Beach blankets have become very popular over the past 5-6 years and it is easy to see why. They are usually made of water resistant material and come in many beautiful colors. Their sizes can vary depending on which one you choose, but they are generally big enough to cover sand the size of at least your body, if not the whole family, when lying down on the beach.
What are Beach Blankets?
Beach blankets are the big brother of the lowly beach towel. They are bigger, sand and waterproof, lightweight and great for the beach, picnics, outdoor concerts, you name it.
It is important to note that you don’t want beach blankets to absorb any water or sand, that’s where beach towels come in, but instead of using beach towels to lay on and then using them to dry you off (creating a mess for sure) you can dry off with your towel but lay on the beach blanket.
They really eliminate the amount of sand you will track back into your car at the end of a beach day. That makes them a beach essential in my book.
What to look for in a Beach Blanket
- When looking at beach blankets, pay close attention to the seams. As mentioned before, it is important that they are waterproof and durable so you don’t have to worry about coming out of the water and having sand all over your blanket. Make sure there aren’t any places where the seams might come apart; especially places where they are stitched together – this could cause a leak in your blanket!
- Look for a beach blanket that has a French seam.
Theses seams are harder to pull apart and double layered so as the blanket is pulled tight you won’t find sand coming through. Or find a blanket that isn’t seamed at all and just one large piece of fabric. - If you have a baby at the beach or its a windy day you will want to get a beach blanket that uses stakes to hold it down. That way it won’t move around all day.
- You will also want something that is easy for carrying and storing in your bag or on a day at the lake/ocean/waterway (or anywhere else for that matter!) If you are going to carry it all day, then make sure the material is lightweight enough so that you don’t get uncomfortable from carrying too much weight.
- You will also want your blanket to be small enough to be able to fold up and put in your bag when not being used.
- Look for a beach blanket that is big enough to fit your entire family with a little room to spare. No one likes being smushed together while catching some rays.
- The size of your blanket will usually depend on how much room there is to lie down without touching either end of the blanket. The larger these dimensions are, the more likely your blanket will be able to keep you dry without accidentally allowing sand to sneak in.
- Generally speaking, a good beach blanket will be approximately 3 meters by 2 meters (10 feet by 6 feet). This size will allow the average adult or teenager to fit down it comfortably and still have room left over for other items such as drinks, snacks, sunscreen and other necessities. The more you can fit on your blanket the less opportunity for sand to come in contact with you.
Theses seams are harder to pull apart and double layered so as the blanket is pulled tight you won’t find sand coming through. Or find a blanket that isn’t seamed at all and just one large piece of fabric.Our picks for the best beach blankets on the market
Wekapo Beach Blanket Sandproof, Extra Large Oversized 10’X 79
Best over-all
Sale
Wekapo Beach Blanket Sandproof, Extra Large Oversized 10'X 9' for 2-8 Adults, Big & Compact Sand Free Mat Quick Drying, Lightweight & Durable with 6 Stakes & 4 Corner Pockets
- ✔ OVERSIZED AND COMPACT-10‘x9'(300cmX280cm) over 30% bigger than competing beach / picnic blanket, will comfortably fit 7 person, only weights 14 oz. Come...
- ✔ SIMPLE DESIGN & DOUBLE ANCHORED-WEKAPO blanket is designed as simple as possible so it has eliminated 5 sticking out sand pockets and added 4 corner pockets...
- ✔ SAND PROOF AND WATER RESISTANT-This beautifully colored blanket is made of durable ripstop nylon. Just shake the blanket and it easily gets rid of all the...
$33.98
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WildHorn Outfitters Seaview 180° Sand Free Oversized Beach Blanket
Best for Sand Free
Seaview 180° Sand Free Beach Blanket. Extra Large 7' x 9' Beach Blanket Waterproof Sandproof. Compact Sandproof Beach Mat Made of Durable Parachute Nylon
- IT’S HUGE BUT COMPACT- Yes, you can actually fit the entire family on this oversized, 63 sq. ft. blanket. The integrated stuff sack with compression straps...
- QUICK DRY PARACHUTE NYLON- Made from strong, durable, lightweight and breathable 100% PARACHUTE nylon this blanket will withstand many years of use. Also, sand...
- MORE THAN A BEACH MAT- Pack up your Sand Escape and turn it into the ultimate picnic mat or make it the perfect hiking accessory. This large outdoor blanket is...
ZOMAKE Picnic Blanket
Best for Picnics
ZOMAKE Waterproof Picnic Blankets 79''x59'' - Extra Large Picnic Blanket for Outdoors - Foldable Picnic Mat with Straps - Portable Picnic Mats for Picnic Camping(Peacock Blue)
- WATERPROOF OUTDOOR BLANKET: This picnic blanket has a thickened and sturdy fabric,Aluminum foil bottom waterproof sandproof and environmentally friendly. The...
- Foldable PICINIC BLANKET FOR EASY PORTABILITY: Our picnic BLANKET takes just 30 seconds to fold. As well as being very light, making it easy to carry and use...
- MOST OUTDOOR BLANKET ARE NOT SANDPROOF AND DIFFICULT TO CLEAN,BUT OURS DOES: All it takes is a light wipe to remove dirt, mud, wet grass. Effectively prevent...
Angemay Outdoor & Picnic Blanket
Easiest Carrying
Angemay Outdoor & Picnic Blanket Extra Large Sand Proof and Waterproof Portable Beach Mat for Camping Hiking Festivals
- HUGE BUT FOLDABLE- The outdoor blanket size is about 80" * 60"(200cm*150cm) and can comfortably fit up to 4-6 adults, suitable for the whole family; after fold,...
- WATERPROOF SACKING & SAND RESISTANT--This blanket is completely waterproof and sand proof. It can be used as a beach blanket, camping blanket, RV blanket, baby...
- DURABLE THICK AND COMFORT SKIN TOUCH-The outdoor mat is made from strong, durable, high-quality polyester and PVC , very durable and comfortable to sit. this...
$13.99
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Outdoor Beach Blanket Picnic Mat
Lightest weight
Rumpl The Original Puffy | Indoor Outdoor Camping Blanket
Best padded
Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket - Warm Puffy Camping Blanket, 100% Recycled Polyester Insulation, Lightweight, Packable, Water-Resistant, Outdoor Puffer Blanket, 52"x75", V1, Geo Fresh
- Original puffy, past season version
- Warm, insulated, and made with premium sleeping bag materials
- Water, stain, and odor-resistant for easy outdoor use
$74.18
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Lightweight Portable Picnic Blankets, Game Play Mat Party
Best to keep kids entertained
Beach Blanket Sandproof Waterproof, Size 79''×83'', Beach Accessories for Kids Adult Mat Lightweight Portable Picnic Blankets Camping Travel Accessories Stuff, 8 Bean Bag Outdoor Game Play Mat Party
- ✔Lightweight Beach Accessories for Vacation Must Haves: The sandproof beach blanket oversized 79''x83'' . The beach mat is lightweight and foldable, with a...
- ✔ Unique Design with 3 Games: Our beach blanket sandproof is designed with 8 refillable bean bags for you to play bean bag toss game, Tic-Tac-Toe and Gobang...
- ✔ Sand Proof & Water Proof Beach Toys: The beach blanket is sand proof and water proof, No worry about the sand sticking to the beach blanket. This outdoor...
Margelife Beach Blanket
Most stylish
Nowehomiy 110″x118″Extra Large Beach Mat
Best for a crowd
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No matter which beach blanket you end up with I hope you will find that they are really great additions to your packing list. They should make you beach day more comfortable and clean up an absolute breeze!
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Last update on 2025-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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