8 Best Beach Tents – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2020)

Beach visits are most ideal during summer. While at the beach, the only way you can escape the searing sun and blowing winds is by having a shelter. More often than not, sunscreen will provide you with sun protection for your skin. However, sunscreen is not a reliable source of sun protection in the hottest periods, especially when its windy. For this reason, you need stronger, more reliable shelter for these situations. What provides proper shade better than a tent designed for the beach? A beach tent offers many of benefits, like sheltering you from the elements. Having the best beach tent is ideal for you, your friends, and your family. Since the number of beach tents on the market is overwhelming, here are the best options to suit any situation. These beach tent reviews provide everything you need to know to buy one that’s right for you.

Quick Recommendations

Best Beach Tent Reviews

1. Pacific Breeze, Easy Set Up Large Beach Tent for Wind

Fabric: Breathable Polyester
Dimensions: 95″ L x 52″ H x 51″ D
Weight: 6 lbs
Folding Dimensions: 38″ x 6″ x 6″

To get the most out of your day at the beach, you need an easy-to-setup tent comes in handy. The Deluxe XL tent by Pacific Breeze provides such a design with a hub system that ensures easy setup and take-down. Measuring 95” x 52” x 51” in length, height, and diameter (respectively), this tent offers a spacious interior comfortable for 3-4 people. In the interior, you will find pockets that provide storage for your valuables and hanging hooks. This is a convenient way to keep the tent neat and organized.

This Deluxe XL features a lightweight design that weighs slightly more than 6 lbs. It also packs down to a small, travel-size bag of 38” x 52” x 51.” While inside, you will enjoy protection from the sun, rain and wind. Most importantly, it has UPF 50+ sun protection fabric, perfect for summer weather. What’s more, the fabric has a breathable polyester construction that repels water. Featuring x-large windows, air circulates within the interior, delivering excellent ventilation. A fiberglass frame has a durable, lightweight design.

2. Easthills Outdoors, XL Half Tent for Beach

Fabric: 185T Polyester
Dimensions: 99″ W x 53″ D x 57″ H
Weight: 4,6 lbs.
Folding Dimensions: 41″ x 8.5″ x 8.5″

An extra-large tent will provide reliable shelter for you and your friends at the beach. This Easthills Outdoors shader is the perfect tent, offering generous space for adults and children. With dimensions of 99” x 53” x 57” in width, diameter, and height (respectively), the tent comfortably accommodates four adults and children – and even pets. Four regular-size beach chairs fit into this commodious tent, thanks to its ample width. It is easy to carry this tent as it packs down to a compact size of 41” x 8.5” x 8.5” and weighs just 8 lbs. What’s more, it has shoulder straps for easy transportation and is just as easy to store.

For additional stability, this shelter pegs down at all four corners and by filling its sand pockets, you get an even stronger tent. The front porch has zippers for accessing the tent freely from inside and outside. Taking down the tent is easy since the sand pockets have Velcro sides that open easily for emptying the sand.

3. WolfWise, Pop up Kids Beach Tent

Fabric: 190T Polyester
Dimensions: 86″ L x 57″ W x 47″ H
Weight: 4.6 lbs.
Folding Dimensions: 29.5″ x 29.5″ x 1.8″

This WolfWise pop up beach tent is another spacious tent that features an excellent design. With dimensions of 86” x 57” x 47” in length, width and height (respectively), it shelters 3-4 adults in comfort. High-density mesh windows and a full-size back door offer ample air circulation to disperse body heat and odors. The windows offer a large entrance for accessibility. Tear-resistant, 190T, polyester fabric gives you multiple years of service. A galvanized steel frame will not break and is corrosion-free.

UPF 50+ on polyester fabric blocks out 98% of harmful UV rays by reflecting and absorbing the sunlight. It also repels water, as tapped seams keep out moisture. Rear double-pull sliders allow easy entry and exit to the tent. What’s more, two storage pockets keep the tent organized. Weighing only 4.6 lbs. and folding to 29.5” x 29.5” x 1.8”, transportation and storage are a breeze. At the end of the day, you want a system that best works for you and your family, and wolfwise pop-up design allows fast setup and take-down.

