When you go to the beach you have a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the sun and water and the myriad of activities available to enhance the experience. Without thoughtful consideration of what happens if you get carried away and don’t take precautions, it can turn into a nightmare of sunburn or other discomforts from rain, wind, and the power of nature. That is where a beach canopy comes into play. It provides a respite for rest and shelter and can be a great center for socialization.
Many wonderful beach canopies are on the market today with a variety of features, sizes, and designs. Below a sampling of the best is introduced with a comparison table, reviews, specifications, photos, and videos followed by 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 comments section at the bottom.
Best Beach Canopy 2020
- Coleman Instant Beach Canopy
- Lightspeed Outdoors Tall Beach Canopy
- Neso Tents Gigante Beach Canopy
- Core Instant Shelter Pop Up Beach Canopy
- Crown Shades Patented Slant Leg Beach Canopy
- Red Suricata Family Beach Canopy
- Big Agnes Three Forks Shelter Beach Canopy
- Coleman Instant Setup Beach Canopy
- Mastercanopy Patio Pop Up Instant Shelter Beach Canopy
- Kelty Shade Maker 2 Beach Canopy
Best Beach Canopy 2020 Comparison Table
| Picture | Beach Canopies | Dimensions | Weight | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Coleman Instant Beach Canopy | 10' x 10' x 9'4" | 37 pounds | 4.9 | $$$ |
  | Lightspeed Outdoors Tall Beach Canopy | 7.8' x 7.8' x 6.4’ | 9 pounds | 4.8 | $ |
  | Neso Tents Gigante Beach Canopy | 11' x 11' x 8' | 9.5 pounds | 4.5 | $$ |
  | Core Instant Shelter Pop Up Beach Canopy | 10' x 10' x 9'4" | 43 pounds | 4.8 | $$ |
  | Crown Shades Patented Slant Leg Beach Canopy | 11' x 11 x 8.46' | 28.13 pounds | 4.8 | $$ |
  | Red Suricata Family Beach Canopy | 7' x 7' x 6.5' | 7.5 pounds | 4.6 | $$ |
  | Big Agnes Three Forks Shelter Beach Canopy | 10' x 10' x 6.5' | 6.75 pounds | 4.5 | $$$ |
  | Coleman Instant Setup Beach Canopy | 13' x 13' x 9'7" | 47 pounds (Shipping Weight) | 4.7 | $$ |
  | Mastercanopy Patio Pop Up Instant Shelter Beach Canopy | 6.6' x 6.6' x 8.16' | 31.6 pounds | 4.6 | $ |
  | Kelty Shade Maker 2 Beach Canopy | 10' x 10' x 7.17' | 8.56 pounds | 4.4 | $$ |
| Picture | Beach Canopies | Dimensions | Weight | Rating | Price |
Well known for a broad range of quality outdoor products, Coleman offers this Instant Beach Canopy that comes in a handy wheeled carry bag, sets up in under five minutes, and will be great for the beach, a picnic in the park or party in your back yard. The durable Polyguard double-thick fabric with a PU Aluminum coating can withstand the wind and rain, provides UPF 50+ protection, and is fire retardant. With pre-attached telescoping steel poles, there are three height options. Eight heavy-duty long stakes and four adjustable guy lines keep it stable, and vents in the crown allow airflow. In addition to this 10’ x 10’ model, it is also available in 12’ x 12’ and has a limited 1-year warranty.
- Double-thick Polyguard fabric
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- 1 piece frame
- Telescoping steel poles
- 8 stakes and 4 pre-attached guy lines
- Wheeled carry bag
- Dimensions: 10’ x 10’ x 9’4”
- Weight: 37 pounds
- 1-year limited warranty
Lightspeed Outdoors Tall Beach Canopy
The Lightspeed Outdoors Tall Beach Canopy is a lightweight, easily portable canopy great for the beach or harder to reach locations. It has a quick and easy one-person set-up with an umbrella-style pull hub and telescoping lightweight and durable fiberglass poles. Stability is achieved with built-in guy lines, sand pockets, and asymmetrical pole design. The 100% Polyester fabric has UPF 50+ protection and additional wind and sun protection usually not available in a canopy configuration is available in the form of a movable side wall. There is plenty of headroom if you’re under 6’4” and a choice of two colors, mint blue or horizon blue.
- 100% Polyester fabric
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Umbrella-style pull hub set-up
- Fiberglass telescoping poles
- Detachable shade wall – movable to all 4 sides
- Asymmetrical pole design for stability
- Built-in guy lines
- 4 sand pockets
- 2 gear pockets
- Zippered carry bag
- Comes in mint blue or horizon blue
- Dimensions: 7.8′ x 7.8′ x 6.4’
- Weight: 9 pounds
View More From Lightspeed Outdoors
Neso Tents Gigante Beach Canopy
The Neto Gigante Beach Canopy, the largest in their line of three, is lightweight and durable with an 8-foot tall canopy of durable water-repellent Nylon/Lycra with reinforced corners. 4-corner sand anchor bags and cinch cords with 2 aluminum poles are used in the easy set-up of this airy open canopy with UPF 50+ sun protection. It has a built-in cooler pocket for snacks and beverages and at 9.5 pounds is easy to port in its shoulder carry bag. It currently comes in 3 lively seaside-themed colors and is a great addition for any shoreside group looking for cover.
