If you’re headed to the beach soon, chances are you’ll be looking for the ultimate beach blanket for your days in the sun. We’ve tried lots of different beach blankets over the years and have learned what makes a great beach blanket. Pair the perfect beach blanket with a perfect beach bag for all your gear and you are set for an idyllic day in the sun.
After comparing our experience with what’s on the market today, we are sharing our picks for the best beach blanket. One of these is sure to meet your fun in the sun needs. Let’s get to shopping, so you can move on to relaxing.
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Our Picks For the Best Beach Blankets
BEST OVERALL- ZAZE Beach Blanket
Why We Chose This Beach Blanket:
This blanket has so many great features that make it our top pick. The size is great for our family of five with space to spare if we’re all sitting. We love the three layers of quilted material, which make it more cushioned than other beach blankets. The top layer is soft and water resistant, while the back layer is waterproof to help the blanket dry.
It’s easy to clean by shaking off sand, wiping off spills, or even tossing it in the washing machine. Rolling it up takes some practice, but once you get it, it has a convenient carry handle that makes it easy to carry. Or it can fit in your beach bag. It doesn’t have any weighted corners but will stay put if it’s not too windy. On really windy days we set our coolers or bags on the corners to keep them in place.
It’s cute, soft, and super functional for our large family. I also love that it doesn’t look just like a beach blanket, so it can also double as a picnic blanket. And the low price point is another huge bonus!
Advantages:
- Fits 6 adults
- Is soft and has 3 quilted layers
- Waterproof and sand-proof
- Doubles as a picnic blanket
Disadvantages:
- Takes practice to fold back up
- No weighted corners
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY- Coalatree Kachula
Why We Chose This Beach Blanket:
The Kachula blanket is a dual-layer blanket that measures 50″ by 72″, and can comfortably fit 2 adults or 2-3 kids lying down. The top is a soft nylon flannel material for comfort, while the bottom layer is waterproof ripstop nylon, so you can use it on wet surfaces. It’s great for the beach but also works well on grass or dirt. What makes this blanket unique is that the fabric is made of 100% recycled materials, making this an eco-friendly purchase. When dirty it can be spot-cleaned or is machine washable. It will need to be hung to dry, though.
We really love the functionality of this blanket. When stuffed into its stash pocket, it becomes a pillow, which is great for traveling. It also includes a snap-on hood, which can turn the blanket into an emergency poncho. We also love all the different colors and patterns available. It is a pretty amazing blanket!
Advantages:
- Eco-friendly
- Unique functionality
- Soft and easy to clean
- Lots of color and pattern options
Disadvantage:
- Pricer than other options
- You would probably need more than one blanket to fit a family
BEST LOOKING- Scuddles Extra Large Beach Blanket
Why We Chose This Beach Blanket:
The Scuddles beach blanket is definitely a stylish option for a beach blanket. Our favorite color option is the blanket with blue stripes and the brown leather-looking carry handle. When folded up, it’s something I definitely wouldn’t mind toting around. Especially since it only weighs one pound.
We also love the softness of the blanket. It has 3 layers, with the middle layer being a padded foam layer. The top layer is soft woven acrylic while the bottom layer has a PEVA waterproof backing. It is machine washable, which we love. I would definitely hang it to dry, though.
This blanket is available in multiple sizes, so you can choose which one works best for your family. The largest available size is 60″ by 79″, which isn’t the biggest beach blanket on the market. It claims to fit 6 people, but this would only work if you’re all sitting up, which isn’t my idea of relaxing at the beach. But if you are looking for a beach blanket for 4 or fewer people, it should work great for you.
Another huge perk of this blanket is that it has a lifetime warranty. Scuddles claims that they guarantee their blanket for life, which is pretty unheard of. Let us know if you’ve put this to the test!
