If you're looking for some cool shade and protection from the elements on your next beach trip, then there's no better option than a beach tent. But with so many tents available on the market today, it's difficult to know which are good buys and which should be avoided.
To help you decide which tent is best suited for you, we've selected and reviewed the 10 best beach tents. We've highlighted the key features of each option along with pointing out both the pros and cons for each tent. If you still have questions, be sure to read our Buyer's Guide and Frequently Asked Questions. These go into more detail on our review criteria and important factors to consider before making a purchase. Read on to learn more.
Comparison Chart
10 Best Beach Tents Reviewed
1. Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
The Pacific Breeze tent is easy to set up and has large ventilation windows. The design is clever and aimed at keeping you cool and protected at all times. It is a lot more lightweight than most beach tents, making this tent a breeze to bring along everywhere you go.
Product Highlights
Made from sturdy, durable fabric and a strong fiberglass frame, this tent weighs only 4.4 pounds, making it easy to carry. It’s very spacious, with more than enough comfortable room for 3 adults. It packs away easily into its compact carry bag for added convenience.
The EasyUp hub system makes this tent easy to erect thanks to the brilliant drawstring mechanism that allows just one person to set it up in under a minute. The tent is just as easy to pack away, and works well in all weather conditions. Additionally, it has UV protection, blocking out most of the harmful rays from the sun. On hot beach days, you can enjoy the shade while staying cool with the cross breeze. This tent comes along with sand pockets and pegs to help secure it against wind.
The interior has nifty pockets where you can store your personal belongings. The polyethylene floor is so waterproof that you stay dry even when it is set up on wet sand.
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2. Arcshell Pop Up Beach Tent
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The Archshell Pop Up beach tent is a reliable shade provider for days on the beach thanks to the 190T polyester that is breathable, waterproof, and protective. This tent offers UV 50+ protection to keep your family safe.
Product Highlights
This tent offers protection from strong winds and harmful UV rays from the sun. This tent comes with 6 stakes that keep your tent firmly in place. You can easily fit 4 adults or 2 beach chairs inside. Despite being so spacious, it folds down to a compact size that is easy to carry.
Weighing in at only 6.55 pounds, this tent is easy to take along to the beach or park. The polyester walls are coated with 3000mm PU on the inside to make it waterproof and ultra-absorbent of UV light up to UPF 50+, absorbing over 98% of UVA and UVB rays.
The 3 large windows ensure great ventilation while the flaps can be used to cover the windows for more privacy. The 5 sandbags and 6 stakes keep the tent stable in winds up to 25 mph.
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3. G4Free Large Pop Up Beach Tent
If you want a tent that can be set up in just seconds, that is safe for use with the whole family, and has enough space for the kids to play, the G4Free Pop Up tent might be the one for you!
Product Highlights
This tent is comfortable and spacious, measuring 86.6” (W) x 74.8” (D) x 51.18” (H), making it much larger than other tents in this category. You can easily fit up to 4 adults inside with enough headroom for kids to stand and play.Additionally, setting up this tent is super easy, simply throw it onto the beach sand and it will open up fully erected. The 2 side mesh windows and 2 large doors keep the airflow moving so the tent does not retain heat, even in the sun. Plus, it comes with a handy carry case for ease in portability.
This tent is made with 190T polyester that is durable, waterproof, and anti-UV. It is silver coated, which means it provides protection from the wind, sun, and rain. This makes the tent idea for use outdoors, no matter what the environment. You can use it at the beach, sporting events, park, or even in your backyard.
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4. Alvantor Pop Up Beach Tent
This sturdy, lightweight tent is easy to put together and offers enough space for the family to enjoy. It is very portable thanks to its 2.5 pound weight, and it has excellent UPF 50+ protection.
Product Highlights
This mid-size beach tent is a great value while still offering excellent protection and features, and it’s able to seat up to 3 adults with ease. The hassle-free, beach canopy is quick and easy to set up thanks to the pop-up fiberglass frame. Simply throw the tent in the area where you want to set it up and it will unfold.Additionally, there are 3 sand pockets and 4 sandbags included, as well as 4 tent pegs, to keep it securely in place. This tent can be used in up to 25 mph wind conditions. The breathable mesh windows help keep the tent cool even when set up in the sun, and the protective fabric keeps you safe from harsh, harmful UV rays.
The Alvantor Pop Up tent is incredibly lightweight, weighing in at just 2.5 pounds when packed in its handy carry bag. Packing this tent away is just as easy as erecting it. The figure 8 design means you simply twist it down and it easily fits in the carry bag.
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5. Easthills Outdoors Easy Up Beach Tent
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If you are looking for a tent that the whole family can enjoy while being protected from the sun’s harmful rays, this water-resistant, easy-to-use tent may be just what you want.
