The beach is amazing and relaxing until about hour four when you’ve been in the sun all day and just want to get some shade. Your kids are exhausted and covered in sand. You really envy your baby’s tiny sunshade and wonder if laying your head under it might make you feel better. Tents are great for beach shelter, but most municipalities won’t allow a full-sized, standard tent. Even if they did, you don’t have the right equipment to get it to stay tied down. A tent made for beach trips might be just the thing you need, but you’re going to have to change your perception of “tent” before you get started. We’ve got ten of our top picks for best beach tents, but first, let’s look at what makes a beach tent different.
What Is A Beach Tent?
They aren’t made for sleeping. Instead, their primary purpose is a daytime shelter. Beach tents are generally three-sided and intended to block the sun without causing a big to-do on the beach. Many have vented windows that can roll up for privacy. Some even have a flap that temporarily covers the entrance for bathing suit changes. The entire thing is very light including stakes, and most pop up like an umbrella. Sand pockets allow you to fill little bags or tent corners with sand for weight. All should have a high SPF to withstand sun exposure.