16 Best Beach Dresses for Summer Travel
As you’re dreaming of warm days spent by the ocean, you might also be picturing what you’ll wear while watching the sunset or enjoying dinner by the water. The ideal beach wardrobe is full of versatile items made from lightweight materials — which is why we love packing dresses for this type of vacay. This list of the best beach dresses for summer travel includes mini, midi, and maxi styles, as well as all different colors and silhouettes to suit your personal taste.
We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). These are products we’ve heavily researched and stand behind. You can read through our full affiliate disclosure here.
16 best beach dresses for summer travel in 2024
1. Best linen beach dress: Magic Linen
Linen clothes are a prime choice for summer travel, since the natural fibers are super breathable even in hot weather conditions. On top of that, linen is a very lightweight and loosely woven material, which helps heat escape from the body so you stay feeling fresh. Convinced about the wonders of this fabric yet? Magic Linen’s Cut Out Linen Dress is our favorite for summer. With its charming back cutout and convenient side seam pockets, this garment offers an ideal solution for hot summer days.
Price range: starting at $86
2. Best cover up beach dress: Ekouaer
A great beach cover-up is one that’s made using soft, breathable materials you can trust to keep you cool on even the hottest days. This shirt dress from Ekouaer will do exactly that, plus it offers incredible ease of wear thanks to its pull-on design. Other notable features include a deep V-neck, side split, and asymmetrical hem, all of which give this piece a fun, relaxed look.
Price range: starting at $11.99
3. Best maxi beach dress: Athleta
We feel confident this sleeveless maxi dress will become your go-to for beach travel. Made from recycled polyester, the fabric is designed with softness and stretch you’re sure to appreciate. We’d also like to point out the fabric is rated UPF 50+, is quick-drying as well as wrinkle-resistant, and has drop-in pockets with hidden secure zippers.
Price range: starting at $108
4. Best tiered beach dress: SummerSalt
Tiers aren’t just for Instagram-worthy birthday cakes — they’re also a design element featured in beach-ready dresses. And although there are plenty of tiered dresses on the market, this one from SummerSalt has to be among the best. It’s made from Pima cotton (softer, smoother, & stronger than traditional cotton), so despite its full length, it’s still cool enough to wear during a long, sun-filled afternoon.
Price range: starting at $115
5. Best affordable beach dress: SweatyRocks
As far as we can tell, this mini gingham dress is too cute (and too affordable) to pass up. We love that this fit and flare style can be adjusted via the lace up detail in the back — in other words, you can wear this dress as cinched or as open as you’d like for extra versatility. For just under $10, we can’t think of a better add-on to that bag you’re packing for the beach.
Price range: starting at $9.99
6. Best athleisure beach dress: Outdoor Voices
The Exercise Dress from Outdoor Voices is sporty, flattering and functional. Made in breathable fabric, this dress features adjustable straps and a built-in shorts liner with two pockets. The quick-drying and comfortable fabric makes it one of our favorite dresses to take while traveling.
Price range: starting at $100
7. Best tie front beach dress: ECOWISH
If you’re looking for a sassy, yet subtle tie-front dress to wear on vacation, then this pick from ECOWISH is definitely for you. This A-line dress is a midi length and features buttons running down the front plus adjustable spaghetti straps to tie it all together. In our opinion, the soft materials and cheeky prints in this design make it a must-have for the beach (and beyond).
Price range: starting at $32.99
8. Best floral beach dress: ZESICA
Florals? For the beach? *Groundbreaking.* Okay, we couldn’t help ourselves — but the truth is, we can’t resist a floral print for a warm, relaxing day. This pick from ZESICA is made from 100% rayon, which makes it an easy-to-wear statement piece. From the wrap design to the ruffled hem, to the butterfly sleeves, this dress is full of thoughtful details we know you’ll love.
