(I may earn a small commission on the products mentioned in this post.)
In the last decade, one of the most popular beach items has become a pop-up canopy. Part of its popularity is our education on harmful ultraviolet sun rays.
Another reason is better engineering – they’re easier to use and pop up within a minute.
I’m almost always on a beach in California. A few years ago I rarely saw a beach canopy, however, it’s commonplace to see beach canopies and other beach shelters like tents.
Using a tent is a wise decision for your skin, a great way to beat the heat, and essential if you have young kids.
In this article I’ll review the best beach canopy for wind and sun and I’ll share a few other ways to beat the heat while at the beach.
What To Look For In The Best Beach Canopy
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Brand Recognition
One look at this review and you’ll notice a few different companies that sell beach canopies. They range in color, size, and cost. Some brands you’ll recognize while others will be new.
As with any product I always consider the brand. You’ll notice in this review I ranked the Coleman canopy #1. It’s no accident.
For one, it’s a brand I trust. Two, well-established brands usually have quality products. Three, American brands like Coleman usually have solid warranties that put my mind at ease.
If cost is your most important factor, the brand may not be as important to you. I’m sure you’ll still find a great option on the list
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Ease Of Use (Pop-Up Canopy)
As I mentioned earlier, one of the reasons beach canopies have gained in popularity is because they no longer take an hour to set up. Most beach canopies are considered “pop-up”, meaning they break down and open up in a minute or two.
There’s very little assembly involved.
I recommend choosing a beach canopy that opens and closes quickly. After all, you want to spend more time relaxing and less time working.
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Material Used (strong or weak)
What are the components of the canopy? Lightweight but strong aluminum? UV protected material?
Whatever the material is, it should be lightweight and strong enough to hold up to the beach environment. There should be no exposed metal either – in order to avoid rust.
Did you know some UV rays can penetrate fabrics? I like the Coleman fabric because it’s also has a 50+UPF. Most of the other canopies provide a similar protection from UPF.
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Wind Resistant Design
There is usually a breeze at the beach. I’m sure you’ve seen umbrellas flying around at the beach on windy days. It’s important the canopy has the structural integrity to stand firm against the wind.
Most of the options on this list use poles and/or sandbags to keep the beach canopy solid on the ground
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Warranty
Does your beach canopy have a warranty? I’d double check to make sure. A canopy is an investment that should last multiple years. If it’s not made for repetitive use then I doubt it’s good quality.
Reputable brands are more likely to have good warranties than unknown brands.
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Reviews
Lastly, it’s wise to always check the reviews. Make sure other customers are pleased with their purchase and hear what they have to say about its ease of use, customer service, and whether they’d buy the product again.
Positive reviews are important.
5 Best Beach Canopies For Wind and Sun (Pop Up)
#1 Coleman Instant Beach Canopy (10×10 feet)
The company sells camping equipment like tents, stoves, ice chests, and sleeping bags. Chances are you’ve used a few Coleman products in your life.
This pop-up beach canopy is a lightweight option that sets up in under 3 minutes. The frame is one piece that quickly extends and folds up. And the durable double-thick fabric can be attached once the frame is extended.
Highlights:
- UV Guard material for 50+ UPF sun protection
- 3 minutes to set up
- Frame quickly extends and breaks down
- Poles are telescopic and can be adjusted to your desired height
- 9’4” in the center of the canopy
- Ventilated area in the roof so hot air isn’t trapped in the canopy
- 1 year warranty
- Carrying bag (wheeled)
I like the look of this beach canopy and the warranty. I know it will last years because of the brand (check Coleman canopy on Amazon).
I will hold up under windy conditions, however, you can also add sandbags and ties to add weight to the legs of the canopy (a good option in my opinion).
The color scheme looks good and the price is reasonable compared to other options on the list. All-in-all, the best beach canopy on the list.
#2 Core Instant Beach Canopy (10×10)
I actually like the all-grey color and think it would look great at the beach.
Highlights:
- Sets up in 2 minutes
- H2O block technology for UV rays
- Upper ventilation area
- Telescopic legs and quick extension and fold
- Stakes and tie downs included
- 1 year limited warranty
- 9’3” center height
In addition to beaches, this canopy is marketed for camping, festivals, tailgating, and the backyard. Interestingly, I’ve learned that lighter colored fabrics are not as good with preventing UV rays, so although this grey color looks great it won’t shield you from the sun as well as darker colored fabrics (check Core canopy on Amazon).
The reviews for the canopy are solid with many comments on how easy it is to set up and how great it looks.
I’m a little surprised at the price. Compared to the Coleman canopy this is currently listed as more expensive. Still, this is a nice looking option and people like how it works!
#3 Crown Shades Beach Canopy 10×10
It takes roughly 1 minute to set up and uses a slanted design so 1 side of the canopy is slightly taller than the other (great for views).
