Our writers and editors look for the best beach blankets available. We test, research and review the best of them in different categories with a focus on quality, form and the overall value for the price.
If you’re a fellow beach lover, you know how nice finding the right beach blanket is. It’ll have to take on sand, water, wind, and some inevitable messes all while being a comfortable place to relax.
That means you’ll need a beach blanket that is durable, stays dry and sand-free, and is easy to clean. A plain ol’ beach towel sometimes just won’t cut it.
That’s why we’ve scoured the market for the best beach blankets to share with you. Ranging from budget-friendly picks for the family to the trendiest blankets worthy of your Instagram feed, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
Now let’s dive in!
The Top 6 Beach Blankets in 2025
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1
Best Overall: Wekapo Beach Blanket -
2
Most Versatile: Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket -
3
Best Fold-Up: Little Unicorn Outdoor Family Picnic & Beach Blanket -
4
Best Budget: OCOOPA Beach Blanket -
5
Best Made from Natural Fabric: Wetcat Turkish Beach Blanket -
6
Stylish Fold-Up: Scuddles Beach Blanket
All the Beach Blankets We've tested
Where to buy Wekapo Beach Blanket:
Amazon
The Wekapo Beach Blanket is really the model of what a portable beach blanket should be. It packs down small and is easy to carry, and then spreads out large to fit the whole family, and all of your stuff
The nylon is not only lightweight but feels good on the skin. Sand brushes and shakes off easily. Keep in mind though, that there is no padding so make sure to use it somewhere soft.
Keep reading and dive into all the details of our Best Overall pick for beach blankets.
- Material: Nylon
- Size: 7 x 7 ft, 9 x 7 ft, 9 x 10 ft
- Weight: 1.6 lbs
- Care: Machine-washable
- Other: 6 metal sand stakes, corner fabric loops, corner sand pockets, attached stuff sack
- Price: $29-$38
Things we like:
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Huge enough to accommodate around 6 people -
Lightweight and portable
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Easy to set up and pack
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Washable and stain-resistant
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Soft and easy on the skin
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Feels nice on grass
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Attached stuff sack
Things we don't like:
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Comes with metal anchors which corrode easily -
Not 100% water-resistant
Where to buy Wekapo Beach Blanket:
Amazon
Beach blanket by day and cozy poncho by night, the Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket had to make it on our list for its versatility and unique material. Puffy is exactly the right word to describe it, as the material is similar to a weatherproof windbreaker. It’s also made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, which is a win in our book.
The Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket is extremely lightweight, making it easy to take it with you virtually anywhere. It’s a great choice for the beach, hiking, picnics, or camping. The vibrant colors and designs make it a pretty addition to a camper or RV. You also don’t come across many blankets that have a cape clip for convenient and hands-free wearing – perfect for chilly evenings at the beach!
The blanket comes in three sizes and a pretty wide selection of colors and patterns. You might hesitate at the price tag since it’s a bit more expensive than the average beach blanket. Considering the high-quality material, functionality, and versatility, we think it’s worth it.
Check out our full review of the Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket and see for yourself.
- Material: Outer- 100% recycled 30D ripstop polyester fabric, Insulation - 100% recycled 3D hollow fiber siliconized synthetic insulation; 240 gsm
- Size: Junior: 28 x 40", 1-Person: 52 x 75”, 2-Person: 84 x 80"
- Weight: Junior: 0.6 lbs, 1-Person: 2.1 lbs, 2-Person: 3.7 lbs
- Care: Machine-washable
- Other: DWR finish for stain and water resistance, corner loops, water-resistant stuff sack, Cape Clip (for 1-Person size only)
- Price: $70-$235
Things we like:
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Works both as an insulator and a bit of a windbreaker
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A great blanket for camping, at the beach, picnicking, or on the sofa
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Tons of cool design options
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Three different Size options
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Lightweight and packs down to the size of a water bottle
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Machine Washable
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Water and stain resistant and fast drying
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Single person size comes with a hands free clip
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Corner loops to anchor blanket on the ground
Things we don't like:
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Slick material
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Flammable – use caution around campfires
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No included stakes for anchoring to the ground
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Expensive
Where to buy Little Unicorn Outdoor Family Picnic & Beach Blanket:
Amazon
The Little Unicorn Picnic & Beach Blanket seemed a bit bulky and heavy compared to the light parachute-style beach blankets we tested. But once we opened it up and got relaxing on it, we were soon sold.
