Beach Canopies can provide a welcome respite from the sun between surf sessions. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

---

---

Summertime is here and that means long days at the beach and lots and lots of sunshine. While we’d never knock getting a healthy dose of vitamin D, there is such a thing as too much sun. Whether you’re surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or just hanging out, a beach umbrella or sun shade can be a lifesaver when you need a break from the harsh rays. Here, we’ve rounded up our favorite beach canopies that will keep you covered all summer long.

If you’re wondering what to look for in a good beach canopy, take a look at our Buyer’s Guide below for all of the info. Or, if you’re wondering how the canopies we tested stack up against one another, take a look at our Comparison Table.

The Best Beach Canopies of 2024

Best Overall Beach Canopy: Kelty Cabana Shelter
Best Budget Beach Canopy: Foreatt Beach Tent
Best Lightweight Beach Canopy: Neso 1 Sunshade
A Great Hybrid Umbrella/Canopy: Sport-Brella Super-Brella
Best Beach Canopy for Cars: Kelty Waypoint Car Tarp

Best Overall Beach Canopy 

Kelty Cabana Shelter ($110)

Pros: Easy to set up, reliable in the wind
Cons: Attaching the sandbags is a bit confusing

Weight: 7.31 lbs
Packed Size: 26″ x 8″ x 5″
Floor Dimensions: 116″ x 76″ x 53″
Peak Height: 54″

The Kelty Cabana Shelter is the ultimate beach day companion. The cabana is similar to a camping tent, with one wall missing, so the setup is almost the same as a camping tent. With just three poles and clips for easy setup, getting the Cabana Shelter ready to roll is a breeze.

The Cabana Shelter has a large covered area and a porch of sorts that you can sit on when you do want some sun. The three large mesh windows allow the breeze to pass through, but also zip up completely, along with the porch, if you want some privacy or to use the cabana to stash gear. Our tester lives on Oahu where it is regularly windy, so finding a beach canopy capable of withstanding the winds can be challenging. The Cabana Shelter utilizes four self-filled sandbags to weigh it down as well as stakes. The Cabana Shelter proved to be reliably secure even on extra windy days.

Finally, the shelter easily packs down into a bag for convenient storage and transport. Thanks to its easy setup, wind stability, and spacious shade coverage, the Kelty Cabana Shelter was our top pick of all the beach canopies we tested. If $110 is too steep, the Foreatt Beach Tent has a similar design and is $80 cheaper, but isn’t as durable or wind-resistant. Another great choice is the Coleman Go Shade in our Best of the Rest, below, which earned our Runner-Up Best Overall pick, stands a good bit higher with a peak of 84 inches (7 feet) but isn’t made of as high-quality material.

Best Budget Beach Canopy

Foreatt Beach Tent ($30)

Pros: Easy to set up, comes with stakes
Cons: Poles come apart during assembly, not super durable

Weight: 4.34 lbs
Packed Size: 15.7″ x 5.9″ x 5.9″
Floor Dimensions: 82.7″ x 55.1″ x 47.2″
Peak Height: 6.2′

If you’re looking for an affordable beach tent, the Foreatt Beach Tent gets the job done. The design is that of a classic camping tent with two poles that cross at the top. The setup is straightforward and doesn’t require any directions.

Once you’ve got it all set up, there’s plenty of room for two to three people inside the tent. You can also unzip the tent for added floor space, which you’ll want to do if it’s warm out. The tent comes with plastic stakes that don’t screw easily into the ground but they’re definitely helpful. For an extra windy day, you’ll want to put some heavy gear inside the tent or upgrade to metal stakes. The tent is rated UPF 50+ and there’s a window on the backside for extra ventilation. The Beach Tent doesn’t seem incredibly durable, but for $30 it’s surprisingly well-made and provides ample shade and sun protection.

If the Beach Tent isn’t durable enough for you or you live somewhere extra windy, the Kelty Cabana Shelter has a similar design but includes sandbags you can attach for extra security. But you pay for that durability and security as it’s $80 more.

