A quick-dry microfiber towel is your best bet.

Yes. That’s the one accessory that actually keeps sand off instead of just holding it in. Regular cotton towels act like sand magnets. Microfiber towels shake clean with one snap. They’re thin, dry fast, and weigh nothing in your bag.

If you’re bringing a family or staying for hours, throw in a pop-up beach tent with a sand-free floor. That’ll give you a clean zone to sit in. But for just yourself? A good microfiber towel and a pair of water shoes (so you don’t track sand onto the towel) does 90% of the work.

Skip the fancy clip-on sand-resistant blankets unless you want to carry a bunch of gimmicks. The towel is where you should spend your money. Future you will thank present you when the car isn’t half beach.