25 Best Songs About The Beach

Few places are as synonymous with relaxation and fun as the beach. 

The warm sun, the sound of waves crashing on the shore, and the smell of saltwater in the air are all part of what makes this beautiful place such a popular destination for people all over the world. 

And, of course, the beach has been a source of inspiration for countless musicians throughout history.

From classic rock and roll to contemporary pop hits, the beach has been a muse for songwriters of all genres, producing some of the most iconic and beloved songs of all time. 

In this article, we’ve curated a list of 25 of the best songs about the beach, each offering its own unique take on this beloved place.

Whether you’re looking for catchy pop hits, classic rock anthems, or something a little more laid back, there’s something for everyone on this list. 

So if you’re planning a beach vacation or just looking for some summer vibes, sit back, relax, and let the music take you on a journey to sun-drenched shores.

1. Some Beach – Blake Shelton

Released in 2004, this country track was the second single from the album Blake Shelton’s Barn & Grill. 

The song is about a man having a terrible day, with everything going wrong, from his job to his love life. 

This guy wishes to be on a beach, somewhere where he can escape his troubles and enjoy a little relaxation. 

Although is a well-known Shelton hit, the song was originally written by Rory Feek and Paul Overstreet.

2. Only The Ocean – Jack Johnson

Only The Ocean is the closing track of the 2010 album To The Sea. 

According to the Hawaiian songwriter, the song is a tribute to the memories of his deceased father who was a famous surfer.

Johnson depicts the ocean as a place of connection with the spirit of his father. 

Besides, is a symbol of his family, his father took him to the ocean and Jack did so to his children.  

3. Catch A Wave – The Beach Boys

This is a classic surf rock song by the iconic American band, The Beach Boys. 

Released in 1963, it was included in their album Surfer Girl and quickly became a fan favorite. 

As the title suggests, the track celebrates the excitement and joy of surfing and describes the feeling of catching a wave and riding it all the way to the shore. 

In addition, the song evokes the laid-back and carefree lifestyle associated with surfing.

4. I Want To Go To The Beach – Iggy Pop

This song expresses the desire of escaping from the city and head to the beach, a place where you can get relaxed and enjoy yourself with no worries. 

Released in 2009, this track was included in the album Préliminaires.

The song consists of an upbeat tempo with raw and gritty guitars in the style of Iggy Pop. 

In short, this piece is relatable to many people who want to escape the stresses and routines of everyday life and seek a simpler, more carefree existence.

5. The Boys Of Summer – Don Henley

This song from the 1984 album Building the Perfect Beast is about feelings of nostalgia for a former lover. 

The song portrays the feeling of remembering a past relationship and the longing to be reunited with one’s ex-partner, with the desire to relive the happy moments they shared.

The opening verse highlights the writer’s state of abandonment, where his former partner has moved on and left him behind, while he still holds on to the possibility of reconciliation. 

The Boys Of Summer became a hit and won Don Henley a Grammy Award in 1986.

6. Sea And Sand – The Who

Here we have a classic rock song that was released in 1973 as part of the sixth The Who album Quadrophenia.

Although the lyrics might convey a feeling of frustration toward life, that’s not the only message of the track.

Sea And Sand is a reference to the Mod movement during the 70s in Britain. 

The protagonist of the song uses the beach as an escape from the unpleasant memories of home and past life. 

7. Cake By The Ocean – DNCE

Written by the great Joe Jonas, this track quickly became a hit back in 2015 when it was released. 

Included in DNCE’s debut EP SWAAY, the song is a party anthem and has a funny story behind it.

The Swedish producer of the track wrongly translated the phrase “Sex on the beach” by “Cake by the ocean”, this sounded good and the song kept the name. 

So, as you see, the piece is just about that, enjoying carnal relationships next to the sea.

8. Beachin’ – Jake Owen

Released in 2014 and included in the album Days Of Gold, this country track is a summer anthem perfect to dance to.

This song celebrates the joys of spending time at the beach and letting go of the stresses of daily life.

9. Under The Boardwalk – The Drifters

Although it has been covered by numerous artists, this song was originally recorded by The Drifters. 

The track was recorded as a single in the year 1964 and unfortunately was surrounded by a tragic event.

The morning of the day of the recording, the lead singer Rudy Lewis was found dead due to an overdose so Johnny Moore replaced him. 

The song is about an appointment between a man and his beloved in a seaside town, who plan to meet privately out of the sun and out of sight of everyone else under a boardwalk. 

10. Rockaway Beach – Ramones

When it comes to capturing the essence of the beach, this song can’t be missed out. 

Released in 1977 in the album Rocket To Russia, this track was written by the bassist Dee Dee Ramone.

Dee Dee intended to create a song in the style of The Beach Boys and this is how it turned out. 

Of course, this track is about Rockaway Beach in Queens, a place where he liked to spend time.

11. All Summer Long – Kid Rock

12. Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

13. At The Beach – The Avett Brothers

14. Summer Nights – Grease

15. On the Beach – Chris Rea

16. Soak Up the Sun – Sheryl Crow

17. When the Sun Goes Down – Kenny Chesney

18. Toes – Zac Brown Band

19. Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffett

20. Beyond the Sea – Bobby Darin

21. Surf City – Jan & Dean

22. Sittin’ On The Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding

23. Escape (The Pina Colada Song) – Rupert Holmes

24. California Gurls – Katy Perry

25. Island in the Sun – Weezer