The 10 Best Beach Canopies – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2020)

Visiting the beach is a most enjoyable part of summer holidays for all sorts of reasons. It is desirable to visit because it provides many opportunities for enjoyment, thanks to the warm sun, invigorating breeze, and fun in the water. When you go to the beach, you should provide yourself with shade that protects you from the scalding sun. Many shelters are available for this purpose – for providing shade at the beach – but most of them are heavy.

So what is the best shelter to have at the beach in harsh conditions? The answer is simple: a beach canopy. A beach canopy is a lightweight solution for parking at the beach. It offers ample protection from environmental elements.
Since the market offers many beach canopy options, it is difficult to choose the best beach canopy for your needs. Scanning through the following beach canopy reviews will help you answer this important question.

Best Beach Canopy Reviews – Safe Models for Windy Beaches

1. Neso, Portable Beach Canopy for Windy Conditions

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, then this Neso beach tent will excite you. Not only is it beautifully designed, it is also lightweight and provides excellent outdoor protection. It weighs 4 lbs., so it’s very lightweight and easy to carry in a compact bag. Measuring 7’ x 7’, it sets up easily.

The cover features material made from a high-quality nylon/Lycra blend that provides UPF 50+ protection and blocks 98% of UV rays. It is also water-resistant for use in rainy, wet conditions. Aluminum poles provide strength and prevent rust, ensuring long-lasting durable. You can use sand or rocks to secure the tent firmly to the ground. When secured properly, it will withstand strong winds.

2. Quik Shade, Go-Hybrid Pop-Up Beach Canopy

The Go-Hybrid pop-up canopy by Quick Shade is the perfect solution for visiting the beach with a group. It features optimum protective properties for all outdoor conditions. Its 190T polyester covering with Aluminex blocks out 99% of UV rays. It offers 7’ x 7’ of shade coverage, which is enough accommodate 3-4 adults. A built-in half wall offers protection against cross breeze and wind, and a water-resistant fabric cover will shield you from rain.

This tent features 3-piece telescoping aluminum legs that are very lightweight. They fold down easily to a compact size, enabling effortless transportation. It even includes a backpack with straps for convenient storage and carrying. One person can set it up thanks to pull-pin sliders and push-button leg extenders.

3. Red Suricata, Family Sun Shade Canopy for Beach

The Red Suricata family sunshade is an excellent shelter for visiting the beach with your friends or family. It covers a wide area and provides ample shade for 7 adults. Four tall poles offer full canopy height and expand shade coverage by 50%. It features 4 high-tech aluminum poles that go straight into the sand or ground effortlessly. These poles are lightweight, colored and fold down easily. Additionally, a plastic ball at the top of each pole prevents fabric tears. The tent also comes with 4 sandbag anchors for extra strength.

The fabric of this tent is extremely durable, with high-tenacity Lycra polyester and a UPF50 UV rating that blocks out 98% of harmful UV rays. You can set up this tent at the beach with simple steps, and it comes with a 600D polyester bag for carrying and storage.

4. ZiggyShade, Family Beach Shelter Canopy

This family beach sunshade by ZiggyShade is perfect for going to the beach in a group. It provides excellent sun protection and benefits from strong, elastic Lycra fabric. This material features UPF 50+ protection that blocks out most UV rays. Measuring 7.2’ x 7.9’ x 5’, it delivers enough space for you and your whole family at the beach. A jumbo size option measures 8.8’ x 8.8’ x 7’ to accommodate your extended family as well!

This canopy sets up in 5 minutes or less. Simply adjust the tent in the direction of the wind for ultimate protection. What’s more, its design encourages air flow in hot conditions. It comes with sandbag anchors to secure it firmly to the ground, and its 4 corner pegs let you set up this canopy anywhere else besides the beach.

5. Coleman, Instant Beach Canopy

A shelter that sets up in seconds at the beach maximizes the time you’ll spend relaxing in the shade and requires minimal effort. This Coleman Instant Canopy rings offers this exact functionality. It sets up in 3 simple steps in only 3 minutes or less. Lightweight telescoping poles feature a comfort grip that allows for easy installation. When it’s up and running, you get 35 sq. ft. of sun shade, which is enough for 4 adults to enjoy.