Product Highlights
The Easthills Outdoors Easy Up tent offers a great amount of space, and it’s extra large size is great for family camping. It is made from durable, strong polyester and it offers UPF 50+ protection. It measures 99” (W) x 53” (D) x 57” (H) and has an additional 53-inch front porch for more space. The porch can also be closed for added privacy when needed.
You can easily seat up to 4 adults, offering plenty of space for everyone to relax. The tent has three windows that all boast roll-up blinds that increase the airflow. The four mesh pockets are ideal for keeping your personal belongings safe and organized. Additionally, this tent comes with 10 plastic stakes that can be used to keep your tent secure if the wind picks up when you are enjoying the day out. Weighing in at only 8 pounds, it folds away easily into its nifty carry bag. It can also be set up in less than two minutes by following the instructions that are sewn into the bag.
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6. OutdoorsmanLab Automatic Pop Up Beach Tent
The OutdoorsmanLab Automatic Pop Up Beach Tent is a reliable beach tent that is great for ease in assembly and comfort at the beach. Additionally, it’s highly portable for easy carrying to and from the shore.
Product Highlights
This beach tent is great for ease in portability and assembly, while also offering plenty of comfort and protection at the shore. It’s a lightweight beach tent that is easily portable, making it very practical to take with you to the beach. Setting it up is a fast process so you won’t have to worry about it feeling too cumbersome.
Perhaps the most convenient feature of this all around quality beach tent is the automatic assembly feature. It simply folds into place so that you can start enjoying ultimate comfort right away. You can pop this tent up in a matter of minutes and it is very simple to place it wherever you want to set up camp for your stay Additionally, the OutdoorsmanLab tent makes use of special sun-blocking coating to keep you and your family safe. This feature is added to the fabric so that you can have the optimal protection from UV rays that you need. The tent has a large mesh opening as well so the ventilation is great, and there’s plenty of airflow throughout the day.
Despite being very lightweight, this tent is durable and capable of standing up to heavy winds. It has extra sand pockets to keep it in place, ensuring you won’t have to chase it down the beach when the wind picks up. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carrying bag that has big pockets for added storage for your beach gear. It has both hand straps and backpack straps so you will be able to carry it in whatever way is most convenient to you.
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7. Wildhorn Outfitters Quick-Up Cabana Style Beach Tent
The Wildhorn Outfitters is a great tent that has the capability to keep you safe and comfortable while on the beach. It has many useful features that will help to make your beach time as fun as possible.
Product Highlights
This is a great beach tent option for people who want to make use of a cabana-style tent. It can provide your family with the shade that you need when you want to retreat from the sun. Anyone who wants a tent that can provide good shelter on the beach will find a use for this product.
Those who want to have an easy experience with assembly will like this tent as well. It does not take long to pop this tent up and start using it. It has an easy-to-use automatic frame system that should allow you to put the tent up in mere seconds, making it perfect for people who hate messing with cumbersome tents. Additionally, the automatic frame system is definitely one of the key features of this product. Being able to pop your tent up in seconds is very appealing. When you buy this tent, you can expect it to always be easy to use.
This tent has plenty of interior room for your family, and is roomy enough for comfortable resting inside. If you want a bigger tent that will work well for your family while on the beach, then this one might be just right for your needs. It offers you 56 square feet of floor space and it stands 4’8” tall. Despite its size, this is actually a very lightweight tent. It may be a bit heavier than some other beach tent models but this will still be quite simple for any adult to carry to the beach. The whole tent compacts down and can be carried in the included carry bag.
This cabana-style tent is also very durable, so it can stand the test of time. The tent is waterproof and will allow you to get out of the rain if the weather takes a turn for the worse. If you are looking for a tent that has great longevity, then you will be pleased with this one.
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8. Lightspeed Outdoors Sun Shelter
If you are looking for a simple and reliable beach tent, then the Lightspeed Outdoors Sun Shelter is going to appeal to you. It has many positive features that make it worth buying and making use of this tent is as simple as can be.
Product Highlights
This beach tent is great for those who want plenty of room to spread out and relax inside. You will have a lot of room to stretch out, and multiple people should be able to use the tent at once. Two people should have no trouble laying in the tent together, so couples who want to use this beach tent will be able to do so readily.
One of the most important features of this beach tent is how easy it is to assemble. It makes use of a side-pull hub system that is very simple to understand. You can have this tent set up exactly where you want it to be in a timely fashion. Additionally, it’s a very lightweight tent as well, weighing in at only 7.26 pounds so you know that carrying it around is not going to be a problem
Packing the tent up is designed to be easy, too. It comes with an oversized carry bag that will fit all your gear. The tent includes sand pockets, large stakes, and guylines for ultimate security on the beach. . In addition, the tent is rather spacious, giving you plenty of room to spread out when you are hiding from the sun. There is a lot of room to lay down and you can even clip on an extended porch when you want a bit more privacy.
