The beach is a place to unwind and take in nature’s splendor. It’s where the sun meets the sand, and the waves kiss the shore. But while a day at the beach can be idyllic, it’s not without its challenges. Gusty winds, the occasional drizzle, and the scorching sun can sometimes dampen your beach escape.
Embracing a beach tent transforms your seaside adventure from a risky encounter with sun damage into a delightful stretch of hours enjoying quality time with your loved ones. Beyond shielding you from the sun and wind, classic enclosed tents afford you the luxury of privacy for changing or taking a nap.
Meanwhile, contemporary open-sided designs offer a calm, shaded oasis without obstructing your view or the gentle beach breeze. While sunscreen, swimsuits, and towels are beach essentials you are familiar with, adding a beach tent to your packing list is a game-changer. This valuable investment promises substantial returns in comfort and convenience. Here are the five best beach tents;
Be sure to make it to #1 for our take on why Babymoov Anti-UV Marine is the best pick for your little one.
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5. Coleman Beach Shade Canopy
Dimensions: 40.8″L x 40.8″W x 5″H
Weight: 3 Pounds
Sun protection: 50+ sun protection
Price: $44+
Coleman is the preferred choice for most outdoor enthusiasts embarking on an adventure. While the Coleman Beach Shade canopy may lean towards the smaller side, its affordability makes it a fantastic option for couples or individuals seeking a solo beach experience. Its compact design ensures easy portability, collapsing into a package no larger than an oversized thermos.
This tent’s stability is impressive, supported by three sandbags and seven sturdy stakes, capable of easily withstanding strong winds. The extended floor beyond the canopy provides ample space to lounge without worrying about sandy legs. Furthermore, the base can be zipped up, transforming the shelter into a fully enclosed space, offering even more versatility to beachgoers. It’s also available in three different sizes.
Pros
- It is durable
- Great price point
- Offers privacy
Cons
- It is a bit too small compared to other tents on our list
Coleman Beach Shade starting at $44
4. Zomake Keumer Pop Up
Dimensions: 94.5″L x 71″W x 39.5″H
Weight: 2.27 Kgs
Sun protection: 50+ sun protection
Price: $98
If you’re in the market for a robust beach tent suitable for general camping, the Zoomake Keumer Pop Up is an excellent choice. Crafted from top-notch materials, this tent promises longevity beyond that of typical tents.
It boasts outstanding water resistance and is designed with UPF 50+ sun protection, ensuring your comfort and safety under the sun. Setting it up is a breeze and can be accomplished in just minutes. With ample space, this beach tent comfortably accommodates up to four people.
The Zoomake beach shelter is ideal for those seeking a versatile option within the mid-range category. Its exceptional durability ensures it will be your reliable shelter companion for many upcoming outings.
Pros
- The tent can be used for camping as well
- It is durable
- It is spacious
Cons
- It doesn’t have pockets like other tents on the list
3. Alvantor Coolhut Outdoor
Dimensions: 78.7″L x 47.2″W x 53.1″H
Weight: 2.59 Pounds
Sun protection: 50+ sun protection
Price: $50
The Alvanator Coolhut outdoor beach tent offers top-notch sun protection without breaking the bank. Crafted from water-resistant polyester, the Alvanator Coolhut beach tent boasts an impressive UPF 50+ rating to shield you from the scorching sun. With three sand pockets and four additional sandbags included, this tent guarantees superior wind resistance withstanding speeds of up to 25 mph, which is quite impressive.
The tent’s frame is made from durable fiberglass and has a rust-free mechanism that ensures long-lasting performance. You won’t need to go shopping for another beach tent anytime soon. Plus, thanks to its lightning-fast setup, you can start enjoying the shelter in less than a minute.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Durable
- Wind-resistant
Cons
- Tricky to pack
2. Osoeri Beach Tent
Dimensions: 339″L x 264″W x 110″H
Weight: 6.17 Kgs
Sun protection: 50+ sun protection
Price: $136
If you are looking to bring the entire family to the beach or host a sandy party, the Osoeri Beach Tent should be your top choice. It comfortably accommodates 10-12 people, providing ample shade with UPF 50+ sun protection.
