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Oct 17, 2024

The 11 Best Beach Tents and Canopies of 2024, According to Testing

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. You’ll have it made in the shade all summer long with the best beach tents and

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

You’ll have it made in the shade all summer long with the best beach tents and canopies.

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens / Kimberly Souza

Spending a day at the beach with your toes in the sand sounds idyllic, but things can quickly go from pleasant to blistering if you don’t have any shade available. A beach tent or canopy can allow you to enjoy watching the waves crash on the sand without worrying about sun damage.

Ryan Wilson, certified wilderness first responder and founder of The Camper Adviser, offers some advice for shopping for beach tents and canopies. “Make sure the tent can pack down to a size that's easy to carry and that it doesn't weigh too much to comfortably carry," he says.

"Remember that these are primarily used for getting out of the sun, so they don't need to be as spacious as a tent used for camping," Wilson explains.

Not all beach tents can handle a day on the sand, so we tested more than 57 beach tents and canopies at beaches from New Jersey to Florida. We evaluated each product based on assembly, stability, quality of shade and ventilation, and disassembly. For more information on how we tested tents and canopies, check out our testing process below.

Even though it’s lightweight, it provided sufficient sun and wind protection.

You may need another person for the assembly.

Our top pick for the best beach tent is the Coleman Beach Shade Canopy Tent. We appreciated that it was easy to carry and lightweight at just 4.1 pounds. Despite being lightweight, it withstood windy conditions and offered plentiful protection from the sun.

During testing, we found that despite how compact the beach tent canopy was, it had a roomy interior. There was plenty of room for two adults and a beach bag, and we also appreciated that the floor of the tent extended slightly beyond the structure, making it feel more spacious.

We secured the tent with seven stakes and three sandbags, which helped it endure winds up to 25 miles per hour. Because the tent was open on one side, we liked that we were still able to feel the breeze when we were sitting inside the tent.

We also liked that the included sandbags were just as colorful as the tent, adding to the vibrant style. Plus, there were storage pockets that we used to hold items like phones, sunscreen, or bug spray.

However, we found the tent was difficult to assemble with only one person, but it was much easier with the help of another person. The first time we assembled the tent, it took 25 minutes. However, once we were accustomed to the process, it took only 15 minutes. Plus, taking down the tent only required five minutes, and it fit back into the included bag with ease.

Product Details: Capacity: Two people | Weight: 4.1 pounds | Material: Nylon, fiberglass | Dimensions: 6.97 x 4.84 x 17.52 inches | UPF Rating: 50+

It has a sleek, minimalist design that looks very chic at the beach.

It took up quite a bit of space to get it stretched out and secured in place. It may be hard to claim that much space on a busy beach.

We love this beach canopy for frequent beachgoers and travelers headed to a beach vacation who don’t want to pack a bulky beach tent. This lightweight canopy weighs just 4 pounds and folds up small enough to fit in a beach bag.

When using this canopy, we noticed that it looked sleek, and the fabric felt durable. We liked how it looked more elegant than a traditional dome-shaped beach tent.

There are two aluminum poles that hold up the front of the canopy and four cords that are secured in place with anchor bags filled with sand or rocks. We also appreciated that it comes in eight colors, so whether you’re looking for bright or neutral colors, there is an option for you.

When setting up this set, we found that it was important to set it up facing the wind. We recommend laying out the fabric and filling the anchor bags with sand and then lifting the front with the aluminum support poles for the easiest assembly.

If you have an extra set of hands it will help make the process go faster. However, this beach canopy was relatively simple to set up and provided much more ground for people to enjoy the shade.

One thing to consider is how much beach space this canopy requires. The shade measures 7 x 7 feet, but to keep the canopy taut, the anchor bags have to be set several feet behind and to the side of the canopy. Depending on how busy the beach is, it can be difficult to claim that much space at a popular beach destination.

Product Details: Capacity: Two to four people | Weight: 4 pounds | Material: Aluminum, nylon/lycra material | Dimensions: 66 x 84 x 84 inches | UPF Rating: 50+

This lightweight and affordable beach tent has a floor, so we didn’t have to sit in the sand.

We recommend having someone help with setting this tent up as it can be difficult to assemble this tent on a windy day.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly beach tent, this is the best option for you. This three-person tent is made of lightweight materials and weighs just 4 pounds, which made it easy to haul to the beach and secure in place. We used the stakes provided and didn’t add the optional guy wires, and the tent felt secure once we had it in place.

