Planning a staycation never felt so good
Who wouldn’t love waking up to a beachside view? Fortunately, your home doesn’t have to be near an ocean to have one. With a little planning and renovation work, you can bring the beach to your very own backyard.
From tropical garden inspiration to coastal decor, we’ll walk you through 30 backyard beach ideas to transform your outdoor space into a relaxing retreat.
If you don’t have a pool or water feature in your backyard, consider using aquatic colors for your patio and outdoor furniture. With tranquil teals and sandy golds, you can have the enjoyable seaside hues of a summer sunset.
By adding exotic plants, stepping into your backyard will feel like escaping to a tropical paradise. Palm trees, ferns, and philodendron plants are a few options to create layers of lush green foliage. Hire a landscaper in your area to help ensure the design has a nice variety of small- and large-leaf plant life.
Having sand in your backyard is the element you never knew you needed. In addition to adding a nice accent, sand provides good drainage and is very low maintenance. It’s also a popular lawn alternative since it doesn’t require mowing or watering. Find a sand deliverer near you to create that dreamy beach vibe for your landscape.
Do you love seeing those driftwood directional signs on the beach? Make your own set as backyard beach decor. All you need are a few pieces of sun-washed driftwood, paint, nails, and a plank to hang them. Paint fun messages on them such as “paradise this way” and “restrooms that way.”
What’s a beach day without an exciting game of volleyball? Install a volleyball net in the sandy section of your backyard and you’re ready to play.
While the adults and teens are playing a few rounds, you can have some fun-in-the-sun activities for the younger children to enjoy:
Light up the night with stylish outdoor torches. These functional, fuel-lit torches are a decorative addition for any backyard space and can keep insects at bay when burning citronella. Use traditional bamboo torches to create a tropical island-like ambiance for your next outdoor festivity.
Kick off the summertime with a “beach bonfire” party. While the cost of installing a fire pit varies, you can find a DIY kit for as low as $200. Set it up on a patch of sand to create the ultimate beach experience.
Bring the oceanside view to your yard by adding a lovely beach wall mural. You can hire professional mural painters near you to transform a bare fence or shed side into a mesmerizing sea.
For a beach-themed walkway idea, you can use wood pallet boards to create your own backyard boardwalk. You can even paint the boards different colors to personalize the look.
Soak up the summer sun with beach-style Adirondack chairs. Arrange them around the bonfire, alongside the pool, or as an intimate seating area on your patio.
If you’re aiming for a cozy retreat style, lounging in a comfy hammock is the way to go. Hang it in a shaded area between two sturdy trees or porch posts as the perfect outdoor nap station. If you have limited space in your backyard, consider hanging a chair hammock that’s equally comfortable and easier to install.
While a shed serves as outdoor storage, it doesn’t have to just be functional. Instead, hire a local shed builder to make it an attractive addition to your backyard beach. You can revamp the shed exterior into a fun beach hut design using pastel paint colors and decorative touches such as boating accessories.
Speaking of boating, there are plenty of creative ways to upcycle a boat. For example, repurpose an old boat into a planter for your garden. It can both display potted plants and serve as a maritime decor element.
As another DIY project, consider repurposing old surfboards into outdoor tables. Their sleek designs and vibrant color details make them great decorative furniture for a backyard beach theme (not to mention an awesome conversation starter).
Since many surf shacks use surfboards as decor, you can use them as inspiration for an outdoor bar design. Make it a cool hangout spot to serve tropical smoothies and ice-cold drinks for family and guests.
Install a platform chair with an umbrella for shade to create an easy lifeguard stand. You can even add fun, printable pool signs as a personal touch:
Give your garden a coastal and beachy look by displaying seashells outside. Adorn planters with a few bold shells or create designs with them along the walkway.
Hire a fencing contractor near you to install a picket fence around your pool area. You can even opt for white, rustic fencing to give it that traditional beach house charm.
Ship parts make great decorations for a coastal or maritime theme. Install a vintage ship anchor in your yard or mount one on a fence as a unique focal point.
Give your backyard a realistic beach appearance with a custom, beach-style swimming pool. This pool design has a natural entry slope, like that of an ocean or lake, creating both a stunning and easily accessible detail for your landscape.
Check out a few pool installation costs to see which size is best for your yard and budget.
Choose a sea stone pool liner as a lovely addition to the beach-style pool. This particular liner mimics the ocean floor, creating a true seaside appearance.
Consult a local pool contractor on the optimal color and texture.
Enjoy a few cocktails and the outdoor scene in a cozy cabana in your yard. From chic daybeds to comfy porch swings, there are plenty of DIY cabana styles that can add a luxe look to your outdoor space.
Lanterns are a simple and inexpensive way to illuminate your deck and backyard. Opt for glass candle lanterns to add a nautical touch. Perch them on a table, at ground level, in the garden along the pathway, or anywhere else to meet your needs.
What’s not to love about a refreshing outdoor shower? From waterfall-style showerheads to bamboo spigots surrounded by lush greenery, these additions undoubtedly add that tropical vacation vibe to your backyard.
You can consult with a local shower installer for design ideas that work with your landscape.
Welcome that seaside energy with coastal design wall art. You can display fun beach vacation quotes in picture frames like the one below:
Feel the warm summer breeze by adding a carefree swing chair. You can make a DIY pallet swing from a tree branch, creating a relaxed, playful feel for your yard.
Sea creature figurines, driftwood furniture, and natural elements are a few of many ways to work a nautical theme into your patio or outdoor living space. Pair a jute rug with soft fabric seating and a few tabletop accessories such as seashells and model boats.
Keep your seating areas cool by installing outdoor misting fans. The mist also creates that moist-air feel of a beach breeze.
From rope bridges to plank walks, a pirate ship-inspired playground or treehouse is where your children’s imaginations can run wild.
For a sea-inspired, minimalist touch, hang a vintage oar above your outdoor furniture as decor.
Surely these backyard beach designs and decor have inspired your next backyard makeover. Once you have a vision for the renovation project, you can find a landscape designer near you to help achieve it.
