In this current work, we main to find the abundant explicit solutions of the Benney-Luke equation by a novel approach, which is called the variational direct method (VDM). The VDM based on the variational theory and Ritz-like method can reduce the order of the differential equation to make the equation simpler and obtain the optimal solution by the stationary conditions. The explicit solutions in terms of dark solitary, dark-like solitary, kinky-dark solitary, and periodic wave solutions are presented through the numerical results in the form of 3-D plot, 2-D curve, and 2-D contour. The results show that the VDM is simple, straightforward, and powerful, which is expected to open new perspectives for the traveling wave theory.