The Best Laid-Back Beach Towns in the Northeast
Or even if you aren’t taking a beach vacation this summer, you can lay one of these styles on the chaise lounge, close your eyes, and pretend to be far away on a remote island. Now all that's left to do is slather on some sunscreen, invest in a floppy hat, and crack open your chosen beach read.
A good beach towel is arguably the most underappreciated summer essential.
Think of how miserable it would be to spend a day at the beach without one: sand would get into places you didn’t know existed, and when you attempt to wash it off in the water, you have to stand for 20 minutes drip drying before you can sit anywhere again.
There would be nowhere to set your bag, your sweaty water bottle would be covered in sand, and you’d have no soft place to lay down and get your tan on.
Don’t take yours for granted. Make it easy on yourself and get one (or more) of the amazing styles that are offered this season.
The beach isn’t the only place to bring these beauties, though. Take them poolside, so you can avoid using the dreaded communal hotel or resort towels that offer no comfort (and just aren’t as cute).
Or pack them on your next trip to the park and use them as a picnic blanket. If you are going house boating, sailing, canoeing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, or anything on the water, a great towel is key.
With so many options, you won’t have difficulty finding a cute beach towel that suits you. There are all kinds of shapes, colors, textures, and details to choose from. Read on for our favorites.
Kassatex
This thin yet absorbent beach towel is super easy to pack and comes in a bunch of colors.
To buy: macys.com, $30 (originally $50)
Tory Burch
The thick, brushed-cotton yarns on this beach towel make it extra absorbent—a.k.a. the perfect towel to tote to the pool.
To buy: toryburch.com, $128
John Robshaw
The bright pattern makes this stylish option stand out on the sand.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $40
Ralph Lauren
This towel, with styles that feature the Caribbean and the Hamptons, is meant for the traveler.
To buy: ralphlauren.com, $70
L.L. Bean
What better way to get into the oceanic spirit that with a good old-fashioned oar motif?
To buy: llbean.com, $30
Urban Outfitters Pendleton 'Los Ojos' Oversized Jacquard Beach Towel
Soak up the sun while lying on this jacquard beach towel.
To buy: urbanoutfitters.com, $50
Skova 'The Beverly' Travel Towel
Here's a beach towel that's pretty enough to double as a stylish wrap.
To buy: skova.co, $58
Free People Flower Child Towel
A vivid option for those feeling the Bohemian spirit.
To buy: freepeople.com, $80
Free People 'Lucky Stripe' Beach Towel
Perfect for simply lounging on the beach.
To buy: freepeople.com, $48
Anthropologie 'Montauk' Beach Towel
One that could double as a plane blanket? Sold.
To buy: anthropologie.com, $138
Martha Stewart Collection Flamingo Sprinkle Cotton Graphic-Print Beach Towel, Created for Macy's
The bright flamingos on this style are bold and playful, perfect for after a dip in the pool or lounging on the shore.
To buy: macys.com, $22 (originally $40)