We timed how long it took for us to assemble the tent, and noted it took us about 18 minutes due to the wind. Assembly is similar to a camping tent, and we had to push the rods through loops in the polyester material.

This was hard to do in the wind and we needed two sets of hands to get the job done, but once it was in place it worked really well. On a less windy day, we feel like the process would have been more straightforward.

One feature we really like is the tent floor so we didn’t have to sit in the sand. The extended floor also folds up and can be closed with a two-way zipper so we could create some privacy if we wanted to change clothes.

There are also three large mesh windows that can be unzipped to enjoy the breeze. Inside the tent, there are two storage pockets and a hook to hang a portable light, battery-operated fan, or Bluetooth speaker.

Teardown was smoother than assembly, and we recommend folding the tent around the rods so that it all slips back into the carrying case easily.

Product Details: Capacity: Three people | Weight: 4 pounds | Material: Polyester, fiberglass, alloy steel | Dimensions: 83 x 55 x 46 inches | UPF Rating: 50+

It is easy to secure in place with an oversized auger bit and built-in handles to screw the base into the sand.

The umbrella pole is made of steel, which makes it heavier than some of the other beach tent options.

This beach tent is similar to a beach umbrella, with a long center pole, but it also has sides that secure to the ground with stakes to create more shade. In addition to having an oversized auger bit, which looks like a giant screw to secure the base of this canopy into the sand, there are also four stakes and tie-downs to prevent the side flaps from blowing in the wind.

It wasn’t very windy on the day we tested this umbrella, but with several spots to secure this beach canopy to the ground, it felt very secure. Set up was easy with the built-in handles on the auger bit.

The center pole is made of steel, and it has a built-in tilting mechanism to adjust the canopy with the changing position of the sun. There are zippered windows to offer airflow and to further reduce the risk of the canopy blowing away.

At 8 feet wide, we think this canopy would be comfortable for two adults or a small family, but the manufacturer does not specifically list the capacity. Be sure to bring beach towels or beach chairs to set under the canopy since it doesn’t have a floor or bottom.

There are internal storage pockets to keep phones or snacks out of the sand. The canopy folds down to 53 inches x 3.5 inches and it comes with a carrying bag to make it easier to transport it from a vehicle or home to the beach. It is available in six color options, including aqua, blue, gray, gray camo, red, and red, white, and blue.

Product Details: Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 8.41 pounds | Material: Steel, polypropylene | Dimensions: 96 x 96 x 53 inches | UPF Rating: 50+

It remained securely in place during windy conditions, and it was easy to carry and assemble.

It requires wind in order for it to stay up.

If you are willing to spend a little extra, you'll appreciate the Shibumi Shade Beach Canopy. This option is ideal for beaches with wind since it requires a breeze for the fabric to flow behind the poles and create shade.

We found it sufficient to cover two adults and all of our equipment, which included beach chairs, towels, tote bags, coolers, and more. We were able to spread everything out without feeling cramped.

We were able to carry the canopy comfortably, thanks to the included carrying bag. We simply threw it over our shoulder and walked to our spot on the beach. The setup was simple, taking only a few minutes for us to get everything in place.

The assembly process was intuitive, although the provided instructions were clear to follow. Taking down the canopy was also straightforward, taking only a few minutes at first and even less time in later attempts.

The canopy remained in place thanks to the two poles planted into the sand. We filled the carrying bag with sand so it could function as a weight to secure the tent. The tent's fabric also didn't slide around, thanks to the built-in velcro straps.

We were concerned about the canopy's usability since it requires wind to function, but the beach we tested it on provided sufficient wind. However, this is important to keep in mind when considering this option for your own beach excursions, although it does still function even in wind conditions as little as 3 mph.

Product Details: Capacity: Up to six people | Weight: 4 pounds | Material: Plastic, aluminum | Dimensions:4.6 x 4.5 x 27.74 inches | UPF Rating: 50+

It weighs just 4 pounds and can fit into a large beach bag, making it easy to haul to the beach.

The extendable floor doesn’t have any loops to stake it down, so a beach chair or bag may be needed to weigh it down and make sure it doesn’t blow in the wind.

Our top pick for the best beach tent for families is the Oileus XL Beach Tent because it’s big enough to fit four people, and it only weighs 4 pounds. This is a great option for families who are already weighted down with gear when they head to the beach.