Advantages:
- Stylish, lightweight, and easy to carry
- Cushioned, 3 layers of fabric
- Multiple size options
- Machine washable
- Lifetime warranty
Disadvantages:
- Takes practice to learn to fold up
- Doesn’t comfortably fit more than 4 people lying down
BEST BARGAIN: Camco Handy Mat
Why We Chose This Beach Blanket:
The Camco is a low-priced option measuring 60″ by 78″. It seats 4 adults or a couple of adults and 3-4 small kids. The material is a UV-stabilized polypropylene weave, which helps extend the life. The plastic material makes it easy to hose it off if you need to clean it or shake it off if you have sand on top. The material can get hot in the sun, so you might opt for a towel on top of the blanket if you’ll be in the direct sun for a lengthy period of time.
This Camco handy mat weighs less than 2 pounds and folds up to 10.5″ x 15″ and has a convenient strap for carrying it and includes a pocket to hold small items. It does not have any anchors, so you’ll probably need to set some items on the corners to hold it down on a windy day.
Overall, it is a great option if you’re looking for a low-priced, big blanket for the beach!
Advantages:
- low-price for a large blanket
- easy to fold and carry
- easy to clean- just hose it off or shake off the sand
Disadvantages:
- Can get hot in the sun
- Does not include anchors
BEST LUXURY: Business and Pleasure Co Beach Blanket
Why We Chose This Beach Blanket:
If you’re looking for a luxurious beach blanket, then look no further than the Business and Pleasure Co Beach Blanket. It is made of ultra-soft 100% cotton. It is absorbent and fast drying, too. It is heavier than other beach blankets, but it’s definitely more luxurious. The cotton blanket is machine-washable and can be tumble-dried, as well, making it low maintenance. When ready to put it up, it is easy to roll up and comes with a quality handle made of cotton and leather.
This beach blanket is the “family size” of their beach towel. An awesome feature is the umbrella hole in the middle. You can use it with the Business and Pleasure Co. Premium Umbrella in a matching color. They also offer a cabana that will work with their beach blanket. I would say that this blanket comfortably fits 2 adults who are stretched out. But if you’re sitting or have small children, it could fit 4.
If you have the budget for it and want a beautiful set-up at the beach, then you’ll love this beach blanket and the other options this company offers.
Advantages:
- Luxurious feel and look
- Has a hole in the middle for an umbrella
- A matching umbrella or cabana is available
- Easy to clean- can be tossed in the washer and dryer
Disadvantages:
- Pricey
- Heavier than other beach blankets
- Not waterproof
BEST PACKABLE: Matador Pocket Blanket
Why We Chose This Beach Blanket:
The Matador Pocket Blanket is an incredibly lightweight beach blanket. It weighs in at only 3.5 oz for the Regular 2-4 seater. The Mini 1-2 seater option weighs only 1.3 oz! If you need something incredibly lightweight to toss into your beach bag or backpack when traveling then this is the best option.
It’s made of a nylon material with a PU coating, making it waterproof. I love the built-in stakes that are on the Regular Pocket Blanket, so you don’t have to keep up with loose ground stakes. The Mini doesn’t have built-in stakes, but it does have sand pockets on the corners.
When unfolded the Regular blanket measures 63 X 44 inches. When folded up, it’s only 4.5 x 2.7 x 1.1 inches. The Mini measures 44 X 28 inches when unfolded and only 3 x 1.6 x 0.8 inches when folded up. While it won’t fit a large family, you could easily purchase a couple of these and toss them in your bag, since they’re so compact and lightweight.
And if you’re concerned about getting it folded back up and fit in its attached storage pack, Matador made it simple by stitching a fold pattern on the blanket.
Advantages:
- Super lightweight and compact blanket
- Waterproof
- Includes attached ground stakes on the Regular Pocket Blanket
Disadvantages:
- Smaller than other beach blankets
- Very thin- won’t offer any cushion
BEST OVERSIZED: WELLAX Sand-Free Beach Blanket
Why We Chose This Beach Blanket:
The WELLAX beach blanket is the ultimate extra-large beach blanket. It measures 9×10 feet and easily fits 8 people. It’s a sand-free beach blanket, meaning you just shake off the sand and you’re good! The material is a lightweight parachute nylon that makes this a water-proof beach blanket that is also heat resistant to UV rays. Since it is a super thin blanket, it’s not cushioned, so you might want to bring along some towels or beach chairs if you’ll be sitting for a long time.
