13 Best Beach Blankets – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2020)

Perhaps this title reminds you of those famous 60’s comedies, and who could blame you? After all, those comedies were the epitome of carefree summer days and teenage freedom. Despite your hectic life, a beach blanket can be your best friend, no matter your age, transporting you back to those relaxing summer days. If you’re making summer plans, it’s time to read our beach blanket reviews and learn which blanket will be the best choice for you.

Quick Recommendations

Best Beach Blanket Reviews – Sand Free Models!

1. Kahuna, Parachute, Extra Large Beach Blanket

Fabric: Acrylic
Dimensions: 71″ x 24.5″ x 39″

This beach blanket is one of the larger ones in we reviewed, measuring a sizable 8’ by 8’, easily accommodating a family of 4 to sit on it and enjoy the day. It promises sand-free days at the beach thanks to durable, nylon parachute material. This material makes this blanket lightweight and easy to carry around. So you can take it to outdoor festivals or concerts, too. It folds into an 8” pouch and weighs just over a pound.
You can hang this over your campsite as a sunshade or spread it out to make a camp living room. Just know that this is a thin blanket, so it doesn’t offer a lot of cushioning.

You won’t need to worry about losing this blanket in a breeze. Because this comes with sand pockets and loops for affixing ground stakes. The stakes are small, so you may want to upgrade them to stakes with more traction. There is a small zippered pocket for storing personal items away from the prying eyes of your neighbors.

2. Camco, Weather-Proof Handy Beach Mat

Fabric: Woven Polypropylene
Dimensions: 60″ x 78″

This Camco mat is made with a mildew and mold resistant plastic. This is a big plus if you’re in a damp climate. You can cleaning it with a little soap and water, but most times you can simply shake off the sand and roll it up. It comes in two sizes, 60” X 78” or 72” X 108”. Built-in pockets enables you to keep some small things right at hand.

It comes with convenient handles that make it easy to take this mat with you wherever you go. Weighing only 1.2 lbs., anyone can carry it. A loop latches onto a small hook to help keep it closed and the handles makes it easier to carry along with all of your other goodies for the day. The woven material increases its durability even more.
Despite the polypropylene material, this mat will not keep you dry if you place it onto a wet surface. You will still want a solid plastic tarp underneath. Also, if you are using this on a really sunny day and in direct sunlight light, the plastic can get very warm. Pair it with a beach umbrella and you’ll enjoy your day in comfort.

3. WildHorn Outfitters, Sand Free Beach Blanket

Fabric: Parachute Nylon
Dimensions: 70″ x 90″

Big on size and also big on space saving, the WildHorn Outfitters beach blanket spreads out to a huge 7’ X 9’, enabling the whole family can sit together. When it’s time return home, you’ll only need to shake the mat free of sand, roll it up, and use the compression straps to store it in a 6” X 9” pouch. What’s more, you won’t have to worry about where you put the pouch because it is attached to the blanket!

It’s easy to slip this mat into a backpack or into a carry-all to take home. You won’t have to wait long for it to dry should it get wet, because it’s made from parachute nylon and dries quickly. Even so, it is not water resistant.
Sand anchors make it easy to keep the blanket in place. In addition, a small, zippered pocket keeps your keys and phone safe. You can even use the anchor pockets as additional places to tuck your belongings.

4. Fancyout, Sand Proof Compact Beach Blanket

Fabric: Nylon
Dimensions: 72″ x 84″

This nylon sand proof beach blanket is sturdy, but also very light weight to go anywhere you go, weighing just 11.2 ounces. That makes it easy to take hiking or biking so you have a ground cover no matter where you go. Aluminum stakes will help anchor this blanket without adding much weight, and they also do not rust in damp conditions. Cord loops make it easy for the stakes to go through, or you can use the sand pockets instead. Just fill the corners with a little bit of sand and you won’t have to worry. You can also use the pockets for some of your smaller personal items.

The blanket is large, measuring 7’ X 6’, but it can fold up to only 7” X 3 ½”. Nylon is a great material for beaches because sand won’t stick to it, shaking right off instead. The downside to nylon is that it’s thin, so it won’t give you any cushioning on bumpy ground.

