When the days get longer and hotter, sometimes the only thing you want to do is slap on some SPF and let the sun’s rays and the ocean’s cool breeze take over. This is when a roomy beach blanket comes in handy—allowing you to lay out comfortably to read, eat lunch, or catch some Vitamin D. Read on for 13 of the best beach blankets selected by Conde Nast Traveler for their size, price point, and stand-out features. We've included blankets that are quick-drying, sand-proof, and bug-repelling, so you’re ready for whatever is on the itinerary, whether that’s a day at the beach, a picnic in the park, or stargazing in your own backyard.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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Best roll-up blanket
Rio Roll-Up Blanket with handle
When you need a blanket that is sizable but also easy to pack in your car or take on public transit, the Rio Roll-Up Blanket fits the bill. The blanket is lightweight and compact, made with a durable polyester top and waterproof bottom. Simply roll it up and use the carry handle for convenient transport.
Dimensions: 80" x 66"
Most luxurious 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 make a great heirloom gift one day. Inspired by the blue of Oregon’s Crater Lake, the bold striped design is a show stopper.
Dimensions: 54" x 72"
Most comfortable to carry
Pendleton Outdoor Packable blanket
When you’re on the go, the last thing you want to worry about is your blanket being unwieldy or difficult to carry. Neatly folding into a tote with a zipper closure, the Pendleton Outdoor Packable Blanket features a water-resistant shell and two storage pockets for your keys and loose change. The removable strap is both thick and durable for carrying under your arm.
Dimensions: 72" x 60"
Weight: 2.82 lbs.
Most lightweight blanket
Rumpl Easy Rider Puffy blanket
Made from dozens of plastic recycled bottles, the Easy Rider Puffy blanket from Rumpl is ideal for solo travelers. Use the cape clip to walk around the beach with your blanket while looking for the best spot to prop up. The stain- and water-resistant design is lightweight and easy to roll up and tuck into its personal carry bag.
Dimensions: 52" x 75"
Weight: 2.1 lbs.
Best water-repellant blanket
Eddie Bauer Deluxe Outdoor blanket
A durable blanket is a key packing list essential when your group plans to splash around in the ocean before laying out to catch some sun. The Deluxe Outdoor Blanket from Eddie Bauer repels water, making things less smelly when you’re going to and from those outdoor adventures. The polyester blanket folds up into a two-pound backpack that simplifies the task of carrying it back to your car or on a hike.
Dimensions: 72" x 60"
Weight: 2 lbs. 9 oz.
Best sand-proof blanket
Ruibolu beach blanket
A great budget option made to fit two to four adults, the Ruibolu Beach Blanket is waterproof and sand-proof and costs less than $20. The thick polyester and PVC material means that at the end of the beach day, all you have to do is give it a quick shake to get rid of the sand. Any remaining sand can easily be wiped off with a towel; then, fold it up and make use of the carry handle as needed. Choose from yellow, blue, and red designs.
Dimensions: 79" x 57"
Best bug-repelling blanket
Pangle Wangle Tranquil blanket
Headed to a beach surrounded by raw jungle or forest? Some destinations tend to attract more pesky insects than others—but not to worry, there’s a blanket for those trips, too. This bug-repelling blanket contains a specific EPA-approved odorless technology called Insect Shield that was formulated to repel insects like mosquitoes, ticks, flies, ants, midges, and fleas. Made from Khadi fabric from India, the 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 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
Eddie Bauer Water-repellent Outdoor blanket
Eddie Bauer’s water-repellent blanket was designed with picnics, camping, and outdoor excursions in mind. No need to fear damp or dewy grounds as the bottom side is water-repellant and the 100 percent polyester composition allows the blanket to be easily machine washable. Ready to jet? The blanket rolls up with a sturdy carry strap.
Dimensions: 59" x 53"
Best under $20
G Good Gain Picnic Blanket
An inexpensive but chic outdoor blanket is what your beach, picnic, or camping adventure is missing. This foldable blanket with a carry strap comes in 10 different colors and features a waterproof backing. Conveniently, it's machine washable.
Dimensions: 78" x 57"
Weight: 1.8 lbs.
Best under $10
Reign VMX Extra Large Outdoor blanket
Decorated with a playful forest theme, the Reign VMX waterproof foldable blanket is large enough for six to eight adults sitting and four adults laying down. When you need a cost-effective outdoor blanket, consider this roomy cotton blend option that is machine-washable—say goodbye to all that sand.
Dimensions: 55" x 86"
Weight: 1.5 lbs.
Best for family trips
Big Blanket Co. XL Outdoorsy Blanket
An outdoor blanket that is easy to pack away but supersized when fully unraveled? Look no further than the XL Outdoorsy Blanket which comes in eight patterns that range from kid-friendly navy stars to gray cameo as well as five limited-edition graphics that range from Americana to colored camos. The best part: Up to four people can fit on this water-resistant outdoor blanket.
Dimensions: 8' x 8'
