The Best Beach Tents To Stay Cool In 2022
If your number one concern this summer is finding the best beach tents, you can consider yourself lucky. Beach days are the best days: the feeling of cool water against your warm skin, the sand between your toes, the salty scent of the sea breeze, and all that free vitamin D… oh, and sunburns if you’re not careful.
Using SPF protection and staying shaded at the beach is essential not only for your comfort and relief but for your skin’s protection, too. This is why we believe beach tents are must-have summer essentials. Sure, they might seem a little extra, but nothing beats the deep cool shade a spacious beach tent provides. As a bonus, a quality beach tent makes for a decent shelter from an unexpected summer storm and strong winds, as well as a perfect hangout spot for eating, drinking and card-playing with friends and family. A good beach tent also provides some privacy. At the same time, it can be perfect for storing various beach gear and accessories. Unlike beach umbrellas, beach tents provide constant shade and sun protection, which is crucial if you have a baby or pet with you. And while you definitely want to slather on that sunscreen, most beach tents also have decent UPF ratings to provide added protection against harmful sun’s rays.
You want your tent to be durable, easy to set up, lightweight and portable. The fabric is also important and it should provide sufficient UV protection. Below, you’ll find our favorite models for oceanside adventures that tick all of these boxes, and then some. Some of these options are basic and budget-friendly, while others come with bells and whistles to make your holiday that much more enjoyable. Without further ado, here are some of the best beach shelters for this year’s summer adventures.
- Best for Families: Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Deluxe XL Beach Tent
- Most Unique Design: Neso Tents Grande Beach Tent
- Most Versatile Pop-up Tent: WolfWise SplitWave R10 Beach Tent
- Crossover Canopy Tent: Sport-Brella Portable Canopy And Umbrella Beach Tent
- Best XL Beach Tent: Easthills Easy Up Beach Tent
- Best Budget Choice: G4Free Cabana Pop-Up Tent
- Lots of Internal Pockets: Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
- Easiest To Set Up Tent: Zomake Pop Up Beach Tent
- Best Privacy Shelter: Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader
- Best for Kids: Lightspeed Outdoors Sun Shelter
- Most Lightweight: iCorer Pop Up Beach Shelter
- Biggest Pop-Up Sun Shelter: Sun Ninja Pop-Up Beach Tent
The Best Beach Tent
1Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Deluxe XL Beach Tent
Pacific Breeze is a waterproof tent made of breathable polyester with a fiberglass frame. At 95 x 51 x 52, it’s super-spacious and easily beats the competition in size. The Deluxe XL version is also lightweight – the tent weighs only 6 pounds with plenty of room inside to accommodate up to four people. It has a specially designed hub system, providing an effortless and fast setup. While not a pop-up-style tent, the Pacific Breeze has an easy drawstring mechanism that allows one person to set it up in about a minute.
The model’s exceptional UPF 50+ protection helps prevent sunburns, too. The shade from this spacious tent can extend up to 3 feet around it, so you can use it as a cover for children too. The Pacific Breeze Deluxe XL also includes five sand bags and four stakes for extra stability, as well as a carrying bag for easy portability. The only minor downside is that it can get a bit hot inside when the tent is under the sun for long so make sure to open the screen windows (there are three large ones) to create breeze. For more great products to make your days at the beach more enjoyable, check out our selection of top-rated beach chairs.
Water-repellent polyester with UPF 50+ protection from harmful UV rays
A uniquely designed hub system pops up in seconds
Three large ventilation windows
Carrying bag and sandbags included
Internal storage for gear and accessories
- BrandPacific Breeze Products
- Weight6.5 Pounds
- MaterialPolyester, Fiberglass
Non-arguably one of the biggest tents in the market
Speedy assembly in about a minute
Comfy, lightweight, and compact
Slightly more difficult to pack away than to set up
It can get hot inside, but that’s what screen windows are for
2Neso Tents Grande Beach Tent
Beach canopies are partially open, making them a great choice for particularly hot days. This large canopy-style stakeless tent stands at over 7ft tall and provides plenty of overhead space. With its unique and stylish design in twenty-three different colors and patterns to choose from, you’re guaranteed to make quite the impression at the beach. The 6′ 11” aluminum tent poles are lightweight and you can neatly pack up the tent in a carrying bag for easy portability. The Neso Grande Beach Tent is made from high quality and durable nylon/lycra blend with patented reinforced corners that have been specially designed for longevity. It offers UPF factor 50+ sun protection as well as a water-repellent coating.
