Intro Looking for the perfect beach dress, breezy cover-up, or resort-ready outfit? Whether you want affordable everyday pieces or elevated shoreline style, here are 12 of the best places to check “near me”—with how to find local locations and what to expect at each stop.
Local Boutiques & Resort Shops Why go: Small seaside boutiques often carry curated coastal looks—flowy sundresses, artisan cover-ups, and unique prints you won’t find at big chains. How to find: Search “women’s boutique near me” or “resort shop near me” on Google Maps or Yelp for local listings and customer photos. (Use Yelp to browse boutiques: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=boutiques) Good for: Unique pieces, locally made linen and rayon, supporting small businesses. Price range: Mid to high.
Tommy Bahama (Resort & Island-Inspired Wear) Why go: Tommy Bahama specializes in resort and island-style clothing—classic shirtdresses, kaftans and printed cover-ups designed for vacation and coastal life. How to find: Use the store locator on Tommy Bahama’s site to find nearby retail locations. (Tommy Bahama: https://www.tommybahama.com) Good for: Elevated resort wear, easy-care fabrics, coordinated sets. Price range: Mid to high.
Anthropologie (Boho Beach Dresses & Cover-Ups) Why go: Anthropologie carries bohemian, embroidered and patterned beach dresses and breezy cover-ups that work for both beach days and casual dinners. How to find: Check the Anthropologie “Swim & Cover-Ups” category and use store locator for local shops. (Anthropologie swim category: https://www.anthropologie.com/swimwear) Good for: Fashion-forward pieces, statement prints. Price range: Mid to high.
J.Crew & J.Crew Factory (Classic Coastal Staples) Why go: J.Crew is known for timeless summer dresses, linen pieces and classic cover-ups. Factory stores offer discounted options at lower price points. How to find: Search J.Crew and J.Crew Factory store locators before visiting. (J.Crew swim & resort: https://www.jcrew.com/c/womens_category/swim) Good for: Preppy/resortwear, linen blends, matching sets. Price range: Mid.
Madewell (Modern, Casual Beach Dresses) Why go: Madewell focuses on relaxed silhouettes and durable fabrics—great for everyday beach style and effortless cover-ups. How to find: Use Madewell’s local store pages or stockists. (Madewell dresses: https://www.madewell.com/womens-clothing-dresses) Good for: Casual beach dresses, easy-to-style pieces. Price range: Mid.
Nordstrom (Wide Assortment & Customer Service) Why go: Nordstrom stocks multiple coastal brands and price points—easy returns, fitting help, and often a good selection of designer cover-ups and beach dresses. How to find: Search “beach dresses” or “cover-ups” on Nordstrom and use their store locator. (Nordstrom beach dresses: https://www.nordstrom.com/sr?origin=keywordsearch&keyword=beach%20dress) Good for: Trying different brands in one place, free returns. Price range: Mid to high.
Target (Affordable & Trendy Beachwear) Why go: Target offers budget-friendly beach dresses, sarongs and cover-ups in current trends—ideal for one-season looks or travel packing. How to find: Browse Target’s swim and cover-ups section and use local store pickup. (Target women’s cover-ups: https://www.target.com/c/women-s-swim/-/N-55s9d) Good for: Affordable basics, quick one-stop shopping. Price range: Low.
Local Surf Shops & Action-Sports Retailers (Quiksilver, Roxy, Billabong) Why go: Surf shops often stock lightweight cover-ups, rash-friendly dresses, and coastal lifestyle brands tailored to beach culture. How to find: Search “surf shop near me” or check brand locators like Roxy/Quiksilver for nearby retailers. (Roxy: https://www.roxy.com) Good for: Durable fabrics, sporty cover-ups, boardshort-friendly styles. Price range: Low to mid.
REI & Outdoor Retailers (UPF & Technical Sun Protection) Why go: For UPF-rated cover-ups, rash guards and technical fabrics that protect from the sun and dry quickly, outdoor retailers are a reliable option. How to find: Search REI or local outdoor stores for UPF clothing and swim cover-ups. (REI UPF clothing: https://www.rei.com/search?q=upf) Good for: Sun protection, quick-dry fabrics, active coastal activities. Price range: Mid.
Consignment, Thrift Stores & Secondhand Marketplaces Why go: Score vintage beach dresses, designer cover-ups or unique finds for less—plus it’s a sustainable option. Many consignment shops allow local pickup. How to find: Use Poshmark, ThredUp, local consignment shops or search “women’s consignment near me.” (Poshmark: https://poshmark.com, ThredUp: https://www.thredup.com) Good for: Unique/vintage pieces, budget-friendly designer finds. Price range: Low to mid.
Beach Markets, Artisan Fairs & Pop-Up Shops Why go: Coastal towns and weekend markets often feature local artisans making handmade cover-ups, embroidered dresses and beach accessories you can’t get elsewhere. How to find: Look up local event listings on LocalHarvest or Eventbrite and check seasonal “beach markets.” (LocalHarvest for local markets: https://www.localharvest.org) Good for: Handmade and local textiles, one-of-a-kind pieces. Price range: Variable.
Outlet Malls & Department Store Outlets Why go: Outlet centers and department store outlets (Macy’s Outlet, Nordstrom Rack, Premium Outlets) can yield discounted coastal styles from past seasons. How to find: Check Premium Outlets and outlet-specific store locators for nearby malls. (Premium Outlets: https://www.premiumoutlets.com) Good for: Deals on brand-name dresses and cover-ups. Price range: Low to mid.
How to Find These Stores “Near Me” — Quick Steps
- Use Google Maps: search phrases like “beachwear near me,” “resort shop near me,” or the store name plus “near me.” (Google Maps: https://maps.google.com)
- Try store locators: visit a brand’s official website and use its store locator for up-to-date hours and stock.
- Filter by pickup or stock availability: many chains list local inventory and offer curbside or in-store pickup.
- Check reviews and photos: Yelp and Google user photos help you see real product assortments before you go. (Yelp: https://www.yelp.com)
Buying Checklist for Coastal Wear
- Fabric: Look for linen, rayon, lightweight cotton and technical quick-dry blends for breathability.
- Sun protection: Consider UPF-rated pieces for long sun exposure (learn more from The Skin Cancer Foundation: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/clothing-protects/).
- Fit & coverage: Think about how you’ll use the piece—lounging, swimming, walking the boardwalk—and choose length and coverage accordingly.
- Care: Check wash instructions—salt, sand and sun can fade or weaken delicate fabrics.
- Try before you buy (when possible): Sizing can vary across brands, so try on cover-ups over your swimwear to confirm fit.
Conclusion No matter your style or budget, you can find great women’s coastal wear nearby—from big retailers and surf shops to local boutiques and markets. Use the store-locator tools and quick checklist above to zero in on the right pieces for your shoreline plans. Happy shopping and enjoy the sun safely!