This Coleman features UV guard fabric with 50+ UPF sun protection to block out nearly all harmful UV rays. It is also water-resistant, making it ideal for rainy days. After using the canopy at the beach, you can store it and carry it in its own wheeled carry bag.

6. EasyGo Sports, Beach Canopy for Wind

For perfect design and practicality, this EasyGo cabana is a suitable choice. It features a polyester fabric with numerous protective properties, providing 100% UV ray protection to keep your skin looking young and healthy. You will stay cool at the beach with this cabana because its sides are open to cross breeze. In addition, a second-level wind vent allows enhanced ventilation. This canopy comes with 4 sand pockets, one on each corner, to secure it firmly to the ground. It also includes stakes for setting up on grass or in a softer area.

This cabana is lightweight, weighing only 12 lbs., and comes with a carry bag to increase portability. Storage compartments in the legs enable you to store your valuables conveniently. You can set up and take down this canopy quickly, thanks to the center pole design. It’s far more elegant and classy than wind proof beach umbrellas on the market.

7. E-Z UP, Instant Dome Shelter Canopy

The E-Z UP dome canopy is an instant shelter with all the style and comfort you need at the beach. It measure 10’ long, 10’ wide, and 9’ high, providing ample space for a large group. This canopy features a beautiful, curved radius design that screams “style” when you’re relaxing at the beach. It also provides more interior space for all your friends and family. A polyester material with UV protection shields you from the searing sun, and more, four steel poles ensure strength and durability. Flexible fiber rods, reinforced rods and a wind-vented peak enable this canopy to withstand strong winds.

Set up this canopy quickly and easily thanks to push-button sliders that enable you to adjust to the optimum height. Erect this tent with an extra hand and tear it down quickly with no tools required.

8. Otentik, Beach Sunshade with Sandbag Anchors

When you’re at the beach, you need a sun shade that’s stylish and practical. The Otentik beach sunshade is the perfect solution, ideal for outdoor use. It features ‘’Eurojersey Sensitive” microfibers from Italy with UPF 50+ protection to block out 99% of the sun’s harmful rays. The canopy is very lightweight, weighing only 4 lbs. for easy carrying.

Adjustable poles enable easy and rapid setup. What’s more, you can move the canopy easily to adjust to the sun’s direction. These poles are strong enough to withstand strong winds, and 4 sand bags offer added stability. The fabric is sand-repellent, wrinkle-free and easy to clean.

9. E-Z UP, Pyramid Instant Shelter Canopy

E-Z UP makes another appearance on this review offering impressive features for all your outdoor adventures. This Pyramid instant shelter provides the most shade coverage of all, for a total of 100 sq. ft. It also features a large headroom (10’ 5’’), with a cathedral-style ceiling that allow effortless movement inside. What’s more, it comes with 3 height settings, so you can adjust to your preferences. High-quality material with CPAI-84 and NFPA-701 fire-resistant properties provides 99% UV protection.

Set up this canopy easily, with no tools required. The frame comes fully assembled, making this fast and easy. Take down is also easy with the push buttons and pin loops on the adjustable legs. It packs down to a compact size of 8’’ long x 8’’ wide x 62’’ high and fits into a Wide-Trax roller bag with wheels for effortless transport.

10. Coleman Shelter, All Day Dome Beach Canopy

Coleman shelters are best at providing impressive shade in different outdoor conditions. This Coleman All Day Dome outdoor canopy provides 144 sq. ft. of sunshade coverage, ensuring sufficient space for all your family at the beach. The canopy utilizes a sturdy dome design that protects against low-angle sun to extend your stay at the beach. 50 + UPF fabric blocks out 99% of harmful UV rays. What’s more, the roof features vents that provide better air circulation, which is perfect for a large group.

You can set up this canopy at the beach with minimal effort. It includes ground stakes and Illumiline reflective guy lines for added strength and stability. You can erect this canopy in 15 minutes or less following simple instructions. An included wheeled carry bag allows for easy storage and transport.

Beach Canopy Buying Guide

A beach canopy provides shelter in the outdoors during all types of conditions. If you’re looking to find better protection against environmental elements, then a canopy will provide this result and more. Since the market overwhelms you with all kinds of beach canopies, it becomes difficult to find the one that’s best for your needs. For this reason, you need to pay attention to the special features of each canopy you consider in order to get the performance you need. Beach canopies come in various types and offer various characteristics that suit different needs. You can definitely find canopies with versatile functionality that are both practical and cost effective. To help, you should read through the following guide to find out exactly what you need from a beach canopy to make your buying decision easy.

