A day at the beach can be a time of great joy that may turn pretty sour if you end up enduring too many continuous hours of the sun, wind, and rain without respite. That’s where a good tent comes in. The best provide serious protection from the sun’s rays that can leave you dehydrated and sunburnt, and offer a little privacy from the prying eyes of the masses.
The beach isn’t the only place where a tent can be useful. A picnic in the park, a sporting event, or even a garden party at home can benefit from a beach-style tent.
A large number are on the market today with a variety of features in a range of sizes. Below a sample of the best is reviewed with photos and videos followed by a comparison table and a buying guide to help you make the best selection for your needs.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the bottom comments section. I’d love to know your thoughts.
Best Beach Tent Reviews
- Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
- Sport-Brella Portable Umbrella Beach Tent
- iCorer Automatic Instant Pop Up Cabana Beach Tent
- Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent Deluxe XL
- East Hills Easy Up Deluxe XL Sun Tent
- Coleman Beach Shade Shelter
- Zomake Pop Up Beach Tent
- Neso Tents Grande Beach Tent
- Wolfwise Easy Pop Up Beach Tent
- Lightspeed Outdoors Canopy Pop Up Tent
Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
The lightweight and spacious tent has large windows for ventilation and provides UPF 50+ UV protection.
It has a durable fiberglass frame and water-resistant PE floor to go with the water and wind-resistant polyester walls.
There are also internal pockets for dry storage of your accessories.
When you are ready to go, it packs up easily into its carry bag for easy portage.
Pacific Breeze stands behind it with a 1-year warranty.
- A water-resistant polyester, fiberglass frame, PE floor
- Large windows
- Internal storage pockets
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Includes sand pockets, stakes, and carrying case
- Comes in blue
- Carry bag (40″ x 5″ x 5″)
- Dimensions: 87” x 47” x 49”
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- 1-year warranty
- Price: $
Sport-Brella Portable Umbrella Beach Tent
Constructed of durable, water-repellent 210D polyester, it has dual flaps that can be staked to the ground for added protection from the elements along with zippered windows and top vents for circulation.
It also provides UPF 50+ protection from the sun and packs into an easy-carry bag.
- 210 D polyester
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Dual canopy, side zippered windows, top wind vents
- Telescoping pole, metal tip, and steel ribs
- Tie-down cords and ground stakes
- Comes in red, blue, and turquoise
- Dimensions: 96” x 96”
- Weight: 9 pounds
- Price: $
iCorer Automatic Instant Pop Up Cabana Beach Tent
UPF 50+ protection is provided in the silver-coated, flame-resistant nylon fabric and large woven mesh windows deliver the ventilation.
It’s extremely lightweight at 2.2 pounds and packs nicely into its carry bag with a strap for easy portage.
Available in 3 attractive color combinations it is very reasonably priced.
- Flame-resistant nylon
- Silver-coated fabric for UPF 50+ sun protection
- Large mesh windows of Type B woven mesh
- 6 metal stakes
- Built-in sand pockets on the two side panels for stability
- Comes in green, light blue, and blue
- Carry-bag with shoulder strap included
- Dimensions: 65” x 59” x 43.5”
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Low-priced
- Price: $
Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent Deluxe XL
It has the same easy opening mechanism, UPF 50+ water-resistant polyester, durable fiberglass frame, and internal storage pockets, and also has 3 XL windows.
The PE floor comes in standard and an extendable version for a few dollars more.
This lightweight model also has sand pockets and stakes for stable anchoring even in a brisk Pacific breeze, and it takes down easily and folds nicely in its carrying case.
The manufacturer’s warranty is valid for one year.
- Water-resistant polyester, fiberglass frame, PE floor
- 3 extra-large windows
- Internal storage pockets
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Includes 5 sand pockets, 4 stakes, and a carrying case
- Optional extended floor
- Comes in blue
- Carrying case (38″ x 6″ x 6″)
- Dimensions: 95” x 52” x 51”
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- 1-year warranty
- Price: $$
East Hills Easy Up Deluxe XL Sun Tent
It is durable with UPF 50+ sun protection and similarly sets up, breaks down, and stores in a carry bag very easily.
