Last Updated on July 2, 2024 by Dr. Shannon Barrett
Have you seen all the beach canopies on the sand and wondered “which one is the best?” Not sure if they are easy to set up or if they are worth the money?
Fear not! We are here to answer all your questions and help you choose the best beach canopy for your needs.
We have lived at the beach for over a decade. We have spent almost every weekend at the beach and I do NOT like to get sunburnt. Therefore we have tried several beach canopies and have listed our favorites below.
Top 5 Beach Canopies For 2023
1. Neso Tents Grande Beach Tent
2. Otentik Beach Sunshade
3. Sun Ninja Pop-Up Beach Tent Sun Shelter
4. Botindo Family Beach Tent Canopy Sun Shade
5. Qipi Beach Cabana
Get ready for summer 2023 with our comprehensive guide to the best beach canopies available! Whether you’re looking for enhanced sun protection, a refuge from the wind, or simply a cool and shaded spot to relax on hot and sunny beach days, we’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed five of the most exceptional options in the market.
Keep reading as we dive into our top picks – including one perfect for large groups and another perfect for windy days.
Key Takeaways
- The Neso Grande Beach Tent is our pick for the best overall beach canopy for 2023, offering exceptional sun protection and a stylish design that combines the convenience of a portable umbrella with added benefits.
- The Sun Ninja Pop-Up Beach Tent Sun Shelter is perfect for accommodating larger groups of up to eight people comfortably while remaining compact, easy to set up, and wind-resistant.
- The Botindo Family Beach Tent Canopy Sun Shade provides durability and convenience in an easy-to-set-up design that can fit multiple people. It offers superior UV protection against harmful rays on hot days at the beach.
- When choosing a beach canopy, consider factors such as:
- Size and capacity
- Level of UV protection
- Ease of use and transportation
Neso Tents Grande Beach Tent
Best Overall Beach Tent
As someone who has used multiple canopies in search of the right one, I can’t recommend the Neso Grande enough. It features outstanding UV protection to protect your skin from harmful rays during your fun day in the sand.
Pros:
- Big enough to accommodate large parties:
- Canopy Size: 9×9 high-quality Nylon/Lycra blend main tent fabric
- Tent poles: 7 feet tall
- Well made so it will last through many seasons:
- Patented Reinforced Corners and Rust-proof Aluminum Poles
- Easy to carry
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- It comes with a convenient carrying bag that has a 19.5-inch shoulder carrying bag
- This also fits into your carry-on suitcase
- Great sun protection
- UPF 50+ protection
- Blocks out 98% of the sun’s UV rays
Cons:
- It can take up a lot of space so it may be best for less crowded beaches.
- Water repellent but not water resistant, so an umbrella would be a better option if you want to stay dry on a rainy day.
Pros
Cons
Otentik Beach Sunshade
Best Beach Tent for Windy Conditions
The Otentik Beach Sunshade is our second favorite beach canopy. We have 2 of these in different sizes. Otentik was our first beach canopy brand and has lasted for years. Ideally, it would be best if you rinsed them off after a day at the beach to remove the sand, but honestly, we rarely do. And they have still lasted for years.
Pros:
- Great for windy days
- It comes with 4 sand pockets and 2 adjustable poles for added stability.
- You can adjust the poles at a slant to provide additional wind stability.
- Very durable
- Made from eco-friendly, industry-leading Italian sports fabric, “Eurojersey Sensitive.”
- We have had ours for years and abuse it. We have had 2-3 rips on the edges because we use it every weekend but tied the edges that ripped and continue to use it.
- It comes in several different sizes.
- 9’ x 9’, which accommodates up to 5-6 people
- 7.5’ x 5.5’, which accommodates up to 4-5 people
- Easy to carry
- Rolls up into a carrying bag with shoulder straps that weighs only 4.8 lbs
Cons:
- The steeper learning curve to setting it up
- It took my husband and me a few tries to set it up correctly, but it’s a breeze once you know how to set it up with the front edge facing the wind.
- The lighter-colored canopies do not provide as much protection, so I only recommend buying the darker-colored ones (navy, black, etc.)