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9. ZOMAKE Pop Up Tent
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The Zomake Pop Up Tent is a great option for families who need shelter on the beach. If you have been looking for a beach tent that can comfortably fit several adults, then this one is going to suit your family or friends comfortably.
Product Highlights
The ZOMAKE Pop Up is a tent that appeals to people who need a large shelter. If you want a beach tent that can fit a large bunch, then this one might be for you. It can comfortably fit 3 to 4 adults, and it’s a very rugged beach tent that can stand the test of time. If you make the decision to buy this tent, then it should be able to be used for many years to help with your fun times on the beach.
This tent has quality ventilation, featuring two mesh doors for your convenience. If you want to go inside of the tent to hide from the sun for a bit, then you will still be able to feel the breeze through the mesh doors. It also works nicely to keep insects at bay in case your beach has issues with bugs when it gets closer to evening time.
The durable material that is used to make this tent will help it to last for a long time. It is made out of an anti-UV polyester fabric that works brilliantly to protect you from the sun. If you need to give your family some sun shelter while at the beach, then this tent will be able to provide it. This is a tent that does not require any type of arduous setup process either. You just unstrap the tent and it will unfold itself in a short amount of time. Once you are done using it, you just have to fold it back into position for easy storage.
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10. SEMOO Camping Tent
This SEMOO Camping Tent is a high-quality beach tent, capable of providing you with comfortable shelter and it is really convenient to use overall.
Product Highlights
This is going to be an optimal tent for anyone who needs a simple experience. If you want a tent that can be assembled quickly while still offering you good shelter, then this will be a good fit for your needs. It’s highly rated by couples and single individuals who want to have a fun day at the beach. While this tent isn’t large enough to sleep more than 2 adults, it’s ideal for small groups who plan breaks from the sun during a leisurely day at the shore. Additionally, this tent is capable of being set up in a matter of minutes, making the assembly ultra user friendly. It has an instant opening structure that is easy to set up anywhere on the beach.
The SEMOO camping tent is waterproof, ensuring it’s suited for marine environments and other camping conditions, like more inland. . This sturdy and durable construction is designed to withstand small rainstorms and moderate winds, making it great for a variety of conditions.
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How to Choose a Beach Tent: Buyer's Guide
Beach tents have many uses, making them ideal for the entire summer’s outdoor activities. They offer a great way to connect with nature, spend time with friends and family, and an escape from everyday life. In order to purchase the best beach tent for you, consider these key features when looking at beach tents:
Size and Dimension
You first need to consider the number of people that will be sitting in the tent. Most beach tents are made to fit 2 adults and at least 2 small children. However, rather than looking only at seated space, you also need to consider the amount of gear you have with you. Therefore, we recommend you pay close attention to the tent size to make sure it will work for your needs. It's often better to purchase a tent that is slightly larger than you think you'll need, to avoid being stuck in cramped quarters.
Here are 3 things to ask yourself before choosing what size tent you’ll need:
- How many people will be using the tent during the day?
- How many people will be sleeping in the tent?
- How much gear will you need to store inside the tent?
Materials and Quality
There are a variety of materials used to make the shell of a beach tent, the main 2 being nylon and polyester. Both of these fabrics are high quality and very good at creating shade as well as being long lasting and water resistant.
Some tents have openings which allow air flow that can also be closed if the wind gets a bit friskier. The closure should be either a high-quality zipper or ultra-strong Velcro. This gives you protection against sand and bugs blowing into your tent. Being able to close the opening of your tent also adds a layer of security when you are not able to watch the tent when swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, bodyboarding or more.
Your tent’s frame should be made from a strong and durable yet lightweight material, typically steel or aluminum, which is great for beach use thanks to their corrosion and rust resistance. These frames also make your tent lighter so you can carry it with you anywhere.
The main consideration with regards to the frame is how much wind the beach you are visiting will have. Aluminum frames are better for beaches that only get light breezes. Steel frames are slightly heavier and are better suited to windier conditions.
Things to consider when choosing the materials of your beach tent:
- Frame Materials
- Tent Materials
- Material Weight
- Zipper and Velcro Closure Quality
- Airflow
- Water Resistance
- UV Protection
Beach Tent Setup
The ease in assembly of your beach tent is important, especially if you’re an individual camper or plan to camp with young kids, and thus have no free hands. You want a tent that is easy to carry both to and from the beach, and one that breaks down and sets up with ease. Ensure that the tent is easy to set up in a few minutes or less, and doesn’t require more hands than you’ll have available.