Best Lightweight Beach Canopy

Neso 1 Sunshade ($100)

Pros: Stakeless anchors, packs down small, lightweight
Cons: No side walls

Weight: 3.56 lbs
Packed Size: ‎20″ x 3.5″ x 3.5″
Floor Dimensions: ‎156″ x 156″
Peak Height: 66″

Featuring stakeless anchors, the Neso 1 Sunshade is a sun structure that can be set up anytime, anywhere. The canopy features 4-way stretch nylon/Lycra material, UPF 50+ sun protection, is water repellent, the corners are reinforced for durability, and the rustproof aluminum poles collapse like tent poles for carrying and storage.

A unique feature of the Nemo 1 is the stakeless anchors, which you fill with sand or rocks to weigh down. The Neso 1 is designed for life on the go – it easily fits into a carry-on suitcase or can be toted around in the included carrying bag with shoulder straps. Measuring 156 x 156 inches, the Neso 1 provides plenty of shade for two to four people.

Other lightweight canopies we tested include the Foreatt Beach Tent, above, and the Shibumi Shade, below.

A Great Hybrid Umbrella/Canopy

Sport-Brella Super-Brella ($55)

Weight: 6.38 lbs
Arc Size: 8′
Material: Polyester

Pros: Comes with stakes, windows for air to pass through
Cons: Hard to set up in strong winds

Some days it’s difficult to decide between a beach umbrella and a beach canopy. For days like those, the Super-Brella is the call — it’s an oversized beach umbrella that is like a hybrid between an umbrella and a canopy. When set up and fully extended, the umbrella measures 56.2″ x 4″ x 3.6″, and unlike most beach umbrellas, the Sport-Brella is designed to rest on the ground rather than upright.

The Sport-Brella is fully designed to withstand windy days and includes lightweight stakes as well as heavy-duty stakes to ensure it doesn’t blow away. We set the umbrella up solo for the first go and found it challenging in 20 mph winds, but once everything was secure it was one of the more reliable umbrellas we tested. It also has windows on the side that allow air to pass through, keeping you cool and preventing the umbrella from taking off in the wind. If you prefer a more traditional beach canopy, the Coleman Go Shade Backpack Sun Shade is a tent-style canopy that also has mesh windows to keep you cool.

Best Beach Canopy for Cars

Kelty Waypoint Car Tarp ($145)

Pros: Sturdy, simple, one-pole design
Cons: Designed to attach to a car

Weight: 8.31 lbs
Packed Size: ‎7″ x 23″
Floor Dimensions: ‎165.4″ x 132.7″ x 96.1″
Peak Height: 94.5″

If you’re a parking lot rat, Kelty’s Waypoint Car Tarp is for you. The car tarp features a simple one-pole design and attaches to almost any vehicle. It also includes a secondary strap that allows you to attach it to a roof rack. High-wear areas are reinforced with two-layer fabric, making the tarp sturdy enough to protect you from both the sun and the rain.

Additionally, the tarp includes a sturdy 25 mm steel pole, heavy-duty steel stakes, and guylines that together ensure the shelter is sturdy enough to last all day and all night. When you’re finished, the car tarp packs down into a convenient duffel bag that can be stowed in the trunk or under a seat. Our tester frequents the surf beach of San Onofre a lot, where you can back your car up to the beach, so she’s a big fan of the car tarp. But, if your beach spot’s parking lot isn’t beachfront, this might not be your best option. However, for car camping, the Waypoint also works a treat, providing some added versatility.

Best of the Rest

Runner-Up Best Overall Beach Canopy

Coleman Go Shade Backpack Sun Shade ($120)

Pros: Lightweight and portable, sturdy
Cons: Set-up is tricky at first

Weight: 10.5 lbs
Packed Size: ‎‎31.89″ x 6.69″ x 6.69″
Floor Dimensions: ‎84″ x 84″
Peak Height: 84″

Weighing in at 10.5 pounds, Coleman’s Go Shade Backpack Sun Shade is lightweight and portable while still offering plenty of coverage. The Go Shade packs down into a convenient backpack with adjustable straps and two mesh side pockets for stashing water bottles and other essentials. To set up, you assemble the pre-connected poles, connect the frame, attach the canopy, and you’re good to go.