Pros
Cons
PRO TIP: purchase an additional set of 2 poles for days when there is little to no wind. This will give you more space under your canopy.
Sun Ninja Pop-Up Beach Tent Sun Shelter
Best Beach Tent for Large Groups
What sets the Sun Ninja apart from other beach canopies is its ability to comfortably accommodate up to eight people while still fitting perfectly in your beach bag. The tent’s design includes four lightweight aluminum poles that can easily be filled with sand to anchor securely during strong sea breezes.
Pros:
- Works great for large groups
- The large size (10’ x 10’) comes with 4 poles and can accommodate up to 8 people
- Versatile
- It comes with tent pegs, sandbags and tent poles, so can be used for more than beach trips
- Easy to clean
- Made of elastic spandex and is machine washable
Cons:
- Heavier than some of the other canopies on our list
- Weighs 9.7 lbs
- The included sand shovel is flimsy, so we always recommend bringing your own sand shovel. This is our favorite garden trowel.
Pros
Cons
Read our full review of the Sun Ninja Pop-up Beach Canopy.
Botindo Family Beach Tent Canopy Sun Shade
Easiest Setup
The Botindo Beach Tent Canopy made our list because it is easy to set up. I can do it by myself. Like the other beach canopies on our list, the Botindo has UPF 50+ sun protection and comes in several sizes.
Pros:
- Easy setup
- Detailed instructions on Amazon: lay the canopy on the sand, fill sand pockets with sand, place poles under the canopy, and lift.
- Easy to carry
- The canopy and poles fit nicely into the carrying bag.
- Good for windy conditions
- Canopies with 4 poles and sandbags are best for a windy day.
- You can order your canopy with 2 or 4 poles.
Cons:
- Total weight is on the heavier side at 9.5 lbs
- Only comes in 2 sizes, 10’ x 10’ and 7’ x 7.5’
Pros
Cons
Qipi Beach Cabana
Best Baby Beach Tent
The Qipi Beach Cabana still counts as a canopy but is a bit more stylish and fabulous for babies and toddlers. It comes with sidewalls and built-in sandbags, which provide privacy and helps with stability.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- It only has 2 main parts: the umbrella and the extension pole
- Great for privacy
- It has a detachable wall which provides extra privacy or extra shade depending on where the sun is located
- This also makes it easier to change diapers and take naps
- Easy to carry
- It only weighs 5 lbs and comes with a carrying case
Cons:
- Not great on windy days
- Small, so it only works for groups of 2-3 people, depending on the size of their chairs, etc
Pros
Cons
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Beach Canopy
- Size and capacity needed for your beach canopy
- Level of UV protection
- Ease of setup and transportation
Size And Capacity
As you start researching the best beach canopies, take note of the size and capacity you need.
For instance, if traveling solo or with just your partner, consider getting the Botindo Family Beach Tent. This compact canopy can comfortably accommodate two people while providing exceptional sun protection.
On the other hand, if you want to bring along more friends or family members on your next beach trip, choose Sun Ninja Pop Up Beach Tent Sun Canopy.
This spacious option can fit up to eight people inside while being water-resistant and easy to set up, thanks to its fiberglass poles.
UV protection
Ensuring adequate protection from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays is an essential factor to consider when selecting a beach canopy. Exposure to UV rays can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer.
The CDC recommends choosing a canopy with a UPF 50. These block out 98% of the sun’s harmful rays. Quality beach canopies like the Otentik Beach Sunshade are constructed with UV protection, providing ample shade while blocking harmful sun rays.
I recommend purchasing a darker-colored canopy to keep you cooler throughout the day.
Durability
When investing in a beach canopy, it’s essential to consider its durability. After all, you want a product that can withstand strong winds and harsh weather conditions without tearing or breaking easily.
Look for canopies with sturdy materials, such as fiberglass poles, which can provide added stability even on windy days. Generally, fiberglass poles are more durable than their aluminum counterparts but are heavier.
For example, the Otentik Beach Sunshade offers exceptional sun protection and is made with water-resistant “Eurojersey Sensitive” material that holds up well even on hot and sunny days.
Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around in its carrying bag while providing ample shade for everyone at your party.
