Cooler, check. Sunscreen, check. Beach toys, check. But what about a shady reprieve to escape from the heat?

As the temperature gets warmer and UV rays get stronger, you may want to consider grabbing a high-quality beach tent or canopy to keep your shoreline trip worry-free.

“Beach tents and canopies are much more versatile than your standard beach umbrella,” says Kyle Ogilvie, marketing manager at Kelty Pack. Canopies and tents often provide significantly more shade, and many can be modified with ease depending on the angle of the sun.”

 

Outdoor Ultralight 2 Man Winter Camping Tent

 

 

Plus, a lot of tents can be used during picnics in the park, at a tailgate or for camping, or they may double as an additional source of shade in your backyard.

But before you buy, consider how you’ll use the tent. You might, for instance, want a certain aesthetic if you’ll also be using it in your backyard. Make sure you get one that's big enough to provide shade for everyone in your party. You might also consider how long it takes to assemble, and if you live someplace known for windy beaches, you'll want to keep in mind how sturdy it is.

Now for the good part: Shop TODAY found a plethora of beach tents and canopies with glowing customer reviews and ratings. Most of our finds won't break the bank — so that means you'll have a bit more money saved up for the tropical trip of your dreams. Read on or use the links below.

Best budget | Best overall | Best for kids | Easiest to assemble | Best for large groups | What to look for | FAQs | How we chose | Meet our experts

Best budget beach tents and canopies

WhiteFang Portable Sun Shade Shelter

Dimensions: 83 x 55 x 46 in. | Weight: 3.3 lbs. | Capacity: 3 people | Sun protection: UPF 50+

Consider this shady shelter your beachy home away from home for a few hours. It features large mesh windows that provide plenty of ventilation, two storage pouches to keep your belongings, and a floor mat to keep your bottom sand-free. And, it's less than $40.

Note that while it may take a little time to set it up (five to 10 minutes, according to several reviewers), many say the "spacious and sturdy" final product is worth the effort. Plus, at just over 3 pounds, it’s also one of the most portable beach canopies on the market.

G4Free Large Pop-Up Beach Tent

Dimensions: 78.7 X 47.2 X 51.2 in. | Weight: 2.4 lbs. | Capacity: 3-4 people | Sun protection: UPF 50+

Considering its under $40 price tag, this spacious pop-up tent by G4Free offers a whole lot: an extendable floor for more sand protection, a sturdy steel wire construction, wide mesh windows on all sides for extra ventilation, for starters. Most important, its 190T silver-coated fabric offers UPF 50+ UV protection.

The sun shelter's automatic-opening mechanism is also quick and easy: Just toss it onto the sand or grass and it'll pop up automatically within a minute or two. Plus, it's super portable, thanks to its weight of just over 2 pounds and convenient handled carrying case.

WolfWise UPF 50+ Easy Pop-Up Beach Tent

Dimensions: 59.06 L x 59.06 x 49.21 in. | Weight: 3.8 lbs. | Capacity: 2-3 people | Sun protection: UPF 50+

WolfWise's pop-up tent may be slightly smaller than our previous pick, but it's convenient and functional for couples or a small family. It also includes some extra nifty features that we think make it worth more than $40 price tag.

Its fabric is coated from eco-friendly silver that blocks up to 98% of harmful UV rays, and it's water-resistant to boot (though it's not waterproof, so don't use it in a torrential downpour!). The sun shelter also doubles as a privacy tent; you can zip up the front and rear doors if you need to change clothes. Plus, you won't be stifled in this tent — it's got two sizable windows for ventilation.

But perhaps our favorite feature? There's a little hook inside the roof of the tent where you can hang a little lamp or a tiny fan, if you wish!

Best overall beach tents and canopies

Coleman Beach Canopy Sun Shelter

Dimensions: 56 x 21.3 x 66.1 in. | Weight: 6.17 lbs. | Capacity: 2-3 people | Sun protection: UVGuard (UPF50+)

Planning on sleeping under the stars? Coleman's beach tent has got you covered with an extended floor that zips up for some much-needed privacy, as well as a drying line to hang up sopping wet bathing suits and cover-ups.