Set-up is a little tricky at first but gets easier with time. The sun shade secures to the ground using six stakes, two guylines, and four sandbags, so you can rest easy knowing your shade isn’t going to blow away. The canopy includes four interior gear pockets for stashing essentials and a one-year warranty, should anything go wrong.

Measuring 7’ x 7’, the Go Shade offers plenty of sun protection, is portable, and secure enough to survive even the longest of beach days — it’s a winner in our book but is overshadowed by the high-quality construction of the Kelty Cabana Shelter. However, this does stand taller than the Kelty Cabana Shelter, so if you’d prefer to stand up under your beach canopy this might be the pick for you.

Best for Groups

Caddis Rapid Shelter ($250)

Pros: Heavy-duty, easy to set up with a few friends
Cons: Not the most portable, pricey

Weight: 52.9 lbs
Packed Size: ‎63″ x 9.5″ x 8.7″
Floor Dimensions: ‎120″ x 120″
Peak Height: 132″

Remember the classic E-Z UP from your years of childhood sports? Caddis’s Rapid Shelter is the same idea. Measuring 10’ x 10’, the Rapid Shelter is a heavy-duty shelter that will keep you protected, rain or shine. The shelter adjusts to three different heights and includes push-release buttons, so it’s easy to adjust.

The Rapid Shelter comes with a heavy-duty carry bag, poles, and stakes. You can also create a wind barrier by purchasing the matching walls (not included). Although it’s not the most portable option, it’s ultra-durable and offers plenty of protection from the elements. Just like the name suggests, the Rapid Shelter is quick and easy to set up.

If 52.9 pounds is too heavy for you to transport, the Neso 1 Sunshade offers a similar amount of shade coverage and weighs just 3.56 pounds. The cost of the lightweight design of the Sunshade is that it requires more work to get it set up, is not as secure, and is not as tall underneath.

Best Camping/Beach Canopy

Nemo Equipment Victory Sunshade ($200)

Pros: Waterproof, mesh sides provide cross ventilation
Cons: Open sides would let rain in

Weight: 6.15 lbs
Packed Size: ‎20.71″ x 8.31″ x 5.12″
Floor Dimensions: ‎‎90″ x 90″ x 71″
Peak Height: 71″

This mighty sun shelter is perfect for outdoor gatherings and beach days. The canopy features a lightweight 75D polyester canopy that is waterproof and sturdy enough to withstand coastal winds. The canopy comes with sturdy aluminum poles and stakes that provide structural integrity and open mesh sides provide cross ventilation for those warmer days. This is a canopy that’s designed for campsite use, but we’ve found it also does great at the beach and was worthy of inclusion as a best-of-both-worlds option.

Nice and roomy, the SPF 50-rated shelter is large enough to comfortably fit four people. The Victory Sunshade fits perfectly over the Victory Patio Blanket if you want something comfy to sit on. When you’re ready to call it a day, everything packs down into a duffel so you can easily transport it home.

The Victory Sunshade is pretty open to the elements and the crowd. If you want something that can be zippered completely shut for privacy or weather, the Foreatt Beach Tent zips completely closed.

Kelty Sunshade ($165)

Pros: Easy set up, provides lots of shade
Cons: Sometimes requires extra work to secure it

Weight: 12.13 lbs
Packed Size: ‎24″ x 9″ x 5″
Floor Dimensions: ‎78″ x 78″
Peak Height: 87″

The Kelty Sunshade is the perfect solution for on-the-go shade. The sunshade includes lightweight, fiberglass poles, abrasion-resistant 68D polyester fabric, and a carrying bag with a strap. The sunshade is easy to set up and once it’s up, it reaches an interior height of 87 inches and provides ample shade for the entire family.

The sunshade also includes a side shade wall, which you can affix to any side depending on the sun and the wind – we are huge fans of this feature. The sunshade has tent-like stakes for securing it to the ground. While these work in most situations, it can be tricky if the ground is hard or super soft like sand at the beach. For the beach, we staked it in and then further buried the stakes for a secure hold against the wind.