Top 8 Things to Consider When Buying a Beach Canopy

1. Types of Beach Canopies

   Beach canopies feature different characteristics in terms of weight, size and the amount of protection they provide. Discover the various types of canopies to determine which one suits your lifestyle.

   • Beach Cabanas

     Whether you’re visiting the beach with your friends or your family, a beach cabana is the perfect option. They resemble the half-round tents you find at most beaches. In the past, these structures were meant for providing privacy at the beach. Today, not only do they provide privacy, but they are also great at providing sun and rain protection. The structures are suitable for the whole family since they provide a wide coverage area. Furthermore, they’ll give you an impressive view thanks to open walls. Other models offer zip closures for added privacy.

   • Pop-Up Beach Canopies

     When you arrive at the beach, the last thing you want is a complicated set-up procedure for your canopy. That’s where pop-up canopies come into play. They are usually lightweight and require little time and effort to erect. Additional features also enable this effortless set-up and take-down. Carrying them is not a problem, for they feature a compact design for portability and convenience. The price of these canopies is generally higher than average due to their advanced features. Being lightweight, these canopies require additional support, like sand anchors, to prevent wind from blowing them away.

   • Semi-Permanent Canopies

     If you’re planning to stay at the beach for an extended period of time, then a semi-permanent canopy is ideal. This type features heavy materials for strength and durability. The materials are strong enough to withstand all types of weather extremes. These also provide versatile functionality, because you can set them up in other places besides the beach. Nevertheless, they require more than a pair of hands to erect them. You’ll also need to follow a set of instructions for proper set-up and take-down, since they’re heavier and more difficult to carry around.

   • Lightweight Beach Canopies

     These are the opposite version of semi-permanent beach canopies. They use lighter materials for convenient portability, weighing no more than 20 kg. Ultralight versions can weigh as little as 3 lbs. They also provide effortless setup and require minimal time to erect fully. One person is capable of performing this task using no tools or equipment. Notwithstanding, these are not the best shelters to use on windy days, due to their lightweight design. You can resolve this problem, though, with additional anchors.

   • Pole Canopies

     This type of canopy features a number of poles in its construction, with cords to support them during installation. It features a simple, compact design that allows trouble-free installation. The canopies are fairly strong and provide protection against winds and rain. They pack down to a compact size, which makes them easy to store and transport.

   • Frame Canopies

     A frame canopy is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a stable, strong shelter at the beach. It’s the perfect choice for windy conditions because it features an integrated frame for constancy. Unlike the pole canopy, this stands on its own with the frame alone anchoring it firmly to the ground. It provides reliable stability even in extreme weather.

   

2. Material

   The material of a beach canopy plays a role in terms of protection, stability and durability. Therefore, it is of great importance to know what type of material is in the construction of the canopy before buying. Material type determines the amount of comfort you’ll get in different conditions. Since you are likely going to spend more time in the sun, then a material with UV protection is ideal. You will find that most canopies use polyester fabrics and fibers. These are usually strong and durable. In addition, they are resistant to abrasion, wrinkle, stretching and shrinking. Polyester is readily available and is the best for use in rainy conditions as it is naturally waterproof.

   Lycra is another fabric you will find in most of the above canopy models on this review. They come in a various type like nylon Lycra or cotton Lycra and more. Nylon Lycra is the most common in making canopies as it provides exceptional strength. Also, it is lightweight, has good drapeability, abrasion resistant, easy to wash and doesn’t shrink or stretch. Additionally, it features low moisture absorbency meaning it dries fast when wet.

   Polyurethane is the perfect material for canopies you use in the sun. This is because it contains UV-resistance properties that block out most of the sun’s rays. Also, this type is resilient with high tenacity and resists impact and abrasion. It is also waterproof and tear proof making it extremely durable when exposed to harsh conditions.

   Vinyl is the best and most expensive canopy fabric. It is robust and heavy to withstand the harsh wind gusts. This design makes it extremely durable and you can use it all year round in the different seasons. The main downside is that since it is heavy, it is hard to transport.

