Best Beach Tents

Last Update: December, 2023

Summer is approaching and there is no better time to visit the beach than on a hot summer day. But have you ever fallen asleep while relaxing at the beach and woken to the worst sunburn of your life? Laying out in the direct sun can cause a lot of issues from sunburn to other distractions.

Choosing the best beach tent for your day will help a ton. You will be protected from the sun, but also have some privacy to just relax.

Here are the details on the best beach tents that will accommodate your needs for a day at the beach.

More About The Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent Deluxe XL

This Pacific Breeze tent is probably one of the fastest and easiest tents to set up and take down because of its state of the art and unique design. The deluxe XL version of this tent is extremely lightweight and compact.

This tent is actually quite large in that it can fit about 3-4 people inside comfortable. When it’s set up, it measures 95L x 52H x 51D. When it’s folded down, it has a travel size of 38L X 6W X 6H. It is equipped with internal pockets that allow you to store any personal items. You’ll also like the hooks that are great in case you need to hang up any wet clothing.

More About The Easthills Outdoor Tent

This Easthill Outdoors Instant Shader is one of the largest on the market. Measuring 99" W x 53" D x 57" H plus a front porch space, this tent can comfortably fit 4 adults and children or pets. It isn’t too heavy either which makes transporting it quite easy.

Setting up this tent is fast and easy. Step-by-step instructions are available inside the bag - you can set it up quickly and get on with your day at the beach.

More About The Oileus X-Large 4 Person Beach Tent

The Olieus X-Large beach tent features an automatic pop-up setup mechanism that makes setting up and taking down a simple 30-second job. It is very lightweight; only weighing about 4 pounds. This sun shade is strong and durable. It is made of breathable polyester and anti-99% harmful UV rays.

Designed to be extremely spacious, this sun shelter measures about 92" x 45" x 45" (in the XXL size). You’ll enjoy the comfortable cooling shade while you relax inside.

More About The Arcshell Beach Tent

The Arcshell pop-up beach tent is large enough to fit two beach chairs but can be folded down small enough to fit inside a checked luggage bag. It comes equipped with 5 extra-large sandbags for added durability and can withstand up to 25 mph winds.

The beautiful blue color that this tent comes in makes it a pleasant sight on the beach. It is equipped with an extended dome which provides extra shelter from the sun. The extra ground cloth is also included to cover large floor areas. 

More About The Outdoor Master Protection for Kids and Family

This Outdoor Master beach tent pops up in seconds, with no tools or hard assembly required. With this tent, you'll receive UV SPF protection up to 50+.

With a built-in double zippered door, you can double the use of this tent as a changing room. It is lightweight and easy to carry on your day out at the beach. 

More About The KingCamp Awning Sun Shelter Auto Canopy

This KingCamp Awning Sun Shelter is a great idea for the beach. The large shade can be used for a variety of purposes. You can rope the shade to a vehicle and use it as a gazebo or you can use the steel poles to use it as a ground shelter.

The 60 square foot shade is large enough to cover tables, chairs, coolers, kids, and the like from sun, rain, and wind. Air vents and large mesh windows allow for ventilation to flow through the entire tent.

Features to Consider When Buying Beach Tents

Quality

You want to be sure that the tent you are purchasing is made of quality material. Polyester and nylon are the two types of materials that tents are made from. They are both water resistant and will last long.

Be sure that the tent you are purchasing has a durable yet lightweight frame that can withstand any type of weather.

Size

Size is important to think about especially considering the number of people you want to fit in your tent. Most tents can comfortably fit two adults and two children. Keep in mind the space you have to move about the tent as well.

Stability

Obviously, you don't want your tent to blow away so you want to be sure that your tent is stable. Check out how many stakes, sandbags, and guylines it comes with. Also, check if there are any interior pockets that will provide extra stability.

Ease of Use

Easy setup and takedown are especially important when purchasing a tent. Easy transportation to and from the beach is especially important as well.

Privacy

Buying a tent that provides privacy is a high priority. Many beach tents have a double zippered foyer area that is a good place to use as a changing room, a napping area, or just a place to unwind.

Protection from the Sun

At the beach, you are exposed to a variety of elements. You want to purchase a tent that will not only protect you from the sun but will provide protection from wind and other elements.

Different Types of Beach Tents

Beach tents are growing in popularity and there are many different types to choose from.

Pop-Up

This is a beach tent with an easy set-up and takedown. All it usually takes for a tent like this is simply unfolding it and it will do the rest. When you are ready to leave, it will fold back up just as easily.

Pop-up tents may have a bottom to them that allows you to keep your things dry and off the sand. The walls will buffer the chaotic winds at the beach and provide a decent amount of shelter against it.