If you have a hard time getting stakes securely in the sand, the Neso 1 Sunshade is a similar beach-style canopy that utilizes sandbags as opposed to stakes.

Kelty Sideroads Car Awning ($130)

Pros: Works with most cars, waterproof
Cons: Poles are cheap

Weight: 8.88 lbs
Packed Size: 22″ x 8″ x 7″
Floor Dimensions: 138″ x 96″ x 72″
Peak Height: 108″ (Sprinter Van); 80″ (Subaru Forester)

If you’re a big car camper or like to hang at your local beach’s parking lot, a car shade canopy could be a good move. The Kelty Sideroads Car Awning has a universal attachment system with quick-clip buckles that fit tall vans, SUVs, and smaller wagons by attaching on either the sides or the rear of the vehicle. Like a lot of canopies, it takes some finagling at first, but once you learn how getting it set up works, it’s easy enough.

The Car Awning sports a rounded canopy construction, which offers more protection from wind, sun, and rain. However, if it is especially windy, be sure and stake those corners to ensure you don’t have a runaway awning. The stakes are heavy duty and the guylines secure the shelter in windy conditions. A downside of the Car Awning is that the poles are not the most durably made, so use extra caution when setting them up and tearing them down. All in all, the Car Awning provides generous sun protection and is waterproof should you get caught in a shower.

If you’re short on space, Kelty’s Waypoint Car Tarp is another great car canopy that’s roughly the same weight but packs down a bit smaller.

REI Co-op Trailbreak Tarp ($80)

Pros: Generous sun protection, packs down into small travel bag
Cons: Adjustable poles aren’t included

Weight: 2.1 lbs
Packed Size: ‎1.7″ x 6″ x 3.5″
Floor Dimensions: ‎144″ x 144″
Peak Height: Varies

Originally designed as a camping canopy tent, REI Co-op’s Trailbreak Tarp also works well for beach days. The tarp features a square, symmetrical design that allows for maximum coverage and pitch versatility while the multiple webbing loop lash points allow for easy setup. The tarp is made from a strong 75-denier polyester with a durable water-repellent finish that ensures it will stand the test of time.

The tarp comes with six stakes, but the adjustable poles aren’t included, so you’ll want to be sure and purchase those if you plan on posting up in a location without trees or something to attach to. Measuring 12’ x 12’, the tarp offers lots of sun protection but packs down into a small travel bag so you can easily take it anywhere your travels lead you.

Shibumi Shade ($250)

Pros: Light and compact, poles are heavy-duty
Cons: Doesn’t work well if there isn’t wind, expensive

Weight: 4 lbs
Packed Size: ‎‎27.74″ x 4.6 “x 4.5”
Floor Dimensions: ‎‎27′ x 4′ x 4′
Peak Height: Varies

The Shibumi Shade beach canopy was one of the more unique canopies on our list. It packs down incredibly small and is super lightweight, but when set up, it offers a large amount of shade, making it a great option for when you’re tight on space and carrying capacity.

Setting up the Shibumi Shade is simple and technical all at the same time. Instead of working against the wind, the Shibumi works with it. To set up, you simply thread one heavy-duty pole through the canopy, plant the poles, fill the bag with sand to work as an anchor, and wrap and snap the straps.

The setup is easy, but you’ll want to make sure you’re facing into the wind so that it works properly and provides shade where it needs to go. It needs at least 3 mph of wind to work, but Shibumi does offer a wind-assist accessory that helps keep the shade airborne in little or no wind, increasing the versatility of the design. However, with the Shibumi at such a high price point, we found other lightweight options like the Neso 1 Sunshade to provide a better value.

Best Beach Canopies Comparison Table

Beach canopies are a great alternative to umbrellas. The Coleman Go Shade Backpack Sun Shade is a great portable option. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

How We Tested The Best Beach Canopies

In order to test the beach canopies on our list we took them to the beach, naturally. Our lead tester lives on Oahu, Hawaii, the perfect testing ground for beach canopies. It’s hot and sunny more days than not, it can be windy, and the beaches are often busy, resulting in longer walks from the car to the beach.

