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Youll have it made in the shade all summer long with the best beach tents and canopies.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
You may need another person for the assembly.
Our top pick for the best beach tent is theColeman Beach Shade Canopy Tent.
We appreciated that it was easy to carry and lightweight at just 4.1 pounds.
Credit: Amazon
Despite being lightweight, it withstood windy conditions and offered plentiful protection from the sun.
The first time we assembled the tent, it took 25 minutes.
However, once we were accustomed to the process, it took only 15 minutes.
The Coleman Beach Shade Canopy Tent fits two lawn chairs comfortably.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Product Details: Capacity:Two people |Weight: 4.1 lbs.
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.
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.
When setting up this set, we found that it was important to set it up facing the wind.
If you have an extra set of hands it will help make the process go faster.
One thing to consider is how much beach space this canopy requires.
Product Details: Capacity:Two to four people |Weight:4 lbs.
|Material:Aluminum, nylon/lycra material |Dimensions:66 x 84 x 84 in.
If youre looking for a budget-friendly beach tent, this is the best option for you.
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 didnt have to sit in the sand.
There are also three large mesh windows that can be unzipped to enjoy the breeze.
Product Details: Capacity:Three people |Weight:4 lbs.
|Material:Polyester, fiberglass, alloy steel |Dimensions:83 x 55 x 46 in.
It requires wind in order for it to stay up.
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.
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.
Product Details: Capacity:Up to six people |Weight:4 lbs.
|Material:Plastic, aluminum |Dimensions:4.6 x 4.5 x 27.74 in.
During testing, we found that this tent was easy to set up and assemble.
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.
Overall, we loved its size, ease of assembly, and convenient features.
Product Details: Capacity:Four people |Weight:4 lbs.
|Material:Fiberglass, alloy steel, polyester |Dimensions:92 x 45 x 45 in.
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.
Credit: Dick’s Sporting Goods
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.
The Neso 1 Beach Tent’s carrying bag has a long strap, making it easy to carry with all our other beach items.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
We like that there is space to set down beach chairs or a largepicnic blanketin the shade.
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.
It wasnt 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.
There wasnt enough space in the tent for a beach chair.
TheTommy Bahama Sun Shelterwas our pick for the best pop-up option.
Plus, there were no adjustments required to keep the tent open.
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.
Credit: Amazon
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.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Its one of the heavier canopies on our list at almost 16 pounds.
TheSport-Brella Super-Brella Canopyexceeded 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 usit 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.
Not once did the umbrella’s stakes come loose, even when gusts of wind hit directly into it.
Upon receiving the tents and canopies, we initially inspected the products for overall quality of construction.
We also noted any features we particularly liked, such as storage features.
The lightest tent on our list is theWhiteFang Beach Tent, which weighs 4 pounds.
Size
Beach tents and canopies come in a variety of styles and sizes.
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.
Beach canopies come in bigger sizes, ranging from 72 to 96 inches wide.
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.
Credit: Amazon
Waterproof vs. Water Resistant
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.
UPF indicates how much UV radiation can penetrate the fabric and reach your skin.
The Shimbumi Shade provided more cover than most options we tested.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
We also had to readjust the shade canopy frequently to prevent it from blowing down in the wind.
Additionally, the stakes were small and didnt hold the tent in place well.
Overall, we thought it wasnt as durable as other tents and the disassembly process was too frustrating.
However, we encountered many difficulties putting this canopy up in windy conditions.
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.
Your Questions, Answered
What color is best for the beach?
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.
Patterns such as wide nautical stripes are popular on both beach cabanas and tents.
What is the most stable tent shape?
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.
Megan also consulted withMarc Taylor, manager of Beach Tent Rentals in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
Nicole also spoke withRyan Wilson, certified wilderness first responder and founder of The Camper Adviser.
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
We liked that the assembly instructions were sewed into the cover.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Tommy Bahama
The Tommy Bahama Sun Shelter comfortably fits two for lounging, though it’s not tall enough for sitting upright.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
Like other canopies, you’ll need to bring towels or chairs as the Sport-Brella doesn’t have a bottom.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
