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You don’t need to live by the sea to experience the beauty of the ocean. Bring it to your own outdoor space with these beach themed garden ideas, where the sounds and colours of the coast come to life. Read on, get inspired, and start designing your backyard seaside retreat!
1. Surfboard garden sign
Surfboards are iconic symbols of the ocean lifestyle. Repurposing one as a garden sign ties the theme together while adding a focal point to your outdoor space. Place it at the entrance to welcome visitors — this will instantly remind them of the beach! You can also position it near a seating area, sandpit, or water feature to draw attention.
2. Or go for a surfboard backyard fence
If you have old surfboards lying around or pallets that you can DIY intro surfboards, don’t throw them away. They make fantastic fencing for your beach-themed garden. You can keep the original design for an authentic look or give them a makeover by repainting them in bright, beachy colours. Arrange them vertically along a border or garden bed.
3. Garden gate with ship’s chain
Look for a rusty or weathered chain and hang it on your aluminium side gate. Secure the chain across the gate or drape it around the top and sides for a rugged, seafaring look. This simple addition sets the coastal tone right away and complements the overall beach garden idea.
4. Nautical lounge area
Maximise your outdoor space, even those awkward corners, by turning it into a beachy patio. A wooden gazebo pairs well with DIY benches made from old cable drums and cushions in various shades of blue. Complete the look by hanging a ship’s wheel on the wall — and voila! You now have a corner retreat that feels like a holiday getaway.
You could also add an aquatic theme to your summer house with a while and blue sailor’s decor.
5. Boat garden pond
There are many ways to use an old boat as garden decorations instead of throwing it away. For one, it can make a charming pond, adding a water feature to your backyard while keeping a coastal touch.
Fill the boat with water plants and fish, and create a seating area by laying boards across the front and back. For a “boat dock” effect and stability, place cinder blocks under both ends of the boat to lift it slightly off the ground.
Check out these raised garden pond ideas for more inspiration.
6. Beach pebble landscape
Pebbles create a clean, low-maintenance look and help with drainage, too. This pebble garden design mimics the appearance of a shingle beach, perfect for front yards and landscaped areas. Scatter pebbles or small cobbles in garden beds or pathways. You can also use them to outline garden features or create decorative patterns.
7. Give palm trees a spot in your yard
The sight of palm trees can make us think of a beach themed garden landscape. You don’t have to plant the gigantic ones; smaller varieties work well as container plants. Use them as a source of shade near your sun loungers to complement the beachy feel in your yard.
8. Fish mailbox
Make your mail and letters stand out with a fish-shaped mailbox. This fun and unique feature adds interest and upgrades a simple seashore landscaping. It’s sure to catch the attention of your neighbours, too!
9. Add your own lighthouse
You can add a lighthouse to your garden-themed garden, whether it’s a full-sized replica or a miniature version. For a large lighthouse, place it near your swimming pool or a big water feature for a striking effect. If you opt for a smaller version, it would make a great decoration for a small garden pond.
10. Ship anchor on a flower or pebble bed
An anchor alone already gives the impression of the sea. Place the anchor in the centre of your flowerbed or pebble area to mimic the seabed. Choose a large, rusty anchor to create a focal point for your washed ashore garden.
11. DIY pirate ship playground with sandpit
Your children will be thrilled to see this pirate ship playground in your backyard! Surround the ship with an outdoor sandpit and small pebbles to give the impression that the pirate ship has been left on the shore.
Check out this pirate themed Lollipop Junior Tower playhouse from @josieoddix.
12. Urban seaside garden theme
In this simple seaside backyard, the owner created a raised platform deck with a small beach hut. The ground level is covered with pebble stones. Add striped folding chairs to the side and a firepit ring for a perfect spot for cosy nights.
13. Coastal landscaping with white river rocks
Perfect for small or corner gardens, this low-maintenance coastal landscape features white river rocks. Spread the rocks across garden beds or paths and surround the area with plants like succulents or coastal grasses to add greenery and texture. You can also use the rocks to define boards for a polished finish or as a base for garden furniture.
14. Yard hammock beach style
Besides surfboards, hammocks are a staple of beach relaxation. Install one in your garden and attach it between two tree trunks to a pergola or anywhere with shade. Or simplify the setup with this blue-striped double hammock with a folding stand with enough space for two.
15. Beach mural garden wall or fence
One of the easiest ways to achieve a coastal garden theme is to paint your fence or bare wall with a beach scene. A nautical-inspired mural, such as a sunset over the ocean, looks great on a wooden fence. For best results, use weather-resistant paint to ensure the mural lasts. You might also want to add your DIYed surfboard sign nearby to complete the look!
16. Add a lifeguard tower
Lifeguard towers are common at beaches and public pools, but you can add one to your garden, especially if you have a pool. Set up at least one with a matching parasol for a shade. Include a small sign or flag to mimic a real lifeguard station.
17. Turn your shed into seaside escapade
Garden sheds can be more than just tool storage — they can become seaside getaways, too! Start the transformation for this beach garden idea by painting the shed white for a fresh, coastal look. Add striped deck chair fabric and decorate the space with maritime items like anchors, ship wheels, and shells.
