Best Beach Tents: 14 Canopies to Stay Cool in 2023

For family trips to the beach, weekend soccer games or summer camping trips, nothing makes a hot day more enjoyable than some cool shade. Setting up a canopy or beach tent gives your family a place to stash their things and provides the shade you need to keep sensitive skin out of the sun. The best beach tents should also provide protection from the breeze on cooler days, and should stand strong when the wind really starts to whip up.

Beach tents are an ideal place for for small children to spend time at the beach, without you worrying about them having too much sun exposure. But they’re not just great for protecting kids and babies from the elements. The shelter of beach tent provides a safe spot to put on your sunscreen. Plus, if you’ve ever tried to read a magazine on the beach or keep your towel out of the sand, you know how nice it can be to have a clean, cool spot out of the sun.

• Beach tents and canopies buying guide
• Types of beach tents
• FAQs when choosing the best beach tent
• The best beach canopies
• The best beach tents
• Other beach tent options

Summary of the best beach tents in 2023

Take a look at this snap-shot of what your options are (more details on each in the best beach tents and beach canopies section), and then read on to find out what to look for in a beach tent that will keep you and your family chilled out all summer long.

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Beach tents and canopies buying guide

When it comes to figuring out which beach shade is best for you, here are three questions to consider:

How much time are you willing to spend on setup?

If you’re going to the beach for the day, the difference between 5 and 10 minutes isn’t much. If you plan to use your shade for quick trips or a short soccer or baseball game on the weekend, look for something that sets up in 5 minutes or less like the Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Canopy Instant Pop Up Shade Tent. Along the same lines, if you will be traveling long distances with your shade, look for something small enough to fit in your trunk or carry-on luggage.

How much wind do you expect your shade to handle?

Beach umbrellas are notorious for blowing away in gusty wind. If you anticipate needing something that can stand up to wind, purchase a canopy or tent with stakes or weights to hold it in place. The KingCamp Beach Tent has both steel stakes and sandbags.

Where do you plan to use your tent?

Sandbag weights are extremely useful on the beach because they are designed to be filled with sand before each use; that way you do not have to carry the extra weight to and from the car. If your family trips are anything like mine, your hands will already be full with camping chairs, coolers and beach games galore. Anything that reduces the weight of the shade is a good thing. If you will use your shade anywhere else, however, sandbags are no longer helpful. Stakes or permanent weights are a much better option for sitting next to a football field or at a campsite.

Practical properties

There are some useful features that you should look for in the best beach bent. First of all, it should be portable. Unlike luxury tents, your beach tent will get moved around often, and you’ll need to be able to carry it to your place on the beach. For this reason, the best beach tents should be lightweight, between six and eight pounds is average, but tarp canopies should weigh less than six pounds. Most pack into a bag with either shoulder or backpack straps for comfortable carrying. Your beach tent should also be easy to set up, either with built-in poles or a simple pole system. Most of the beach tents and canopy tents on our list take less than 10 minutes to pitch.

Material

You’ll want to make sure that the beach tent ismade from a UV resistant fabric. The best beach tents are made from fabric with an SPF 50+ rating. The tent’s outer material should also be breathable and durable enough to withstand at least moderate weather conditions. Most beach tents are made from some form of polyester, as this meets all three demands.

If you plan to use your beach tent for overnight adventures or spring/autumn beach days, then you should choose a tent with a water-resistant coating and taped seams.

Other useful features include:

• Internal pockets

  To keep your kit organised whilst on the beach, look for a tent that has built-in storage pockets. Mesh pockets are the most useful because the sand can fall out rather than piling up inside.

• Groundsheet

  Typically, beach tents come with a built-in groundsheet, which helps to keep the sand out of your gear. Some feature extended groundsheets that extend longer than the walls and roof, providing extra sitting space or play area for babies. Some beach canopies feature built-in groundsheets.

• Closable front panel

  Some beach tents feature an extended groundsheet that converts to a front door, offering more privacy and weather protection.

• Windows

  These allow you to increase airflow or enjoy a little more privacy. Mesh windows are also great for keeping the bugs out.