Pop-up tents are typically the easiest to set up, often requiring only seconds. Pole tents can take a bit longer, but there are many available that only need a minute or two.
Things to consider in regards to your beach tent assembly:
- Pop Up Design vs. Pole Tents
- Time Required to Assemble
- Number of People Required to Assemble
Tent Style and Color
Beach tents come in various fun and bright summer colors. This means you can choose a color that suits the aesthetic preference and personality of your family. Choosing a tent that has a bright and distinct color scheme will make it simpler to spot on the beach, especially if there are a lot of other beach tents.
With the many options available, you should have no issues finding a color you love, and this choice comes down to personal preference as it has no impact on the functionality of the tent.
There are three main styles of beach tents: pop up, cabana, and beach canopy.
Pop up
This type of tent is usually a similar shape to a dome tent and can be set up in next to no time. They are easy to erect and use. You can also pack them away with very little effort. They are lightweight and effortless to carry. They can be weighed down by sandbags for additional stability. They can sometimes be more expensive than other beach tents due to the convenience.
Cabana
This type of tent offers good shade while still giving you a good view of the beach and ocean thanks to their wide opening on the one side. Most cabana tents can be zipped closed for privacy. They are very convenient and typically have a self-erecting feature. They also come with good SPF coating and additional sun protection.
Canopy
If you have lots of friends or family that enjoy picnics and sun-filled days at the beach, then large canopy pop ups are a great choice. Normally the smaller ones can fit around 2 to 3 adults. The large ones can fit 8 to 12 people, sometimes even more depending on what size you get. These tents do take time and manpower to set up though.
Beach-Tents Weight
When going to the beach, you need to remember that you will have coolers, beach chairs, towels, and other gear. In the heat of summer, you definitely don’t want to walk back and forth between your car and the beach, so having a tent that is compact, lightweight, and easy to erect will make your day simpler and more enjoyable.
Safety
Beach shades and tents can go a long way to keeping your family safe on sunny beach days. Sunburn and heatstroke are very serious, especially for smaller children, and can sometimes even be life threatening. A large tent or sun domes provide your family members with a safe, shaded area to nap and play so that they are not exposed to harmful UV rays.
Beach Tent F.A.Q.
How to fold a pop up beach tent
Erecting a pop up beach tent is really simple, but sometimes folding it away can be more challenging. Most manufacturers offer videos on their website or YouTube channel which show you to setup and tear down their tents or beach shades. It's a good idea to watch these videos and practice setting up your tent before you go camping for the first time. Additionally, this video can give you some general tips and tricks.
What are tents made out of?
Beach tents can be made from a variety of materials, including canvas, felt, nylon, and polyester. However, the most common materials are nylon and polyester as they are lightweight and water resistant. Beach tents are commonly treated with a polyurethane coating that prevents water from getting into your tent.
Beach tent vs. umbrella
While beach tents and umbrellas fundamentally serve the same purpose, to provide shade and protection from harmful UV rays, it is always best to go with a full beach tent as they have a larger floor area and give more protection. This is especially important if you’re camping with a baby or small child. However, this does depend on the angle at which you place the tent.
If you'd like to learn more about great umbrellas for your beach vacation, you can learn more here.Can you sleep in a tent on the beach?
Yes, you absolutely can. Of course, this does depend on the rules and regulations of the beach that you choose, but most beaches do allow campers to set up a small tent and enjoy falling asleep to the sound of the waves rolling in. Remember that sleeping on the beach can get chilly and windy, even in summer, so bring warm clothes and blankets.
If you want to learn more about camping at the beach, check out our Ultimate Guide.
What kind of tent to bring to the beach for maximum shade?
The most popular & best beach tent is a pop-up tent as they are quick and easy to set up. The purpose of a beach tent is to protect you from the sun, so you do not want a tent that requires that you stand in the sun for ages setting it up.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering purchasing a beach tent, the buyer’s guide and recommended tents in this article should help get you started. However, if we had to choose, it would be the highly recommended Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent because of its UPF 50+ protection and excellent waterproof design. The tent weighs only 4.4 pounds and the 1-year warranty speaks to the quality of the product. It's truly a great beach shelter with a quality construction. From the tents on our list, this is clearly the editor's choice for best beach tent.
Has this guide helped you to choose the best beach tent for your next adventure? Or are you planning an epic trip to the shore? Join the Seaside Community and share your thoughts in the comment section below. We love to hear from our readers!
Megan Jones leads the editorial staff of Seaside Planet. They are a multidisciplinary team of outdoor adventurers, water sports lovers, and passionate beach goers. You can learn more about Meg and the rest of the editorial team here.
