A beach tent can make a day at the beach, a soccer game, or an outdoor picnic an enjoyable and safer experience for the entire family. Sunburn, while it seems only only temporary, can have long lasting effects and is particularly dangerous for babies and young children. In the short term, sunburn causes dehydration, pain, blistering that can become infected, and sometimes fever. In the long term, sunburn greatly increases chances for skin cancer.
The right sun shade or popup beach tent with the proper amount of sun protection can greatly decrease your family’s chances of becoming sunburned. These portable shelters provide a comfortable place with protection from the elements to enjoy your outdoor adventure. Beach tents should be easy to set up and convenient to carry. With plenty of options in size, price, and design, choosing the perfect beach sun-shade for your family should be a breeze.
Best Beach Tent Options
Pacific Breeze EasyUp Beach Tent | Check price at | |
Sport-Brella Umbrella – Portable Sun and Weather Shelter | Check price at | |
Automatic Pop Up Instant Portable Outdoors Quick Cabana Sun Shelter Lowest Price | Check price at | |
Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Cabana Beach Tent Sun Shelter | Check price at | |
Genji Sports Instant Beach Star Tent | Check price at | |
Camperelli Beach Tent Bundle | Check price at | |
The Best Instant Pop up Sports Beach Tent | Check price at | |
Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Beach Canopy Tent | Check price at | |
Otentik Beach SunShade | Check price at |
1. Pacific Breeze EasyUp Beach Tent
The Pacific Breeze EasyUp Beach Tent is very easy to set up and take down, thanks to the specially designed EasyUp Hub System. Reviewers report that a single person can unpack and assemble the tent in less than a minute. For carrying and storing, this tent is compact and lightweight. It measures 87 L x 47 H x 49 D and provides UPF 50+ sun protection, as well as shelter from wind and rain. Large windows allow for plenty of ventilation and a pleasant cross-breeze. The interior has pockets to keep small items organized. The frame is constructed of durable and lightweight fiberglass and the floor is waterproof. Carrying case, sand pockets, and stakes are all included, and you can feel confident in your purchase with a one year warranty.
The Pacific Breeze is also available in a Deluxe XL version that comfortably fits three to four people. With the same materials and basic design of the regular Pacific Breeze Beach Tent, it’s easy to take up and down. The XL has three windows instead of two.
2. Sport-Brella Umbrella – Portable Sun and Weather Shelter
A clever upgrade to the classic beach umbrella, the Sport-Brella Umbrella – Portable Sun and Weather Shelter offers 50+ SPF sun protection and an easy, familiar set up. Basically, it’s an oversized, sturdy, and durable beach umbrella with flaps for extra protection from the elements and added privacy. Wind vents on the top and zippered windows allow for comfortable air flow. Interior pockets store included stakes when the umbrella is not in use and hold your valuables when you’re at the beach or any outdoor event. Large enough to shelter several people, it folds up for lightweight and convenient transport.
3. Automatic Pop Up Instant Portable Outdoors Quick Cabana Sun Shelter
The Automatic Pop Up Instant Portable Outdoors Quick Cabana Sun Shelter can supposedly be put up in one second and taken down in three seconds. Whether or not you can manage it in that short of a time frame, it’s incredibly easy to put up and take down. You won’t miss out on any family time at the beach because you’re stuck assembling a complicated beach tent. It’s sized at 65 x 59 x 43.5 inches and when packed away in the convenient carry bag weighs only 2.2 pounds. Durable, silver coated fabric provides a UV rating of 50+ UPF. The tent stays stable with four metal ground stakes and sand bag pockets.
4. Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Cabana Beach Tent Sun Shelter
Measuring 96 x 54.5 x 49.25 (LxWxH), the Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Cabana Beach Tent Sun Shelter fits up to two adults and two children comfortably, even with a couple of beach or camp chairs. A compression hub-system and integrated poles make the tent simple to put up and take down and the shelter provides 50+ sun protection. The moderate overhang at the front of the tent allows for even more shade than just the interior and three windows provide comfortable ventilation. Sand pockets and guy lines ensure that this tent is stable even in breezy beach conditions. Construction materials include 66D 180T breathable polyester for the sun shelter walls, and 115g PE for the extended porch and the tent weighs just six pounds.
5. Genji Sports Instant Beach Star Tent
Though I doubt my own skill and coordination would allow for it, the Genji Sports Instant Beach Star Tent boasts a two second set up time and a five second take down down time. Either way, it’s easy to manage. Durable UV 50+ protective coated 190T nylon material blocks the harmful UV rays and the tent and floor material meet CPAI-84 fire retardant standards. The floor is also waterproof for extra comfort at the beach or other outdoor activities. The interior features a window and a gear pocket. The entire tent weighs just 4.5 pounds and comes with a convenient carrying bag.
6. Camperelli Beach Tent Bundle
The Camperelli Beach Tent Bundle includes a tent an two fold up beach chairs: a good start on getting your gear together for a fun day at the beach. To set up the tent just lay the tent out flat and pull the cords in opposite directions and it pops right up. Use the sand pockets and included tent stakes to anchor your tent. Three large windows have shades that roll up and down and mesh for when the shades are up. The entire bundle is easy to carry. The tent packs up and includes its own carry bag and the chairs have convenient carry straps. This good size tent comes in several fun colors and includes a one year warranty.
7. The Best Instant Pop up Sports Beach Tent
It’s up for debate whether or no it’s actually “the best”, but the The Best Instant Pop up Sports Beach Tent is inexpensive, convenient, and easy to set up. It’s a pretty basic tent, which is reflected in the price, but it offers 50+ UV sun protection and will protect you and your family from the elements. It’s simple and easy to set up and includes written set up instructions as well a helpful video. Reviewers have positive things to say about this tent and note that kids love it at the beach and us a fun, indoor play tent.
8. Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Beach Canopy Tent
The Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Beach Canopy Tent is a great canopy beach tent. A single side wall offers extra protection from the elements and the canopy provides shade, all while allowing a 270 degree view. It’s much more open than the three-sided tents with only a single side opening. It measures 95 x 59 x 59-inches (LxWxH), so it’s plenty large enough for a family of four and plenty of gear. Pops up easily and simple to take down, this canopy weighs seven pounds and includes its own carry case. Sand pockets, stakes, and guy lines keep it stable, even on a breezy beach day.
Best Sun Shade Option:
9. Otentik Beach SunShade
The Otentik Beach SunShade is a unique and versatile beach tent option. Its small, lightweight, and convenient design is perfect for families on the move. It can be set up anywhere it can be staked down: on the beach, in the water, or halfway in and halfway out of the surf. It’s made from high quality materials including innovative Eurojersey fabric that is sand repellent, quick drying, and provides optimal sun protection. As an added bonus, your purchases saves two meters of rainforest via the World Land Trust & Eurojersey.
A beach tent provides your family with protection from the elements whether you’re enjoying the beach, a sporting event, or a fun day in the backyard. Share your favorite beach tents in the comments below.
Feature image adapted from image courtesy of Flickr, Matt Niemi.
Hi. I also recommend these stake to keep these tents on the ground where they belong! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BW7A23Y