However, it is slightly larger with room for four beach chairs and substantial headroom, and has a front porch that can be used as a zippered door for a little privacy to change or let the baby nap.
Three of the sides have roll-up windows, there are internal storage pockets, and numerous stakes, guy lines, and sand pockets to secure the tent to the ground should there be any wind. This one, too, includes a 1-year warranty.
- Water-resistant 185T polyester
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- 3 sides with roll-up windows
- Zippered front, 53” front porch
- Internal storage pockets
- 10 plastic stakes, 4 guy lines, and sand pockets for stabilization
- Includes storage pouch and carry bag with strap (41″ x 8.5″ x 8.5″)
- Comes in blue and beige
- Dimensions: 99″ x 53″ x 57″
- Weight: 8 pounds
- 1-year warranty
- Price: $$
With a durable fiberglass frame, it has UPF 50+ sun protection, a handy zippered rear window, and an extended front that can also be zippered shut.
When it’s windy it can be held in place with integrated sand pockets, ground stakes, and guy lines and there are pockets inside for valuables and accessories, as well as a line for hanging wet clothes.
It’s large enough for several people and comes in a range of striking colors and combinations.
- Fiberglass frame
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Extended front floor that zips shut like a door
- Large back window with zipper
- Internal storage pockets and dry line for hanging clothes
- Sand pockets, ground stakes, and pre-attached guy lines
- Comes in yellow, lime, blue/lime, blue/white, and pink
- Dimensions: 90” x 54” x 108”
- Weight: 7.36 pounds
- Low-priced
- Price: $
All you have to do is take it out of its carry bag and pitch it in the air and watch as the fiberglass frame springs into shape and the tent is pretty much ready to go. If it is windy you can use the stakes provided to secure it in place.
Made of durable water-resistant 190T polyester, it has UPF 50+ protection from the sun along with mesh windows and doors for keeping the insects out while still preserving reasonable ventilation.
Lightweight but big enough for 3 or 4, it takes down and repacks almost as easily as the setup.
You’ll love it for a day at the beach.
- Water-resistant 190T polyester with silver anti-UV PU coating
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Fiberglass frame
- Welded PE floor
- 2 mesh doors, 2 mesh windows, 1 top opening
- Hogan hook stakes
- Circular carry bag with straps (31.5″ in diameter)
- Comes in blue, light blue, and green
- Dimensions: 95″ x 71″ x 39″
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Price: $
Open and airy, it provides UPF 50+ protection from the sun’s rays and is anchored by corner bags that can be filled with sand or rocks and sets up in minutes.
For drinks and snacks, a cooler pocket is built-in and it packs into an easy-to-carry shoulder bag.
Adorned with a choice of colors and patterns from pastels, to camo, to flamingos, and other remarkable designs, your friends will be able to easily find you and join in the fun.
- Water-repellent Nylon/Lycra fabric with reinforced corners
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- 7-foot aluminum poles
- Corner anchor bags and cinch cords for set-up
- Built-in cooler pocket
- 19.5-inch carry bag
- Comes in 12 colors and designs
- Dimensions: 110.2″ x 110.2″ x 82.7″
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Price: $$
Wolfwise Easy Pop Up Beach Tent
The water-repellent 190T polyester with UPF 50+ sun protection has a galvanized steel frame with 4 corner sand pockets to anchor it.
There is a large front entrance and twin zippered rear end that can be opened, which along with the two mesh side windows allow great ventilation if desired.
For additional stabilization, 4 wind ropes and 8 tent stakes are provided.
Big enough for 3-4 it’s a great shelter for a day at the beach or your kid’s ball game, and packs away into an easy-to-manage carry bag.
- Water-repellent 190T polyester with taped seams and silver coating
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Galvanized steel frame
- 4 sand pockets for corner anchoring
- 4 wind ropes, 8 tent stakes
- Mesh windows, large entrance, rear twin zipper opening
- Carry bag (29.5″ x 29.5″ x 1.6″)
- Dimensions: 86″ x 57″ x 47″
- Weight: 4.21 pounds
- Price: $
Lightspeed Outdoors Canopy Pop Up Tent
Good for 4 or more and their gear and chairs, this shelter is roomy with 3 open sides, a PE floor, and durable, water-resistant PU-coated polyester for UPF 50+ sun protection.