18. Take a cue from the coasts
This outdoor shower design exudes a luxury public shower feel. The wall features cobblestones along the north side edges. Surround the area with a laurel hedge and a wooden garden gate for privacy. Install outdoor lighting to the setup so you can enjoy a refreshing shower even into the night.
19. Cobble-embellished wall for outdoor shower
Ideal for small backyards, maximise the unused corner of your garden and turn it into a sandy retreat. This idea is perfect if you love going to the beach but can’t find the time for regular visits.
Use decomposed granite as a base layer, then add white sand. Decorate with driftwood and plant grassy varieties to make it feel more like the seaside. Don’t forget to place a small wooden garden bench or a couple of beach chairs for a place to sit and relax.
20. Seascape landscaping with succulents
Succulents are excellent for beach gardens. They’re low-maintenance, require minimal watering, and are resistant to wind. Coastal grasses and sea lavenders are also great additions to your landscape. Arrange these plants in decorative pots or planters with driftwood, shells, and other summer garden decoration ideas for extra seaside charm.
21. Adirondack chairs as the focal point
If there’s one piece of garden furniture that captures the essence of a beach garden, it’s Adirondack chairs. They are resistant to wind, water, and rust, making them suitable for year-round outdoor use. Consider a chair like the Bjørn Adirondack Lounger, designed for natural relaxation. These chairs create a perfect spot to recline and unwind, adding both comfort and style to your garden.
22. Beach garden sculptures
The addition of sculptures in beach garden ideas makes a big difference. They can become a focal point, a centrepiece, or add instant drama. Think of dolphins like the photo below or sea turtles made from materials like weather wood or stone.
Tip: Position them near a garden path or water feature to offer a point of interest.
23. Seashell stepping stones
It’s time to put all those shells you’ve collected from the beach to good use! For this DIY project, a non-stick cake pan to mould the stepping stones, then mix concrete or plaster and pour it into the pan. Press the seashells onto the surface before they set. Arrange the shells in patterns or randomly for a natural look.
24. Beach zen feature
Build a rock pool and a dock-like decked area to set the scene. Mix in a variety of textured native plants, such as beach strawberry, sea holly, and sand dunes lupine. Complete the look with boulders and a small pond.
25. Use buoys as decors
The sturdy construction of buoys can be transformed into all sorts of useful things. They can be turned into garden planters, fence decorations, or garden ornaments, for instance. Use buoys of different sizes and styles but in similar colour schemes to tie the elements together.
26. Relax under a pergola
Dreaming of a summer escape to Greece? You can bring that experience to your garden or patio! Inspired by a simple, thatched pergola, take a cue from this set-up with a ‘less is more approach’ exterior. Add cushioned lounge chairs or a hammock for comfort, and hang lanterns to set the mood. This will let you and your family enjoy a beach-like atmospehere without leaving home.
27. Clam fountain
If you’re thinking of adding a water feature idea, consider this clam fountain to match the beach vibe. Giant clam shells are especially ideal as a vessel for your fountain. You can also get faux ones and have them custom-made by professionals. Position the fountain in a central spot and add pebbles or shells around the base.
28. Alternatively, as garden markers
Have a collection of seashells or oysters from your last beach trip? Great! Use them to label plants by painting the names of your herbs and flowers on the shells. Position these markers along garden beds or in pots. This simple project is a fun way to repurpose your beach finds, involve your kids, and bring a touch of the coast to your garden.
29. Stacked stones
Stacked stones add a sculptural touch to your garden and fit perfectly in a beach theme. Use stones of different sizes and shapes, stacking them to create a focal point. Surround the base with pebbles for extra texture.
30. Treasure chest storage
This DIY treasure chest is perfect for keeping kids’ outdoor toys organised and accessible. Position it near their playhouse to enhance their pirate-themed play or on the decked patio. Decorate the chest with ropes, anchors, or painted seashells to fit the theme.
Round-up
Who doesn’t dream of having their own backyard oasis? If that sounds like you, we hope our beach garden ideas will help you create the perfect retreat. Let them guide you to the backyard escape you’ve always wanted!
Up next on your reading list: Pebble Garden Ideas for a Low-Maintenance Space
Shop Summer HousesFAQs
What is a coastal landscape?
A coastal landscape is a section of coastline with a range of coastal features. There are some erosional and depositional elements, too.
What are the key features of a coastal landscape?
Coasts have many different features, from beaches and mudflats to caves and cliffs. When it comes to coastal garden landscapes, anything that'll remind you of waves and the sea, in general, is a potential feature.
How do you make a coastal garden?
Plant into gravel or stone. Plants on a beach grow directly out of the sand. Scatter the plants through the garden rather than having beds. This will create a seaside garden feel.
How do I make my garden look like a beach?
There are so many ways to bring the touch of the sea to your garden. Other than the seaside-ish landscape, decorate the space with items you'll often find on the shore or under the sea.
Refer to our list of beach garden ideas for design inspiration!
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