The Best Beach Blankets for Picturesque Picnics and Summer Hangs (Without the Sand)

Name few better things than getting horizontal and cozying up with a good book at the beach on a big ol’ beach blanket; having a boho beach picnic with your person; or having a full-send beach day in the sand and surf (aka your happy place) with your entire crew. The common denominator here being the beach, and finding somewhere, something to sit that cute bum down. Beach chairs are great, but if you want to lie down and really relax, it’s hard to beat an oversized beach blanket.

It definitely helps to have a comfortable and preferably large enough beach blanket (versus just a towel) so you have room to sprawl and space to put your books and snacks. Which is why we’ve done the work for you, and found the best ones that’ll fulfill all your needs—and then some. Here are the best beach throws to get your hands on this summer—from single-person to family-size threads, with an array of prints, patterns and soft textiles—that we’re eager to head to our favorite coastal cities with.

Best beach blankets at a glance

• Best overall: SlowTide Sol Throw Blanket, $69
• Best oversized: Sand Cloud Checkmate Party Blanket, $148
• Best budget: Local Beach Cabo Beach Towel, $38
• Best waterproof: Scuddles Store Extra Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket, $27
• Most versatile: Nomadix Festival Blanket, $70
• Most travel-friendly: Business & Pleasure Co, The Beach Blanket, $119
• Best organic: Coyuchi Tomales Organic Beach Towel, $108
• Best eco-friendly: Tentree Organic Cotton Juniper Blanket, $88
• Best cool weather: Faherty Brand Adirondack Blanket, $128
• Best one-person size: Rumpl Cascade Fade Original Puffy Blanket, $125
• Best sand-resistant: Wekapo Beach Blanket, $29
• Best beach mat: Camco Handy Mat with Strap, $13
• Best woven: Benevolence LA Beach Blanket, $23

What to look for in a beach blanket

Beach blankets are meant to be used outside, which means there are a number of factors to consider when unpredictable elements are at play. You may want to consider something that’s water and/or sand-resistant, and is also easy to clean afterward (aka machine-washable). Because you’re likely carrying this on-the-go, weight and size are factors (do you need something just for you or to fit the whole family?), as well as if you need a strap or carry handle to help you schlep it around.

Best Overall Beach Blanket

SlowTide Sol Throw Blanket — $69.00

Created in collaboration with Mollusk Surf Shop out of Los Angeles, SlowTide’s elevated surf- and photo- inspired towels and blankets attract discerning beach-goers, influencers and watermen/waterwomen of the like. The simplicity and coloring of Sol Throw Blanket’s mid-century modern print brings the sun with you wherever you go, you know, in case that weekender tends to be cloudy overcast and tampering with your vitamin D needs. Already soft as hell off the bat, the ultra-lightweight Turkish style chambray fabric gets softer with every wash. Meanwhile, the double-sided woven design with fringe detailing is chic enough to hang on the wall as a tapestry. The 100 percent sustainably sourced cotton is not only sustainably vegan, but also ideal for warmer climate outdoor trips and sun-soaked day at the beach.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Sustainable
• Double-sided design
• Oversized

Cons

• Thinner fabric

Materials: 100% sustainably sourced cotton | Size: 66 x 80 in. | Care: Machine wash on gentle with cold water

Best Oversized Beach Blanket

Sand Cloud Checkmate Party Blanket — $148.00

The popular brand that’s been making waves on Instagram as much as it has at the beach—having first made its debut on Shark Tank— just came out with its largest towel to date. Designed with a fun checkers and stripes pattern, Sand Cloud’s 100 percent Turkish Organic Cotton really puts the “party” in “Party Blanket” with its jumbo bandwidth. Not only is it massive in size, but the four layer gauze jacquard weave also makes it ultra-soft for comfortable hangs with the whole crew, while the sand-resistant technology avoids any party fails from that one clumsy friend of yours. Complete with a fringe tassel for added style points.