Ease Of Setup And Transport
An important consideration is how easy it is to set up and transport your canopy. Nobody wants to struggle to assemble a complicated beach shelter, especially when you’re ready to sit and relax with a delicious beverage.
Look for options with either clear instructions or online video instructions that simplify the process.
For example, Botindo Family Beach Tent Canopy is easy to assemble, even by yourself. The tent has a compact carrying case that fits easily into most beach bags or backpacks for effortless portability.
Alternative Options For Beach Shade
Are you looking for an alternative to a beach canopy? Consider a beach umbrella, pop-up canopy, or Beach tent-style canopy.
Beach Umbrellas
One of the most common and traditional types of beach shade is the portable beach umbrella. While they may offer less coverage than a canopy or tent-style sunshade, umbrellas are still popular for those seeking portable and lightweight sun protection.
Many beach umbrellas now come with tilt features that allow you to angle them toward the sun for maximum coverage.
However, remember that umbrellas can be less sturdy than other beach shading solutions. They often require additional anchorage through sandbags or stakes to make sure they stay put on breezy days. We have seen many umbrellas flying down the beach due to inadequate anchorage.
Additionally, umbrellas provide only adequate shade for small groups or individuals rather than large parties.
DIY Shade Solutions
If the thought of lugging a beach canopy or typical beach umbrella to your favorite spot on the sand sounds like a hassle, there are DIY solutions worth exploring. One option is to set up a beach tent using two poles and a large fabric or tarp.
Attach each end of the fabric to the poles and secure them with stakes in the sand.
However, remember that these DIY solutions may not provide adequate protection from harmful UV rays compared to traditional beach canopies or umbrellas explicitly designed for sun protection.
Benefits Of Using A Beach Shade Canopy
A beach shade canopy is a must-have item for anyone planning to spend time on the beach, whether it’s just for an hour or an entire day. We always go to the beach with it. This is especially true if we are bringing along our dog.
The shade keeps the sand underneath it cool so his paws don’t burn. It also provides shade to help prevent him from overheating.
Even though a beach canopy is an excellent shade option, remember to bring sunscreen, protective clothing, and water to stay hydrated. We’re proud to be shady people on a sunny day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use my beach canopy for other outdoor activities besides visiting the beach?
Yes! Beach canopies can be used for other outdoor activities such as picnics, camping trips, or backyard BBQs.
The portable nature of many models makes them easy to transport and set up in various locations.
We recommend choosing ones with pockets, such as the Sun Ninja Sun Shelter, which can be filled with rocks when camping to help keep it from blowing away.
Are there any safety precautions I should take when using a beach canopy at crowded beaches?
Yes – it is vital always to anchor your tent securely so that it does not get blown around by wind gusts or knocked over by children or pets playing nearby.
You will also want to ensure its height is appropriate given surrounding crowds (i.e., not too tall where it could obstruct views).
Also, always cover up any holes you dig in the sand. These can lead to sprained ankles for other beachgoers or interfere with turtles making their way to the shore.
Does color matter when purchasing a beach tent?
Yes, I recommend purchasing a darker color. We own a light color and dark color and always use our darker-colored beach tent.
The darker color provides a better quality shade and makes it slightly cooler underneath the shaded area as compared to the lighter color beach tent.
Should I order additional poles when ordering a beach tent?
Yes, I always recommend ordering a total of 4 poles for your beach tent.
On days when there is not a lot of wind, you will want the additional poles.
The wind helps keep the fabric of the beach tent aloft however when the wind is still, the back edge of the beach tent will be lower unless you add the 2 additional poles.
We always bring all 4 poles to the beach with us unless we know it will be a very windy day. On those days, the wind will provide enough lift and we will usually only need the 2 poles.
Dr. Shannon Barrett
Veterinarian/Travel Writer/Digital NomadDr. Shannon Barrett is a veterinarian and digital nomad. She owned a housecall practice, Island Veterinary Care, for over a decade and now travels full time. She lives in different beach towns and then writes travel guides based on her time there. If you’re looking for resources on travel destinations or how to become a digital nomad, then you’ve come to the right place! Love to bring your pets with you? Even better!