A set of anchor bags is supplied, which can be filled with sand or weighed down with rocks to anchor the tent on a breezy day. The entire process of setting up is pretty easy. You’ll spend around five minutes filling the anchors with sand, which is the longest job you’ll have. The only inconvenience is that you may need to move it around a bit during the day as the sun moves around. Still, that’s not that big of an issue – adjusting takes a few seconds. The tent offers plenty of space to set down your beach chairs and enjoy the lazy summer days. It’s on the pricier side, but if you’re looking for the best beach canopy tent, this is a fantastic option.
Made from water repellent, 9×9 reinforced nylon/lycra blend for durability
Provides UPF 50+ sun protection
Comes with corner anchor bags
Carrying bag and cooler pockets included
Fits three to six people
- BrandNeso
- Weight6.5 Pounds
- MaterialNylon/Lycra blend
A very durable beach tent; with buried sand bags can hold up to strong winds
A perfect size, fits multiple beach chairs and people
Modern, lightweight and compact design
We’re not huge fans of the plastic feet on poles
Setting up comes with a bit of a learning curve
3WolfWise SplitWave R10 Beach Tent
If you’re considering investing in a new tent this summer, check out this WolfWise ultra-lightweight yet durable polyester tent, that effortlessly pops up and folds down in seconds. Complete with its carrying bag, it’s portable and easy to transport. There are storage pockets inside to keep smaller possessions safe and neatly organized, plus two large windows for extra airflow and visibility. Both the front and rear of this awesome tent can be fully opened if you need more ventilation.
According to the manufacturer, the WolfWise SplitWave R10 Beach Tent is spacious enough to accommodate up to four people: up to three adults alone, or two adults with two children. This might be true in theory, but in practice, this tent comfortably fits up to two adults or up to three children. The UPF+50-protected coating absorbs 98% of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, helping prevent sunburns. The frame itself is a highly durable corrosion-free galvanized steel, while the tent fabric is tear-free 190T polyester. For long-lasting performance and full weather protection, the WolfWise is an excellent choice.
For more amazing options like this, check out our guide to the best rooftop tents and pick the right one for your next trip.
Pop-up tent with two-way entrances
Durable tear-resistant 190T polyester fabrication
Two large windows and two storage pockets
Provides UPF 50+ sun protection
Carrying bag included for easy transportation
- BrandWolfWise
- ModelWF-INS-B-1
- Weight4.2 Pounds
- MaterialPolyester, Fiberglass, Steel
No adjusting needed thanks to the dome shape
Easy and quick to set up
Perfect for beach, soccer games, picnics
You might need an extra time to take it down and put it in the bag
Comfortably fits two to three adults, four is definitely a stretch
4Sport-Brella Portable Canopy And Umbrella Beach Tent
This is not your average beach umbrella tent. A crossover between beach umbrella and beach canopy, this super-easy-to-set-up beach shelter is a great option for a family who loves the outdoors. You’ll feel like you have your private beach cabana! Sport-Brella Portable Canopy and Umbrella beach tent is ruggedly constructed and has canopy-style zippered windows that provide great ventilation. It includes side flaps to protect you from sideways rain or the setting sun. When wide open, the umbrella provides eight feed of coverage, which is pretty good. The setup is quick and painless, and it comes with a carry bag that fits all. Bring some chairs to relax on and have a fun day at the beach, picnic, or a soccer tournament!
As one of the best beach canopies with an umbrella twist, this beach shelter is supported by steel ribs and a 5mm steel stretcher and it comes with tie-down stakes for extra wind security. However, we’ve seen multiple complaints about the stakes being flimsy and unstable in sand, so we recommend getting two extra ones just in case.
