A short mini dress always looks great, if you dont want to go short, get a long dress that buttons from top to bottom and unbutton it up to your thighs.
Go for loud, brite colors and original designs such as polka dots or bold stripes. Due to the fact that it is summer, any color will work on the beach.
A super cute sundress would be nice. Maybe floral or some other bright color. Maybe a long maxi dress that you don't mind getting dirty or wet would look nice.