Tech & Gear Accessories The 8 Best Beach Tents of 2022 for Shade and Convenience, Tested and Reviewed We like Pacific Breeze's Easy Setup Tent the most By Nathan Allen Nathan Allen Outdoor Gear Editor University of Missouri-Columbia Lindenwood University Nathan Allen is the Outdoor Gear Editor for TripSavvy. Nathan loves many outdoor activities but makes it a priority to run or bike on singletrack every day. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 08/09/22 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong TripSavvy's Picks Lightweight, easy to pop up, UPF 50+ sun protection, and extremely spacious, the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent is an excellent option for what to bring for a day at the beach. If you're looking for a sun shelter that's a bit more canopy-like and less of a traditional tent, we love the Sun Ninja Pop-Up Beach Tent. Staying shaded and cool at the beach is important—not just for your comfort but also for your skin's protection. Enter beach tents: They offer shelter on the sand and provide a barrier between you and the sun's harsh rays. With features like windows and vents being fairly standard these days, tents are far from nylon heat traps—some even have cool perks. We sent 19 beach canopies and tents to testers so they could rate each one on attributes like portability, performance, quality, and value. Based on our research and testing, here are the best beach tents for your next oceanside adventure. The Rundown Best Overall: Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: SUN NINJA Pop Up Beach Tent at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: WhiteFang Beach Tent Anti-UV Portable Sunshade Shelter at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Kids: Sunba Youth Beach Shade at Amazon Jump to Review Best Features: Coleman Beach Sun Shelter at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Easy Setup: WolfWise Easy Pop Up Beach Tent at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Families: Oileus XL Beach Tent at Amazon Jump to Review Best Multi-Use: Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader Beach Tent at Amazon Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks Other Tents We Tested Product Selection How We Tested What to Look for in Beach Tents Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall: Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent 5 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Less than 5 pounds Very easy setup and breakdown Mesh windows and extra pockets for storage Great overall value for its cost What We Don't Like There could always be more space, but it's pretty big already Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent Review Look no further than the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent for the perfect all-rounder. Its hub system is a particular highlight as it allows for a quick and easy setup. The tent is also incredibly spacious at 87 x 47 x 49 inches and has pockets for convenient storage. Its fiberglass frame makes the tent durable enough to withstand rain, wind, and other outdoor activities. Despite its size, the tent is still lightweight; made of breathable, water-repellent polyester, it weighs just 4.5 pounds. Even more, the tent boasts UPF 50+ sun protection and large windows for ventilation. "The designers of the Easy Setup Beach Tent clearly put a lot of effort into considering what a family might need," product tester Kimberly Holland reported. "For example, the two mesh windows on either side can be secured with hook-and-loop fastener strips in the event of strong winds or even a light shower. If you want to enjoy the breeze, you can roll the windows up and secure them with elastic ties." Holland also enjoyed the two mesh pockets at the top of the center section for storing cell phones or other items. The tent easily fits two adults with low-sitting beach chairs. And without the chairs, you could fit two adults with a small child (or dog) or two. "The Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent is the straightforward setup solution for trips to the beach, lake, or even outdoor concerts and festivals," Holland concluded. "You don't have to keep track of frame pieces or anchors; everything is easily carried inside the drawstring bag. Just keep in mind that it's not very deep, so it only provides protection for a couple of people." Weight: 4.5 pounds | Dimensions: 87 x 47 x 49 inches | Folded Size: 40 x 5 x 5 inches | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ TripSavvy / Monica Aguinaga Best Overall, Runner-Up: SUN NINJA Pop Up Beach Tent 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Sunninja.com Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Easy setup and breakdown Straps were comfortable for carrying Reasonably lightweight What We Don't Like If you're looking for a full tent structure, this isn't the pick This is our top pick if you're looking for a sun shelter that's a bit more canopy than tent. Sun Ninja's Pop Up Beach Tent has a UPF 50+ rating and comes in three different sizes (four-, six-, and eight-person). It promises a three-step setup, including laying the structure flat, filling the corner pockets with sand, and then unfolding and popping up the poles. Our testers liked how easily the tent fit into the carrying case and how easily that carrying case could fit into a beach wagon or tote bag. "It was very simple to use," one tester noted. "The poles easily snapped into place. It came with a scoop to scoop the sand into the pockets. And it took less than five minutes to set up." They also liked how light the bag was and how the straps made it easy to transport. "The coverage was great, and having the breeze come through was nice," concluded one tester. Weight: 7.2 pounds | Dimensions: 90 x 84 x 65 inches | Folded Size: Not listed | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ TripSavvy / Jamie Griffin Best Budget: WhiteFang Beach Tent Anti-UV Portable Sunshade Shelter 4.4 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 3/5 Performance 4/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Very lightweight Good overall