A combo of umbrella and canopy with 50+ ultraviolet sun protection factor
Side panels provide extra coverage and wind flaps added ventilation
Additional side zippered windows for increased airflow
Water repellent and weatherproof construction
Carry bag, tethers, and ground stakes are all included
- BrandSport-Brella
- ModelBRE01-075
- Weight1.2 Pounds
- MaterialFabric
All round weather and shade protection
Rugged and durable
UPF protection
Light-weight
Portable
Water repellent
Complete with carry bag
May require extra heavy-duty stakes to weigh down when windy
A very blunted pole end makes it hard to get into the ground
5Easthills Easy Up Beach Tent
Heading to the beach with friends and family but don’t want to pack the big boys’ tent? This Deluxe XL sun shelter with its ample headroom and plenty of space for four adults makes an acceptable alternative for summer beach parties. Easthills Easy Up Beach Tent is one of the biggest high-quality tents made from 185t durable polyester. It features an extended zippered porch that can be turned into an extended floor sheet for even more space, with four internal mesh pockets perfectly designed for storing whatever you need. If you need to change your swimsuit, breastfeed or have any other private moment, you can always zipper the front.
You’ll find three huge mesh windows for ventilation on a hot summer day. This large tent also comes with plenty of plastic stakes (ten in total) and four guylines, as well as sandbags on each side of the wall to help stop the tent from flying off in a sudden gust of wind. Although the setup is remarkably easy once you have the hang of it, it might take you a few extra minutes the first time you set it up.
Extra-large sun shade and protection for up to four adults
Water-resistant 185T polyester with UPF 50+ protection
Carrying bag with shoulder straps
Sets up in less than a minute once you master it
Three-sided roll-up blind window
Zippered front for additional privacy
- BrandEasthills Outdoors
- Weight8 Pounds
- MaterialPolyester
Quality tent at an affordable price
Extra roomy with plenty of ventilation
Durable, water-resistant construction
You need to be at least 5’4” to be able to pop the tent open
Can be unwieldy to set up and take down on your own
6G4Free Cabana Pop-Up Tent
The G4Free Cabana Pop-Up Tent comes in a range of attractive, fun colors, each model offering UPF 50+ sun protection. It’s perfect for a beach trip, park picnic, playtime in your backyard, or any outdoor event. A portable carry bag with a handle makes the tent easy to transport, and when all packed up it is pretty impressive how small the tent becomes. The only issue is folding it back: collapsing can take a few attempts. We recommend watching either a YouTube tutorial or following the instructions, which are sewn into the carrying case.
This is a super lightweight tent, which means it is super easy to fly away! They included two built-in sand pockets, four sandbags that you can detach at any time, and four fixed tent pegs, so it can be weighted down for extra support against the wind. But you might still need some extra rocks. And for much-needed sea breeze during those hot summer days, the tent has three side-widened mesh windows at the bottom. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, this is possibly the best model out there!
Extra-large sun shade and protection for up to four people
190T silver coated fabric with UPF 50+
Three-sided roll-up blind window
Zippered front for additional privacy
Two built-in sand pockets, four detachable sandbags
Comes with a portable carrying case
- BrandG4Free
- Weight2.2 Pounds
- Material190T Silver Coated Fabric
Good quality fabric and construction at a budget-friendly price
Extra roomy with plenty of ventilation
Lightweight and easy to transport
There is a learning curve to getting it to fold up
Lightweight so known to fly away in strong wind; getting more sand bags is recommended
7Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
This Easy Setup Beach Tent comes with the same great tent features you’d expect from any Pacific Breeze brand tent in a smaller size. At 87 L x 47 H x 49 D, it resembles the Deluxe version in looks and features, but it’s much lighter – a great option for anyone who enjoys the outdoor life. It fits three people comfortably and folds down to a travel size of 40 L x 5 W x 5 H. It might be the fastest and easiest beach tent to set up and take down on the market.
It will take you less than a minute to unpack it, lay it out, and pop it up by yourself. Collapsing will be just as easy, and they give you a large enough carrying bag. You’ll be happy that it comes with internal storage pockets for safe storage of beach essentials, as well as four stakes and sandbags for extra stability. The windows are large and help provide ventilation on hot days. A water-resistant PE floor makes it easy to stay dry and it stops getting the inside of the tent wet. The downside might be the quality of the tarp – it’s somewhat thin. But for such a budget-friendly price, this is an awesome beach tent all around.