Pros:

• Sand-resistant
• Large size
• Soft fabric
• Dries quickly

Cons

• Expensive
• May snag

Materials: 100% Turkish organic cotton | Size: 85 x 90 in. | Care: Machine wash on gentle with cold water

Best Value Beach Blankets

Local Beach Cabo Beach Towel — $38.00

Functional and fashionable, and designed out of San Diego, this 100 percent cotton Peshtemal blanket from Local Beach drapes you in comfort. Peshtemal cotton is loom woven with the softest, cleanest cotton in Turkey. From warming up on a cool summer evening at the beach to cozying up by a beach bonfire, the textured weave construction and gray and white stripes will give you a stylish place to sit on the sand.

Pros:

• Absorbent and dries fast
• Two-sided, terry and flat woven
• Machine washable

Cons

• Smaller in size

Materials: 100% cotton | Size: 38 x 71 in. | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry

Scuddles Store Extra Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket — $27.00

With over 5,100 5-star rating on Amazon, this mega, waterproof beach blanket (60”x60”) comes in seven tartan or striped patterns, and is made from a durable, waterproof material that’s easy to clean (it’s especially great for beach picnics, since you don’t have to stress if there’s a juice spill). Perhaps what’s our favorite feature is that it’s easily foldable, with straps that transform into a handle, so you don’t have to worry about folding and placing it in its own separate bag. It has a lifetime warranty, so if anything happens, the brand will send you a new one.

Pros:

• Three layers: woven acrylic, foam for padding, waterproof backing
• Folds up and has a carry handle
• Sand-resistant

Cons

• Surface may be a little scratchy
• Difficult to clean

Materials: Acrylic | Size: 59 x 76 in. | Care: Spot clean

Most Versatile Beach Blanket

Nomadix Festival Blanket — $70.00

An absolute fan favorite, Nomadix’s line of festival blankets has been taken camping, beaching, picnicking, on van life, and of course, to festivals. Don’t be fooled by the dainty monstera plant print, the versatility and durability of this blanket should be on you for all your nitty gritty adventures. Its soft plush top and water-resistant base keep you warm and dry at all times while this lightweight material—made out of post-consumer recycled materials—is super easy to fold up and travel with. This sand-resistant blanket-towel hybrid is an absolute must-have in the gear arsenal when heading out for an overland trip.

Pros:

• Soft top, water-resistant base
• Lightweight and packs small
• Sand-resistant
• Has anchoring corners

Cons

• Thinner fabric

Materials: Recycled polyester | Size: 72 x 60 in. | Care: Machine wash

Most Travel-Friendly Beach Blanket

Business & Pleasure Co, The Beach Blanket — $119.00

Two Australian friends made their Laguna Beach dreams come true with their Aussie/Cali-inspired brand Business & Pleasure Co., which has since taken Instagram influencers and picnic party coordinators by storm. Designed to be rolled up for easy transport and carried with an included cotton and leather carrying strap, the super-cute Beach Blanket comes neatly packed to you once hand loomed out of 100 percent cotton in Pakistan. Offered in 12 different solid colors and prints, this line of blankets also has an ingenious hole in the center so they can be simultaneously used with BP&Co umbrellas or cabanas.

Pros:

• Soft, breathable fabric
• Designed to be rolled up
• Fast-drying
• Includes a leather carry strap

Cons

• Expensive
• Not water-resistant

Materials: 100% cotton | Size: 66 x 66 in. | Care: Machine wash warm with like colors

Most Eco-Friendly Beach Blankets

Coyuchi Tomales Organic Beach Towel — $108.00

This lightweight, GOTS-certified, organic cotton will keep you comfy whether you’re sitting on it or wrapping it around you on a chilly evening. It has a flat-weave surface and colorful ombre stripe design inspired by Mexican sarape blankets. It’s available in three colors and it’s not only absorbent but is also quick-drying, ideal for any outdoor water activity.

Pros:

• Soft fabric
• Sustainable
• Highly absorbent

Cons

• Expensive
• Not water-resistant

Materials: 100% organic cotton | Size: 70 x 40 in. | Care: Machine wash on gentle

Tentree Organic Cotton Juniper Blanket — $88.00

Designed in Canada, ethically made in China, this blanket makes soaking up the sun even more earth-friendly, made from organic cotton and sustainable materials. It has a two-way stretch knit fabric and black and white woodsy print to help you embrace the outdoors (or indoors).