- Water-repellent Nylon/Lycra fabric with reinforced corners
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- 2 x 98-inch aluminum poles
- 4 corner anchor bags and cinch cords for set-up
- Built-in cooler pocket
- 5-inch shoulder carry bag
- Comes in 3 colors
- Dimensions: 11’ x 11’ x 8’
- Weight: 9.5 pounds
Core Instant Shelter Pop Up Beach Canopy
The Core Instant Shelter Pop Up Beach Canopy sets up in an amazing two minutes and is very similar in size and specification to the Coleman Instant Beach Canopy above. The UPF 50+ sun protected 150D Polyester fabric is water-resistant with fully taped seams bolstering durability. It has a steel framework with telescoping corner poles and easy to use oversized buttons to lock them in place. Two vents in the canopy promote a little airflow and additional anchoring is available with stakes and tie-downs. A wheeled carry bag makes moving the 43-pound canopy to the site of your party or beach event much more convenient. Core stands behind it with a limited 1-year warranty and it comes in a choice of two different grey hues.
- 150D Polyester fabric
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Fully taped seams
- 2 canopy vents
- Steel frame with telescoping poles and oversized pinch-free buttons
- Stakes and tie-downs
- Wheeled carry bag
- Comes in grey or seal grey
- Dimensions: 10’ x 10’ x 9’4”
- Weight: 43 pounds
- 1-year limited warranty
Crown Shades Patented Slant Leg Beach Canopy
The Crown Shades Patented Slant Leg Beach Canopy sets up in a minute and has structural stability through a slant-legged construction on its corrosion-resistant powder-coated steel frame. The canopy of water-resistant 150D Oxford (Polyester) fabric is sturdy and UPF 50+ rated for sun protection. Vents in the crown aid in air circulation and stakes and guy lines are available for bolstering anchorage/stability. Lightweight compared with similar canopy designs, it nonetheless has a wheeled carry bag for ease in portage. Great for a variety of outdoor activities on the beach, in the park, out in the woods, or almost anywhere you require temporary shelter, it comes in white or blue.
- 150D Oxford fabric
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Powder-coated steel frame
- Slant-leg design
- Vents in the crown
- 8 stakes and 4 guy lines
- Wheeled carry bag
- Dimensions: 11’ x 11’ footprint, 9’ x 9’ canopy, 8.46’ height
- Weight: 28.13 pounds
Red Suricata Family Beach Canopy
The Red Suricata Family Beach Canopy is very similar in design to the Neso Gigante Canopy described above with several interesting variations. It has four folding aluminum tent poles rather than two providing the same 6’5” height throughout. The Lycra fabric is likewise UPF 50+ rated for sun protection and water repellant and there are 4 sandbags for anchorage. The guy lines are elastic bungee-style for some give and pegs are available for extra stability. It is very lightweight and has a zippered carry bag with long shoulder straps for easy transport. Available in lively pastel colors as well as grey and black, there is also a larger 10’ x 9’ model for a little more cover.
- Water-repellent Lycra fabric
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- 4 folding aluminum poles with ball tops and improved pole anchors
- 4 corner anchor bags, 4 tent pegs
- 4 bungee elastic cords for set-up and use in storage
- Zippered waterproof carry bag
- Comes in 8 pastel colors
- Dimensions: 7’ x 7’ x 6.5’
- Weight: 7.5 pounds
Big Agnes Three Forks Shelter Beach Canopy
Big Agnes, known for camping gear, offers this Shelter Canopy suitable for beach use as well as mountain and woodlands settings. It has a lightweight and durable Polyester taffeta fabric with a PU waterproof coating and taped seams, and an easy to set up pre-bent aluminum pole structure. Hook stakes and guy lines add to stability and interior loops give you a chance to hang the odd personal items. Accessory side walls for a little more privacy and wind-breaking are available and sold separately. There’s plenty of headroom and floor space for a table and chairs. Please note the manufacturer makes no claims for UV protection or a carry bag but it packs down to 7 x 28 inches. It comes in attractive green or green leaf coloration.