interior size Packs down small for easy storage and transportation What We Don't Like Setup was a bit time-consuming Somewhat difficult to get all items back in the bag after breaking down WhiteFang's Beach Tent was one of the lightest and least expensive sun shelters we tested. It also features UPF 50+ protection, thickened fiberglass tent poles, and a double-zipper design. We also like that this tent has mesh windows on three sides, giving you full ventilation with the main opening on the fourth side. Our testers liked that it folds down small enough for easy storage and carrying. However, they did note struggling a bit to get the tent's contents back into the bag for that transportation. While the setup "wasn't terrible," our testers said it was a bit more time-consuming than expected, especially while contending with the wind. "The mesh windows on every side made for great ventilation," a tester noted, also mentioning the sandbags on the sides helped with the wind. "Once it's pitched, it stayed put," they said. Overall, this is a solid product if you're not a frequent beachgoer or are looking for a more budget option. Weight: 3.3 pounds | Dimensions: 85 x 55 x 46 inches | Folded Size: Not listed | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ TripSavvy / Jamie Griffin Best for Kids: Sunba Youth Beach Shade 5 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Very simple setup takes seconds Lightweight and small to pack What We Don't Like Probably couldn't fit multiple adults and kids This poleless beach tent focuses on providing a sun shelter for your kiddos or doggos. With a UPF 50+ rating, an incredibly lightweight design, and small storage size, it's an ideal tent for anyone looking to take small children or pets to the beach. The tent unpacks and pops up in seconds. It also comes with eight pegs and two side pockets outside that you could pack with sand for extra stability in the wind. Our testers reported it was able to handle a light breeze. They also loved how small and easy the tent was to carry and how simple it was to use. Weight: 2.2 pounds | Dimensions: 65 x 59 x 43.5 inches | Folded Size: Not listed | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ TripSavvy / Jamie Griffin The 9 Best Beach Umbrellas of 2022 Best Features: Coleman Beach Sun Shelter 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 3/5 Performance 4/5 Quality 5/5 Value 4/5 What We Like Inside storage pockets Built-in guy-lines Easy setup What We Don't Like Could have better ventilation—the floor mat got hot after being in the sun for a longer time The Coleman Beach Shade has all the features you'd want in a beach tent at a reasonable price point. Easy to assemble, this pop-up tent has zippered doors for privacy and a back window that unzips to increase airflow. Other highlights include storage pockets for personal items and a drying line for hanging wet swimsuits and towels. In addition to offering UPF 50+ protection, the tent features Polyguard material that helps it last season after season and comes in various colors, including lime, pink, and yellow. Our testers reported this tent had a little bigger of a carrying case but not large (it could still fit in a beach wagon or over the shoulder). And while it stood strong on a windy day, our testers would've liked to have seen some windows for more ventilation. If you go to warmer beaches (like Florida, for example), you probably want a tent that's not going to get as hot. But it's a good option if your beachgoing is on the West Coast, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Weight: 6.3 pounds | Dimensions: 56 x 21.3 x 66.1 inches | Folded Size: 28.19 x 10 x 4.88 inches | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ TripSavvy / Jamie Griffin Best for Easy Setup: WolfWise Easy Pop Up Beach Tent 4.4 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Performance 4/5 Quality 5/5 Value 3/5 What We Like Water-resistant and anti-UV material Good carrying weight and size for excellent transportation What We Don't Like Folding tent back up was tricky at first Just throw the WolfWise Pop Up Tent in the air, and you'll have a beach tent ready in seconds—no poles or other attachments necessary. The tent has doors on both ends and two large mesh windows for letting air in and blocking mosquitos. There are also storage pockets underneath each window to hold sunglasses, sunscreen, and other small belongings. This 86 x 57 x 47-inch tent still packs a punch with size, as it's spacious enough for three to four people. Along with UPF 50+ sun protection, the tent employs water-resistant and anti-UV material. And, as easy as it is to set up, the WolfWise folds nicely into a disc that you can store in the included bag. Weight: 4.2 pounds | Dimensions: 86.61 x 57.09 x 47.24 inches | Folded Size: 29.5 x 29.5 x 1.6 inches | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ TripSavvy / Izzy Seely The Best Beach Canopies to Keep You Covered and Cool Best for Families: Oileus XL Beach Tent 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Performance 4/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Very easy setup with no poles Sand bags around the side help with stability What We Don't Like Would like a back window for boosted airflow This tent holds four people (two adults and two kids) but weighs just 5 pounds, making it a good option if you have quite the hike from the parking lot to the shore. It comes equipped with stakes, guylines, and sand pockets so that you can secure it firmly in the sand. The tent floor can also take plenty of little feet running around it, thanks to its durable, rough-and-ready polyethylene material. Plus, it keeps you out of the sun with 99 percent UV protection. Despite its size, our testers reported that the Oileus XL fits into a small bag and over the shoulder for easy transport. "The setup was incredibly easy," a tester said. "Not having to deal with any poles made the process quick. The stakes could have been a little heftier, but having sandbags around the side helps." Our testers also reported wanting to have a back window for boosted airflow. Weight: 5 pounds | Dimensions: 92 x 