• Removable sidewalls

  This makes your beach shelter very versatile. Detachable walls can be connected to increase shade and wind protection or to convert a canopy into a tent.

• Sand anchors/sandbags

  Mostly, these are pouches stitched onto the outer edges of the tent’s groundsheet, but detached sand anchors can also be attached to guy lines. It’s a practical alternative to stakes that tend to get lost in the sand and don’t anchor well if the sand is loose.

Versatility

Another thing to consider is how versatile you want your beach tent to be. If you’re just looking something to provide shade on sunny beach days, then a standard beach tent or canopy will do the job. However, if you use your beach tent for overnight fishing trips, backyard camping, or camping with kids, then you’ll need something more multi-functional. The most versatile beach tents will have features such as removable walls, front and rear entrance, closable windows, and water-resistant fabric.

Types of beach tents

The next thing to consider is what type of shade you need.

• 

  Tent

  The classic style beach tent offers the most privacy and protection from the sun, rain, wind, and bugs. Families with babies and small children often prefer beach tents for these reasons. These shades are typically closed on three sides and open at the front, although some beach tents have front doors. Most have built-in groundsheets. For ventilation beach tents often feature windows which may be fixed open and some have a rear entrance too.

• 

  Canopy

  Shade canopies are more spacious and allow air to flow. They are usually open on three or four sides, are without a groundsheet, and can fit more people than regular beach tents. Most are tall enough to stand inside so you can comfortably set up a beach chair or stand under the shade; however, they don’t provide much wind protection. Canopy tents are usually easy to set up as many have built-in pole systems. Tarp canopy tents, which are large pieces of fabric propped up by tent poles and secured with sandbags or stakes, are the most lightweight but are trickier to pitch single-handed.

• 

  Umbrella tent

  Beach umbrellas are the most portable and usually cost less than beach tents and canopies. They’re a practical choice for occasional use or solo trips. These have the same central structure as a regular umbrella, making them easy to set up, but the extra fabric on either side provides a fair amount of shade. The only major drawback of umbrella tents is that they tend to blow away in strong winds .

FAQs when choosing the best beach tent

The best beach canopies in 2023

Outwell Beach Shelter Compton

The Outwell Beach Shelter utilizes the classic dome design and is made from 100% polyester. Although not the most eco-friendly material option, polyester is known for its durability and is easy to keep clean. It is a smaller canopy-style beach tent that only comfortably fits two people (and one child) and your gear for the day. The floor of the tent makes for a more comfortable beach-going experience, making packing up and keeping at least some sand out of the car when you leave. The tent setup is relatively straightforward, and the sandbag tie-downs ensure that even on a breezy beach day, your tent will stay in place even when you’re not in it.

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Alpine Trek

Big Agnes Three Forks Shelter

Max height: 82in / 208cm

Big Agnes is well known for making high-quality tents and camping gear. Their Three Forks Shelter is another example of durable construction. It’s made with a polyester ripstop canopy, sturdy poles, and taped seams. The taped seams keep rain from seeping in, so you can use this canopy even in heavy rain – an excellent feature for camping trips as well as beach days. As with most canopies, the Three Forks Shelter is best suited to moderate weather conditions as it doesn’t hold up well in strong gusts. It does, however, provide plenty of shade thanks to the oversized cover. In most conditions, you can expect 10’x10′ of shade. It’s also tall enough to stand inside.

We also like that this beach shelter has attachment points for removable wall panels (not included). You can attach just one wall for extra sun and wind protection or connect all four to convert your canopy shelter into a private beach tent.

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EMS | Amazon | Backcountry

Suniela Beach Shade Tent

An affordable, travel-friendly option, the Suniela Beach Shade Tent is perfect for weekend getaways, warm summer festivals, or even picnics in the park. Unlike many other beach tents on the list, this sunshade is made from cotton and is easy to clean! All you have to do is toss it in the washing machine (do not put it in the dryer; it will shrink), and it is good as new. Sold with durable aluminum poles built to withstand high winds and corrosion from salt, the unique arch design provides optimal shade coverage and helps the tent stand up to windy conditions. Since it is made from cotton, keep in mind this is designed only as a sunshade, not to protect from rain. It does not come with guylines, just the poles so you can set this up in a matter of minutes with minimal confusion or complication. One big selling point is how small this shade packs down (20” x 6” x 4” (51 x 15 x 10cm)) and weighs only 3.5 lbs. The weight and dimensions make it perfect for a trip to a tropical beach or as a staple on your summer bike rides to the beach.

