This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Cal Poly chapter.

Just like clothes and food, songs have seasons. We hear certain songs in the middle of studying for winter finals that feel wrong to listen to at the time simply because they are ‘summer songs’. Some songs fit so perfectly to summertime activities that it would almost be a shame to not listen to them while enjoying our 3 month vacation.

Here’s a collection of some of our favorite summer feel good songs and what activities they pair perfectly with:

Island in the Sun – Weezer

For when you want to relive the first time you watched Aquamarine and reminisce on the carefree summer days of high school.

Soak up the Sun – Sheryl Crow

Perfect for any day that is warm, beautiful and full of blue skies (so basically any day).

Banana Pancakes – Jack Johnson

Lazy summer mornings! Get up at noon, make some pancakes, relax and consider it a day well spent.

In Too Deep – Sum 41

Perfect for remembering the first time you and your friends discovered the American Pie series on a random summer night.

Blister in the Sun – Violent Femmes

Great for when you need a little reminder to take the time to apply sunscreen before heading out for the day.

Santeria – Sublime

Because it kinda sounds like sangria and fruity drinks = summer.

Californication – Red Hot Chili Peppers

A must for your drive along the coast on a summer afternoon.

Life is a Highway – Rascall Flatts

The quintessential road trip song- upbeat, relevant, and easy to belt out off key.

Beverly Hills – Weezer

Ideal for those days spent searching the area for a new town to explore.

Hey ya – Outkast

Dayger! It’s very hard to not be happy while listening to this song.

Summer Of ‘69 – Bryan Adams

For when you want to be able to listen to the same song as your parents.

Surfin’ U.S.A. – The Beach Boys

For when you want to be able to listen to the same song as your grandparents.

Float on – Modest Mouse

Perfect for sitting outside and tanning on the beach, by the pool, or wherever suits you (HA, get it).

Three Little Birds – Bob Marley

Great for a happy little reminder that when you wake up, you have slightly less responsibilities than you had during the school year.

Glory Days – Bruce Springsteen

A great addition to any summer BBQ.

Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show

This song basically screams “Play me while sitting by a bonfire.”

Drift Away – Uncle Kracker

And this song screams “Now play me while you roast marshmallows over your fire.”

We can all agree that summer is the time for relaxing, new experiences and spending time with the people you care about. Songs alone won’t lead to great memories, but they certainly help! Now go forth on your summer expeditions with a soundtrack to follow your adventures! And if you want to listen to all the songs at once, your wish has been granted!

https://open.spotify.com/user/22rhlvd5kmyjithv5beqk3euq/playlist/7I916ft4LTs0A0B59OSfrs

This is the Summer Playlist You Need in Your Life