When you're planning the perfect beach day, sun protection is a must. But on the sunniest of days, sunscreen for your face and a simple beach umbrella might not cut it. That's where these nifty beach tents come in! Just like the best camping tents, beach tents are made to protect you from the elements. The best ones not only shield you from the wind, but also add an extra—and oftentimes much-needed—layer of defense from the damaging rays of the sun.
But how to know which beach tent to purchase? Well, the best beach shelters are lightweight, easy to set up, and have all sorts of cool features like ventilating windows, internal pockets, dry lines for airing out wet clothing, and stakes to ensure that the tent won’t fly away on windy days. All of this makes them perfect for quick fishing trips, park picnics, outdoor sporting events, and backyard relaxation, too.
Ahead, find the best beach tent to suit your needs, no matter your budget or the size of your family. You'll thank yourself for the added protection for everyone! And while you’re planning out your summer beach vacations, don’t forget to check out our favorite beach bag totes and beach outfits. There's a vintage-inspired swimsuit and straw hat calling your name for when you do venture out into the sun!
The three roll-up windows on this beach tent will keep you cool while the silver-coated fabric will shield you from harmful UV rays. If you need a little privacy, you can also close the tent's front flap.
This nylon beach tent is budget-friendly and comes with details like sandbags and metal stakes, both of which ensure excellent stability. It twists open and closed, too—no assembly required.
Whether you're at the beach, the park, or the lake, this beach tent is great to have on hand. It has all sorts of nifty features, like a back window that unzips for airflow and a dry line where you can hang wet clothes, towels, and bathing suits.
Let's name a few reasons why this tent is a bestseller: It's easy to install, it can fit several chairs inside, and it provides 50+ UPF protection. But that's not all! It also has great little details like a hidden roof pocket for storage, reflective ropes for extra visibility, and an interior lantern loop for when you need light.
This beach tent is another foolproof choice—it pops up when taken out of its bag and folds right back in when you're done. The floor extends away from the tent to keep you extra cool even as you sit outside, and the super summery stripes will make you look extra cool, too.
This option from Pacific Breeze has racked up over 5,000 glowing reviews, and it's not hard to see why: It's sturdy, lightweight, provides UPF 50+ sun protection, and is super easy to construct and deconstruct.
This beach tent comfortably fits two to three people, making it ideal for a couple or smaller family. It pops up and down, and it only weighs a few pounds—nice and portable!
This roomy tent has water resistant walls and floor and breathable mesh windows. It also comes with a portable carrying bag—in other words, it'll always be ready to follow you and your family on any outdoor adventure.
Try this pick if you're worried about your family overheating. This beach tent supplies 50+ UV protection, possesses three huge mesh windows, and has front doors that can be opened to let as much air in and out as possible.
Suited for families of four, this beach tent has plenty of space for when both parents and kids need a little break from the sun. It even has an awning for a few more inches of shade!
More of a canopy than a tent, this fan favorite with UPF 50+ protection has thousands of five-star reviews because it works with the wind instead of against it. That means four to six people can stay comfortable and cool no matter what the weather is like. It's sewn right here in the U.S. out of 40% recycled plastic bottles. Even better: It only weighs four pounds!