Be sure to also browse our list of the most reliable blow up tents, and pick the right one for your next camping trip.
Uniquely designed hub system for speedy assembly
Lightweight fiberglass frame and water-resistant PE floor
Water-repellent fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection
Two large windows for ventilation
Internal pockets for safe storage of personal items
- BrandPacific Breeze Products
- ModelFBA_PBT-001-BLU
- Weight4.45 Pounds
- MaterialPolyester, Fiberglass
Incredibly easy to set up and collapse
Durable, sturdy, and full of cool compartments inside and outside
Excellent value for money
An extra window in the back for more ventilation would be nice
The tarp on the bottom piece feels a bit cheap
8Zomake Pop Up Beach Tent
Love the traditional beach tents but hate setting them up? Check out this Zomake Pop Up Beach Tent, as it could not be simpler to assemble: just chuck it to the ground and it pops up. Zomake pop-up tent comes in a circular carry bag with straps so you can sling it over your shoulder to easily transport it from the car to the beach. It opens up at both ends providing plenty of ventilation as well as sun protection. There are also two windows and an extra big mesh sky window. You’ll get protection from insects and too much sun exposure but plenty of breathability and ventilation if you happen to be taking a nap.
This quick-up tent is very roomy for two adults, but can fit up to three adults or two adults and two children if needed. And it is not restricted to the sand – this is an amazing shelter to keep in the car for impromptu picnics or some light camping. You also don’t need to worry about durability since all fabrics are made of 190t high-density water-resistant polyester material, plus a fiberglass frame. The bottom tarp is easy to clean as well.
Pop-up shelter made of 190t high-density fabric
Durable and lightweight fiberglass frame
ProvidesUPF 50+ sun protection
Carry bag with shoulder straps included
Fits three to four individuals or one queen-size mattress
Excellent ventilation with 2 windows and large doors
- BrandZOMAKE
- Weight5 Pounds
- MaterialPolyester
Easy assembly – unfolds in literally seconds
Lots of airflow and ventilation, with mesh windows on all openings
Perfect for not only for beach, but light camping trips too
Not waterproof so not great if you get caught in a thunderstorm
Folding down may take some practice
9Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader
The Outdoors Instant Shader is another great beach tent from Easthills, this one in large size. This affordable sun shelter comes with an extendable zippered porch area that can be used as a front door and closed from both inside and outside. It takes less than a minute to assemble and provides all-day-long ample protection from the sun’s harmful rays. It’s ultra-lightweight and also water-resistant, crafted from durable 185T polyester coated with UPF 50+ protection. It’s great for escaping an unexpected light shower if you are at an outdoor sporting event or beach.
There’s plenty of internal ventilation with three-sided roll-up windows for a 360-degree view experience. Need some privacy? Just zip up the porch area. The tent also comes with a useful shoulder strap carry bag and plenty of stakes to firmly tether it down. With an easy-up mechanism, internal mesh storage, step-by-step instructions that are sewed into the carrying bag, and so many other fantastic tent features, this is an excellent tent for beach camping and sporting events.
Take a look at our list of some of the most popular beach blankets, and pick your favorite.
Water-resistant 185T polyester coated with UPF 50+ protection
Three-sided droll-up windows for ventilation
Four internal mesh storage pockets
Extendable front porch closes for privacy
10 plastic stakes, four guylines, one storage pouch
Carry bag with shoulder strap included
- BrandEasthills Outdoors
- Weight6.5 Pounds
- MaterialMetal
Spacious zippered front porch fully closes for privacy
Durable construction with plenty of internal ventilation
Quick and easy to set up and take down after some practice
You must follow the instructions carefully to set it up the first time
10Lightspeed Outdoors Sun Shelter
Lightspeed Outdoors Sun Shelter’s easy up and down side-pull hub system allows for quick set up and break down. Unlike other beach tents in this guide, this one has an all-around view, allowing you and your little ones to enjoy your surroundings. At the same time, you can seal up each of the 3 large mesh windows individually in case of bad weather or if you need better shade or sun protection. The tent also features a uniquely designed large overhang that provides more top and front shade coverage than other beach tents.