5. Scuddles, Extra Large Picnic and Outdoor Blanket

Fabric: PEVA
Dimensions: 60″ x 60″

This blanket features dual layers, best suited for outdoor use. This colorful family beach blanket is terrific for camping or for going to the beach because it’s water resistant, thanks to the PEVA bottom layer of material. A useful carrying strap enables you to take this with you wherever you go. It weighs nearly 2 lbs., so you can bring it along on any trek. The top features a soft fleece, making it super comfortable to sit on, and the foam layer in the middle encourages you to stay on the blanket all day.

The blanket itself is made of a polypropylene material, which is resistant to mold and mildew. It cleans up easily with a little soap and water. What’s more, sand won’t stick to it. Just give it a good shake when you’re ready to go. It folds up nicely, secures with a hook and a loop, and fits into your trunk. It will be a larger item to store, however, as compared to a nylon alternative, because it won’t compress as tightly.

6. BROTOU Compact Water-Proof Beach Blanket

Fabric: Parachute Nylon
Dimensions: 79″ x 55″

Does going to the beach and spending the day on a dry, lightweight blanket, free from sand, sound good? This BROTOU is a large blanket (measuring 79” X 55”) that makes this possible. It separates itself from the pack by offering puncture-proof fabric that you can use without worry on rough ground or with tumbly toddlers.

A carabiner lets you attach this blanket’s storage pouch to a backpack, so you’ll always have it with you. You’ll hardly notice you have this BROTOU with you since it weighs only 8 oz. Take it hiking, to use as a rain shelter or blanket – you’ll find many uses for it. Loops in the corners enable you to anchor it with regular camping stakes. It even comes in with multiple bright color options, so you can stand out in a crowd.

7. Bdsign, Over-Sized Family Beach Blanket

Fabric: Polyester-blend
Dimensions: 74″ x 74″

This is a polyester, nylon-blend microfiber beach blanket, measuring over 6’ X 6’ and generously sized, will be able to accommodate your entire family. To make the blanket even softer, give it a wash and dry before you use it for the first time. It’s machine washable, so you can launder it at home and save the expense of a dry cleaner. The microfiber dries quickly, so you can take it camping or to damp areas without worry.

Microfiber is also lightweight, so you can tuck it into a backpack to take it to your campsite, weighing only 1.6 lbs. It includes a convenient carrying bag, so if you don’t want to put it in a pack, you can hang it from your pack instead. It’s durable material breathes nicely, so you won’t get sweaty on hot days. Sand shakes right off when it’s time to go home.

8. Grand Trunk, Beach Blanket (with Sand Anchor Pockets)

Fabric: Nylon
Dimensions: 70″ x 70″

This Grand Trunk Para-Sheet nylon beach blanket for sand (or picnic blanket) is large, measuring 7’ X 7’, but thanks to its lightweight fabric, it’s easy to carry. A carrying bag helps you tuck it away into an 8 ½” X 4 ½” space, so you can take it to concerts, the beach, or campsites. It’s 100% parachute nylon fabric is durable and dries quickly. Weighing only 14 oz., it won’t break your back when you carry it.

The nylon will prevent the hot beach sand from burning you. When you’re ready to go home, you can shake off the sand and go. (This blanket will not keep you dry on grass or sand that’s wet.) As an added bonus, you won’t have to worry about this blanket blowing away thanks to its corner anchor pockets, with loops to stake it down.

9. Sportlite, Large Beach Blanket with Corner Anchor Pockets

Fabric: Microfiber
Dimensions: 64″ x 76″

This soft, lightweight family beach blanket (measuring 64” x 76”) is the most sand-proof blanket you can buy. Stretch all the way out and relax, or get your whole family together – either way, there is more than enough room. Soft microfiber fabric will make you want to spend all day on the shore. Enjoy a fund evening with your family in the backyard or take this blanket to the beach. It’s durable enough to handle it all.Put sand or another material in the corner pockets to hold the blanket down. It’s thin enough to go everywhere, but you will feel the rocks beneath you if you use it at a campsite without a pad underneath.

