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When it comes to summer essentials, there are the classics that instantly come to mind, like a stylish pool lounge, and then there are the less obvious finds, including the best beach tent. As much as we love fantasizing about spreading out our beach towel across the hot sand and falling asleep to the sound of the rolling waves, it's not very practical or healthy. Why, you ask? The sun's rays are intense and can be detrimental to your long-term health—no matter how much sunscreen you slather on.
The best way to enjoy a day on the beach is to apply sunscreen and spend a decent amount of time in the shade, so if you want to keep yourself, your family, and your friends safe, it's time to invest in a beach tent, aka beach canopy (or cabana if you're feeling fancy). Unlike a tent you'd bring on a camping trip, these are much more stylish and easier to assemble—in fact, many of them automatically pop up into shape. So with summer underway (the first official day is June 21), there's no better time to snag one of these useful tents. The best part? Even the best ones—according to both House Beautiful editors and reviewers—aren't too much of a financial investment. In fact, the most affordable one on our list is $39.
With temperatures rising, you don't have time to waste! So peep our top picks below and snag one of the best beach tents on the market. Trust us, you'll never have more fun in the sun—well, kind of. Sitting under the shade of a beach canopy is the safest way to enjoy a cloudless day outside.
Available in three colors including a sunny azure, this minimalistic beach tent is big enough to fit five people. If you want to keep the family close, this is a good get. Not that it matters, but the microfiber-lycra fabric is really soft and, more important, water-resistant and UPF 50+. You may still want to use sunscreen just in case some covered areas become exposed as the day goes on. It also blocks wind (if it's coming from above) and comes with sandbags to help hold it in place, so feel free to break it out on breezy days.
Material: Microfiber-lycra
Water-Resistant: Yes
Capacity: Five people
Assembled Dimensions: 84" W x 84" D x 70" H
This striped find is a must-have for small beach gatherings (emphasis on small). It falls somewhere between a traditional beach umbrella and tent because it's not fully either of them. Here's how it works: Assemble the lightweight polyester canopy with a flexible fiberglass frame, store your goodies in the interior pockets, and lay your towels lengthwise against the canopy with your legs extending outward. If the sun is behind you, the shade will cast far beyond your legs.
Material: Polyester, polyethylene, Velcro, and nylon
Water-Resistant: Yes
Capacity: Two people
Assembled Dimensions: 71" W x 35.5" D x 43.5" H
This beach tent is tall enough to sneak a few chairs under its sweeping canopy, so feel free to haul all of your essentials over in your beach wagon. And if you want to get a little cheeky with it, skip the black and go for a cheetah or flamingo print. No matter which one you end up getting, you'll be able to neatly tuck it into the included carrying case that you'll actually want to swing over your shoulder and bring to your next beach day because it weighs only six and a half pounds. It's also UPF 50+ and water repellent, so feel free to sit close to the water because this thing can handle a little salt water spray. "Cannot recommend the Neso more. Been using it for three weeks straight and it's been as reliable on the windy days as it is on calm days," a reviewer explains. Stretch it out, face the wind, and bury the bags. If wind direction changes, just move the pole position. Easy easy easy."
Material: Nylon
Water-Resistant: Yes
Capacity: Five people
Assembled Dimensions: 107.9 W x 107.9 D x 82" H
This tent looks more like one you'd use in the woods than on the beach, but Akaso designed it specifically for the latter, with a polyester floor mat (read: no sand in unwanted places), an internal silver coating that blocks ultraviolet rays, and storage pockets. There's also a ceiling hook, door and window cover tie-downs, sandbags, steel stakes, and guy lines. So once you get it, there's no need to get anything else. "I'm a beach person, so tent was on my list. The material is sturdy and size is good. We all 5 people easily fit in it," one reviewer notes. "It's easy to set up. Just open and fold…One side just opens up and can zip to close."
Material: Polyester
Water-Resistant: Yes
Capacity: Five people
Assembled Dimensions: 88.5 W x 55.9" D x 56.2" H
We don't like to pick favorites, but sometimes a product is so good that we don't feel like we have much a choice! Case in point: this Business & Pleasure Co. beach tent that looks like something Marie Antoinette would use on a vacation in the South of France. It may not be waterproof, but it does block the harsh UV rays, courtesy of the high-quality materials and six-foot canopy. Did we mention it takes only four minutes to assemble? "I unknowingly volunteered to help set this cabana up on a windy beach day in Florida, and it can take only four minutes if a few people are doing the assembling," associate shopping editor Jessica Cherner says. "Once it's up, though, it's amazing. It looks so chic and stays in place all day—no matter how windy it is. Just be sure the stakes are as deep in the sand as possible."
Material: Metal and canvas
Water-Resistant: No
Capacity: Five people
Assembled Dimensions: 6'6" W x 6'6" D x 6'6" H
One of the many reasons we're obsessed with this beach tent—a miniature version of Shibumi Shade's original tent, which is big enough for five chairs—is the illusion it creates on the sand. It kind of looks like a kite hovering in the perfect place, right? This one is still pretty big, with 75 square feet of shade. It's designed and hand-sewn in the U.S., so you know that it's made with all of the impactful details, including UPF 30+ sun protection and a two-minute assembly process. One happy customer says, "The shibumi worked great! So compact & much lighter in weight than trying to carry a heavy umbrella out to the beach. I got the mini which is perfect for 2 or 3 people. It was simple to set up! I’m so satisfied with my purchase!"
Material: Recycled plastic
Water-Resistant: Yes
Capacity: Two people
Assembled Dimensions: 20" W x 4" D x 20" H
Similar to the Business & Pleasure Co. cabana, this Sunnylife one is more of a stylish hut than a tent, so if you want to bring the aesthetic, this is a good option. It works too! It's UPF 50+ and comes with an air-ventilated roof, so even if the sun is beating down, you'll never get too hot. One reviewer says, "Perfect boho umbrella for the beach! I’ll be using this for my picnics." So feel free to bring it on the beach or to the park—or even set it up in your own backyard.
Material: Polyester
Water-Resistant: No
Capacity: Five people
Assembled Dimensions: 6.3" W x 6.3" D x 61" H
A beach tent should never be an impulse purchase. In fact, we'd recommend putting some thought into what is surely going to become your new favorite summer accessory. Here's what we'd recommend focusing on when buying your new beach tent.
Size: Size is key because you'll want it to be big enough to fit everyone going on the beach excursion (kids, friends, or pets) but not so big that lugging it around is a pain. On the other hand, if you plan on being one of two people using your beach tent, there's no need to invest in a massive one because it'll be a waste of space and a nuisance to deal with.
Material: Most beach tents are made of materials that can handle at least a little bit of weather, but if you don't plan on sitting right by the shore or staying out in a rainstorm, there's no need to buy a tent made of polyester or nylon.
Assembly: Some of the beach tents on our list take only a few minutes for one person to set up and others require more time and more people. Consider who will be joining you on your beach outings and pick one that will be convenient to set up.
Summer is a universally loved season, so when it comes to shopping for warm-weather finds, we spent hours (yes, hours) perusing the internet for the best products that will only enhance your beach days. We considered everything from price to style and even tested a few picks ourselves to ensure there's something for everyone.
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