During testing, we found that this tent was easy to set up and assemble. To set up the tent, click the front two legs into position and pull the strings from the top of the tent until it pops into place. There are small stakes that you can use to anchor the tent, but if you’re at a beach with really fine sand it may not hold as well.

We loved the extendable floor that enlarged the sitting space of the beach tent. During our testing, two people were able to comfortably lay down to enjoy the shade of the tent. We also appreciated that the floor could fold up and velcro to the top of the tent to create privacy for a change of clothes before heading back home.

One drawback is that there were no loops to tack down the extendable floor, so it may need to be weighed down with a rock or beach bag. However, when we tested this canopy, we found that the canopy didn’t move, even when a breeze was blowing.

Inside the tent, there are windows that can be opened for ventilation and little storage pockets to keep sunscreen or water bottles off the floor. Overall, we loved its size, ease of assembly, and convenient features.

Product Details: Capacity: Four people | Weight: 4 pounds | Material: Fiberglass, alloy steel, polyester | Dimensions: 92 x 45 x 45 inches | UPF Rating: 50+

It took less than five minutes for us to set up the tent.

It has a capacity for three people, but with beach chairs there may only be enough space for two people.

This lightweight beach tent was easy for us to carry to the beach. It comes with a carrying case that has a shoulder strap, and everything needed for set up fits inside the bag. There were no special tools required, and we were able to assemble the tent in less than five minutes.

It was windy on the day we tested this beach tent, but once the stakes were in the sand, it didn’t move at all. There are also five sand pockets to fill for extra security, but we didn’t feel like it was necessary.

Inside there is plenty of space for a family with small children or a couple of adults. For larger families, not everyone will be able to fit in the shaded area at the same time, but it makes a great meeting spot to reapply sunscreen or grab some trail mix.

Inside there are several mesh storage pockets that keep supplies off the ground. There are also two window screens that allow for air to circulate through the tent. The tent material is lightweight but feels durable and is water-resistant. It also stood up nicely to the wind at the beach.

When it was time to go, it only took a few minutes to tear down the tent and get it back into the carrying case. Overall, this is the best option for durability against wind.

Product Details: Capacity: Five people | Weight: 4.4 pounds | Material: Fiberglass, polyester | Dimensions: 86.6 x 49.2 x 47.2 inches | UPF Rating: 50+

The 6 x 6-foot size provides a shade area large enough for families.

Using sand to weigh down the sides adds extra time to the set-up and tear-down processes.

For those looking for a cabana option, this is the best cabana beach tent we tested. It took us about 15 minutes to get this canopy set up. It went quickly, but it took a few extra minutes to fill the anchor bags with sand. The sides can also be staked down for an even more secure hold.

Once it is set up this 6 x 6-foot beach tent creates a large shade area for a group to enjoy. We like that there is space to set down beach chairs or a large picnic blanket in the shade.

The center pole also felt very sturdy, and the canopy was easy to disassemble and fit back in the carrying bag. There is an extra shade panel that clicks into place on any side of the cabana to block the sun. When we tested the side panel, a big gust of wind knocked the canopy on its side, so we don’t recommend adding the extra panel on windy days because it catches the wind like a sail.

The material is made of polyester, and it felt durable and high quality. There are seven pattern options, including blue and white strips, sea shells, and pineapples.

The only drawback to packing up this beach tent was that we had to take time to dump out all the sand that was used to hold down the sides. It wasn’t hard, but it was a little time consuming to get all of the sand out. Be sure to pack a small sand shovel to make the task a little easier.

Product Details: Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 10.4 pounds | Material: Plastic, metal, fiberglass, iron, polyester | Dimensions: ‎72 x 72 x 90 inches | UPF Rating: 50+

The stretchy material makes it a durable choice for the beach.

It doesn’t stand up well to high winds

This beach tent has two features that really stood out to us during testing. First, we liked the sizes available. The four-person canopy we tested measures 7 x 7.5 feet, providing plenty of shade for a family to hang out together at the beach.

There is also an eight-person tent available that measures 10 x 10 feet if you want even more space in the shade. The tents also come with a microfiber beach blanket to set on the sand. It comes in four color options, weighs just 7 pounds, and fits inside an easy-to-carry storage bag.

We also appreciated how easy it was to set up. Once we picked our spot we laid it out on the ground, we filled the corner bags with sand (we could have also used the corkscrew-shaped stakes to secure it if we were in the grass). Then, we propped up each corner with the poles and secured the fabric with an elastic cord.