4. Lightspeed Outdoors Beach Cabana Tent, Sun Shelter

Fabric: 190T PU-Coated Polyester
Dimensions: 96″‘ W x 54″ D x 48″ H
Weight: 6.1 lbs.
Folding Dimensions: 40″ x 5″ x 5″

Fun on the beach requires being comfortable at all times. This Quick Cabana Sun Shelter by Lightspeed Outdoors provides the comfort and protection you need with a roomy interior. Measuring 96” x 54” x 48 in length, width, and height (respectively), it includes an extended 40” exterior space. This tent easily accommodates two adults with children. The hub design ensures fast and easy setup and take-down. It features maximum UPF 50+ sun protection. The sun shade fabric with 450mm PU coating excels in wet conditions.

The Quick Cabana has three mesh windows with flaps for superior ventilation and privacy inside. Below the windows are pockets for organizing your accessories, and an 8.5 mm fiberglass frame will keep your tent stable on the beach. The exterior features sand pockets, which you can fill for extra stability. The tent folds down to 40.94” x 5.51” x 5.51’’ and weighs only 6.1 lbs. for easy transport and storage in a convenient carrying bag.

5. ZOMAKE, 4 Person Pop Up Beach Tent for Family

Fabric: 190T PU-Coated Polyester
Dimensions: 95″ W x 71″ D x 39″ H
Weight: 5 lbs.
Folding Dimensions: 31″ ( disc )

Spending time with your family at the beach guarantees some special memories. To this end, the Zomake Pop-Up Tent is the perfect companion. First, its roomy interior accommodates 3-4 people and is suitable for use in clear weather. Resilient, 190T, PU-coated polyester fabric delivers premium durability and UV protection. UPF 50+, it has UPF 50+ sun protection also blocks out most of the sunlight’s harmful rays. The interior offers an efficient ventilation system, with two mesh window and doors. A mesh roof also provide you with a pleasing sky view, using high-density netting that keeps bugs away.

Setting up this tent is easy and it pops up in seconds. Unlike other tents, no poles complicate the process. Take-down is also easy, thanks to helpful installation instructions. The tent packs down in to an 80cm “disc” shape for effortless transport and storage.

6. Oileus X-Large Portable Beach Shade Tent

Fabric: 210T Polyester
Dimensions: 110″ W x 54″ D x 54″ H
Weight: 4 lbs
Folding Dimensions: 32″ x 5″

If spending time at the beach is your thing, then this Oileus X-large tent sun shelter will excite you. Its design will protect you and your family from the elements at the beach. It offers a roomy interior, measuring 92” x 45” x 45,” large enough to house four people. This tent provides excellent shade, including an awning. The sun shade features the newest, breathable 210T polyester fabric and a PU coating rated at 3000mm for durability. This tent will shield you from 99% of harmful UV rays. The floor’s 150D PE construction is durable and the 8.5 mm fiberglass frame offers added stability with stakes and guy lines.

Ventilation is key in an enclosed shelter. That’s why this tent offers two windows for maximum circulation. The windows have pockets for organizing your accessories in one place. Setup and tear-down are instant thanks to a patented pop-up design. The tent weighs only 4 lbs. and folds to 32” x 5” for hassle-free carrying and storage.

7. Coleman Beach Shade Tent

Fabric: 190T Polyester
Dimensions: 76″ W x 45″ D x 49″ H
Weight: 6.3 lbs.

The unique design of the Coleman Beach Tent offers versatile functionality. It is made for the beach, but you can use it for beach trips, tailgating, or for picnicking, too. During the summer, with the scalding sun, you can take a dive into the ocean, then relax in the cool shade with 50+ UPF protection. This feature blocks 99% of the harmful UV rays that pose a substantial danger to your skin.

Measuring 90” x 53” x 57” in length, width, and height (respectively), this Coleman beach tent has ample room for two adults and children, with an extended, zippered floor for privacy. What’s more, you can store your beach accessories in the pockets inside the tent for maximum organization. You can also unzip the rear window for increased ventilation, while sand bags anchor the tent against wind. Attached guy ropes and ground stakes allow fast and easy setup.

8. G4Free Outdoor, Pop Up Sun Tent for Beach

Fabric: 190T Polyester
Dimensions: 78.7″ L x 47.2″ W x 51.2″ H
Weight: 2,4 lbs.