This blanket dries quickly thanks to microfiber polyester and nylon fabric that doesn’t retain water, and you can launder it in the washing machine at home. You won’t feel the hot sand on a blazing summer day! And be sure to wash before use to set the dye and fluff up the fibers.

10. Genovega Mandala Round Beach Blanket

Fabric: Microfiber
Dimensions: 62″

You will love the several unique qualities exhibited in this exceptional product. It is a multi-purpose fabric that can be used as a towel, picnic mat, family beach blanket, wall hanging, bed cover and yoga mat among several other uses. The design actually allows you to use it for your own customized function.
It comes in a variety of oriental designs and colours which are indeed very colourful and sophisticated but not complex to the eye.

The multifunctional rug is made of microfiber material which is very easy to wash and has got a pleasant feel to the body. The choice of material also makes it convenient for someone on the go as it dries very fast when aired outside. Its 62’’ diameter size allows you to comfortably share the towel with one other party such as a partner, child or pet.

11. Songmics, Waterproof Large Beach and Picnic Blanket

Fabric: Fleece
Dimensions: 77″ x 59″

This blanket offers many great features, including being waterproof. It has the added bonus of being covered in microfleece over its waterproof EPE plastic. The inner layers are made of a foam that makes this blanket comfy to lay on all day. The fleece also enables you to remove spills easily. The foam and fleece make this blanket weigh more than some other blankets, coming in at just under 2 lbs.

It’s not the smallest blanket in our reviews, folding down to 16” X 10” X 4”, but it still won’t take up much space in your car. It secures with Velcro, so it remains closed when folded. When unfolded, it is nearly 5’ X 6 ½’, which means that two people can easily spread out and have lots of room on it. It’s a colorful blanket, so you won’t look like everyone else at the beach. You can also use this while camping or watching your kids’ sporting events.

12. Aoosborts Beach Blanket for Sand

Fabric: Woven Polyester
Dimensions: 79″ x 58″

Everyone likes easy care, and that’s what the Aoosborts beach blanket delivers. It’s also water-resistant and is large enough to keep everyone in the family off the dirt or sand – even the dog! And it is machine washable! Three layers of fabric give you a soft upper layer to lay on, a spongy material for fill, and a water-resistant bottom layer. When you roll this up to take carry, the bottom becomes the outside for a protective layer in storage.

Shake off the sand or brush off any leaves before you fold this up and you’ll be set to go. It includes four stakes that keep it from blowing away. A pocket and carrying straps help make this one of the most versatile blankets we’ve reviewed.

13. Tuffo Water-Proof Outdoor Blanket

Fabric: Polyester 80%/Cotton 20%
Dimensions: 84″ x 54″

Want a rugged beach blanket that you can take to nearly any location? This beach blanket, made of a poly/cotton blend, is ideal for a day at the beach or picnic at the park. Its nylon backing is water-resistant, so you can go even more places. Just keep in mind that “water- resistant” is not the same things as “waterproof,” so you’ll feel the moisture on very wet ground. The nylon is rubber-free, so people with allergies can use this with confidence.

The Tuffo Outdoor Blanket includes a carrying bag, making it easy to take this blanket with you. While many blankets have pockets, few have pockets in the carrying bag – but this one does! When you reach your destination, just unroll the blanket and relax with your family. The nylon will not hold onto the sand, so shake clean and you’re ready to go. Plus you won’t feel the heat on the hottest summer days.

What is a Beach Blanket and Why do You Need it?

You might be thinking that you have sheets at home that are big enough, so why do you need to buy a separate beach blanket? Or you can just grab one of your bath towels and bring it with you to the beach for the day and that will take care of everything, right?

Here’s the thing – neither one is really up to the task. A normal sheet might keep you from getting too sandy, but it is way too thin to provide you any sort of heat protection from the hot sand. You also will not get any sort of comfort protection from pebbles or large grains of sand. While a normal sheet would likely dry quickly if it were to get wet, it doesn’t have the durability to go to the beach time after time. It was never meant to go outdoors.