Included with this blanket are an attached storage pouch and four securing anchors. When folded up in its case, it measures only 4″x8″ and weighs only 16oz. It’s easy to roll up and stuff back in the pouch due to the thin parachute nylon.
WELLAX even claims to offer a lifetime warranty on their beach blanket, which is pretty impressive If you’re headed to the beach or even the park with your family, this would be a great blanket purchase. You’ll have the space you need, as well as a dry and sand-free area to hang out.
Advantages:
- Extra large- fits 8 people
- Super lightweight
- Waterproof and sand proof
- Includes anchors
- Claims to offer a lifetime warranty (haven’t tested this out)
Disadvantages:
- Very thin- no cushion
BEST BLANKET THAT DOUBLES AS A TOWEL: Bay Laurel Turkish Beach Towel
Why We Chose This Beach Blanket:
This beach blanket is technically a towel, but we still love it. The Bay Laurel towel is made of soft 100% Turkish cotton. If you’ve never felt Turkish cotton, you’ll immediately notice how lightweight it is compared to a regular cotton towel. This means it dries so much quicker than a typical towel. It is also surprisingly absorbent and is sand resistant. And since it’s cotton, it is machine washable and can be put in the dryer. One thing to note is that it will get softer and more absorbent after a few washes.
The Bay Laurel towel includes a cute carrying bag. The towel easily rolls up into the bag, making it a space-saving option if you’re packing for a trip.
Since it is a towel, it’s not as large as other beach blankets. It measures 39″ by 71,” which can fit two people sitting or one lying down. I am planning on replacing all of our beach towels with these Turkish towels and using them along with our beach blanket.
Advantages:
- Quick-drying, lightweight and soft
- Doubles as a towel
- Super easy to wash and dry
- Sand resistant- it shakes right off
Disadvantages:
- Only fits one person lying down
- Not waterproof
- Pricer than typical beach towels
BEST DURABLE: CGear The Original Sand-Free Outdoor Camping Mat
Why We Chose This Beach Blanket:
This two-color reversible blanket isn’t technically a beach blanket, but it works great in the sand. It was apparently first designed for the military and has a really unique weave design that filters out sand and dirt, keeping your surface much cleaner. Since it was designed for the military, the polypropylene material is really durable. It is also water-resistant and resistant to UV rays.
To hold down the blanket when the wind blows, there are double-reinforced heavy-duty corner D Rings.
This blanket comes in four different sizes: small (6’x6′), medium (8’x8′), large (10’x10′), and extra large (12’x12′). The extra-large claims to fit up to 14 people! Due to its construction, it is much heavier than other oversized beach blankets. The extra large weighs in at 11.66 pounds, so it might not be a great option if you’re going to be toting it around a lot.
I would suggest this blanket if you’ll be using it for camping and the beach, as there are more practical options if you just need a beach blanket. But if you need something extra durable and large, this is a fantastic option.
Advantages:
- Very durable: military grade
- Sand-free, water, heat, and fade resistant
- Available in 4 different sizes- can fit up to 14 people
Disadvantages:
- Heavy
- Pricey
- Might be overkill if you’re just using it as a beach blanket
Things to Consider When Buying a Beach Blanket
When shopping for a beach blanket, here are a few factors we suggest that you consider before you make a purchase:
Size
There are tons of options for beach blankets, from personal size to blankets that can accommodate up to 14 people. Make sure the one you choose is big enough to accommodate everyone in your group, plus all of your beach gear.
Material
Beach blankets are typically made from a variety of materials, including Turkish cotton, polyester, parachute nylon, acrylic, and even recycled materials.
If you want something waterproof and quick drying, you’ll probably want to choose a nylon parachute material. They’re ultra-light, easy to pack up in their bags, and can be hosed off and hung to dry. They take up little space and are easy to toss in a bag or backpack for on the go.