The sun hits the ground hard during the summer. Therefore, you should ensure maximum protection at the beach. The G4Free outdoor Cabana beach tent has all the features you need to shield yourself from the elements outdoors. A 190T, silver-coated fabric with anti-UV and UPF 50+ sun blocking technology delivers added protection. It measures 78.7” x 47.2” x 51.2,” spacious enough, with ample headroom, to accommodate 2-4 people.

This tent features double, Type B, dense, interwoven mesh netting, which not only looks good, but increases ventilation in hot weather. Non-toxic, odorless fabric makes it safe to use with children. Two integrated sand bags, with four fixed bands that secure to the ground, fortify the tent against strong winds. Setup and tear-down is fast and easy. It folds down into a bag 19.7” in diameter, weighing only 2.2 lbs. for easy transport and storage.

What is a Beach Tent?

A beach tent provides protection from outdoor elements. It is a shelter-like structure that enables you to have an enjoyable time, especially on a hot, sandy beach. In summertime, sun protection becomes especially necessary since increased UV rays pose a risk to your skin. What’s more, a beach tent for family lets you spend extra time you spend outdoors with your family and friends. These versatile structures enable you and your children to have a comfortable stay outdoors. As such, a beach tent is a worthy investment.

Types of Beach Tents

Like any other tent, beach tents come in different designs. The type of beach tent determines appearance, functionality, and ease of setup.

1. Pop-Up Beach Tent

   This is the most common type of tent you will find at the beach. It resembles a regular beach camping tent and provides shade for you and your loved ones. This style of beach shade tent offers a lightweight, compact design that enables portability. “Pop-up” signals effortless setup. Even so, some pop-up tents tear down more easily than others and stow away into a convenient carrying case, while others are more complicated. Those which are more complicated usually include a set of instructions about how to take them down, and this process becomes easier over time.

2. Tent for Beach Camping

   Just as the name suggests, this tent style uses poles, stakes, and sand storage bags for reliable stability. Anchors hold them firmly to the ground and sand bags ensure stability in strong winds. Poles in these tents hold the entire structure in place. Tents of this kind offer greater stability than pop-up alternatives and can withstand harsh weather. Setting up these can be more challenging than others. Thankfully, a set of instructions helps you overcome this challenge. Most of these structures have corded and collapsible poles for proper and effortless assembly. (Check also the differences between beach camping tents and other beach tents.)

3. Cabana Beach Tent

   The Cabana Beach Tent is another popular style on the market. It resembles a pop-up tent in appearance, but uses integrated poles and a hub-system for easy setup and folding. These tents have a high-quality polyester construction that ensures perfect protection from sun, wind, rain and other environmental elements. A major downside is that they don’t offer privacy inside since they have no sidewalls.

4. Baby Beach Tent

   If you plan to spend quality time at the beach with your family and you have an infant or toddler, then beach tents are essential. These are specially designed to provide protection for your little one. They also enable your baby to play on the beach or in the water while remaining underneath its shade. These tents feature a high-quality construction that allows versatile functionality. Not only are they suitable for the beach, but they are also suitable for playing in the yard or in the great outdoors.

Why Should I Use a Tent at the Beach?

Packing for the beach is may be a tedious task, especially when you’re packing lots of extra things. That is why you may easily neglect including beach tent on your beach gear check list. However, a beach offers valuable benefits that should encourage you to bring one along.

1. Protection

   Sun, rain and wind can ruin your seaside experience when you don’t have proper shelter. The searing sun in the summer makes sun protection beach gear essential like beach shade tents, beach sun hats and sunscreens. These tents offer superior sun protection that shields you from harmful UV rays. They provide a shade for you and your loved ones to relax in while enjoying beautiful sceneries at the ocean. You don’t have to end your fun experiences when it suddenly rains, since you’ll have a tent over your head, keeping you warm and dry. In addition, you will not have to worry about wind blowing sand into your eyes, because your beach tent will protect you from this discomfort as well.

2. Privacy

   Beach are filled with all kinds of people. Some will change publicly into their swimming suits publicly, while others are strongly opposed to doing so. A beach tent for family provides maximum privacy for those who change clothes out of sight at any time. In addition, a beach tent allows you to take a relaxing nap at the beach more easily than when people around you are watching. A beach tent is important for situations like these.