Bath towels might also come to mind to take to the beach. But again, these towels are meant to dry you off when you step out of the shower. They will definitely handle the absorbency you might need if you go in the water a lot because they are super good at drying. But when you are down at the beach, you want to be able to relax and not fuss over details. Bath towels are not very large, so it will be easy for sand to work up over the edge and into your seating area. They are thicker than a sheet so you get a bit more padding, but they are not meant to take the abrasion from sand and rocks like a true beach blanket can. So keep the home linens at home, and make the investment. You will be glad you did.

Beach blankets came to be in the 1960s with the rise of the surfer culture and teen freedom. There are good reasons why they were so popular. And they still serve those purposes today.

Beach Blanket Buying Guide

Now you can imagine what’s possible regarding the types of beach blankets available to you. So let’s take a few minutes to explain some of the terms and factors pertaining to these blankets. This will help you decide the most important factors in choosing the right beach blanket for you.

Top 6 Things to Consider Before Buying a Beach Blanket

1. Fabric

   We’ll look at this more in depth later, but some common fabrics include: parachute nylon, poly fleece, cotton, linen, microfiber, rugged plastic, or nylon weave. When you consider the fabric, consider how lightweight or heavy it will be. Ask whether it will need to be anchored down or whether its weighted pockets will suffice. You can fill pockets easily with sand, then empty when you’re done. Nylon is stain resistant, so it’s an excellent choice as a multipurpose blanket for use on grass as well as sand.

2. Size

   Think about how many people will typically be using the blanket. You will also want to consider how many items you will be bringing to the beach or park, like picnic baskets, chairs, and the like, as that will add to the space you will need. No matter how much space you think you will need, you should add on a few more feet just in case additional guests plan to join you or your family grows. Then you won’t have to replace it very often.

   A 7’ X 7’ or 6’ X 9’ blanket is a great size for larger families or for couples who want to bring a lot of gear with them like a picnic basket. It’s a good standard square footage size for an all-purpose blanket that will last you a long time. And isn’t the goal to have lasting great memories of summer vacations spent well?

3. Thickness

   Many beach blankets will have multiple layers that have the fleece on top, a foam cushioning layer in the middle, and a durable bottom. As you might expect, these are much thicker than the parachute nylon ones are, so the amount of space the blanket takes after rolling is something to consider. If you plan to take the blanket hiking, a thinner version will be lighter and much easier to pack and trek in.

   And, conversely, thicker means heavier, so if you have a long walk to get to where you are going, a thick blanket might not make you really happy at the end. That said, thicker blankets keep you better shielded from pebbles or uneven ground. That makes them great for rockier beaches or to take camping. Thin parachute nylon blankets are great for keeping the heat away from you on hot sand, and their ability to roll up and crush into small bundles. Means you can even take your personal blanket on vacation to those island destinations.

4. Shape

   The blankets we have been looking at are either square or rectangular. It should be noted that some are circular, but they generally are not as large and so don’t suit most families. Rectangles and squares also are the ones that have pockets in the corners which give you a place to tuck things away. Round blankets can generally only be rolled up, so they will take more space to cart around and store. Squares and rectangles fold up nicely and then fit into a carrying case or duffel bag easily.

5. Where You Will Use It?

   A lot of folks who buy beach blankets do so to take to the beach exclusively, while others buy multipurpose items that can be used at the beach, in a park, at a concert, and so on. You know your budget (hopefully) and whether it is something you can afford to get a thicker, more multipurpose blanket or not. If you haven’t set a budget yet, you should, as that will also help steer you in the direction you need to go to select a beach blanket.

   If you live in a damp climate, you will need to be sure you get a blanket with a water impermeable base layer to it. And for hot zone, something to consider is that a darker fabric will necessarily absorb more sunlight and therefore be a lot warmer than a light colored item will.

6. Care and Clean Up

   The easiest beach blankets to clean up are those made of washable fabrics like nylon or microfiber. Cotton, though natural, can shrink when run through a dryer, so while it can be washed easily, it should always hang to dry. It will also take a while to dry, which is fine if you are spending one day on the beach and then heading home, but if you are spending a few days out, quick drying materials are a must.

