embodies the “daytime disco” vibe. Its gentle electronic pulse matches the rhythm of lapping waves.
25. Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Scar Tissue”
Californication (1999)
This melodic masterpiece captures the essence of California beach culture with its dreamy guitar work and laid-back groove. Perfect for those contemplative moments watching the waves.
26. Norah Jones – “Don’t Know Why”
Come Away with Me (2002)
This jazzy ballad brings sophistication to your beach playlist. Its gentle melody and Jones’s velvet voice create the perfect atmosphere for a romantic beach picnic.
27. The Rolling Stones – “Start Me Up”
Tattoo You (1981)
This rock classic brings just the right amount of energy for beach volleyball or frisbee. Its iconic riff will get everyone moving in the sand.
28. Lorde – “Solar Power”
Solar Power (2021)
A modern beach anthem that perfectly captures the healing power of sun and sea. Its acoustic-driven melody and nature-inspired lyrics create the ultimate summer vibe.
29. Israel Kamakawiwo’ole – “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”
Facing Future (1993)
This ukulele-driven interpretation brings Hawaiian magic to a timeless classic. Its gentle island rhythm perfectly matches a peaceful day by the shore.
30. Post Malone – “Circles”
Hollywood’s Bleeding (2019)
This modern pop gem brings a perfect blend of melancholy and summer vibes. Its rhythmic guitar and catchy chorus work surprisingly well for beach reflection time.
31. Stevie Wonder – “Isn’t She Lovely”
Songs in the Key of Life (1976)
This joyful classic brings pure happiness to any beach day. Its celebratory tone and harmonica solos add the perfect touch of soul to your seaside soundtrack.
32. MGMT – “Electric Feel”
Oracular Spectacular (2007)
This psychedelic pop hit brings the perfect groove for sunset dance sessions. Its funky bassline and ethereal vocals create an irresistible beach party atmosphere.
33. Mac DeMarco – “Chamber of Reflection”
Salad Days (2014)
This indie favorite brings a dreamy, contemplative vibe perfect for watching the waves roll in. Its synth-heavy sound creates a hypnotic beach meditation soundtrack.
34. Empire of the Sun – “Walking on a Dream”
Walking on a Dream (2008)
This electronic pop masterpiece creates an otherworldly beach atmosphere with its dreamy production and uplifting melody. Perfect for those magical sunset moments.
35. Crosby, Stills & Nash – “Southern Cross”
Daylight Again (1982)
This sailing anthem brings the perfect maritime feel to your beach playlist. Its harmonies and nautical lyrics capture the essence of coastal living.
36. Bill Withers – “Lovely Day”
Menagerie (1977)
This soul classic rounds out our top 36 best songs for the beach with its timeless optimism and groove. Withers’ legendary sustained note perfectly captures that feeling of endless summer days.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – your ultimate beach playlist featuring the top 36 best songs for the beach! This carefully curated selection spans decades and genres, ensuring you’ll have the perfect soundtrack for every beach moment, from sunrise to sunset. Whether you’re planning a lively beach party or a peaceful solo retreat, these tracks will enhance your seaside experience.
Remember to download your favorites before heading out, and don’t forget your portable speaker! The combination of these timeless tunes with the natural symphony of waves and seabirds will create the perfect backdrop for your beach adventures.