We rated these canopies on how stable they were when we set them up at the beach, and how easy that setup was. We compared shade coverage, the durability of the materials and poles, as well as ease of portability on those long walks from the car. At the end of the day, we factored in how difficult the tear-down was and if the beach canopy fit back into its provided bag for the return trip to the car.

We first ran this review in August of 2023 and most recently updated it in June of 2024. In this update, we added in four new beach canopies, with the new Kelty Cabana Shelter replacing the Coleman Go Shade Backpack Sun Shade as the best overall beach canopy because it was much easier to set up and has a floor. The Foreatt Beach Tent became the new best budget option as it’s a solid beach tent and costs just $35. We also added some additional information to our Buyer’s Guide so that you have all the information you need to make the best purchasing decision. We updated the review once again in August of 2024, adding in an interesting and popular option, the Shibumi Shade.

A mess under the beach canopy is a sign of a good beach day. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Beach Canopies Buyer’s Guide

What Is a Beach Canopy?

When you think of a portable shade option for the beach, an umbrella is probably the first thing that comes to mind. And while umbrellas are great, lately there’s been a trend towards beach canopies. Also referred to as shade structures, “easy-ups” or beach tents, in short, a beach canopy is nothing more than a large piece of fabric spread out and elevated to provide shade. Some look more like a tent, like the Coleman Go Shade Backpack Sun Shade. Others sport the style of a classic EZ up, such as the Caddis Rapid Shelter. And others really do just look like a giant piece of fabric spread out and secured to the sand, like the Neso 1 Sunshade.

The Foreatt Beach Tent is a great affordable beach canopy. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Beach Canopy vs. Beach Umbrella

There is a time and a place for both a beach umbrella and a beach canopy. Many people gravitate towards beach canopies over umbrellas because beach canopies are typically larger and can provide shade for multiple people. They also tend to fare better in the wind thanks to their often lower center of gravity and features like stakes that secure to the ground at multiple points as opposed to the single point of an umbrella. However, beach canopies tend to be heavier and bulkier to transport and require more effort to set up. They are often more expensive as well.

A beach umbrella (right) versus a beach canopy (left). Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Beach umbrellas, on the other hand, tend to be relatively affordable and setup is straightforward and easy. Umbrellas have improved over the years and some do have wind-resistant features but they tend to fare worse in the wind simply because they only have one point of security in the ground – their high center of gravity can act like a sail as well. Beach umbrellas typically only provide enough shade for one or two people, so they’re great if you’re going to the beach solo or with a loved one, but if you have a large group a beach canopy is a better move. Although this list is dedicated to beach canopies, the Sport-Brella Super-Brella is a hybrid-style beach umbrella that offers the benefits of both a canopy and an umbrella.

The Sport-Brella Super-Brella is a cross between an umbrella and a canopy. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

As avid beachgoers, we love both beach canopies and beach umbrellas. In general, we find ourselves gravitating towards umbrellas for quick trips to the beach and save beach canopies for all-day beach outings. We also factor in the wind and the size of our group before making the call. Oftentimes, we will throw both in the car and make the decision depending on how things look at the beach. Sometimes, we’ll use both.

A good beach canopy is portable but still provides plenty of shade. Photo: Nicci Corbin//The Inertia

What Makes a Good Beach Canopy?

Stability
We’ve all seen that guy chasing a warped beach umbrella down the sand. Let’s be honest, we’ve all been that guy. Stability is one of our top priorities in a beach canopy. We want something that’s going to stay firmly in place, so we don’t have to worry about it blowing away the moment we turn our backs on it.

Stakes help secure beach canopies to the ground to the ground. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

One of the best ways to ensure you have a stable beach canopy is to stake it down. Stakes are usually easy to get into the sand, but they also come out more easily. We found it worked best if we got them in really deep and then piled sand on top of them to ensure they stayed in place. Some of the beach canopies on our list like the Kelty Cabana Shelter utilize both stakes and sandbags. The sandbags work really well – you simply fill them with sand, secure them, and attach them to your beach canopy.