"There was plenty of space for my husband, my 2-year-old and me to lay down in it. We opened the back window halfway to still keep the sun out, but just that much created the perfect breeze," added one Walmart shopper who awarded it a perfect five stars.

We love that the back window unzips for extra ventilation, and the mesh pockets are perfect for keeping water bottles and other gear like sunscreen organized and easy to find.

Oileus X-Large Beach Tent

Dimensions: 92 x 45 x 45 in. | Weight: 5.5 lbs. | Capacity: 4 people | Sun protection: 210T UV polyester (UPF50+)

This beach tent promises easy setup, portability and durability. Amazon shoppers agree with this sentiment — this tent has over 4,700 verified five-star ratings! It comfortably fits up to four people, and at 5.5 pounds and an included carrying case, it’s made to take on all your adventures — whether you end up at the beach, fishing at the river or even on a hike.

CoolCabana 5 Canopy

Dimensions: 96 x 96 x 72 in. | Weight: 14.82 pounds | Capacity: 3-4 people | Sun protection: UPF 50+

Beach hangouts just got a little bit better. When you think beach canopy you’re likely imagining this beach-inspired one. It’s got a classic design, is super easy to assemble, and has more than 7,000 five-star ratings on the brand's website.

If that wasn't enough, the canopy also provides 64 square feet of UPF 50+ coverage (they even show you their independent testing results here). Good luck choosing between seven adorable (and beachy) patterns.

Best beach tents and canopies for kids

Sunba Youth Anti-UV Portable Tent

Dimensions: 65 x 59 x 43.5 in. | Weight: 2.2 lbs. | Capacity: 2-3 people | Sun protection: UPF 50+

This is one of the smaller options on the market (it’ll fit two to three people), but it’s also one of the most inexpensive. Made with a UPF 50+ polyester fabric, this beach tent doubles as a safe escape for you and your little ones. And while the construction looks and feels lightweight, you'll feel great knowing that its heavy-duty framing and two weighted bags can withstand any strong sea breeze that comes your way.

Babymoov Anti-UV Marine Tent

Dimensions: 39 x 39 x 31.5 in. | Weight: 1.54 lbs. | Capacity: 1 person or up to 2 toddlers | Sun protection: UPF 50+

Whether it's for beach days or for pretend camping trips in the backyard, this marine tent from Babymoov will ensure your tyke gets the sun and bug protection she needs. The cute little shelter is not only coated with a UPF 50+ UV blocker, but it also has a fine mesh that can be zipped up to shield your child from mosquitos and other insects. What's more, the tent also includes a handy carrying case.

One note from reviewers: It's very tricky to fold back up (perhaps the biggest complaint they have), but once you get the hang of it, perhaps with the help of some how-to videos on the Amazon product page, it's smooth sailing from there.

Easiest beach canopies and tents to assemble

Active Era Pop-Up Beach Tent

Dimensions: 98 x 51 x 53 in. | Weight: 3.6 lbs. | Capacity: 2-4 people | Sun protection: UPF 50+

You’ll find yourself reaching for this beach tent again and again. Not only is it less than 4 pounds, but it also comes with a handy carry-bag. This beach tent also offers a hassle-free setup with no tent poles or confusing instructions. Simply unfold and enjoy what this tent has to offer.

It does come with a protractible sheet to lay on, but you may find this beach tent gets a bit sandier than some of the other options, so take that into consideration. But overall, we love how portable this beach tent is.

Sport-Brella Premier Adjustable Umbrella

Dimensions: 21.65 x 17.32 x 11.81 in. | Weight: 8 lbs. | Capacity: 2 people | Sun protection: UPF 50+

An umbrella that doubles as a canopy? Say no more. This Sport-Brella canopy gives you UPF 50+ shade and weather protection on the top and at the sides. Keep in mind that at 8 pounds, this canopy is heavy, but it is quite easy to set up. As an added bonus, there are two pockets on the sides for convenient storage.