Price range: starting at $38.99
9. Best off the shoulder beach dress: KIRUNDO
Off-the-shoulder clothing is certainly having a moment, so there was no doubt we had to include this dress from KIRUNDO on our list. Not only does this open neckline create a flattering silhouette, but we think it’s the best way to accentuate your suntanned shoulders, too. What’s more, the elastic band beneath the chest adds a bit of comfort while still showing off your shape.
Price range: starting at $34.99
10. Best wrap beach dress: Naggoo
Could this wrap dress *be* any cuter? It’s safe to say it was love at first sight with this little number from Naggoo. From the floral and polka dot designs, all the way down to the flutter sleeves and empire tie waist, this dress checks every box for a fun look to debut at the beach — though we have a good feeling you’ll be wearing this one after you return home, too.
Price range: starting at $29.98
11. Best strappy beach dress: NERLEROLIAN
A strappy midi dress is great for the beach, as this style can easily be paired with sandals, sneakers, a sun hat, or even a light sweater. This amazing versatility can keep your packing to a minimum, since there’s an endless number of ways to wear this one garment. While we love all the color choices from NERLEROLIAN, we’d probably say the rose purple is our favorite.
Price range: starting at $23.99
12. Best halter beach dress: R.Vivimos
The bohemian vibes are strong with this backless halter dress from R.Vivimos, and you can trust that we’re on board with all of its delicate details. Highlights of this design include a shirred elastic bodice, a halter neck tie, and multiple ruffles on the hemline for a dreamy, flowy feel. A dress this lovely deserves to spend some time at the beach, don’t you think?
Price range: starting at $34.99
13. Best two-piece beach dress: Angashion
We’ll admit that this two-piece dress could just as easily be called a skirt and top set — but regardless of how you refer to it, there’s no denying this outfit would look great at the beach. With sixteen colors and patterns to choose from, there’s something to suit every style. And as an added bonus, you can wear these pieces as separates to expand your travel wardrobe.
Price range: starting at $36.99
14. Best belted beach dress: MEROKEETY
While we love a casual T-shirt dress, we appreciate when this shape is jazzed up a bit — like with this MEROKEETY design. In addition to its charming stripes and handy pockets, this dress has a self-tie belted waist that gives it a little something extra. And because it’s made from rayon and polyester, you can rest assured it has all the comfort you need for strolling on the sand.
Price range: starting at $26.99
15. Best kaftan beach dress: Bsubseach
A kaftan is sort of a tunic garment that is typically ankle-length with loose, flowing sleeves. We’re big fans of kaftans for the beach since they’re super easy and breezy, but they still give you a pulled together look. This dress from Bsubseach can be worn during the daytime or for an evening out; however you choose to style this kaftan, it’s sure to make a bold statement.
Price range: starting at $26.99
16. Best crochet beach dress: Adisputent
Crochet will always pair well with a beach vacation, which is why we couldn’t help but add this Adisputent dress to our list. While it’s technically marketed as a cover up, we’re pretty positive you could get away with wearing it as a dress — especially if you put a bodysuit on underneath. We love the oversized fit and quick-drying fabric to keep you comfortable day or night.
Price range: starting at $25.99
Common FAQs about beach dresses for travel
What’s the best fabric for beach dresses?
The best fabrics for beach dresses are those that are light and breathable to ensure your comfort is always prioritized. Among the best materials to wear at the beach are cotton, linen, and rayon, since each of these have the breathability you’ll want for a hot day near the water.
What are the best brands to shop for beach dresses?
Aside from shopping on Amazon, some of the best brands for beach dresses include Summersalt, Cupshe, prAna, Madewell, and Christy Dawn. These brands have tons of options for sizes and styles, plus a range of prices to accommodate nearly any budget.
What else should I remember to pack for the beach?
When you’re packing for the beach, there are a few items — sunscreen, swim suit, beach towel — that you obviously won’t want to travel without. Other items that will likely come in handy include a beverage cooler, a sun hat, a self-cleaning water bottle, and a nice pair of sunglasses.