When the days get longer and hotter, sometimes the only thing you want to do is slap on some sunscreen and let the sun’s rays and cool breeze coming off the ocean waves take over. If a trip to the beach is in your near future, be sure to pack a roomy blanket—ideally one that’ll allow you to lay out comfortably while reading, picnicking, and catching some vitamin D.
Read on for 11 of the best beach blankets selected by Condé Nast Traveler for their comfort, size, and stand-out features, from quick-drying to sand-proof to bug-repelling fabrics, all with attributes that will make them a must-pack for all of your upcoming beach visits and outdoor hangs. Once you’ve got that purchase sorted out, check out our most-recommended beach towels to dry you off after dips into the ocean. (Sure, you could find one to pull double duty, but for frequent beachgoers, a separate blanket is a key ingredient to a comfortable beach day.)
Best roll-up blanket
Rio Roll-Up Blanket with handle
When you need a blanket that is sizable (almost 7 feet by more than 5 feet) but also easy to walk with or take on public transit, the Rio Roll-Up Blanket fits the bill. The blanket is both lightweight and compact and is constructed of a durable polyester top and waterproof bottom. Simply roll it up and use the carry handle for convenient transport.
Dimensions: 80" x 66"
Longest-lasting blanket
Pendleton Crater Lake National Park Throw with carrier
If you're looking for a blanket that is sure to turn heads once you unravel it from its leather carry straps, consider the Crater Lake National Park throw blanket from Pendleton. Although the blanket is pricey, the wool and cotton blend materials mean that as long as you care for it properly, it can be enjoyed for years to come. Inspired by the blue of Oregon’s Crater Lake, the bold striped design is a show stopper.
Dimensions: 54" x 72"
Most lightweight blanket
Rumpl Easy Rider Puffy blanket
Made from dozens of plastic recycled bottles, the Easy Rider Puffy Blanket from Rumpl comes in a 52" x 75" size designed for one person. Use the cape clip to walk around the beach with your blanket while looking for the best spot to prop up. Another pro: At 2.1 pounds, the stain- and water-resistant blanket is lightweight enough to roll up and tuck into its personal carry bag without adding much strain to your beach bag.
Dimensions: 52" x 75"
Weight: 2.1 lbs.
Best water-repellant blanket
Eddie Bauer Deluxe Outdoor blanket
A durable beach blanket is a key packing list item when your party plans to splash around in the ocean before laying out to sunbathe, or go for a swim at the base of a waterfall before lunch. The Deluxe Outdoor Blanket from Eddie Bauer repels water, giving you a more comfortable place to lounge when you’re going to and from those outdoor adventures. The polyester blanket folds up into a pocket and has shoulder straps for an easy carry back to your car or from your hike at the end of the day.
Dimensions: 72" x 60"
Weight: 2 lbs. 9 oz.
Best sand-proof blanket
Ruibolu beach blanket
A great budget option made to fit between two and four adults, the under-$20 Ruibolu Beach Blanket is water-resistant and dirt- and sand-proof. The thick polyester and PVC material means that at the end of the day, all you have to do is give it an easy shake to get rid of any leftover sand. Any straggling pieces can easily be wiped off with a towel and then folded up with a carry handle for storage. Choose from yellow, blue, and red designs.
Dimensions: 79" x 57"
Best for personalization
Pipermoon Laguna blanket
The Laguna Blanket by Pipermoon was made for travelers who like a bit of customization. The adult-sized blanket comes in a 57" by 72" size which can be personalized for an additional $15. You can request to have your initials illustrated on the blanket in 10 different thread colors that range from black to brown, gray, and red. The fabric is made from rayon and spandex and comes in a cheery tropical pastel design.
Dimensions: 57" x 72"
Best bug-repelling blanket
Pangle Wangle Tranquil blanket
Headed to a beach surrounded by jungles or forests? Some destinations tend to attract more pesky insects than others but not to worry, there’s a blanket made just for those trips. The bug repellent Tranquil Blanket from Pang Wangle contains an EPA–approved odorless technology called Insect Shield® that was formulated to repel insects like mosquitoes, ticks, flies, ants, midges, and fleas. Handmade from Khadi fabric in India, the bug protection stays fully effective for more than 70 washes.
Dimensions: 70" x 52"
Most compact blanket
Matador Pocket blanket
Large enough to fit up to four people, the Matador Pocket Blanket packs a lot of punch in its impressively compact pocket size (around the size of a wallet when folded). The blanket is both water- and puncture-resistant and comes with stakes so wind, kids, and pets won’t ruffle up the blanket while others are lounging.
Dimensions: 63" x 44"
Weight: 3 lbs. 8 oz.
Best beach blanket under $20
Decathlon Camping Picnic blanket
Roomy enough to seat up to four people with 67" x 55" dimensions, the Camping Picnic Blanket from Decathlon is a nice budget-friendly option at under $20. The best attributes include a waterproof underside; abrasion-resistant fabric; and the fact that it’s machine washable. Available in both red and blue tones, you can roll the blanket up and hold it by the carry handles.
Dimensions: 67" x 55"
Best oversize blanket
Sun Ninja beach blanket
When you need a sizable blanket that will fit your whole crew, consider the Sun Ninja beach blanket—when fully extended, it measures a whopping 10’ x 9’. Up to seven adults will be able to enjoy a beach day on this blanket and the fabric is lightweight, breathable, and both sand- and water-resistant. No more frantically searching in the sand for your car keys: simply secure them in the blanket’s attached storage pockets. When you’re ready to head out, the Sun Ninja blanket comes with its own lightweight travel bag and weighs less than two pounds.
Dimensions: 10' x 9'
Weight: 1.6 lbs.
Most versatile blanket
Alps Mountaineering Wavelength blanket
For avid outdoor enthusiasts, consider a beach blanket that can handle multiple environments during repeat trips to the great outdoors. From the sand to the campground, this Alps Mountaineering Wavelength Blanket makes it easy for you to migrate from one adventure to the next. Take advantage of the water- and dirt-resistant technology as well as the insulated fabric for cooler days and nights.
Dimensions: 80" x 54"
Weight: 2 lbs. 4 oz.