We liked that a scoop was included to fill the anchor bags with sand. The material was stretchy , and there were no worries about it tearing. We found it simple to set up, but it was nice to have an extra set of hands.

One drawback was that this beach tent didn’t work very well for us in the wind. The manufacturer recommends setting up the tent facing the wind, but we had a hard time getting it set up when it was windy.

This beach canopy is great for a calm day at the beach or for creating extra shade at a grassy picnic area, but it might not be a great fit for a consistently windy beach area.

Product Details: Capacity: Four people | Weight: 7 pounds | Material: Spandex, aluminum | Dimensions: 84 x 90 x 66 inches | UPF Rating: 50+

Better Homes & Gardens / Taylor Calta

It opened up with ease the moment we removed the tent from the carrying case.

There wasn’t enough space in the tent for a beach chair.

The Tommy Bahama Sun Shelter was our pick for the best pop-up option. Once we removed it from the bag, it immediately popped open and was ready to use without any additional setup. Plus, there were no adjustments required to keep the tent open.

While it's not large enough that it could accommodate a beach chair, we found it ideal for protecting our face from sun damage while we tanned our legs. It's also suitable for a small child to relax or play without exposure to the sun. We appreciated that the polyester material kept our gear dry, including our beach towels. There was also a mesh window that allowed in breezes while we relaxed in the tent.

It's a lightweight pop-up tent, similar in size and weight to a hula hoop. However, we did have some difficulty keeping the tent secure during windy conditions. The sand on our beach was loose and dry, so there wasn't enough tension to secure it. Once there was a gust of wind, the stakes came loose and lifted the tent.

In addition, we ran into issues putting the tent back into its carrying case due in part to the wind. We packed it as sufficiently as we could, and then once we returned home, we had to watch the video to pack the tent away in its case properly.

Product Details: Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Material: Polyester (shell), metal | Dimensions: 86.5 x 39.5 x 47.2 inches | UPF Rating: 50

The umbrella remained secure even during windy conditions and it offered plentiful coverage from the sun.

It’s one of the heavier canopies on our list at almost 16 pounds.

The Sport-Brella Super-Brella Canopy exceeded our expectations, making it our pick for the best umbrella canopy. It was compact and lightweight, making it easy for us to carry.

The entire setup process was a smooth experience for us—it only took us three minutes to set it up. The process was intuitive, and we didn't need to rely on the instructions. We simply opened it up like an umbrella and secured it to the ground with the stakes. Taking it down was just as simple, and the stakes and the rope packed easily into the included case.

We actually took the umbrella to a baseball game, too, and it gave us a sufficient amount of privacy and protection from the elements. In fact, the day we used the umbrella, there were strong winds, but this was no match for this canopy.

Not once did the umbrella's stakes come loose, even when gusts of wind hit directly into it. The only downside to this canopy is that it weighs more than most other tents and canopies on our list at almost 16 pounds.

Product Details: Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 15.53 pounds | Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 3.15 x 3.15 x 56.30 inches | UPF Rating: 50+

Overall, our selection for the best beach tent is the Coleman Beach Shade Canopy Tent because it’s lightweight, offered protection from the sun and the wind, and was easy to take along for our beach trip.

We took 57 beach tents and canopies out into the field to test them in real-world conditions.

Upon receiving the tents and canopies, we initially inspected the products for overall quality of construction. Then, we took the products to the beach and set them up, noting any difficulties hauling the products out to the beach.

We timed how long it took to set up the beach tent, and responded to questions about how clear the instructions were and if we needed any additional tools to set up the tent.

We kept the beach tents up for two to three hours and took notes on how stable the products were, how many times we had to adjust the tent to keep it secure, and how much shade and ventilation it provided.

We also noted any features we particularly liked, such as storage features. Then, we disassembled the beach tents and evaluated how easy or difficult it was to put the product back into its original carrying case.

Better Homes & Gardens / Karlee Bahlmann

A beach tent is often just one of many items you’re carrying on a beach day, so you want something lightweight enough that you can also carry a beach chair, beach bag, or a cooler with ease.

The heaviest beach cabana on our list weighs about 10 pounds, but most beach tents on our list weigh between 4 and 8 pounds. The lightest tent on our list is the WhiteFang Beach Tent, which weighs 4 pounds.

To keep a lightweight tent secure on a windy beach, most tents have attached sandbags that you can fill or stakes to hold the tent in place.