Best beach canopies and tents for big groups

Picnic Time Sun Shelter Pop-Up Tent

Dimensions: 86.5 x 47.5 W x 39.5 in. | Weight: 5.4 lbs. | Capacity: 2-3 people | Sun protection: UPF 50+

Add some aesthetics to your beach trip with this fun patterned pop-up tent from Picnic Time. This pick combines design and functionality, and you can choose from a nautical navy stripe or a more traditional gray color.

Something to keep in mind: A number of reviews mention that while it’s easy to set up this tent, it can take some patience to fold it back down. Watch the handy online video though, and we’ll bet that after you’ve folded it down at the beach, you’ll want to set it up in your backyard for an evening cocktail hang out. (It’s really that adorable.)

Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader Pop-Up Beach Tent

Dimensions: 99 x 53 x 57 in. | Weight: 8 lbs. | Capacity: 4 people | Sun protection: UPF 50+

Here's another option with extra space. The inside of this tent is 99 x 53 x 57 inches — comfortably fitting four adults lying down. Still, it folds down into an easy carrying case you can sling over your shoulder.

The large mesh windows also allow for maximum ventilation. Plus, this pop-up beach tent is a snap to set up, thanks to its patent-pending opening mechanism, so you’ll have plenty of time to dive into that beach read.

Sun Ninja Pop-Up Tent

Dimensions: 17.75 x 7.5 x 7.5 in. | Weight: 8 lbs. | Capacity: 4-8 people | Sun protection: UPF 50+

Available in three different sizes, this large beach canopy from Sun Ninja can fit up to eight people and comes with four lightweight aluminum poles — simply fill its pockets with sand to keep it anchored on the ground.

It has more than 5,000 verified five-star ratings on Amazon, with many reviewers saying that not only is it easy to set up, but it also does well in high winds.

What to look for in a beach tent or canopy

Size and weight: The picks on our list come in a variety of sizes. You should consider how big you need a tent or canopy to be, but also how heavy it is and how easy it is to drag from your garage to the car — all the way to that perfect beach spot.

Ease of setup: You don’t want to start a beach trip in a bad mood because it took you 20 minutes to set up your tent. Consider your level of patience and handiness, and remember to read the reviews carefully to ensure you’ll be able to handle how long the setup takes.

Style: While our experts say that the color of a beach tent or canopy has nothing to do with its level of sun protection, you’ll likely want to consider your personal style when choosing a beach tent. This is especially true if it’s also a tent you think you’ll set up in your backyard.

Questions about beach shelters, answered by experts

What’s the difference between a beach umbrella, a beach tent and a beach canopy?

It really comes down to shade coverage. According to Eoin Comerford, CEO of outdoor recreation apparel and gear store Moosejaw, an umbrella typically provides a top shade; a canopy will add a back or side walls; and a beach tent will have both back and side walls.

“Beach canopies and tents are also better in the wind as they can be staked down and won't easily flip inside-out, which can really damage an umbrella,” Comerford adds.

How do I keep sand out of my beach tent or canopy?

Most beach canopies don't have floors, so sand is part of the deal, says Comerford, who adds that for beach tents with floors, you will want to clean off your feet before entering and set them up facing a direction that won't allow wind to blow sand in.

What’s the best way to secure a beach tent/canopy from the wind?

There are several good ways to secure beach tents and canopies from the wind.

Stakes and sand bags are the most popular — both secure canopies to the ground and, depending on how strong the wind is, can also be used in tandem for extra stability, says Ogilvie.

Also consider the direction of the wind before setting up your canopy. Ideally, your canopy should not face the wind, because this creates a "sail" that puts the more stress on the stakes and guylines and also increases the possibility of sand blowing in. Rear- or side-facing your canopy into the wind is preferred, according to Comerford.

If I put on sunscreen, why would I still need a beach tent or canopy?

Sunscreen is a must, but it does not provide shade.

“We like to pull out all the stops when it comes to protecting ourselves from harmful sun exposure, so we don’t have to risk missing out on any future playtime due to sun damage,” Ogilvie says.

Pulling out all the stops translates to combining sunscreen, shade and UPF clothing "for all-day protection that doesn’t wear off," Ogilvie adds. And in addition to protection from sun damage, a beach shelter also offers quick relief, "[helping] offset fatigue caused by extended time in the sun," he says.