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Suniela

Dometic HUB 2 Activity Shelter

If you’re looking for a quick and easy personal beach shelter, then the Dometic HUB 2 Activity Shelter is a great option. Yes, it may be the most expensive beach tent around, however, it is a functional, waterproof and durable tent that will withstand changeable conditions. It is also made from lightweight recycled polyester fabric and utilizing patented airframe technology. Additionally, if the ground is wet or you want some added protection, it comes with a removable ground sheet, making it suited to camping more remote adventures, as well as beach fun.

The inflatable awning has a single-point inflation location to make it even faster and easier to set up. Although it is a personal beach tent, the size makes it feasible to have 2-3 people inside at one time, especially if all the walls are open. Stay protected from the wind, rain, bugs, or sun with accessories such as mesh panels or an inner tent.

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Dometic

Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Canopy Instant Pop Up Shade Tent

Max height: 60in / 152cm

If you want a canopy with some of the advantages of a beach tent, Lightspeed Outdoor’s Quick Canopy Instant Pop Up Shade Tent might be the perfect solution. The shade tent is tall enough for adults to sit under in camping chairs and open on three sides, giving it the expansive feel of a canopy. Pre-threaded poles mean the canopy pops up instantly, making it the easiest canopy on our list in terms of setup and clean up. Although it does not provide as much shade as the other canopies (8ft. square), the cost is less than half.

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Amazon

The best beach tents in 2023

Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Cabana Beach Tent Sun Shelter

Max height: 48in / 122cm

Another option from Lightspeed Outdoors is their Quick Cabana Beach Tent Sun Shelter. An oversized base and porch area provides plenty of room for kids and pets to spread out. With this in mind, the base is made from thick polyethylene to withstand poky paws without tearing. The thickness and colour of the base material can cause it to heat up, however, which can be uncomfortable for crawling babies or bare feet.

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Amazon

WolfWise Splitwave Easy Pop Up Beach Tent

Max height: 47in / 119cm

This pop up tent is by far the quickest to pitch beach tent on our list. Just remove from the circular carry bag, and it will automatically spring into shape. You can then fill the built-in sandbags for extra stability or stake it down on windy days. The tent comes with two guy lines and eight stakes. It holds up pretty well in strong winds and, thanks to its waterproof, UPF 50+ fabric, this lightweight beach tent is suitable for a range of weather conditions.

The Wolfwise Splitwave Easy Pop Up Beach Tent offers excellent ventilation too. It features a wide front entrance and a breathable mesh strip at the bottom of the back wall. Plus, the rear of the tent can open fully, allowing the cooling sea breeze to pass through. Mesh windows with zippered covers will enable you to choose between extra ventilation or privacy. Another handy feature is the built-in mesh storage pockets. Overall, the Splitwave Easy Pop Up Beach Tent is a well-designed tent that comes at a reasonable price.

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Amazon

Kelty Cabana Shelter

Max height: 53 in / 135cm

If you want a beach tent that gives more than shade and wind protection, then the Kelty Cabana Shelter is a versatile option. With a spacious interior and a front panel that acts as both a groundsheet and a door, it’s also comfortable enough to sleep in overnight. The tent is tall and wide enough to set a couple of beach chairs inside. It’s also large enough for at least two to three adults (or two adults with two kids) to lay down inside.

We like that the shelter offers both ventilation and privacy; it’s built with three large mesh windows with roll away covers. The Kelty Cabana is also easy to set up, with a classic corner-to-corner folding pol design. Plus, you can use the included stakes and sandbags if necessary. Although it takes a few more minutes to pitch than other beach tents on this list, the Kelty Cabana Shelter is a practical choice for overnight beach camping, fishing trips, or festival camping, as well a sunny days at the beach.