We’re big fans of the front porch area as it can be closed off if you need extra privacy, whether you’re changing, breastfeeding or want to keep the tent secure when you’re away. Overall, this is a great fully portable and easy-to-assemble sun shelter that can accommodate three to four people, making it great for families with kids.
Polyurethane fabric with water-resistant 600mm PU coating
Patented easy side-pull hub system
Extendable porch clips up for privacy
Three roll-up windows for maximum ventilation
Sand pockets and sand bags, guy lines, and stakes for added stability
- BrandLightspeed Outdoors
- Model26957-CE
- Weight7.26 Pounds
- MaterialFiberglass, Polyurethane
Sets up in seconds with its specialized side-pull hub system
Clip-up porch provides privacy when you need it
The oversized carry bag makes it easy to pack
Best used in moderate weather
11iCorer Pop Up Beach Shelter
At only 2.2 pounds, this super lightweight and compact beach tent is easy to take anywhere with you. With its patented pop-up design that requires no assembly, this is one of the best beach tents so far in this price range. It’s fully coated in UV reflective fabric to keep you safe from harmful sun exposure and has a huge mesh window for airflow. Lightweight but durable construction combined with an attractive design makes this model a great little tent for a perfect day at the beach, park, or your very own backyard.
On the downside, it’s not that roomy inside, and it can be a little tricky to fold it the first time. Nevertheless, there is an instruction sheet attached to the very helpful carrying bag. Try to fold the tent in half and squeeze it into a circle shape, then stuff it into the bag. Like everything else, it gets easier with practice.
Make sure you also check our guide to the top-quality beach wagons for more great products like this.
Flame-resistant nylon fabric with UVF 50+ protection
Large back mesh window for ventilation
Six metal ground stakes, two sand pockets
Pop-up design
Carry bag included
- BrandiCorer
- Modellalune01
- Weight2.2 Pounds
- MaterialNylon
Super-compact and lightweight beach tent
Self expands in a few seconds
Covers all the basics
It can be tricky to fold the first time
Not very spacious, fits up to two individuals
12Sun Ninja Pop-Up Beach Tent
Looking for lots of shade for a large group of people? Check out the Sun Ninja Pop-Up Beach Tent. This awesome pop-up sun shelter comes in three sizes and various attractive colors, and provides plenty of shade for friends and family. It’s made from water-resistant canopy fabric that offers UPF 50+ protection from the sun, so it adds another layer of defense against sunburn. It’s also very easy to set up and comes with stability anchors and poles so it’s not going to blow away on a windy day.
This is an extra-large sun shelter that can fit up to eight people (there are smaller models available, too). It also works for multiple terrains and makes for a nice addition to your summer camping gear. The only real downside is that you won’t have any privacy if you need to get changed. On the other hand, you’ll get a 360º view of the ocean to fully enjoy your day at the beach.
Water-resistant fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection
Fits up to eight people
Bungee cord ties
Stability poles and anchors included
Carrying bag included
- BrandSun Ninja
- Weight6.6 Pounds
- MaterialAluminum
Provides plenty of shade for a group
Even though it’s big, one person can set it up
Stable even in strong winds
You won’t have any privacy
Why Trust Us
Nothing makes a hot day at the beach more enjoyable than some deep, cool shade! To give you the very best beach tents and canopies, we spent over 20 hours researching the market, comparing the best sellers, and reading customer reviews. We also chatted with some of our in-house testers and editors who have first-hand experience with various beach tents and pop-up canopies.
Who This Is For
This guide is for anyone looking for a quality beach tent or canopy. Beach canopies and tents provide constant shade and shelter, which is imperative when you're exposed to harsh UV rays. They also come in handy in unpredictable weather conditions. Whether you're looking for the best tent for beach camping, a versatile tent that can easily go from beach to campgrounds, or an affordable, large model for the whole family, this guide has you covered, pun intended.
How We Picked
Selecting the best tents and canopies for this guide started with our usual research: we looked at the best sellers, checked out current brands' releases, and read hundreds of beach tent reviews. We also consulted with some of our team members who've used beach tents, umbrellas and canopies in the past.