There are sand pockets, stakes, and guy lines for additional anchoring and it’s 7 pounds pack away easily into a handy carry bag.
It’s great for a day at the beach, the park, or your own garden party.
- Water-repellent polyester with 450mm PU water-resistant coating
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- PE floor
- Bottom-pull hub system
- 4 sand pockets, 9 stakes, and guy lines for anchoring
- 2 storage pockets
- 1 wall, 3 open sides
- Comes in blue
- Carry bag (50” x 5” x 5”)
- Dimensions: 95″ x 95″ x 59″
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Price: $$
View More From Lightspeed Outdoors
Best Beach Tent Comparison Table
| Picture | Beach Tent | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent | 87” x 47” x 49” | 4.45 pounds | $ |
  | Sport-Brella Portable Umbrella Beach Tent | 96" x 96" | 9 pounds | $ |
  | iCorer Automatic Instant Pop Up Cabana Beach Tent | 65” x 59” x 43.5” | 2.2 pounds | $ |
  | Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent Deluxe XL | 95” x 52” x 51” | 6.5 pounds | $$ |
  | East Hills Easy Up Deluxe XL Sun Tent | 99" x 53" x 57" | 8 pounds | $$ |
  | Coleman Beach Shade Shelter | 90” x 54” x 108” | 7.36 pounds | $ |
  | Zomake Pop Up Beach Tent | 95" x 71" x 39" | 5 pounds | $ |
  | Neso Tents Grande Beach Tent | 110.2" x 110.2" x 82.7" | 6.5 pounds | $$ |
  | Wolfwise Easy Pop Up Beach Tent | 86" x 57" x 47" | 5.1 pounds | $ |
  | Lightspeed Outdoors Canopy Pop Up Tent | 95" x 95" x 59" | 7 pounds | $$ |
| Picture | Beach Tent | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
Beach Tents Buying Guide
Size, Weight, & Portability
How many people, chairs, ice chests, food, etc. need shelter and space? The larger the tent, the greater the weight will be, in many cases. This will affect how easy it is to carry it. Can you carry it on foot easily or do you need transport?
Materials
The shell of the tent is usually nylon or polyester. They are both water-resistant and durable providing shade and wind-breaking capability.
Frames are usually aluminum, steel, or fiberglass. All are durable and rust and corrosion-resistant with aluminum being the most lightweight, which can be a factor in windy conditions.
Sun Protection
It is best to have material treated to provide ultraviolet ray protection. The acceptable standard usually available on beach tent fabric is UPF 50+. For a description of UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), check this article: What is UPF?
Ease of Use
Beyond portability considerations, set up and take down timing and simplicity are factors to consider. Most manufacturers know the importance to users and have designed tents accordingly. As described above, there are models that are virtually automatic opening and take only minutes to put away.
Storage
Many tents have doors that zip inside and out which can help keep unwanted guests out so that valuables have a better chance of not being stolen. There are also pockets where watches, cell phones, etc. can be placed out of sight.
Otherwise, the shelter of a tent is a great place to put coolers and foodstuff out of the sun. Most beach tents have a floor, as well, to keep salt, sand, and debris away from food and the other things stored inside.
Privacy
In a wide-open area like a beach with plenty of prying eyes, a tent can give you enough privacy to change your clothes or just relax and nod off for a few minutes.
Tent Designs
Cabana – This type is often large enough for a 3-4 person family and can be zipped up for privacy inside.
Pop Up – These tents are usually smaller and can accommodate a couple of people. Lightweight and compact they can be set up quickly and may have an elastic mechanism to facilitate the process.
Canopy – This style is open on 3 or 4 sides and allows for access by a larger number of people from all around it, great for parties.
Umbrella Canopy – Another canopy-style tent, this type is shaped like an umbrella and can be mounted upright with an adjustable pole to modify the height or laid down as a tilted dome.
Feedback and Comments
I hope you have found this review of beach tents to be useful. If you have any questions, ideas, or personal experiences, please feel free to share them in the comments. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
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