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Amazon | REI

Jack Wolfskin Beach Shelter III

Max height: 39in / 99cm

If you’re looking for an eco-friendlier beach tent, then the Beach Shelter III from Jack Wolfskin is 100% PFC-free. Despite this, the sturdy polyester fabric has a waterproof column rating of 4,000 mm and provides excellent protection from UVA and UVB sunlight. The tent comes with flexible fiberglass poles that can tackle moderate to strong winds.

This dome-shaped beach tent is freestanding: just unfold the poles, pop them into place, and stake if needed. As well as guy lines, the tent features nine external pouches, which you can fill with sand. Mesh windows allow for some airflow but, when you need a private cabin to change in, the groundsheet converts into a zippered front panel.

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Jack Wolfskin

Coleman DayTripper Beach Shade

Max height: 73in / 185cm

Offering a great compromise between affordability and useful features, the Coleman DayTripper Beach Shade is a great option for beachgoers seeking light-duty shelter. The unit packs into a tight 24”x5”x5” case and weighs less than a gallon of milk, making it easy to carry to your perfect spot on the beach. Six sandbags are sewn into the shade enabling it to conveniently withstand light to moderate wind, although for heavy winds you may want to bring along aftermarket weights. Extra features include a drying line, a large window, and the ability to zip the front panel completely closed for changing.

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Amazon | Cotswold Outdoor

Pacific Breeze Easy Up

Max height: 47in / 119cm

If portability and easy set up are important for you, consider the Pacific Breeze Easy Up beach tent. Two oversized mesh windows with roll-up shades keep the interior cool thanks to better ventilation. The tent can stand up to heavy wind as well with both sandbags and stakes included. Pacific Breeze guarantees this tent is the easiest and fastest beach tent on the market to set up, and there’s no need to worry about forgetting what to do between beach trips – the simple set up instructions are sewn directly onto the bag. At only 4.5 pounds, this is also one of the lightest beach tents on our list.

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Amazon

Other beach tent options in 2023

The SunBear Co. SunBear Shade

Max height: 72in / 183cm (approx.)

To minimise your carbon footprint without getting burnt on the beach, look no further than the SunBear Shade from The SunBear Co. This canopy style beach tent is made in California, USA from recycled fishing nets. The fabric is resistant to stains from oils, liquids and lotions. It’s also washable and provides UPF 50+ protection. It comes with two folding poles and a convenient carry bag. Additional poles and tent stakes can be purchased separately for extra headspace and stability on windy days.

The SunBear Shade is available in two sizes; small (comfortable for 1-3 people) or large (comfortable for 2 to 6 people). Both sizes weigh under 4 lbs. Despite its low weight, the SunBear Shade is wind and water-resistant, However, on very blustery days you’ll want to stake the corners good and proper!

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Amazon

Sport-Brella Portable All-Weather and Sun Umbrella

Height: 54in / 137cm (approx.)

Offering more portability and versatility than the tents and canopies on the list, the Sport-Brella Portable All-Weather and Sun Umbrella is one of the most popular beach and sport shades on the market. The oversized sides can be staked down for stability, although you may want to purchase an after-market umbrella anchor for the center pole if you expect heavy wind. One feature that may make this umbrella a better fit for your needs is that two or more Sport-Brellas can be positioned in a line to make a longer shade for a large group or sports team.

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Amazon

Neso Tents Beach Tent

Height: 66in / 168cm (approx.)

The >Beach Tent with Sand Anchor by Neso Tents is widely praised for its extreme flexibility. It can easily be moved and reconfigured to shade nearly any angle – a useful feature as every beach has a different slope and exposure. Offering a canopy of 7’x7’ water resistant Nylon/Lycra, a small family can enjoy the shade it provides. Yet at only 3.9 pounds, even the youngest member of the family can carry it. Anchor bags are present at each corner and can be filled with beach sand or rocks to help keep it steady on windy days.

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Amazon | REI

Having a place to get out of the sun and cool off when you plan to be outside all day will make your trip to the beach way more enjoyable – especially with small children. Whether you spend all summer at the beach or need a shade for occasional tournament days, one of these superb beach tents or canopies is sure to meet your needs!

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