Beach tents and canopies come in a variety of styles and sizes. “Low-hanging beach canopies allow for more movement with bigger families,” says Marc Taylor, manager of Beach Tent Rentals in Hallandale Beach, Florida. However, for groups with four people or fewer, he recommends using a 6 x 6-foot (or smaller) beach tent.

“Thin, oversize tents will catch the wind. Keep it under 10 feet,” Taylor says. “A 6 x 6-foot tent is perfect for two to four people.”

Dome tents are also popular for two to four people. They look more like a camping tent that is open on one side, and they can range from 45 to 54 inches wide. Beach canopies come in bigger sizes, ranging from 72 to 96 inches wide.

Most of the beach tents on this list are made from nylon or polyester, which is a lightweight material that is water resistant. Nylon is also lightweight and waterproof, and it’s stretchy, which makes it a great fit for beach canopies.

In addition, "tents made of nylon or polyester…resist tearing," Wilson says. He also suggests ensuring the material will actually protect you from the sun.

"Make sure to look at the UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of the material to ensure that it offers sufficient protection from the sun and won't break down after repeated use on sunny days," he advies.

We don’t recommend canvas beach tents because they hold onto moisture longer, and if they’re not completely dry when packed away it can lead to mold or mildew.

All of the beach tents are made of water-resistant fabric. However, since they are not enclosed on all four sides, they are not completely waterproof. If an afternoon rain shower pops up, all of these beach tents will offer some protection, but depending on the wind and the amount of rain, you may get wet.

Every tent on our list has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of 50+. UPF indicates how much UV radiation can penetrate the fabric and reach your skin. A UPF of 50 blocks 98% of the sun’s rays and greatly reduces your risk of harmful sun exposure, meaning these tents will help prevent sunburn.

Better Homes & Gardens / Stella Yu

The Easierhike Beach Sun Shade Tent was lightweight and it came with a carrying case, which made it easy to transport. We also liked that it came with everything needed to set up the tent, including carabiners and shovels to fill the sandbags.

However, it was difficult to set up and it took us more than 20 minutes to get it assembled. We also had to readjust the shade canopy frequently to prevent it from blowing down in the wind. Because of this, we feel that there are other beach tents that are easier to assemble and secure in place.

The Sunba Youth Beach Shade was easy to assemble; however, we had difficulties trying to fold it back down, and it took a long time to fit it back into the bag. We thought it was an ideal size for a parent and child to use together, but it didn’t seem very durable.

Additionally, the stakes were small and didn’t hold the tent in place well. Overall, we thought it wasn’t as durable as other tents and the disassembly process was too frustrating.

The Cool Cabana 5 was relatively easy to remove from the carrying case, and we also appreciated the stylish design. However, we encountered many difficulties putting this canopy up in windy conditions. Because of this, we believe it would be only suitable for a group, so more than one person can help set it up. Also, there was a center pole in the canopy that limited our ability to place chairs, beach bags, and other items.

We found that the Tommy Bahama Fiberglass Beach Umbrella was easy for us to take with us to the beach and set up without needing any instructions. It remained securely in place, even though there were windy conditions. We also liked its built-in table, ideal for holding phones, drinks, and other items. However, we did feel the price point was a bit higher than we'd like to spend on an umbrella.

The color of your beach tent is mostly a matter of personal preference. Many people opt for a beach tent in a shade of blue, for an aquatic feel. If you want family or friends to easily spot your tent at the beach, you may want to opt for red, orange, or yellow.

Patterns such as wide nautical stripes are popular on both beach cabanas and tents. Keep in mind that light colors reflect the light, while darker colors absorb light, which may make it warmer under the tent.

During our testing, we found that the dome-shaped beach tents, such as the WhiteFang Beach Tent, offered the greatest stability. They are generally lower to the ground, smaller, and can be both staked and secured with sandbags.

Many also have extended floors that can be further weighted down by coolers and beach chairs. It is important to note that on windy days you should open the ventilation windows to allow the breeze to flow through the tent.

Better Homes & Gardens / Taylor Calta

Nicole Pyles is a freelance writer for Better Homes and Gardens and other outlets, writing about everything from home and kitchen topics to best gift ideas. Megan Boettcher is a freelance writer for Better Homes and Gardens, writing about a variety of topics, including home design, holiday crafts, and more. To find the best beach tents and canopies, Nicole and Megan used research and insights from our field tests conducted throughout the United States. Megan also consulted with Marc Taylor, manager of Beach Tent Rentals in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Nicole also spoke with Ryan Wilson, certified wilderness first responder and founder of The Camper Adviser.