Summer means one thing to me: sizzling hot days spent at the beach. I’m a Florida girl, and have long since perfected the beach day: an early morning start, a windows-down drive, some ocean and sun loving, followed by an ice cream stop. For all you other beach lovers, you already know that good music only intensifies the summer feel.
Therefore, I’ve put together this playlist to hit all types of beach days you could hope for: a chill beach day, a party beach day, or just a happy-go-lucky one. I picked them based off of lyrics, the feel, or from some of my fond beach memories. So let the sun kiss your skin and the water embrace you, as you jam out to the best beach songs around.
“In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry
Start your beach summer day right with this easy, classic summer song.
“Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” by Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend basically brings the groovy waves to you with this song.
“Soak Up The Sun” by Sheryl Crow
Soaking up the sun is exactly what I’m going to be doing, and singing about it with ‘90s icon Sheryl Crow is the cherry on top.
“Under The Boardwalk” by The Drifters
That wooden straight frog instrument in the opening lines puts one in minds of summer bliss and ocean breezes. You’ll be sure to have at least some type of fun listening to this 1960s fave.
“Amalucada Vida” by Manu Chao
His lyrics may not be nautical, but a tropical breeze will come your way by listening to this.
“Miami” by Will Smith
Shout out to South Florida with this one. It may get a little hotter after listening to this.
“Fly” by Sugar Ray
There isn’t much reason for this song to be on here other than it brings vivid memories of driving to the local beach. Still, it works.
“Love Shack” by The B-52’s
Chill? Check. Fun? Check? Party on the beach with this song? Check.
“California Girls” by The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are a must for any beach day, and while we all can’t be California girls, we can sing about them.
“Lisztomania” by Phoenix
Pure bliss and summertime jam. This is for when you are in perfect sync with the world (and beach).
“The Boy With The Arab Strap” by Belle & Sebastian
This song just makes me want to dance around and jig like a maniac. So why not do it at the beach?
“Free As A Bird” by The Beatles
And to end your beach day, chill out with The Beatles and this free-flowing song.