3. Size

   Canopies come in different shapes and sizes. Therefore, it becomes difficult at times to figure out how large the canopy is. You can determine the size of the canopy by finding out how much space one person occupies whether seated or standing. For you to determine this, you need to take into account the three measurements of the canopy. These are the width, length and height the canopy offers. The dimensions at the top of the canopy are equally proportional to the base. However, the canopies with slanted legs for extra stability have a larger surface area compared to the straight legged. If you are planning on having many people visit the beach with you, then a bigger size is most ideal.

   The size of the canopy will also determine where you will set up the tent. If the space at the beach is not enough to erect your canopy, then you might need a smaller tent. In addition, how you will transport the canopy depends on the size it comes with. Smaller canopies fold down to compact size enabling ease of storage and transportation. You can also find the larger tents with lighter materials packing into smaller carry bags for portability convenience.

   

4. Wind Protection

   As long as you are in the outdoors, you are not sure of the weather and its element. It can suddenly begin to rain or worse still; the wind can start blowing strongly while at the beach. What you need is a canopy that can stand against these harsh conditions to avoid blowing it away. A canopy with wind protection provides great stability as it comes complete with a frame, guy lines, stakes and sandbags. These features play 4a big role in holding down the canopy while the heavy wind blows.

5. Fire Retardant

   You can engage in different activities while at the beach and most enjoyable is lighting a bonfire when the night comes. With this in mind, a canopy with fire resistant properties is suitable in these situations. This means that when sparks get on the surface of your canopy, they will not light it up. Canopies lacking this easily catch fire causing injuries as well as interrupt the time you spend at the beach. Before buying a canopy, look for one with this feature or coat it with a fire-retardant material to ensure safety around fire.

6. Weight

   The weight of a canopy is an important factor to consider since it determines transportation. Smaller tents tend to weigh more than the larger ones. This is because the smaller canopies use heavier frames for stability compared to the larger ones. Having said that, it is imperative to know how much weight you can carry on your shoulder or back or even in the car.

7. Walls

   Most canopies are open all round for maximum ventilation whereas others have walls either on the sides or around to increase privacy. You will find that the same fabric on the roof is the one on the side walls. Polyester or nylon are the best as they have mesh material in their construction to provide excellent air circulation. They also keep bugs and insects from entering the tent to cause nuisance.

8. Leg Design

   Beach canopies come in different design options and this in evident in the leg design. Most conventional canopies go straight in to the ground whereas others feature a slant leg design. There isn’t much to say about those that go straight because they are common and take up little space on the ground. Also, they are sturdy and stable compared to the slant leg design. The slanted leg canopy is appealing to the eye as it goes further to minimize the set-up monotony. It maximizes on the shade coverage area to provide extra space for more people. Conversely, it takes up too much space during installation.

Tips for Using Portable Beach Canopy on Sand

In order for you to have a comfortable stay at the beach, you need to know how to use your canopy on the sand. Most importantly, how you set up the canopy determines the comfort you’ll get, stability and duration.

5 Perfect Tips for Using Portable Canopy

1. How to Anchor Your Beach Canopy?

   The beach has a soft ground since the sand doesn’t guarantee any stability. Sometimes the stakes of the canopy don’t provide sufficient strength against the strong winds. That is why you need to think outside the box in ensuring your canopy will not blow away. More often than not, the canopies come with sand bags or you can improvise to increase stability. What you should do is to fill the bags with sand and place them at each corner of the canopy. Alternatively, you can use rocks or heavy logs over the stakes to ensure strength against wind gusts. By doing this, you will have a safe stay at the beach without having to chase down your canopy when the wind blows.

2. Using Sandbags as Anchors

   If your canopy includes a sandbag, then that makes work easier. This is because the sandbags are usually empty to ensure effortless transportation. All you need to do is to fill the bags with sand. The next step is to tie the ropes of the canopy to the four corners where the stakes go. Then loop the ropes around the sandbags then place them at the edge on each corner. These sandbags hold the canopy in place and guarantees safety while relaxing at the beach.

3. Using Rocks or Logs as Anchors

   Rocks or logs come in handy to secure the canopy firmly to the ground when you have forgotten your sandbags at home. They are the perfect alternatives to keep your canopy in place even in windy conditions. Setting up the canopy with rocks is similar to the sandbags. After digging holes for your stakes, you can loop the ropes around the rock and place it at the canopy’s extremity.