While we noticed it had extra heft, we soon saw that it helped a lot in the wind. Setting it up, lying on the sand, and then folding it up, the wind did not budge it. While our single tester wrestled with the lightweight beach blankets in the wind, when she got to The Little Unicorn Picnic & Beach Blanket it was simple and easy.
The padding was nice, the waterproof material was comfortable, and stayed dry on damp sand, and sand wiped off it effortlessly. We did notice that we should have ordered a light-colored fabric, as the dark blue got hot in the direct sun.
Dive into our full review for what we liked and didn’t like about the Little Unicorn Picnic & Beach Blanket
- Material: Polyester
- Size: 5’ x 5’, 5’ x 7’, 5’ x 10’
- Weight: 2.5 lbs, 3 lbs, 4.5 lbs
- Care: Machine-washable
- Other: Shoulder strap, zipper pocket
- Price: $50 - $68
Things we like:
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Easy to carry with handle or shoulder strap
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Durable build with wipeable, water-resistant fabric
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Does not move in wind, even heavy gusts
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Zippered water-resistant pocket
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Padded
Things we don't like:
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Dust sticks to bottom layer
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Sand gets stuck in Velcro closure
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Largest size has strange dimensions
Where to buy Little Unicorn Outdoor Family Picnic & Beach Blanket:
Amazon
Where to buy OCOOPA Beach Blanket:
Amazon
The OCOOPA Beach Blanket is another great lightweight, sand-proof, water-resistant, parachute-style beach blanket. This one is made out of polyester so it has more water-resistant properties than our nylon recommendation.
This does make it a little heavier and hotter, but it still was very comfortable as we lounged on the beach. We like that you get a very large beach blanket that packs up small, sand brushes off easily – wet or dry, and that it has plastic sand stakes to keep the OCOOPA Beach Blanket anchored in the wind and with kids running around.
Dive into our full review for all the details!
- Material: Polyester
- Size: 79" x 59”, 83” x 79”, 106” x 83”, 118” x 110”
- Weight: 15.5oz, 13.7 oz,1.1 lbs, 1.63 lbs
- Care: Machine-washable
- Other: 4 plastic sand stakes, 4 corner sand pockets, storage bag
- Price: $20-$36
Things we like:
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Lightweight and portable
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Very large size, can fit the whole family
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Plastic sand stakes
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Easy to set up and pack up
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Good water resistance to keep you dry on wet sand or grass
Things we don't like:
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Some of the stitching seems low-quality
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No storage pouch for the sand stakes
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Fabric is a bit thick so cannot be stuffed into the sack, must be folded up and fit into the bag
Where to buy OCOOPA Beach Blanket:
Amazon
Where to buy Wetcat Turkish Beach Blanket:
Amazon
Beach blankets work best when they keep you dry and sand-free. Many are made from synthetic materials to be water resistant and easily wipeable/swipeable. But for people who don’t like the feel (and let’s be honest the hotter/sweatier feel) of synthetic fabrics or are concerned about plastics the WETCAT Turkish Beach Blanket made from cotton is for you!
When we received this beach blanket we noticed it was very thin, much thinner than a Turkish towel. To us, it was much closer to a thinly woven African kikoi than a Turkish towel. But this does work in its favor.
Having this light woven cotton makes it dry very easily. So while cotton will absorb water, the thinness of the weave will help the WETCAT beach blanket dry quickly.
The lightweight nature does make it easy to shake sand off. However, this also allows it to blow around in the wind. But if natural fabrics are your priority it’s easy to anchor this beach blanket’s corners with other items you have with you.
Our photos show the Beach Towel size, There is also an XL Beach Blanket size, which is 82″ x 82″.
- Material: Cotton
- Size: 38" x 71", 82" x 82"
- Weight: .65 lbs, 1.65 lbs
- Care: Machine-washable
- Price: $32 & $65
Things we like:
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Made from cotton
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Lightweight and portable
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Beautiful, high-quality finishing
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Soft to the touch
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Easily shake off sand and reposition when needed
Things we don't like:
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Blows easily in the wind
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May need to hang to dry if gets water-saturated
Where to buy Wetcat Turkish Beach Blanket:
Amazon
Where to buy Scuddles Beach Blanket:
Amazon
Functional enough to be used as a picnic blanket but stylish enough to look good lounging on the beach, the Scuddles Beach Blanket offers the best of both worlds. It checks off most of the important criteria for a good beach blanket: it’s water-resistant, sand-proof, easy to maintain, and simple to pack and carry.