Highlights:
- Fits 6-8 people
- Weighs 28 lbs
- Center height is 8.69 feet
- Steel frame with a grey colored coat to avoid rusting
- 150D oxford fabric for 50+ UV protection
- Wheeled transport bag, 4 ropes and 8 stakes
- 1 year limited warranty
One thing I notice is the center height is quite a bit lower than the first two options on the list (8.69 feet compared to 9’3”). I wish it was a little taller for people like me (check Crown Shade canopy on Amazon).
I can appreciate the 1-year limited warranty, which puts my mind at ease as a buyer.
Most reviews are positive with comments on its good durability, ability to withstand rain, and that you’ll need the tie downs if there is wind (helps keep the canopy anchored). Its price point is similar to the Core canopy.
#4 Quick Shade Hybrid Beach Canopy (7×7)
I like this option, but it’s important to note it’s a bit smaller than the other options.
This one measures 7×7 feet while most of the other options are 10×10. It’s also shorter and comes at a lower price (rightfully so).
Highlights:
- 7×7
- 6×6 fabric top (legs are wider)
- Lightweight, only 14 lbs
- Carried in a backpack (included – 27 inches long)
- Peak height of 5’10” (much shorter than others)
- 600D polyester for goo UV protection
- Stakes included
If you want something compact and lightweight then this is a good option. If you don’t plan on standing under the canopy, this is perfect for sitting in your beach chair at the beach or laying down on your towel (check QuickShade canopy on Amazon).
It has a similar quick extending frame that is easy to set up and it has an extra side shade that can be attached to the frame separate from the top. In regards to the side-shade, I’d be careful using it in windy conditions as it could act like a sail and be pushed over.
It does come with stakes that will ensure it stays grounded.
Overall, I like this beach canopy because it offers something unique – a lightweight and smaller canopy for people on the go. It comes at a great price too.
#5 EasyGo Cabana Beach Canopy (6×6)
It’s the smallest canopy on the list but it has the most fabric because it stretches all the way down the frame. I know it’s supposed to make the canopy look better, but I’m not sure it does.
Highlights:
- 6×6 (small size)
- Blue in color – fabric covers the top and legs
- Made to use on-the-go
- Roof peak 6’
- Wind resistant and waterproof material
- 10 lbs
One the things I like about this beach canopy is there’s no need for sandbags to hold it down. The existing cover which extends from the top to the bottom of the legs can be filled with sand (check EasyGo canopy on Amazon).
I also like that it has multiple colors to choose from.
Remember, this is another smaller option and won’t be easy to stand under, however, it works great for sitting or laying.
Extra Tips To Beat The Heat
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Stay Hydrated (take plenty of water)
If you’re considering a pop-up beach canopy you understand that having shade at the beach is important. A beach is a place for adventure and activity so your family will likely be busy playing in the surf and on the sand.
Paddle boarding, surfing, bodyboarding. People often think that because they’re in the ocean they will be hydrated – this isn’t the case.
Drinking liquids throughout the day, especially water (not soda or juice), will help your body manage the heat and sun. In fact, well-hydrated skin can help protect it from harmful ultraviolet (UV) sun rays.
Of course, sunscreen is required to provide better skin protection.
Related: Best Beach Hacks For Your Vacation
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Apply Sunscreen Every 2 Hours
I grew up not using sunscreen. I’d swim in the ocean and in pools and I was always sunburned in the summer.
As I got older I began protecting my skin with sunscreen and I applied it everyday, whether I was going to the beach or not.
But there was one problem.
I assumed I only needed to apply sunscreen once and it would work all day. This assumption is wrong. If you’re planning to be at the beach all day you should expect to apply sunscreen every two hours.
Due to swimming, sweating, and drying off, your sunscreen needs an occasional refresh to work properly.
If you have young children, you might want to reapply sunscreen every 1.5 hours just to be certain they don’t burn! I wrote an article on the best sunscreens for kids, adults, and the environment.
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Bring Your Own Shade (few options on the beach)
If you read this blog post you already know the importance of shade at the beach. Once you’re on the sand, there are few options for shade.
Your best bet is an umbrella, tent, or other shelter-like a canopy.
Choose one that’s easy to carry, easy to set up, and comes with a good warranty.
Conclusion
If you’re headed to the beach you’ll want to take some shade with you. There are a few options, such as an umbrella, tent, and canopy.
In this article we discussed the best beach canopy for wind and sun. These also work away from the beach – in backyards and at the park.
When choosing a canopy you’ll want to make sure you trust the brand, it’s strong enough for wind (there’s always wind at the beach), and it extends and folds quickly.
I’d also keep an eye on the height of the canopy as some allow plenty of room for standing while others are best for sitting and laying on a beach towel.
My pick for best beach canopy goes to the Coleman company. I like their 1-year warranty and the price. It also looks great.
I hope this article highlighted a few beach canopies that meet your needs. Thanks for reading another Beach Life article. Enjoy your time in the sun – and stay cool!