   You should be able to blot up some spills easily in a blanket that is going to get a lot of use. You can look for fabrics that wick if this is something important to you. The other added bonus of wicking fabrics is that they will pull sweat off of you on a hot day. Easy clean fabrics typically also mean that they will shed sand fast. Linen beach blankets are some of the best at wicking away sweat and they dry fast, but as you might expect, linen is very expensive and it can become brittle over time. That leaves parachute nylon and polyester as the best choices for wicking and cleaning, and will fit into almost anyone’s budget.

   In many cases, the multilayered types of beach picnic blankets use glue between the layers to keep them together so these blankets are considered dry clean only. Ones made of just one layer or type of material are often easy to clean in the washer or they can be hosed off. Plastic woven ones are cleaned by just hosing them down and letting them dry in the sun. The artificial fiber beach blankets are absolutely wonderful in terms of ease of cleanup.

What Are Some of the Beach Picnic Blanket Fabrics?

There are a number of fabrics that beach blankets can be made of, and they all have different properties. Let’s take a look at them in closer detail.

8 Main Fabrics of Beach Blankets

1. Cotton

   Cotton is one of the original fabrics, having been grown in Mexico for over 7,000 years. It is a soft fabric that generally wears well. Blankets made of cotton also wash up nicely at the end of the trip and release stains pretty easily. Cotton can be woven into a fabric that is thicker than some others so you get more protection from sand. It also stays cool feeling on hot days, especially if it has a backing that helps keep the heat of the sand at bay. It can be woven into very thin threads that make for a fine thread count and an almost silky feeling fabric. No matter the weave, it is a very breathable fabric so you don’t feel like you are lying in a pool of sweat on a warm day.

2. Parachute Nylon

   Nylon is one of the best materials for a beach picnic blanket. The soft, smooth texture means sand just won’t stick and it falls off with little effort. If anything gets caught by static, just brush it off and you are good to go. The other nice thing about nylon is that it crushes up into a very small space for ultimate packability. Because this material is what is used for parachutes, you know it has to be strong and last a long time. A beach picnic blanket made from nylon will be resistant to tears, and if one does happen, it can be mended easily as the nylon will not produce runners. You might also hear it referred to as rip-stop nylon. The properties are the same.

3. Hemp

   Hemp fibers can also be woven into a nice fabric that is very durable for many years of beach fun. The fabric is not as soft as nylon, fleece, or cotton, so that is a factor to consider. The weave does allow for sand to shake out easily at the end of the day. Many beach blankets and beach mats that you find in Hawai’i are made from either hemp or grass fibers. However, given their fibrous nature, blankets made of hemp are not very large so you run into the factor again of the family not being able to enjoy an outing together.

4. Fleece

   During the winter pretty much everyone loves curling up in their microfleece sweaters or under a blanket of fleece. It is soft and stays so wash after wash. It also releases odors very easily which is why pet beds are often made of fleece. Fleece is also water absorbent so it can wick away water from you and your family to make everyone feel dry and comfortable. A fleece blanket that does not have a waterproof bottom can even be washed in a home washing machine and dried in the dryer. Fleece is more likely to be mold and mildew resistant as compared to natural fibers, which is a nice added bonus if you live in a damp climate.

5. Foam

   Foam is an important material as it is often used as the padding layer in beach picnic blankets. If you have a beach blanket that has a foam filler, make sure that you take it to a dry cleaner for end of season cleaning as a home washer and dryer will not be kind to the materials. A home dryer can often get too hot and melt the adhesive that is used to adhere the foam to the upper layer so it delaminates and falls apart.

6. PEVA

   To make sure you have a truly dry beach experience, look for a blanket that has a PEVA bottom layer. PEVA stands for polyethylene vinyl acetate, a non-chlorinated type of vinyl that is safer to use than older types of materials like PVC. It is the same kind of material that shower curtains are made of, so you know that it is completely waterproof. It also doesn’t have that plastic smell that older PVC sheeting used to have. Anything spilled should blot up nicely since it will not go through to the other side. If you get anything on the material, you can put it down in your back yard and hose it off, then just hang to dry.

7. Microfiber

   Microfiber is another common type of material that you find beach blanket for sand made from. They gives you the softness of fleece and the packability of nylon. It is absorbent like fleece but it also dries really quickly. You don’t get the sand repellence of nylon, but sand will still release pretty easily. It is also easily dyeable so you can get it in a wide variety of colors, letting you can pick the perfect blanket color for your personality. Microfiber also washes nicely so you can freshen up at any time.