- Polyester taffeta fabric with waterproof PU coating
- Taped seams (with waterproof tape)
- Aluminum poles
- Reflective guy lines and webbing on the corners
- Pre-cut guy lines and tensioners attached
- 4 open sidewalls – accessory wall panels sold separately
- Multiple interior loops for hanging items
- 8 aluminum hook stakes
- Comes in green or green leaf
- Dimensions: 10′ x 10′ x 6.5’
- Weight: 6 pounds 12 ounces
Coleman Instant Setup Beach Canopy
Another great Canopy Shelter by Coleman, this one sets up in a few minutes, has plenty of headroom, and with overhanging eaves, a lot of protected area underneath as well. The one-piece steel frame has footed steel poles that are further stabilized with tent pegs along with guy lines. This sturdy construction is a bit heavy to carry but that is counteracted with a wheeled carry bag to ease the load. The large canopy has a vented roof to improve air circulation and will serve larger groups well at a beach barbecue or picnic. Coleman backs it up with a 1-year limited warranty.
- 150D fabric
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Overhanging eaves
- Vented roof
- 1-piece 28mm pop-up steel frame
- Telescoping footed steel poles with steel tent pegs
- Comfort no-pinch grips for adjustment
- Guy lines
- Wheeled carry bag
- Dimensions: 13’ x 13’ x 9’7” (10’ x 10’ footprint)
- Weight: 47 pounds (shipping weight)
- 1-year limited warranty
Mastercanopy Patio Pop Up Instant Shelter Beach Canopy
The Mastercanopy Pop Up Instant Shelter Beach Canopy comes in three sizes. This is the smallest in their line and of the pop up 4 post models reviewed here. Like the others, it is sturdy and waterproof and has UPF 50+ sun protection. The pop-up design allows it to be erected in minutes. In addition, it has a vented roof and stakes, guy lines, and sand pockets for additional anchorage and stability. There are 8 attractive colors and combinations and it also comes in 8’ x 8’ and 10’ x 10’ models. A wheeled carry bag makes portage of its just less than 32 pounds a breeze. Pricing is very reasonable.
- Polyester fabric with waterproof PU coating
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Reinforced stress points and heat-sealed seams
- Pop-up design
- 4 sand pocket anchors
- 4 guy lines
- 4 stakes
- Vented roof
- Wheeled carry bag with 2 rubber handles
- Dimensions: 6.6’ x 6.6’ x 8.16’
- Weight: 31.6 pounds
- Low-priced
Kelty Shade Maker 2 Beach Canopy
The Kelly Shade Maker 2 is a tall, extremely lightweight portable canopy with durable polyester construction including taped seams, and aluminum hybrid poles. It has four open sides and an extended awning and provides ordinary shading protection from the elements. (Kelly does not mention any special measure to waterproof it or UPF sun protection level.) Set-up is relatively quick and at less than 9 pounds it stuffs into a packbag with shoulder straps for easy portage. There is room in the shade for a table and chairs and several people. Users report that it performs fairly well in windy seaside conditions despite no special anchoring sandbags or external guy lines.
- 68D Polyester fabric
- Taped seams
- Aluminum hybrid poles
- Open on 4 sides
- Ridge pole for extended awning
- Packbag with shoulder straps
- Comes in grey
- Dimensions: 10′ x 10′ x 7.17′
- Weight: 8 pounds 9 ounces
Best Beach Canopy 2020 Buying Guide
A canopy has a roof and is open on the sides. In some cases, there is a side wall or the option to have one or more but the main function of a canopy is to have easy access to the shelter in the interior. This is great for groups in social functions where chairs, tables, food, and supplies can be inside and easily available for all. They are usually designed with high ceilings so that standing is possible and a greater number of people can enter than would be the case if everyone had to sit or crouch.
Materials – Polyester and nylon are both lightweight, water-resistant, and durable and perform well in providing cover and wind resistance. To increase sturdiness and longevity, many manufacturers reinforce the seams by taping or gluing. Many models also offer waterproof coatings made of PU to ensure no water penetration. Since people love a fire or barbecue on the beach, a fire retardant material on the canopy is worth considering. Most models don’t include this.
Frames and poles need to be durable and rust-resistant. Steel, aluminum, and fiberglass all fit the bill with aluminum the most lightweight which is good for portage.
UV Protection – For respite from the sun, the best canopies have included a material to resist ultraviolet ray penetration. The standard to look for is UPF 50+. Here is an article for an explanation of UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor): What is UPF?
Set Up, Ease of Use – Manufacturers are always aware of criticism when a tent is hard to set up and it is clear they strive to make it as easy as possible. Some tents and canopies are practically self-assembling. Others have an umbrella-like pop-up mechanism that pushes the entire frame into place from one location. The most difficult to put together usually have the frame pre-threaded or pre-positioned through the canopy for a minimum of frustration.
Portability – Most lighter models pack into a bag with straps making it easy to carry. For the largest models, look for a wheeled bag to simplify transport from the car to the set-up point on the beach.
Side Walls – The design of a canopy provides strong overhead cover but open sides without a modicum of privacy and no lateral windbreak. To remedy this, some models have side walls to be added on already included in the package or optional.
Best Beach Tents
Beach tents are configured differently from canopies and offer an alternative form of beach shelter that may suit your needs or style. Here is my review: Best Beach Tents
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