Pros:

• Medium weight
• Sustainable
• 100% organic cotton

Cons

• Not water-resistant

Materials: 100% organic cotton | Size: Not listed | Care: Machine wash on cold

Best Cool-Weather Beach Blankets

Faherty Brand Adirondack Blanket — $128.00

Having grown up on the wintery Northeastern coastline with the ocean in their backyard, the brothers behind Faherty Brand know the importance staying warm. With an inimitable craftsmanship, its line of Adirondack Blankets—custom-woven on looms using long-staple cotton yarns—is rugged, comfy-warm and stylish all at the same time. With stunning color palettes and various Native American-inspired-pattern artwork, the Adirondacks maintain an exceptionally soft, brushed, time-worn feel—and they’re made from custom-woven jacquard fabric and organic cotton. These heirloom-quality blankets are made for weather-beaten elements, meant to last a lifetime.

Pros:

• Soft fabric
• Warm
• Proceeds support the Lakota Way Healing Center

Cons

• Not water-resistant
• Expensive

Materials: 100% organic cotton | Size: 52 x 72 in. | Care: Machine wash on cold

Rumpl Cascade Fade Original Puffy Blanket — $125.00

Think puffer jacket, but a big blanket suitable for the beach. This may not be your traditional, or most photographic blanket, but this one will definitely keep you and your S.O. super warm and cozy on those breezy, cooler nights sitting on the beach due to its recycled polyester shell and insulation. Inspired by the volcanic peaks of the High Cascades running through Washington and Oregon, the trail-tested Original Puffy Blanket boasts a DWR finish for stain and water resistance for all adventures and seasons. With a stuff sack included or storage and portability, this deceptively foldable blanket—in sizes junior, 1-person or 2-person—also comes with corner loops to pin down in the sand on windier occasions.

Pros:

• Made with 100% post-consumer recycled polyester and insulation
• Lightweight and packable, includes water-resistant stuff sack
• Corner loops
• Water- and stain-resistant
• Machine washable

Cons

• Not as soft as fabric

Materials: 100% recycled 30D ripstop polyester fabric, 100% recycled synthetic insulation | Size: 52 x 75 in. (one-person) and 84 x 80 in. (two-person) | Care: Machine wash

Most Sand-Resistant Beach Blanket

Wekapo Beach Blanket — $29.00

Rated as an Amazon #1 Best-Seller, the Wekapo offers sand-proof, and water resistance capabilities thanks to its 100 percent ripstop nylon. Watch as water beads up, rolls off and dries fast, making it great to lay out or dry off on after a dip in the water, while one easy, quick shake rids the blanket of any sand. Triple stitched for maximum strength and durability, the Wekapo can be pinned down on the sides and corners with the included metal stakes. Invite the coworkers, neighbors and friends, because the Wekapo’s extra large size can fit three to eight people on it (or dogs!). Notable perks are the four corner pockets for storage or as added sand anchors.

Pros:

• Lightweight and packable
• Sand-, heat-, and water-resistant
• Comes with stakes and anchor loops, as well as corner pockets
• Machine washable

Cons

• Thinner fabric

Materials: 100% nylon | Size: 85 x 85 in. | Care: Machine washable

Best Beach Mat

Camco Handy Mat with Strap — $13.00

If low-maintenance is what you’re going for, then this beach mat has you covered. Made with woven straw, it’s weatherproof  and sandproof—just give it a shake when you’re done using it and watch all the excess dirt fall off. It’s lightweight and folds up into an easy-to-carry size, and there are built in handles pockets for extra convenience, too. It’s large enough to fit four adults.

Pros:

• Lightweight and packable
• Weatherproof
• Built-in handles and pockets

Cons

• Not as soft to sit on

Materials: Woven straw | Size: 60 x 78 in. | Care: Wipe with soap and water

Best Woven Beach Blanket

Benevolence LA Beach Blanket — $23.00

Make those beach days extra cozy with this soft, woven beach blanket, which is made with recycled materials and by local artisans in Mexico. It’s machine washable and gets softer with each wash, so go head and bring it with you to the beach, pool, backyard, and more. For every blanket bought, the brand donates to their charity partner that helps provide access to water to those in need.

Pros:

• Soft, breathable fabric
• Lightweight
• Made with recycled materials

Cons

• Not water-resistant

Materials: 100% recycled acrylic and cotton | Size: 45 x 70 in. | Care: Machine wash on cold

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