We looked at the quality of both fabric and frame, ease of assembly and disassembly, and how much airflow was available. We also included a variety of models to ensure there's something for everyone, regardless of your budget and needs.
Features To Look For In Beach Tents
In no particular order of relevancy, you’ll want to consider the features below when making your selection.
Size of the tent – How many people are going to use your beach sun tent shelter? Some models are smaller and can only fit two people while others can seat up to eight or more. Smaller tents are perfect for an outdoor afternoon trip, but they also tend to fly away in strong winds. Bigger tents are excellent for larger groups but remember that they are harder to assemble, store, and carry. There are benefits to both, so it's ultimately up to your plans.
Construction – You want the material to be tough and durable because it needs to be able to handle sun and water. Not all beach tents and beach canopies are created equal, and you want a thick, weather-resistant fabric that can endure all or most of the elements year after year. We recommend durable polyester or nylon because these materials are less affected by ever-changing elements.
Set up – Speed and ease of assembly are essential when deciding on a beach tent. Sure, you are happy that you found a sturdy and durable tent, but how long will it take you to set it up? You can throw some tents to the ground and they'll automatically pop up. Others come with many poles and extra parts for added stability, but this will also make them more complex to assemble. If you're flying solo, we recommend sticking to pop-up tents. If you normally have someone with you to help you with the assembly, the options are practically limitless.
Weight – A good beach tent should first and foremost be lightweight. After all, you'll move your tent around often, and you also want to be able to carry it easily. The average tent weighs between six and eight pounds, although some of the lightest beach tents like tarp canopies are around two pounds.
Extra features – Other useful features worth mentioning are internal storage pockets and containers to store your beach accessories like sunscreen and snacks. Some tents have a front floor that can be fully zippered for extra privacy, which can be a must-have feature for some. Sandbags are mostly stitched onto the outer sheet, making for practical alternatives to stakes but they don't always anchor well. Surprisingly, a carrying case is not always included but is in our opinion essential, especially if you're going on a long-distance trip, so make sure the model you want comes with a bag.
Beach Tent FAQ
Q: Why do you need a beach tent?
A: The best beach tents can shelter you from harsh sun rays, wind and rain and they provide some privacy, too, when you need to change your clothes. Most can also be used for storing various beach gear and accessories, such as sunscreen, a book or two, snacks, and more.
Q: Are beach tents waterproof?
A: Some beach tents are indeed waterproof, but most models come with just a water-resistant or water-repellent coating. This means that most tents are good for light showers and some splashes, but should not be used in rainstorms.
Q: Does a tent need special after-trip care when camping on and near ocean beaches?
A: We would strongly recommend that you give your beach tent a thorough shake and dust off any sand before you pack it away. It’s safe to say that sand does get into ALL those nooks and crannies! Opt for a shade tent with an easy wipe surface and be sure to give it a good clean before you fully pack it away for your next trip.
Q: How do you set up a beach tent?
A: Setting up a beach tent should be quick and easy, but it does depend on the type of tent you own.
Pop-up tents: If you need a tent that is easy to put together, a pop-up canopy or tent is what you want. Some of these have uniquely designed hub systems for setting up. Those are usually the lightest beach tents and you need just a few seconds to set some of them up.
Umbrella tents: These tents have a pole that you can drive into the sand. The included canopies can be secured toward the back of the tent.
Beach canopies: Setting up a beach canopy is fairly straightforward, as many have built-in pole systems. Still, it’s easier if you have at least two people to complete the task. They are usually open on three or four sides, and without a groundsheet.
Q: How to fold a pop-up beach tent?
A: Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to fold your tent in a minute or less.
- Make it flat - Bring the sides of your tent together and make it completely flat. If it resists, or it forms an odd shape, try to press it flat along another axis.
- Fold it in half - Put a knee on one end, and bring the opposite end towards you, while following the axis.
- Create circles by folding over - Roll the end coming towards you under itself. Your tent should now form circles. Gather these together so they sit on top of each other.
- Secure and bag it up - Slide the collapsed tent into the carry bag, and you're all set.
Sources:
- Tent Care Basics - REI Co-Op