Get a microfiber beach towel.

Microfiber, hands down.

Cotton beach towels are heavy, take forever to dry, and hold sand like a grudge. A microfiber towel dries in minutes, folds down to the size of a burrito, and sand shakes right off. They aren’t as plush as cotton, but that’s the trade-off for not hauling a wet soggy blanket home.

Some fancy blends mix bamboo or linen, but those are still slower to dry and cost more. Stick with 100% polyester microfiber. Grab one that’s around 30" x 60" for a good balance of coverage and packability.

Your beach bag will thank you. Your trunk will thank you. Future You will not be wrestling a damp, sandy burrito on the car ride home.