A sunburn is the one thing that may completely spoil a fun day at the beach, right?! We are a fair skin family and having a great beach tent helps us stay longer!
If you’re bringing kids to the beach, remember to lather them up with sunscreen and find a cool, shaded location for them to play when the sun becomes too intense. And here is where the beach tent enters.
If you’re planning a trip to the beach, you most likely already know that you need to bring along full-coverage sunblock, sunnies, and flip-flops. However, you may want to add a shade or beach tent to your list of necessities so that you may take a break from the sun when necessary.It is important to have a haven to wind down in the shade and sun protection for yourself and your family as rising temperatures keep delivering record-breaking temperatures to regions throughout the globe every year. With a beach tent, you can do exactly that.
So, How To Choose The Best Beach Tents?
If you intend to buy something you’ll be satisfied with the very first time, there are several factors to keep in mind; whether you’re looking for the finest pop up awnings for the beach, a seaside dome tent, an umbrella, or anything else.
Check out this one for a reliable buying guide:
Type Of Beach Tents You Need
Cabana-Type Beach Tents
A beach cabana or gazebo is a high-rise tent that delivers good overhead sun shelter. The majority of them lack a floor and often have no walls (but some do). You may comfortably sitting or standing in a full-size, comfy chair beneath a gazebo or cabana, and frequently there is enough of space for a tables, an ice bucket, and other beach equipment.
Pop-up Beach Tents
In the outdoors and camping world, the pop-up quick tent has just revolutionized everything. Unlike a regular tent, it doesn’t require setting up separate tent poles and may be set up immediately as a canopy.
Beach Umbrella
Since they have existed for so long, beach umbrellas hardly need an introduction. They are often inexpensive, light, and simple to toss into the car’s trunk.
Although they are simple to set up and retain in position, beach umbrellas don’t offer much shade. You’ve probably seen at least a few wafting about in your beach period.
A beach umbrella, on the other hand, is ideal for those quick excursions to the beach when you want to devote the majority of your time in the sea.
Canopy Beach Tents
The finest beach canopy tent has really no partitions or a platform and is somewhat comparable to a gazebo or cabana in that it offers good overhead sun protection. A canopy typically only needs one or two poles to support it and is held in place by a rope.
Canopies often feature a ton of headroom, allowing you to stand up or sit on a regular-sized chair while yet providing adequate above protection. Additionally, there is frequently enough space for a table and numerous beach accessories if you have an extra-large beach umbrella.
Half Dome Beach Tents
A half-dome beach tent is essentially a cross between a normal beach day tent and an umbrella. It resembles an umbrella that is on its back with an additional side wall cover. While it offers little shade than a beach tent, it is far better for seclusion than an umbrella and is perfect for shielding you from the wind.
Half-dome tents exist in various sizes, but most are rather tiny and can only fit a limited number of individuals inside, without seats or low beach chairs. They, therefore, don’t offer the best overall protection from the intense Australian sun.
Mobility And Weight
When looking for a shade to go backpacking or on road trips when space is limited, it is crucial to consider the shade’s weight and pack size. In other instances, you might need to make a compromise and only choose a modest beach pop-up tent that offers little shade and collapses into a tiny space.
Size
You should think about the size you require before buying a beach tent. To choose the right size, first think about the number of folks you want to cover and any other things you want to keep inside, such an icebox or beach equipment.
You do not require an overly huge beach tent that will offer you and the rest of your crew shelter if you only need it to safeguard your belongings securely, and a few water bottles to cool while you’re in the water.
Where to Buy Beach Tents in Australia
Beach tents are everywhere — and that’s part of the problem. Prices range wildly, quality varies, and half of them look great online but barely survive a mild sea breeze.
Here are reliable places Aussie families actually buy beach tents, depending on budget and needs:
These suit families who:
- Spend full days at the beach
- Need better sun coverage
- Want something more durable
Online Options
Buying online can be convenient, but read reviews carefully:
- Marketplace/Facebook groups – Worth checking for second-hand bargains, especially if kids are likely to outgrow it quickly.
A Quick Word on UV Protection
Not all beach tents are created equal. When buying, look for:
- UPF 50+ fabric
- Sturdy pegs or sand pockets
- Good ventilation (because hot, enclosed tents are a nightmare)
If the listing doesn’t clearly state the UV rating, skip it.
Tip: If you’re only using a beach tent a few times a year, borrowing one from friends or buying second-hand can save a surprising amount of money.
Is there a way we can get this in American measurements as well? Maybe a button for conversion?