Pop-up tents come in many sizes. There are choices for babies only - small enough to create a safe and comfortable space for your young children. There are often smaller adult options that can comfortably fit two people. If you need something for the whole family, there are larger options that can comfortably hold six people.

Canopy

A beach canopy is a great choice if you are going to be at the beach with a lot of people. Think along the lines of weddings, family reunions, or a summer beach party. This will keep people sheltered from the harsh sun and also create a space for you to enjoy a picnic.

If you love to entertain large functions at the beach, then a canopy is probably more what you are looking for. It can protect you against the sun and offer a shady spot for everyone to visit. Canopies don’t often have walls, so they may not provide good wind protection but they come in bright colors which will make it easy for your guests to find.

Cabana

Beach cabanas are ideal for a family outing. If you plan on being at the beach all day, this type of tent will protect you not only from the sun but also from the other elements as well. It keeps the wind from kicking sand into your face and allows you to enjoy your day.

A quick cabana is a sort of like a cabana and pop-up in one. It is easy to put up and take down.
Cabanas are a great option for an all-day outing at the beach. You can store your ice chest full of food, drinks and all of the other belongings you need to bring to the beach.

It also offers privacy if you want to change from your bathing suit into regular clothes, change your baby's diaper, or let your young children have an afternoon nap.

This is also a great place to sit and play games with your family when you are taking a break from swimming. Because it buffers against wind and sand, you can comfortably enjoy games, reading, or even listening to music without having to worry about being whipped in the face by sand.

Baby Tent

There are some beach tents that are simply designed for your baby in mind. They are small and have a floor that allows your baby to crawl around and play without getting dirty. A baby tent also keeps the sun off of their delicate skin.

Benefits of a Beach Tent

There are so many great benefits to owning a beach tent that will make you wonder why you’ve never purchased one before.​​​​

Storage

A beach tent is a great way to protect your belongings from theft. Many tents have storage pockets and a secret compartment that allows you to store your keys, wallet, and phone. This also prevents you from losing any of these things while you are enjoying your day.

Naptime

Many people find the sound of crashing waves calming. Or maybe you have been out in the surf and need to come in for a little rest. A beach tent offers privacy to do so while also protecting you from the sun. It also mutes the sound of the wind and keeps it from blowing fine sand all over you.

Picnics

Eating at the beach is fun. But wind can blow sand into your food and the seagulls are always lurking, ready to take your food right out of your hand when you’re not paying attention. A beach tent provides protection against the elements and also keeps the pesky birds away.

Family Time

A beach tent is a great way for the whole family to enjoy a day at the beach. A tent can protect your babies and toddlers from the harsh elements and make a great spot to play games when resting from swimming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Size Do I Need?

Getting the right size beach tent is crucial. Luckily, this is pretty easy to figure out.

If you are buying one just for yourself, you will want to go with a smaller one to save storage space and for easy transportation. If you’re looking for one for the whole family to enjoy or to entertain, you will want to go with one specially designed for a larger group. Always read the specifications of the beach tent before you make your purchase.

Does It Offer Sun Protection?

Yes, it usually does. Beach tents are not just a shade tent, they are designed to protect against harmful UV rays that make you vulnerable to sunburn and other skin damage. This is especially ideal for babies and young children, but everyone benefits.

Can Damage Be Repaired?

There are kits that you can buy to repair any tears in the material, but duct tape will work just fine too. Anything that has a strong adhesive and is waterproof will be your best bet.

Can They Be Stored Easily?

Beach tents are not just designed for comfort and weather protection. They are designed to be moved around and stored easily as well. Many will come in a carry bag or carry case for easy transportation and storage.

Are They Like Camping Tents?

They can actually be used as a regular camping tent if you are doing a short camping trip and the weather is mild. It won't hold up in strong weather conditions the way a regular camping tent would. You also want to put it in an area where tree branches won't tear the material.

Difference Between a Beach Tent and Beach Canopy?

Beach canopies tend to be larger and are meant to cover larger areas for entertaining. They do not have a bottom or sides but are anchored down with four poles.

Canopies are great for parties, picnics, and family reunions or other large get together. A tent offers more privacy for you and your family. A beach tent can have a bottom to protect your things from the sand and also allows a quiet and safe place for your babies or young children to nap.

Tents offer privacy that canopies don’t but canopies offer the entertainment factor that tents don’t. Either will be efficient for whatever use you need them for.

Conclusion

If you have been on the fence about purchasing a beach tent, you don’t have to doubt any longer. A beach tent is such a great long term investment if you like to spend your summer days on the beach. It protects against harmful UV rays, wind, sand blowing into everything, and those pesky seagulls that try to take your food.

Tents provide privacy for you and your family and help to create your own personal space on the crowded beach.