Yes, it’s finally here! That time of the year when you kick off your flip-flops, put on a sexy swim suit, grab your sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and head for the beaches. When the azure sea and vast stretches of white powdery sand beckons the outdoor enthusiast in you, make sure you are ready for it.
By that we mean – are you well protected from the sun’s harsh rays that might get unbearable at times. You would of course not want to come back from your vacation looking like an over-baked cookie.
If you are travelling with kids, babies in particular you would badly need some shade where they can rest and not have the sun glaring at them all the time or sand in their food. We would suggest that you get the best beach tent for your family so that you can enjoy all the good things while minimizing the risks associated with spending time outdoors.
Before you splash the cash and buy a beach tent that offers a good deal, make sure it suits your requirements. Does it provide enough sun protection? Will it accommodate your entire family? Is it made of durablematerial? Below you will find a few other things you must look for when buying a beach tent.
Things To Look For When Buying The Best Beach Tent
The tent should be easy to assemble without you wasting time or struggling with it. The ‘pop up’ tents are good in this matter and they take only a few minutes to set up.
Taking down the tent should also be as easy as putting them up. You will of course not want to yell at your partner after a wonderful day at the beach.
It should provide good protection from the sun’s stinging rays. Most of the best quality products come with a special coating to block the sun’s UV rays. This is necessary if you are travelling with newborns.
The tent should be made of durable material that adds stability to the structure. It should be able to withstand the strong gusts of wind that might get fierce at times.
There should be mesh sections to allow easy flow of air within the tent. Even if there are ventilators, they must have enclosures so that you can close them when the sun rays or winds get too hard to handle.
If you search online for the best beach tent, you will find a plethora of options to choose from. There are so many different brands and models available that it’s easy for you to get confused. Hence, we have created a list of top 5 beach tents, with their features, pros and cons to help you choose the right product.
Editor's Rating
We developed an instant liking for the name. It really sounds like an easy to use beach tent for those comfortable breezy days at the beach. But, does the product really stand up to the expectations created by its name? Let’s find out.
Pacific Breeze sports a typical pop up tent design. You simply need to take it out of the carrying case, pull the string on the top and put it up within minutes. There’s no need to set up frames or insert poles. Just fix the stakes firmly to the ground to keep the tent in place and you have a nice little canopy ready for your day out at the beach.
There are external sand pockets that can be used along with the stakes for extra stability on a very breezy beach. It can easily accommodate a small family comprising of 3-4 members.
The beach tent provides good protection from the sun, wind and rain. The frame is made of high quality fiberglass. The exterior lining of the tent features a UPF 50+ protection and PE waterproof floor makes it completely weather proof.
There are 3 large windows that provide good ventilation inside the beach tent. You get good air flow so you still get to enjoy the nice sea breeze without getting blown away by the strong gusts of wind.
As there’s enough space to keep your belongings, you don’t have to worry about your possessions getting wet or damaged.
Features
- Measures 52 x 51 x 95 inches when pitched
- Lightweight and compact
- 3 large windows
- 5 sand pockets
- Made from durable weather proof material
- 30 day return policy
- Limited 1 year warranty
Pros
- Extremely easy to set up and take down
- Provides good protection from sun, rain, and wind
- Easily accommodates 3-4 people
- 3 large windows enable good air flow within the tent
- Stakes and sand pockets make it possible to securely put up the tent on a beach
- Putting it inside the carry case is easy
Cons
- Slightly on the expensive side
- Check the product thoroughly as some product may have defects
Summary
We feel the Pacific Breeze Easy Up Beach Tent completely justifies its name. It’s actually as easy to set up and take down as it sounds. So, not more yelling, swearing and stressing out by the end of a perfect day. Even though it costs a little more than competitor products, we don’t think serious buyer will mind because it has all qualities of a perfect beach tent.
Editor's Rating
If you are looking to go camping at the beach for the day or maybe even spend a night at the beach (do remember to check the local law) you would need a sturdy and more reliable beach tent. We came across this Quick-Up Cabana Style XL Beach Tent by WildHorn Outfitters that holds a lot of promise. Let’s check it out.