45 x 45 inches | Folded Size: Not listed | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ TripSavvy / Jamie Griffin Best Multi-Use: Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader Beach Tent 4.4 Easthills Outdoors View On Amazon Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Performance 4/5 Quality 5/5 Value 4/5 What We Like Held up well in the wind Good ventilation What We Don't Like Not a ton of space inside There's a lot to like about this multi-application beach tent from Easthills Outdoors. It has an easy setup and UPF 50+ sun protection, is water-resistant, and has a zippered front closure. Our testers liked how easily the tent set up, even if it was a bit intimidating at first. "It definitely helps to have a second pair of hands to help set up," a tester advised. Once set up, this tent performed well in the wind and had several windows for increased ventilation. Weight: 8.5 pounds | Dimensions: 82 x 50 x 47 inches | Folded Size: 41 x 8.5 x 8.5 inches | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ TripSavvy / Izzy Seely The 7 Best Beach Umbrella Anchors of 2022 Other Tents We Tested Neso Tents Grande Beach Tent: While our testers found this tent extremely portable, the setup was challenging and made them unwilling to recommend it. OutdoorMaster Pop Up Beach Tent: Our testers liked how portable this tent is. It also had a relatively easy setup and breakdown. And while it got a bit toasty inside, our testers were still happy to recommend this tent. Red Suricata Family Beach Tent & Canopy: This was another portable tent that comes in a small bag and is relatively light and easy to carry. But the setup was a bit involved, and some flimsy materials and poles made our testers hesitant to recommend it. Venustas Beach Tent: Our testers thought this would be a decent tent for kids or a single adult. But the setup—more akin to a traditional camping tent with crisscrossing poles—was a bit convoluted compared to other tents our testers liked. G4Free Large Pop-up Beach Tent: This was a decent tent. Our testers were just concerned about its durability as the materials seemed lighter than the others tested. But the pop-up setup was easy, as was the portability. TripSavvy / Izzy Seely Product Selection We selected products to test based on online research and editorial knowledge of the tents. Internet research included finding tents featured in other prominent publications and highly rated and reviewed tents on e-commerce sites like Amazon. Once we selected a group of tents, we narrowed the options to test based on online customer reviews. We also included a wide range of tent styles and prices to accommodate different budgets and intended uses. TripSavvy / Jamie Griffin How We Tested Once we selected products to test, we sent those products to testers living near beaches. Testers were asked to transport the tents to the beach, set them up, use them for multiple hours, and then take them down and back to their homes. We asked testers to test out the tents numerous times and, if possible, in various settings (wind versus not wind, for example). Testers rated beach tents on a five-point scale for the following attributes: portability, ease of use, performance, quality, and overall value. Those scores were averaged to give an overall score. TripSavvy / Kaya Abrahamson What to Look for in Beach Tents Material While basic nylon can be flimsy and tear after a bit of roughhousing, there are plenty of durable synthetic materials these days that will help your tent withstand a few beach seasons. Look for material like Polyguard for exceptional durability, and see if the fabric you’re looking at offers protection from water and sun, too. Features Think about how much you want to spend on a tent—typically, the more features, the more expensive they are. At the very least, most beach tents come with a few interior pockets to hold all your essentials for a day at the beach, whether zippered or simple slip pockets. Other features to keep an eye on include zippered windows to allow a cross-breeze and a drying line for wet towels and swimsuits. Size Consider both the overall footprint of the tent as well as the height. Larger tents allow more space to maneuver, but smaller tents may be sufficient as a kid-friendly refuge if that’s what you’re after. Setup and Portability Some beach tents can be assembled quickly by one person, while others take more time (and coordination) to get right. Most collapse into a tight package for easy portability, but if you’re facing longer walks, some models may prove easier to carry than others. TripSavvy / Jamie Griffin Frequently Asked Questions Are beach tents waterproof? Not all beach tents are waterproof. While many are made from nylon and other synthetic fibers, they might not keep out rain or particularly erratic spray from nearby waves. Try to purchase one labeled as waterproof; otherwise, you can check the manufacturer's guide to see if you can DIY the waterproofing yourself with a bit of spray. How do I anchor my tent on the beach? Some tents come with stakes so that you can anchor them to the beach, but if the ground is a little too sandy (or maybe, not sandy enough), place rocks or some of your gear in the corners of the tent to help anchor it down. While stakes are the best choice for beaches that have the breeze rolling in, you’ll likely be okay with some weight in the corners on calmer days. Do beach tents have sun protection? While any barrier between you and the sun’s rays will help reduce sun damage, only some tents come with UPF protection built in; others are mainly nylon, though they still offer much-needed shade. Look for tents with a UPF of 50+ to really help protect you on a hot summer day at the beach. Why Trust TripSavvy Nathan Allen is the outdoor gear editor at TripSavvy. He's based near the coast in Southern California's Ventura County. Nathan frequents the beach for paddleboarding, beach volleyball, surfing, and loafing. He's been using tents for camping and other applications for as long as he can remember. The 10 Best Tents for Hiking and Camping Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 8 below.