4. How Many Sandbags do You Need?

   The number of sandbags you require for the task solely depends on the ground you intend to set up your canopy. It also depends on the environmental conditions. Calmer weather requires a few sandbags whereas windy conditions need more sandbags for additional strength. More often, two sandbags perform the task but you can also increase the number of sandbags to have them at each corner. You can even go further to double the sandbags at each corner to ensure reliable stability.

5. How to İncrease Stability with Sandbags and Rocks

   Having sandbags or rocks as anchors at the corners of your canopy may get the job done. The problem comes when the wind is stronger that it tends to threaten the stability of the canopy. Burying the sandbags or rocks is the perfect solution as it provides enough strength to stand against the heavy winds. You can dig about 6 inches deep into the sand and place the rocks or sandbags in the hole. If you decide to dig deeper than that, then it will limit the number of times you move the anchors.

6. Choose Where to Set Up the Canopy at the Beach

   It is always advisable to survey the ground before you set up your canopy. This is important because the terrain determines stability and comfort. Setting up your beach canopy below the high-tide line is dangerous as the tides can cause adverse damages to the surrounding. It is easy to identify the last place the tide occurred given it leaves seaweed behind. Alternatively, you can look at the layer of the driftwood to determine the area where the previous tide occurred. Since the tides fluctuate especially during full and new moon stages, you should stay away from areas of potential strike. Offshore storms or heavy winds can also produce waves which may end up sweeping away your canopy if you set it up near the shore.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is a beach canopy really that important?
  A: Yes. It is imperative to have a canopy during your visits to the beach to protect you from various environmental elements. Weather elements can interfere with the way you want to relax at the beach because mostly, they are harmful. Too much sun, for instance, causes unpleasant burns on your skin. Wind can also blow sand into your eyes while you are relaxing at the beach. In addition, when it suddenly rains, you will want a shelter for protection. Therefore, a beach canopy is important to provide protection against the weather extremities.
  Another thing is that a beach canopy provides privacy in the crowded beach. You will lie down comfortably to relax after taking a deep without interruptions from passersby. Also, you can change your clothes without fear. A beach canopy is also a good place to store your food and drinks while at the beach. What’s more, you can store your valuables for easy access. If you visit the beach with kids, a beach canopy provides safety when they are playing.
• Q: Which is the best material for a beach canopy?
  A: A good material for your canopy should have all protective features and provide long-lasting performance. Most companies strive to have the best materials in their models to increase protection. You will find most models using nylon or polyester fabrics on their covering. These two feature the best protection characteristics. Examples are they are waterproof and block out a good percentage of the harmful UV rays. Moreover, they are durable and are easy to maintain.
  Most beach canopy frames feature a sturdy design that is able to hold it in place during windy conditions. Aluminum and steel are most common for their durability and stability. If you are looking for a canopy that sets up freely, then one with an aluminum frame is most ideal. Not only is it lightweight and highly portable, it also provides a stable stand against wind. Steel, on the other hand, is tough and is the best option for use in harsh weather conditions.
• Q: Are beach tents the same as beach canopies?
  A: Canopies are just tents without sidewalls. They both provide protection against weather elements but beach tents are more closed up compared to canopies. A canopy is small and lightweight and requires no prior knowledge when setting it up. It is readily available to provide temporary shelter from sun and rain. Conversely, pop-up beach tents on the market are stronger and durable compared to the canopies. They are good at holding up against strong winds and heavy downpour. Where these two differ is in the way you erect them. Tents require a lot of effort and time to set them up and take them down.

When you’re done, check out our top choices of beach tents for babies out there!

Wrap Up

In order for you to have the best time at the beach, you should equip yourself with all the necessary items. During summer, a sun shelter is mandatory to protect you from the harmful UV rays. In areas with weather inclement, a stable and waterproof canopy comes into play offering maximum protection against rain. Generally, canopies are the best accompaniment when packing for the beach to provide shelter and privacy. You will find better features in the best beach canopy you choose for your needs.

Since the market overflows with different types of beach canopies, it becomes difficult selecting one for your specific needs. That is why we have put together the best in each category on these beach canopy reviews to make it easy to pick one. Whichever canopy you pick in this group, you will not regret your decision. They are good for different functions and are practical.