The 7 Best Beach Blankets of 2021

Best Overall: Sand Escape Compact Outdoor Beach Blanket

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The Sand Escape Compact Outdoor Beach Blanket is reasonably priced, especially considering its large size. At 9’ x 7’, the blanket offers 63 square feet of sand-free space, providing ample room for all of your beach gear and family members. Four integrated sand anchor pockets help to keep the blanket on the ground even in high winds. Reviewers particularly love the fact that despite the blanket’s huge size, it’s also amazingly compact.

It comes with an integrated stuff pouch and compression straps (attached so that you’ll never lose them), and packs away to just 6” x 7” for hassle-free storage. The blanket is made from ultra-lightweight, tear-resistant parachute nylon, and is designed to last for years to come. Best of all, sand can’t stick to it. At the end of the day, simply shake it off and revel in the novelty of a sand-free car and home. Choose sea blue/charcoal, meadow green/gray or dark blue/gray stripes.

Most Stylish: Scuddles Blue & White Striped Tote Blanket

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For flawless retro style, opt for the Scuddles Blue & White Striped Tote Blanket. Its soft polypropylene weave boasts artfully faded blue, white and chocolate stripes, while fabric edging helps to prevent fraying - keeping your blanket looking smart for longer. When you’re not using it, the blanket folds into a tote with pockets on either side, a woven handle and a color-coordinated, messenger-style flap.

It’s as practical as it is stylish, with a waterproof backing that keeps you dry (and is amazingly easy to clean). The polypropylene is also mold and mildew-resistant — a major bonus if you forget to air it properly before packing it away. When open, the blanket measures 60” x 78”, providing plenty of space for couples and families of up to four people.

Best Circular: Ricdecor Microfiber Large Round Beach Blanket

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Tired of conventional rectangular or square blankets? Stand out from the crowd with Ricdecor’s Microfiber Large Round Beach Blanket. It comes in a variety of eye-catching patterns, including an Indian mandala, flamingos and pineapples or stylized jungle foliage. It’s made from microfiber, a super soft and absorbent fabric that allows the blanket to double as an effective beach towel. It’s also conveniently quick-drying. With a 60” diameter, the blanket provides ample space for two people. In between beach trips, it’s perfect for yoga or meditation sessions, or for use as a unique tapestry or throw for your bedroom.

Best Budget: Camco Handy Mat with Strap

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The Camco Handy Mat costs a fraction of the price of some of the other blankets on this list but remains a firm favorite. It’s made from durable, mildew-resistant polypropylene, making it difficult to stain and easy to clean. Fabric edging prevents fraying, while the mat itself is UV-stabilized to guard against fading over time.

Essentially, this blanket proves that cheap doesn’t have to mean poor quality. It measures 60” x 78”, and folds into a compact 10.5” x 15” tote complete with a hook and loop flap, handles and a pocket on either side. It’s a breeze to carry to the beach, and even easier to fit in your cupboard afterward. Choose blue/green, green/red or green/turquoise stripes.

Best Waterproof: CGear Original Sand-Free Mat

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The CGear Original Sand-Free Mat combines the comfort of a beach towel with the water-, mold-, and sand-proof benefits of a nylon tarp. It's made of a soft thin weaved fabric that is built to filter sand and water so that your blanket stays clean and dry. The military-grade construction also means that the CGear Sand-Free Mat is highly durable and UV-resistant, so you can bring this mat beyond the beach for use at campsites, outdoor events, or RV parks. This mat comes in four sizes: small can comfortably fit three people, medium can accommodate six people, large is enough to hold ten people, and extra large is big enough twelve adults.

Best Oversized: WELLAX Sandfree Beach Blanket

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The Sandfree Beach Blanket by WELLAX is a great solution for big families when they visit the beach. Measuring 9 x 10 feet, this blanket provides 90 square feet of space that fits up to seven people. It's made from lightweight parachute nylon and features four sand pockets and four anchors to keep it stable on the sand. There's also a waterproof pouch to keep all your valuables secure.

At the end of the day, simply fold this beach blanket into its compressed size of 4 x 8 inches and pack it into its travel pouch. Best of all, the WELLAX blanket only weighs one pound, so it will barely add any weight to your beach bag. You can also use this blanket as a car seat on your ride home to protect against water and sand. It's available in three different colors.

Best Portable: Coalatree Desert Sunset Kachula Blanket

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Those who prefer a more lightweight blanket that's easy to carry around should opt for the Coalatree Desert Sunset Kachula Blanket. This sustainably-made blanket only weighs 1 pound and 9 ounces and has a pocket to hold your valuables. Reviewers loved how functional this blanket is, too. It can transform into a pillow when it's stuffed inside the included travel pouch and comes with a detachable hood that transforms the water-resistant blanket into a poncho. While this blanket fits three people comfortably, it can also attach to other Coalatree blankets using the carabineer hooks for extra space. It's available in ten different patterns.