My husband always says I have an internal solar battery—I absolutely thrive at the beach. I spend a lot of time at beaches around my hometown of Los Angeles, and I travel to beachy destinations like French Polynesia and the Mediterranean whenever I can. In the process, I’ve learned that a great beach towel can make or break a day by the water.  The best ones strike a balance: they’re absorbent, quick-drying, sand-resistant, and easy enough to pack without taking over your entire bag. For this story, Travel + Leisure tested 35 beach towels, evaluating each one for design, functionality, portability, durability, and value. Testing is ongoing over a six-month period to see how each towel holds up over time. I also drew on my own experience with the soft and lightweight Patagonia beach towel on our list. These are the best beach towels out there. Top Picks Why We Love It Plush, oversized, and highly absorbent, this towel strikes an ideal balance between comfort, performance, and durability.…