It comes in three different sizes, with the largest one able to accommodate a small family of 3-4 people. Weighing in at a pound, it’s fairly lightweight and a handle makes it comfortable to carry.
The trade-off is that it lacks in the comfort department since the blanket is pretty thin. It doesn’t provide much cushion or padding on a harder surface. If you’re willing to look past that, it’s a good blanket that’s functional, stylish, and affordable.
- Material: Acrylic
- Size: 53” X 59”, 60” X 60”, 60” X 75”, 60” X 77”, 60” X 79”, 60” X 80”, 61” X 77”
- Weight: 1 Pound
- Care: Machine-washable
- Other: some of the designs have a zippered pocket
- Price: $24 - $46
Things we like:
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The largest size can comfortably fit 2-4 adults or a small family
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Waterproof backing keeps the blanket from getting wet
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Sand is very easy to shake off
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Comes with an outer storage pocket with zipper
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Protected by a lifetime warranty
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Convenient to carry and easy to fold back up
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Versatile enough for beach days, picnics, camping, concerts, etc.
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Stylish design with several color options
Things we don't like:
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The extra large size is smaller than expected and doesn’t fit up to 6 adults (as advertised)
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Lightweight design puts it on the thinner side
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Fabric can snag after washing
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Edges do blow over in the wind
Where to buy Scuddles Beach Blanket:
Amazon
Related Reviews
Buyer’s Guide for Beach Blankets
Beach Blankets are a great addition to your beach day. Ideally, they provide a clean, sand-free space to relax, eat, and kill time out of the waves. This buyer’s guide will help you choose the best blanket for when you need a soft, dry space to hang out on the ground.
Below is a rundown of all you need to know about beach blankets We’ll cover, material, size, portability, maintenance, comfort, and any special features a beach blanket could possibly have added on.
Why Trust Our Beach Blanket Reviews?
Our beach team loves hanging out at the beach, all day, for days on end. With so much time spent in the water and on the sand, we want to be comfortable. We know the value of a beach blanket. Some of our writers have small kids. They have great groups of friends who hang out for hours, and some just love to go bury their toes in the sand whether in a group or on their own.
And while we have writers in coastal towns in Florida, New Jersey, Maryland, North Carolina, and California, we also have lake lovers! We have writers who hang out on the sandy shores of lakes and picnic in parks in New York, Tennessee, and Colorado, who also need great beach blankets!
Our list is short, mainly due to the simplicity of beach blankets and repetition in the market. We are sharing our favorites of the beach blankets we tested for the most picky of beachgoers.
Key Features to Consider
Beach Blanket Material
The first and arguably most important factor you’ll want to consider is the beach blanket material. You’ll be spending all day trekking from shore to blanket, so you’ll need something that’ll stay both dry and sand-free throughout the day.
The most common types of beach blanket materials are polyester, cotton, and nylon. On the one hand, polyester beach blankets are great because they’re sand-resistant, waterproof, and lightweight. Not only are they functional for the beach, but many of them come in fun colors and patterns too. Our favorite polyester blankets are:
- RUMPL Original Puffy Blanket
- OCOOPA Beach Blanket
- Little Unicorn Outdoor Family Picnic & Beach Blanket
On the other hand, materials like cotton are softer and provide more comfort, so check out the WETCAT Turkish Beach Blanket. The downside? They’re not as water resistant and can stain more easily. Nylon is sand-resistant and feels better to the touch than polyester but is not as water-protective.
A good beach blanket will serve as an adequate barrier between the heat or dampness of the ground. The thickness comes down to personal preference. You may want a beach blanket with a lot of padding but these can be heavy, like the Little Unicorn Outdoor Family Picnic & Beach Blanket.
If you know you will always be on soft sand or soft grass and want something lightweight then consider thin, portable beach blankets like:
Beach Blanket Size
Beach blankets come in all shapes and sizes, so make sure to think about what’ll serve you best. A big oversized blanket would be ideal for a family or storing extra stuff off the sand, but a smaller-sized blanket would be great to have on hand for quick trips or even just to keep stashed in the car.