8. Linen

   There is another material to consider and that is linen. Linen is an ancient fabric that was in use as many as 36,000 years ago in the Eurasian country of Georgia. It is made from the flax plant using fibers from varying parts of the plant. Linen stays nice and cool in hot weather, which is why it is often sought after for summer clothing. Linen is very strong but it also is a bit unforgiving in terms of durability. If you fold it up the same way all of the time, the folds will make the fabric brittle and it can break along those lines. It is a coarser fabric when compared to cotton. Linen does dry quickly and it can absorb a lot of moisture keeping you dry at the shore.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may have some questions still about beach blankets. As you consider which ones to buy, here are some things to think about.

• Q: What is a beach blanket made of?
  A: The obvious one is choosing a material that will make sense for you and your usage. We have looked at a number of fabrics and types of designs. Polyester and nylon are great for parks, picnics, and concerts, all while keeping you cool on hot sandy beaches. PEVA coated blankets will also keep you nice and dry, so wet grass and soccer games are no worry. Artificial materials are more durable, but potentially not as good at wicking as a cotton top might be. That said, some fleeces are very good. You know how you plan to use your family beach blankets, and that will be a big deciding factor in what materials you should choose.
• Q: How can you clean a beach blanket?
  A: Depending on the material, it’s as easy as hosing off any debris or as complicated as taking it to the dry cleaners. Neither one is a bad thing or a good thing – it’s a choice you need to make about how often you think you need to clean it and whether you are in areas that would leave dirt and debris on your blanket. If all you are doing is going to the beach, then washing up will not be as big a concern as it would be if you take your blanket to the park or use it while camping. The humus of the woods will need to be washed out before you pack your blanket away, so finding an easy care beach blanket is important.

Best Beach Blanket Comparison Chart

PRODUCT	PRICE	DIMENSIONS	FABRIC
Kahuna, Parachute, Extra Large Beach Blanket	$$	96" x 96"	Parachute Nylon
Camco, Weather-Proof Handy Beach Mat	$	60" x 78"	Woven Polypropylene
WildHorn Outfitters, Sand Free Beach Blanket	$$	70" x 90"	Parachute Nylon
Fancyout, Sand Proof Compact Beach Blanket	$$	72" x 84"	Nylon
Scuddles, Extra Large Picnic and Outdoor Blanket	$$	60" x 60"	PEVA
BROTOU Compact Water-Proof Beach Blanket	$	79" x 55"	Parachute Nylon
Bdsign, Over-Sized Family Beach Blanket	$$	74" x 74"	Polyester-blend
Grand Trunk, Beach Blanket (with Sand Anchor Pockets)	$$	70" x 70"	Nylon
Sportlite, Large Beach Blanket with Corner Anchor Pockets	$$	64" x 76"	Microfiber
Genovega Mandala Round Beach Blanket	$$	62"	Microfiber
Songmics, Waterproof Large Beach and Picnic Blanket	$$	77" x 59"	Fleece
Aoosborts Beach Blanket for Sand	$$	79" x 58"	Woven Polyester
Tuffo Water-Proof Outdoor Blanket	$$	84" x 54"	Polyester 80%/Cotton 20%

In summary…

We’ve learned a lot about what makes the best beach blanket through our look at the fabrics and styles that are on the market today. We’ve also answered the most common questions when it comes to beach blankets, and we have also busted some myths about “alternatives”. Really, there is no alternative to a good beach blanket. Our beach blanket reviews have shown you many different kinds of beach blankets that you can choose from, and surely one of them will fit your needs. You have also learned some of the ways to care for your beach blanket so it will be a valuable part of your summers for many years to come. Going out to the beach and listening to the roar of the waves is so relaxing, and now you can take your trip with all the tools you need.

Each beach blanket style is individual, and so are you. Once you have found the perfect beach blanket, you can have a great summer vacation.

Need More Beach Gear Advice ?

• Best Beach Wagon & Cart Reviews
• Best Beach Chair Reviews
• Best Beach Towel Reviews
• Best Beach Cooler Reviews