Best Overall Beach Canopy

The Kelty Cabana Shelter has everything you could want in a beach canopy: It’s lightweight, portable, secure, provides plenty of shade, and is easy to set up.

Check Price on REI

Coverage
Some canopies offer a tiny amount of coverage, while others offer enough for you, your kids, and the dog. We want something that provides a solid amount of shade, so we don’t have to constantly move around to position ourselves under a minuscule dot of shade.

Before purchasing, consider how many people you plan on going to the beach with. If you typically hit the beach solo then you’ll do well with a small beach canopy. But, if you go to the beach with your family or lots of friends, you’ll want something that provides ample coverage for everyone in your party. Of all the canopies we tested, the REI Trailbreak offers the most shade coverage while the Kelty Sunshade offers the least.

The Shibumi Shade utilizes the wind and packs down small. Photo: Rebecca Pasons//The Inertia

Durability

Some canopies easily pass the test of time, while others warp into something barely distinguishable within a few weeks. We want something that’s going to last for years, so we look for durable materials like fiberglass poles, heavy-duty steel stakes, and durable polyester or nylon fabric. Although it’s hard to tell without testing the canopies for a year, the Foreatt Beach Tent seems to be one of the less durable options, but it’s also only $30.

Fabric

If you’re worried about getting caught in a rainstorm, you’ll want a beach canopy that sports a waterproof material. Polyester and nylon are not only durable fabrics but are typically water resistant. Fabrics with UPF protection are a good choice too as you’ll likely be spending lots of time in the sun. If your beach canopy is a tent-style one, it’s helpful to have windows or mesh portions that allow the breeze to pass through. Made from polyester, the Kelty Cabana Shelter fares well in bad weather and has mesh windows that allow the breeze to pass through.

Packed size comparison of the Foreatt Beach Tent and the Shibumi Shade, two of the most lightweight and portable options we tested. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Portability
Sure, a backyard gazebo does wonders in keeping the sun off but it’s certainly not very portable. We want a canopy that packs down small and is easy to carry to the beach. Canopies that come with carrying cases are great and bonus points if they have backpack straps like the Coleman Go Shade Backpack Sun Shade or shoulder straps like the Kelty Sideroads Car Awning. Of all the beach canopies we tested, the Foreatt Beach Tent, Neso 1, and Shibumi were some of the most lightweight and packable options while the Caddis Rapid Shelter was the most cumbersome to carry around.

The Kelty Sideroads Car Awning packs down into a convenient storage bag. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

What Else Should I Look For in a Beach Canopy?

Ease of Set Up

In testing these various beach canopies, we found that some were easy to set up, while others had a learning curve or took more time to assemble. If it’s difficult or time-consuming to set up, we find that it’s not a canopy that we’re interested in using regularly. Something to consider when purchasing. As the name suggests, the Caddis Rapid Shelter was one of the quickest and easiest canopies to set up, but it is best done with the help of friends.

Many beach canopies use poles, making setup similar to setting up a camping tent. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Packability

Portability and packability are two very different things. It’s great if the canopy packs down small, but if it’s one of those bags that’s impossible to get the tent or canopy back into, then that’s a problem. Duffel-style bags aren’t as portable, but they don’t require being an expert in origami to get your canopy back in. Consider how you plan on using your canopy and whether or not you travel a lot when making your decision.

 Return to Comparison Table | Return to Top Picks

Editor’s Note: Prefer a classic beach umbrella? Check out The Best Beach Umbrellas. Need some SPF? We’ve got you covered with The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens. Want some portable sun protection? Grab yourself one of The Best Sun Shirts. Or, if you need some sun protection while you’re in the water, you’d do well with one of The Best Rash Guards. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.

The Best Hammocks of 2023

Hammocks and the outdoors go together like waves and surfboards. Here, we've rounded up the best hammocks for camping, beaching, and "hanging out" post-surf. Read more…

The Best Sunglasses of 2024

We tested sunglasses from top brands across the market such as POC, Ray-Ban, RAEN and others to find the best sunglasses of 2024. Read more…