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The best beach canopies for shelter from the sun

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Sun umbrellas are great, but when you need something more, a canopy is the perfect choice. Canopies offer privacy, better sun protection, and the chance to relax out of the rays. Our top choices for best portable beach canopies will fit in with your beach gear and accessories, and help make your day at the beach more enjoyable.

A beach canopy provides a sunshade shelter for you to eat, rest, or get out of the sun for a few minutes to allow your sunscreen to set. These options are lightweight and set up in minutes, if not seconds, for instant shade. Let’s find your perfect beach accessory and help protect your skin whenever you need.

Sport-Brella Vented SPF 50+ Sun and Rain Canopy

Best Overall Umbrella Canopy

This canopy is an umbrella and shelter all in one. It features adjustable flaps to provide three-sided privacy and shade with an included sand anchor for umbrella-mode. The bright colors are easy to spot and won't fade in the sun, while the canopy blocks over 99% of UV rays to protect your skin. It disassembles and goes into the included carry case for easy transport to and from events. It easily covers several adults.

MARDOO Family Beach Shade

Best for Large Families

For a little more space underneath, this family-style beach shade by MARDOO assembles like a lightweight tent. It uses aluminum poles to hold the canopy, while the convenient sand anchors and weights ensure nothing blows away. It takes just a few minutes to set up and offers nearly complete UV blocking for all-day fun. The Lycra canopy is durable and it fits several adults underneath with good airflow.

Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Canopy Instant Pop-Up Shade Tent

Easiest to Set up

This tent is easy to pop up when you need a bit of shade outdoors. It's lightweight enough to toss in with your gear but offers 8 by 8 by f5 feet of available canopy space, enough for several adults. The umbrella section is water-resistant for wet conditions and the built-in sidewall allows you to turn the tent to protect from sun or wind. A durable PE floor keeps out both sun and moisture and won't tear.

Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent

Best Value

Another easy pop-up styled tent, this canopy provides three-sided protection from wind, sun, and rain. It provides a simple way for you to set up shelter and vents in the top to help with airflow. Durable materials withstand tearing and keep out sand while the colors stay bright year after year. It comes with anchors and folds up easily for transport.

Don’t let too much sun ruin your beach trip. Gain some protection and a little privacy for your all-day trips with these canopies on our list. Designed to be easy to use and to transport, you’ll love making them your newest beach essential for everyone in your group. Block the sun when you want, take a nap undisturbed, or just lounge out of the sun and save your skin.

HappySprout Contributor
HappySprout Contributor
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