3. Storage

   If your things lay loosely on the beach, you may not find them after taking a dip. You’ll discover how easy it is to misplace your items on a crowded beach! A beach tent offers a good solution to this dilemma. You can get into the water knowing that you’ve stowed your items safely inside. Most beach tents for family feature internal pockets to house your accessories. Tents are also good places for storing your food and snacks away from the sun .

4. A Meeting Place

   It’s difficult to locate your friends on a crowded beach. A tent, however, provides the perfect meeting place for all your loved ones to gather, especially your children. Tents come in different designs and colors, making them easier to locate in a crowd.

Beach Tent Buying Guide

Top 6 Things to Consider When Buying a Beach Tent:

When buying a beach tent, there are important factors you need to look for. These factors will determine functionality, portability and installation.

1. Purpose of the Beach tent

   This is the main factor to consider when looking for a tent for the beach. Since these tents provide versatile functionality, you may have a specific reason why you want to invest in one. If you want a tent for protection against environmental elements, then you have to pay attention to the construction features. A tent with UPF 50+ coating will provide maximum sun protection by absorbing and reflecting sunlight. For wind protection, a sturdy built tent will stand up against harsh breeze. Tents with larger windows and mesh panels or vents are great for relaxing on the beach in the hot summer. The mesh netting will keep out flying creatures to give you a more relaxing experience.

2. Size

   Size is another major factor to consider as it determines the comfort you will get. This is seen in the footprint and height dimensions. A large tent is suitable for a big group since it provides enough sufficient space for movement. Also, one with a large center height will enable free movement in the interior. If you are planning on visiting the beach with a friend, then a medium-sized tent is okay. You will have enough space for your private activities. A smaller tent is suitable for infants and toddlers. They can easily play in it away from the harmful elements.

3. Installation and Portability

   Most beach shade tent models available on the market have effortless set up. However, take down has a small learning curve to it. The instructions on how to set up and take down also come in handy with these shelters. Packing and carrying is also another factor to look for in a tent. Some tents easily pack into small carry cases to increase portability. Mode of transportation will determine how to carry the tent. If you are planning on walking to the beach, then a lightweight and compact tent is a suitable option.

4. Material

   The first thing you look for in any product is how it is made and in this case, the material in the tent’s construction really matters. This is because you will find many brands on the market using different materials on the tents. Therefore, you need to be keen on the type of material used in order to get value for your money. The common types of materials on the covering of the tents are polyester and nylon. They are both suitable for bringing shade in the scalding sun and are also water-resistant. In addition, these materials give long lasting performance.
   You will find most beach tents with aluminum or steel frames. These materials are great for their high resilience, lightweight design and long lasting performance. You can easily carry them and set them up using minimum effort. What’s more, aluminum and steel can withstand the damages that salty water may cause like rust and corrosion. Among the two, aluminum doesn’t provide much stability in windy conditions given that it is extremely lightweight. Steel frame, however, is the best option for a windy beach since it’s heavier than aluminum. Generally, the protection you will get is greatly determined by the material of the tent.

5. Color

   Tents for the beach come in a variety of colors. This is great for you to pick the color that suits your style. Beach shade tent colors provide a unique style while in the outdoor. It is easy to locate your in a crowded beach if it has a unique color. If you are planning on using a beach tent during summer periods, then you should look for a one with a brilliant color. With the wide range of color options for tents available, you can find one with your preferred style.

6. Cost

   The tent you get will depend on your budget. If you are on a budget, then a cheaper beach tent is most ideal. Expensive beach tents have greater advantages because the manufacturers put in a lot of effort to create tents that will withstand harsh weather elements. However, you can also find a tent with equal properties of a high-end one at an affordable price.

What are the Differences Between Beach Tent and Canopy?

Most people think that a beach shade tent is similar to a canopy and that is why they interchange the names while referring to them. The main reason to this confusion maybe because they offer protection against environmental elements. However, the two differ mainly in construction, functionality and privacy.