If you have used beach tents earlier you can tell by the looks that this is one high quality product replete with all the features you could possibly ask for. It boasts 56 sq feet of amazing floor space coupled with a smart ceiling a little less than 5 feet tall. It’s a large sized tent that can comfortably accommodate a large family.
We thought setting up and taking down might be a pain due to the size of the tent but it actually turns out to be a pleasant surprise. It just takes a few seconds to set up and pull down this cool tent.
It is made of water resistant fabric and both the floor and the ceiling are highly durable. There are mesh ventilators with enclosures that can be zipped up when it rains or the wind gets too fierce.
Features
- Measures 35×4.7×4.7inches when folded
- Quick-up automatic frame system
- 2 in 1 use
- Multifunctional
- 56 x 4 x 8 inches when pitched
- Weighs 12 pounds in the carrying case
- 50 UPV sun protection
Pros
- Made of high quality and durable materials so lasts for long
- Retractable front canopy is a great add-on
- Secures firmly to the ground with stakes and sand bags
- Not just limited to beach camping, can also be used in other locations
- Offers enhanced privacy like none other
Cons
- Windows open and shut from outside
- Slightly wind sensitive due to its size
- Heavier than competitors
Summary
Quick-Up Cabana Style XL is the mother of all camping tents. It is one of the biggest beach shades available. If you are looking for a really large and sturdy tent without comprising with the ease of use and portability, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Editor's Rating
If you want to head to the beaches for romantic getaway with a special someone then the Coleman DayTripper Beach Shade looks like a good option. But, can it provide enough protection from sun, wind and rain? Let’s take a closer look to find out.
This is a lightweight and well-designed beach tent made of high quality materials. There’s just enough space for two adults to enjoy a comfortable day out at the beach
The roof is coated with SPF 50+ so it promises enhanced protection from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. It comes with extra-long stakes and sand bags that work like perfect anchors to firmly keep your tent rooted to the ground.
There are two doors that can be complete zipped up to provide you with the much needed privacy. It can also be used as the changing room. There’s a nice floor mat so you can lie down comfortably and enjoy the beach without getting too much of sand on your body.
Features
- Measures 57″ center height, 7.5’x4’5′ base
- 2 zippered doors
- UV Protection for SPF 50+
- Comes with a carry bag
- Sandbags and extra-long stakes are included
Pros
- Easy to assemble within minutes
- Not a typical 3-sided tent because there’s a back door
- Mesh door allows ample air flow within the tent
- Front canopy provides extra sun shade
- 4 hanging pockets to keep light things
- Offers good value for money
Cons
- Not a built-in pole system so setting up needs practice
- No window, only two doors
- It may get hot inside
Summary
As the tent uses 3 fiberglass poles to set it up, beginners may not find it easy. However, it takes only a few minutes for someone who has experience doing it. This beach tent provides good UVprotection and comes with an easy carry bag. The extra-long stakes and sandbags help you get a firm and secure base that can withstand strong winds.
It’s a good buy for someone looking for a cool and compact tent for just 2 people and a may be toddler. If you are beginner make sure you practice the assembling process at your backyard well or else it might spoil your beach fun.
Editor's Rating
The e-joy PorporaXL beach tent is a large sized tent that can easily accommodate four adults. Despite its large size, it is extremely lightweight and portable. This is a pop up tent and holds true to its image. It actually pops up within seconds and you have a cool shade ready for you and your kids to relax.
There are no poles which makes this beach tent extremely hassle-free to set up. However, the lack of poles adds a bit of instability to the tent and it has a hard time holding up when the wind gets strong.
Instead of poles, it has two built-in sand pockets and four attached bands to keep the tent securely fixed to the ground. While the sand bags do their job in holding the tent in average windy condition. It falls short when the wind gets too violent.
We like the silver coated fabricthat provides enhanced protection from harmful UV rays. There’s a lot of floor space for your kids to play in shade, have their lunch or take a nap. It comes with mesh windows to allow good ventilation inside the tent. So, you can relax inside and still feel the beach breeze caress your skin.
