Part of the joy of coastal travel is living in your swimwear, but not every destination plays by the same rules. Whether you're exploring a charming California village or wandering a cliffside town in Italy, knowing the local dress codes is as essential as packing your favorite SPF. Here's our guide to places where bikinis are a no-go, and exactly what to pack instead.
California: Laid-Back but Not Always Bikini-Friendly
California has a reputation for beach culture, but even here, there are places where a cover-up earns you access everywhere:
Santa Barbara
The downtown State Street area and most restaurants operate a strict "no shirt, no shoes, no service" policy. The moment you leave the sand, reach for your cover-up.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
This quaint village has a notably conservative local culture. Wandering in a bikini through the charming streets would draw attention, and some boutiques and cafés quietly enforce dress standards.
Laguna Beach
Certain cove areas and tide pools fall within state parks where "appropriate attire" is required. Pack a lightweight wrap in your beach bag for easy transitions.
San Francisco
Interestingly, SF banned public nudity in 2013, so anything too revealing in non-beach public spaces is technically restricted, a good reminder that beach culture doesn't always extend beyond the shore.
Closer to Home: USA Bikini Restrictions
You might be surprised to find that even beyond California, certain US destinations have rules about where you can and can't wear a bikini. Here's what to know before you go:
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
One of the few US beaches with actual ordinances around revealing swimwear in town areas. Once you leave the sand, a cover-up keeps you on the right side of local rules.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Strict public decency laws mean beachwear stays on the boardwalk and beach, not in shops or restaurants along the strip.
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Public indecency ordinances apply in the downtown and pier areas. A cute cover-up is all it takes to transition seamlessly from the water to lunch.
Sarasota, Florida
Revealing swimwear is restricted in public non-beach areas. The downtown arts district and St. Armands Circle are expected to receive a little more coverage.
National Parks & Forest Swimming Holes
Many federal recreation areas from the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon to national forest lakes require "modest" swimwear per park regulations. Always worth checking before you go.
Going Global: Exotic Destinations with Bikini Rules
When traveling internationally, dress codes can be even more important to observe. Here's where to pack extra cover-ups:
Maldives — Outside the Resort Islands
The Maldives is a dream destination, but it's worth noting that bikinis are only permitted on designated tourist resort islands. On local islands (like Maafushi or Thulusdhila), modest dress is required; shoulders and knees must be covered in public spaces. A light cover-up or sarong thrown over your swimwear is all you need as you transition from resort to local exploration.
Cinque Terre, Italy
The five colorful villages of Cinque Terre have actually banned beachwear in the streets, and the fines are real. Walking through town in just a bikini top and shorts can cost you up to €50. A breezy cover-up dress is your best friend here: beach-ready in seconds, village-appropriate in an instant.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali's beaches are bikini-friendly, but step near a temple or sacred site, and the rules change completely. A sarong and sash are often provided at temple entrances, but having your own lightweight wrap means you're always ready to explore respectfully and stylishly.
Dubai, UAE
Bikinis are perfectly fine on private hotel beaches and pools in Dubai, but public beaches require more modest swimwear. Wandering the city in beachwear is a definite no. Pack a stylish cover-up that doubles as a casual outfit for exploring the souks and marina.
Conservative Coastal Towns in Greece & Croatia
Beyond the party islands, many traditional Greek and Croatian coastal villages have an unwritten (and sometimes written) code against walking through town in swimwear. A lightweight beach bag and a cover-up make it easy to go from shore to café without a second thought.
What to Pack: The Solwaii Cover-Up Edit
The secret to navigating any destination is versatility. A well-chosen cover-up does double duty; it's respectful where required and effortlessly chic everywhere else. Here's what we recommend from the Solwaii collection:
- Poncho Cover-up — the ultimate travel must-have that goes from beach to village without missing a beat
- Boho Crochet Cover-up — effortlessly bohemian, breathable, and perfect for transitioning from beach to village
-
Crochet Skirt — pairs beautifully with a swimsuit top and keeps you covered in style
Travel smart, dress respectfully, and never compromise on style. That's the Solwaii way.
Sources
California
- Santa Barbara Municipal Code santabarbaraca.gov
- Carmel-by-the-Sea Official City Site carmelcalifornia.com
- San Francisco Public Nudity Ordinance (2013) sfgov.org
United States
- Town of Rehoboth Beach Code of Ordinances cityofrehoboth.com
- Virginia Beach City Code § 22-31 vbgov.com
- Florida Statutes § 800.03 (Public Exposure) leg.state.fl.us
- National Park Service Regulations nps.gov
International
- Maldives Dress Code visitmaldives.com
- Cinque Terre Local Ordinances comune.riomaggiore.sp.it
- Bali Temple Etiquette balitourismboard.org
- Dubai Public Decency Guidelines visitdubai.com
- Greece Tourism visitgreece.gr
- Croatia Tourism Croatia.hr