5 Main Differences Between Tent & Canopy

• Size and Design

  A beach tent for family is a structure that has an enclosed covering to offer maximum protection against elements while at the beach. This tent has a limited number of occupants since it has closed sides. A beach canopy on the other hand, is a shelter held up over a sturdy frame to provide sun protection. It is a larger version of a beach tent with an increased number of occupants. You can set up a table under a canopy to dine with your family and friends while enjoying the cool breeze of the ocean.

• Ventilation

  Air circulation during the summer period while at the beach is important. While a beach tent provides limited ventilation, a canopy has open sides for maximum ventilation. Since a tent has minimum air circulation, it is suitable for use with a small group of people. Also, with increased ventilation, it gets hard for the wind to knock the structure down.

• Privacy

  A beach tent for family offers more privacy compared to a beach canopy. You can have more private activities taking place in a beach tent like changing clothes or sleeping. A beach canopy has open sides making it difficult to have sleep or change to your bathing suit privately.

• Wind protection

  Canopies usually secured firmly in the ground. However, nothing can stop the wind from blowing into your face and eyes when seated in the canopy given, it doesn’t have sides. In windy conditions, a beach tent will keep your stuff from flying around and also prevent sand from blowing into your eyes. You should look the best beach tents for wind.

• Set up and take down

  Most beach tents found on the market are easy to set up and the set of instructions allow for easy take down. It will take you utmost five minutes to erect a beach tent. A beach canopy on the other hand requires a little more time and effort to set it up. You will need an extra hand when erecting the canopy since it involves a number of poles. Pop up canopies, the most common type offers easy set up and collapse down to a portable size.

• Material

  A beach tent has a more lightweight design in its construction compared to that of a canopy. Mostly, the tents have a polyester or nylon fabrics and the frame has an aluminum frame construction. These materials are both lightweight and durable. Conversely, a canopy has a heavy duty construction with stronger poles for maximum stability. This is because you can have it for long term use.
  If you are planning on spending quality time in a more private structure, then a beach tent is ideal. But when you are in a large group, then a canopy is ideal. These two will give you the comfort you deserve if you make the right decision.

Best Beach Tent Comparison Chart

PRODUCT	PRICE	FABRIC	WEIGHT	DIMENSIONS	FOLDING DIMENSIONS
Pacific Breeze, Easy Set Up Large Beach Tent for Wind	$$$$	Breathable Polyester	6 lbs.	95" L x 52" H x 51" D	38" x 6" x 6"
Easthills Outdoors, XL Half Tent for Beach	$$$$	185T Polyester	4,6 lbs.	99" W x 53" D x 57" H	41" x 8.5" x 8.5"
WolfWise, Pop up Kids Beach Tent	$$$	190T Polyester	4.6 lbs.	86" L x 57" W x 47" H	29.5" x 29.5" x 1.8"
Lightspeed Outdoors Beach Cabana Tent, Sun Shelter	$$$	190T PU-Coated Polyester	6.1 lbs.	96"' W x 54" D x 48" H	40" x 5" x 5"
ZOMAKE, 4 Person Pop Up Beach Tent for Family	$$$	190T PU-Coated Polyester	5 lbs.	95" W x 71" D x 39" H	31" ( disc )
Oileus X-Large Portable Beach Shade Tent	$$	210T Polyester	4 lbs.	110" W x 54" D x 54" H	32" x 5"
Coleman Beach Tent for Beach Camping	$	190T Polyester	6.3 lbs.	76" W x 45" D x 49" H
G4Free Outdoor, Pop Up Sun Tent for Beach	$	190T Polyester	2,4 lbs.	78.7" L x 47.2" W x 51.2" H

Wrap Up

A tent for the beach during summer is important. It is unfortunate that many people prefer getting a tan at the beach while overlooking the damages. Having a beach tent will not only provide a shelter for protection, but also keep your stuff in one place as well as offering privacy. There are numerous benefits of bringing a tent to the beach in different conditions. Choosing the best beach tent for your needs can be a daunting task. However, it is nice to welcome proper knowledge and information about beach tents. These beach tent reviews will aid in getting the right one that suits you. Even the most affordable tents provide protection, similar to high end beach tents. These structures offer durable functionality and are easy to set up. What’s more, you can use them in your yard or let your kids have a playhouse during hot periods. Once you are aware of the possible effects of your surroundings, you can’t afford to neglect a beach tent when packing for the beach.

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