Turkish cotton beach blankets are lightweight, breathable, and machine washable. They are very absorbent but unlike regular cotton blankets or towels, Turkish cotton dries quickly, making it a great option for a beach blanket or towel.
Polyester beach blankets are also popular, as they are durable, soft, and have water-resistant properties. They’re a little heavier than nylon but they are usually softer.
Acrylic beach blankets are soft, resistant to fading, and easy to clean. They can usually be thrown in the washing machine but need to be hung to dry.
Blankets made from recycled materials are an eco-friendly option. While they typically cost more, you’ll feel good knowing your beach blanket is made from recycled materials.
Durability
Make sure that the blanket is durable and will last through multiple beach trips. If the seams feel cheap, they likely won’t last you long.
Also, check for warranties available on the beach blanket you choose. Some manufacturers offer lifetime or multi-year warranties on their products.
Lightweight
If you’ll be carrying the blanket around for extended periods of time or packing it in a carry-on, make sure that the blanket is lightweight and easy to transport. There are nylon beach blankets that weigh less than a pound.
If you’re wanting a thicker, more luxurious blanket, be prepared for the extra weight and make sure it has an easy-carry handle.
Price
With so many options, you’ll definitely be able to find a beach blanket in your price range. While the more luxurious options will cost you upwards of $100, there are still plenty of nice-looking, quality beach blankets that are less than $20!
Anchors
If you’ve ever been to the beach when the wind is high, you know how important it is to keep your blanket anchored. Some beach blankets include plastic or metal ground anchors to keep it secure while others have sand pockets that allow you to weigh them down with sand, water bottles, or other items. Most of the cotton or multi-layer blankets do not have anchors, so you’ll have to weigh them down with beach gear when you’re not sitting on them.
Sand Free/Resistant
if you’re wondering what sand-free or sand-resistant means when it comes to beach blankets, it could mean a couple of things. The terms are used interchangeably and can mean a couple of different things. Some materials naturally repel sand. If you’ve sat on the beach on a wet towel, you’ve probably had a tough time knocking all the annoying sand off. Sand won’t stick to certain materials, making them sand-resistant. They just require some shaking and the sand comes right off.
Other blankets are woven in such a way that the sand will fall right through, also making them sand-free blankets. This is less common, though, and will definitely cost you more money.
Water Resistant/ Waterproof
These types of beach blankets are awesome for keeping you dry. Sometimes we go to the beach with no intention of getting wet. I don’t want to sit on wet sand that soaks through to my clothes. That’s when a waterproof blanket is perfect.
And if you like to use your beach blanket for places other than the beach, a water-resistant blanket is great for keeping you dry on wet grass or mud.
Carrying Bag or Handle
Some beach blankets come with a bag while others fold up and have a carry handle that attaches. I love the look and style of a carry-handle beach blanket, but I also love the convenience of a lightweight blanket that folds or rolls up into a small carrying bag that I can toss in my luggage or beach bag.
Why You Need a Beach Blanket
Before I owned a beach blanket, we’d spread out our beach towels which would inevitably get covered in wet sand that would stick to our legs and end up in the snacks. It was a frustrating mess, especially when we had toddlers around. Since purchasing beach blankets, we’ve been able to keep the sand away a lot easier, while having more space to spread out our food and gear. It also helps keep our towels less wet and sandy, which is a huge perk.
We also love being able to use our beach blankets at the park. When we were traveling in Europe, I could toss my pocket blanket in my backpack since it took up practically no space, and could pull it out whenever we wanted to picnic or spread out at a park. It’s perfect for when you’re traveling with little luggage space.
Wrapping-Up
We hope our buying guide has been helpful for you as you plan your next beach getaway. We’re certain that one of those beach blankets will be a great choice as part of your beach gear! Let us know if you try one of our suggestions! We’d love to hear about your experience.
And if you’re headed to the beach with little ones, you might be interested in finding a stroller wagon to help tote your littles and all your gear around.
Happy travel planning!
