Microfiber towels do the job.

Yes, microfiber is the answer. They dry fast, shake sand off like magic, and pack down to the size of a burrito. No more dragging a wet, sandy rug back to the car.

I’ve tried Turkish cotton and pique weave. Turkish cotton is nice for a resort but takes forever to dry and still holds onto sand. Microfiber might feel a little weird at first — it’s not plush — but it works. The sand falls right off when you shake it, and it’s dry in an hour draped over a chair.

Get one from a brand like Nomadix or Ocoopa, but honestly the cheap Amazon ones work fine too. Just make sure it’s 100% polyester microfiber, not a blend. Your future self will thank you on the drive home.