Abstract: A self-storing beach blanket is formed of flexible material and has an outer surface and an inner surface. A retaining sleeve is centrally located upon the outer surface and forms a continuous loop with an opening at either of an inner edge or an outer edge. A drawstring is is formed as a loop and located within the sleeve. A portion of the drawstring extends outwardly from the opening. A central aperture is sized and shaped to permit introduction of a beach umbrella shaft. A drawstring locking mechanism has a sliding mode and a locking mode and is sized and shaped to prevent entry of the mechanism into the opening in the retaining sleeve. The drawstring is pulled through the mechanism when the mechanism is in the sliding mode and prevented from entering the opening when in the locking mode, thereby controlling a length of the drawstring within the sleeve.