Features
- Extra-large size
- Lightweight and compact
- Pop-up design
- Silver coated fabric
- 50+ SPF protection
- Stakes and sand bags for anchors
- 96 L x 50 H x 50 D Inch when pitched
Pros
- Neat and sturdy construction
- Setting it up is easy
- Size is good for a family of four
- Provides good protection from sun, wind and rain
- Perfect if you go camping with kids
- Offers good value for money
Cons
- Quality is not as expected
- Wears off quickly
- Not enough room to stand up or change clothes
- Putting it back is a pain
Summary
If you are looking for a quick and affordablebeach tent to accommodate a small family then this is a good option. Setting it up is a breeze. However please be warned that taking it down is not as easy. It is tricky and needs good practice. The first time users may have a tough time trying to put it back into the carrying case. It also doesn’t last for long but at this price definitely offers good value for money.
Editor's Rating
This is easy to use portable beach tent that come with some amazing features. The dome shaped canopy provides enough space to accommodate4 adults. The roof is made of polyester, an anti UV material with silver coating to block the sun’s harmful rays. It is also water resistant so you can stay dry even when it rains outside.
The TuTu beach tent is lightweight and easy to set up. It is also highly portable and can be put inside a nice and compact carry bag. It comes with six sand pockets and eight stakes to hold the tent firmly to the ground. There are 8.5mm fiberglass poles that add more stability to the tent.
The stable structure and ample floor space makes it ideal for use at the beach, parks, lakes and other outdoors. It comes with two mesh windows that allow easy air circulation inside the tent.
Features
- Measures 4.02 x 5.43 x 30.98 inches when folded
- Measures 92″ x 45″ x 45″ when pitched
- Pop-up design
- Stable structure
- Tent floor made of 150D PE
- 5mm fiberglass poles
- Water resistant and breathable
Pros
- Easy to set up and comes out pretty neat like an umbrella
- Bright color and attractive appearance
- Provides good protection from sun and wind
- Water-resistant and durable
- Easy to handle on a windy day
- 6 Sand bags and 8 stakes hold down the tent pretty well
Cons
- Not comfortable for tall people
- Taking down may be tricky for beginners, be careful or you may pinch your finger
- Limits your view to the sides
Summary
The TuTu beach tent is easy to use and handle with kids. There’s enough room for a small family to enjoy camping on the beach. While setting it up is easy, taking down might need some practice. The carry case comes with instructions printed on it which can be of help. At this price, it definitely offers a good deal.
Final Verdict
When you are at the beach to have a good time, outside elements like strong wind, UV rays or rain can steal the fun and make you seek a shelter. Get the best beach tent to save your day and you will not have to worry about being baked in the midday sun or finding sand in your sandwich.
While there are many things that you might want to look for in a beach tent, we suggest that you focus on the three most important ones – size, setting up and taking down.
The size should be just perfect for your family, especially if you have kids. There should be enough space for little ones to play and relax. Setting up should not take a lot of time and the pop up tents are the best in this regard. They only take a few minutes to set up and can be weighed down easily with sand bags and stakes.
The most challenging part of all is taking the tent down and putting it back into the carrying case. You don’t want to end a perfect beach day feeling frustrated or yelling at each other. So read reviews before buying a product and practice several times at home to get it right!
Our website author Tom is a devoted outdoor enthusiast and active blogger who has a profound love for the great outdoors, especially camping and kayaking.
This passion for the outdoors combined with studying an MSc. in Product Design, and working as a Product Engineer gives him the perfect combination of experience and expertise to help guide you on the best camping and kayaking gear.
Tom aims to inspire other travellers to appreciate nature’s beauty by sharing their experiences, wisdom, and intriguing stories in engrossing blog articles. He believes in working to promote respect for and preservation of our priceless landscapes out of a dedication to environmental stewardship.
Join Tom on their quest to find undiscovered treasures, exchange helpful advice, and arouse awe for the vast outdoors.