These oversized blankets will provide plenty of space for your kids, and pets, plus your beach bags and coolers:
While most beach blankets are square or rectangular, there are some circular options on the market too. Though not providing nearly as much surface area for lounging and having difficulty staying flat on the ground, they are very trendy (perfect for a beach photoshoot).
Beach Blanket Portability
When browsing for a beach blanket, you’ll find their portability to be pretty varied. Some blankets roll up into a storage bag (like sleeping bags), some blankets fold into a “purse” with a handle, and some fold up like a regular blanket or beach towel.
Beach blankets that come with storage bags, handles, or zipper enclosures are the most convenient to travel with and carry. When you’re lugging all your beach gear through the sand, you want something that can easily be stowed away in your beach bag or wagon.
At the end of a long beach day, you’ll be grateful for a blanket that has easy and convenient packability. Folding up a blanket shouldn’t be rocket science. All the blankets on our list have easy packability!
Beach Blanket Water and Sand Resistance
Ideally, you want a beach blanket that can easily have sand swept off the surface. And one that dries quickly when wet.
These qualities are high on the list for the:
Fabrics that absorb water but then dry quickly are really the most comfortable. However, testing has shown that polyester does a good job of keeping water from seeping up from under the beach blanket, which is nice.
If you know during your picnicking that your companions are prone to spills. A fabric that pools liquid to be easily wiped up may be a better choice.
Water and sand resistance can work hand in hand in a beach blanket. If it stays dry it is much easier to get the sand off. That is why many beach blankets are made of polyester or nylon. Cotton will tend to hold water and keep sand sticking.
Beach Blanket Comfort
How thick do you like your beach blanket and what kind of fabric feel do you like on your skin?
If your regular beach and picnic spots have soft sand and grass then you will be fine with a thinner more portable beach blanket like the:
If you like a bit more padding we found the cushiest were the:
Another thing to keep in mind about your beach blanket comfort is how hot it will get. The synthetic materials that most beach blankets are made of will absorb heat more than cotton or wool. Making the WETCAT Turkish Beach Blanket comfortable out in the sun.
Nylon beach blankets, like the Wekapo Beach Blanket, stay a bit cooler and more comfortable to the touch. If your beach blanket is going to be out in the sun you should consider lighter colors, as darker-colored fabrics will become hot to the touch.
Additional Features
Anchoring Mechanisms
You should also pay attention to other features such as storage pockets or sandbags. Though it’s not necessary, having a system in place to secure the blanket to the ground can save you the hassle of wrestling flapping corners when the wind comes around.
Multipurpose Use
It’s worth mentioning that some materials are more versatile than others, which is nice if you need your beach blanket to double as a picnic blanket (we love the Scuddles Beach Blanket or the Little Unicorn Outdoor Family Picnic & Beach Blanket). If you’re looking for something to keep you warm once the sun goes down (stay extra cozy with this Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket).
Tips for Maintaining Your Beach Blanket
Beach Blanket Cleaning
Messes at the beach are pretty much unavoidable. Sand and water are one thing, but we use beach blankets for picnics, diaper changes, applying sunscreen, and the list goes on. Your beach blanket IS going to get dirty, so make sure you get one that’s easy to maintain and clean.
Most beach blankets can get rid of sand and water with just a good shake. That might suffice for a trip or two, but sweat, oil, and spills can build up over time. For that, you need a deeper clean. Always double check the care tag before attempting to wash a blanket, as some beach blankets (like those with multiple layers) can only be hand-washed or spot cleaned.
While spot cleaning is fine, you might be surprised to find out that many beach blankets are actually now machine washable. It doesn’t get easier than tossing a beach blanket into the washer at the end of the day.
We think this is essential for a beach blanket so all of our best beach blanket recommendations are machine washable!
Keeping Your Beach Blanket for the Long Haul
Beach blankets are simple beach accessories that don’t need a lot to keep them in good form for many beach seasons.
The most important aspect of beach blanket care is making sure it is completely dry before storing. Throwing it in a gentle wash cycle and drying completely before storing will make sure you don’t have bad smells or mold marks.
We do have to accept that some of these fabrics will degrade over time, especially with a lot of sun exposure. But storing your blanket clean and dry and in a dry place will help keep it going.
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