Plus, thanks to its eight sandbags and sturdy aluminum poles, you won’t have to worry about it being carried away by a sudden gust of wind. This versatile design also allows for a flexible setup, offering both a two-pole or three-pole structure, giving you a panoramic view of the beachfront.
And, if you decide to take the party elsewhere, this canopy is adaptable to virtually any terrain, whether it’s your backyard, a public park, or a campsite. When you are done, simply pack it away in the included carry bag for easy portability and storage.
Pros
- It is very spacious to accommodate up to 12 people
- It is wind-resistant
- It is multipurpose
Cons
- It is tricky to set up
1. Babymoov Anti-UV Marine Tent
Dimensions: 39″L x 39″W x 31.5″H
Weight: 1.5 Pounds
Sun protection: 50+ sun protection
Price: $60
Whether you find yourself on the beach, in a park, or in your backyard, the Babymoov Anti-UV Marine tent and play area has got your baby covered. It offers protection from the sun’s harsh rays and shields against bothersome wind, pesky mosquitoes, and unruly sand. With a robust UPF 50+ rating, the Babymoov Marine tent effectively blocks up to 99% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, ensuring your little one’s safety in the sun.
Setting up this tent is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly pop-up system, and it folds down just as easily for convenient transportation. Weighing next to nothing and featuring a compact design, you can take it along wherever your adventures lead you.
Designed for optimal comfort, the tent boasts a spacious front opening and two rear windows equipped with flaps to ensure excellent ventilation. Worried about those persistent insects? Don’t be. The built-in mosquito net can be securely zipped by an adult, safeguarding your baby from unwanted intruders.
The tent’s base is water-repellent, ensuring that moisture from the ground won’t dampen your baby’s fun. Plus, with three included pegs, you can anchor it securely to the ground, providing added stability.
The charming little shelter doesn’t just sport a UPF 50+ UV blocker but also features a fine mesh that can be conveniently zipped up to shield your child from mosquitoes and other pesky insects. What’s more, a handy carrying case is included, making it even simpler to transport and enjoy sunny days worry-free.
Please note: This product is not intended for infant sleep and should always be used with supervision.
Pros
- Keeps out pests
- It has a waterproof base to keep your toddler dry
Cons
- It doesn’t secure that well to the ground
What to consider when buying a beach tent
When choosing a beach tent, consider the following features to meet your specific needs:
Material
Typically, beach tents are crafted from two prevalent materials: Polyester and Nylon. Both materials are renowned for their excellent UV protection capabilities, a crucial attribute given that safeguarding against the sun’s rays is the primary function of sunshades.
While vitamin D is undoubtedly beneficial for your skin, prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to adverse health effects. To circumvent such issues, it is imperative to ensure that your chosen tent possesses the necessary certifications and approvals for safe use in beach environments.
Size
The choice of beach tent size should align with the number of people who will be using it. For a couple without children, a compact shelter suffices. However, if you are a family with two kids and three pets, opting for a more spacious tent is essential.
It’s also wise to reserve space within your tent to store beach essentials. Leaving them outside the tent isn’t advisable, so having extra room inside is a practical solution.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that smaller beach tents typically offer increased portability due to their lightweight design but may be less robust compared to their larger counterparts. Keep this in mind when making your selection.
Storage Capacity
When you’re in the process of selecting a beach tent, it’s essential to consider the storage capacity it provides. A beach shelter that can neatly organize your belongings is a valuable asset. Adequate storage space means having multiple compartments inside and outside the tent.
These compartments serve as protective havens for your valuable items, reducing the risk of them becoming misplaced or being susceptible to theft. This feature becomes especially advantageous for families with young children who tend to bring an abundance of toys to the beach.
A beach tent is a versatile and valuable addition to your beach gear. It offers protection from the elements, privacy, and comfort, enhancing your overall beach experience. So, next time you head to the shore, don’t forget to pack your beach tent and make your beach day even more enjoyable and worry-free.