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When you’re heading out for a day at the beach, you’re likely to spend at least a few hours lounging in the sand and enjoying the water. You will likely packed snacks, a water bottle, maybe even a book or portable speaker. To maximize your time and ensure your comfort and safety, a beach shade should always be a part of your beach essentials.
Sun protection is always front of mind when I’m spending time at the beach, whether by the ocean, lake, or riverside. If you’ve ever wrestled with an umbrella in the sand or chased after a shade blowing away by a gust of wind, you know how important it is for beach shades to be sturdy and functional. I’m an avid beach-goer and have pinpointed certain features that I look for when shopping for a sun shade. We tested multiple beach shades on our own coastal vacations to evaluate them on assembly, stability, functionality, portability, and coverage — these are the best options.
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We found the OutdoorMaster Beach Umbrella with Sand Bag to be the best beach shade for its easy set-up, stability, and portability. We love that a sandbag is included, and our tests determined that while it needs to be filled to the top, it works well even in strong gusts of wind. This beach umbrella is easy to carry and big enough for at least two adults, but roomier for more.
We like that the top is adjustable and that it’s possible to tilt it as the sun shifts throughout the day. Setting it up only took a couple of minutes, and we appreciated the long shoulder strap and carrying case for walking to the beach (although the thin carry case has started to rip after two years of use). The pole and fabric feel durable, with the pole adjustable as well, making it a breeze to position it just how we needed it for maximum sun protection.
The Details: Stainless Steel | 78 x 39 inches | 6.2 pounds | UPF 50+
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The Oileus XL Beach Tent is perfect for families or groups looking to enjoy the beach with ample sun protection. We loved how light and compact it was despite how spacious the coverage is underneath the tent. It was very easy to assemble with clear instructions and broke down at the end of the day within one minute. It comes with a carrying bag, making it very portable and comfortable to transport to the beach.
We tested this tent on extremely windy days, and it remained in place even without the additional stakes that were included. Inside, we liked the pockets that were perfect for our phone, snacks, sunscreen bottles, and other important items that you may want on-hand when spending a day at the beach. We also appreciated the mesh windows that can be rolled up to keep bugs out. The material felt high quality, and we were very impressed with the stability of the tent in comparison to its large size.
The Details: Fiberglass, alloy steel, and polyester | 92 x 55 x 45 inches | 4 pounds
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We found the Sport-brella Premiere Umbrella to be the best bang for your buck beach shade based on its features and functionality. Although it is heavier than other models we tested, it does come with a carrying strap. Throughout our tests, it was very easy to set up and twist the auger bit pole into the sand, soil, or grass. We found it to be stable and secure with use of the regular and heavy-duty ground spikes and tie-down cords.
We appreciated the coverage this beach shade provided, with sturdy and thick fabric and ample protection from the sun. The internal pockets are perfect for storing items, and we liked that it had a design different from the typical upright umbrella since it sits at an angle. This is helpful for wind protection to avoid sand blowing in your face.
The Details: Stainless steel and polyester | 53 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches | 8 pounds | UPF 50+
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For optimal privacy, the WhiteFang Beach Tent Anti-UV Portable Sun Shade Shelter earned top points for its spacious design with three-sided coverage and mesh windows for airflow. This beach shade tent comes with a carrying bag, and although setting it up for the first time required a learning curve, the disassembly was quick and easy.
It’s very stable on a windy day, withstanding gusts up to at least 10 mph during one of our tests. We enjoyed how spacious the shade was and the interior pockets for storing our items. The privacy feature works great in public areas, particularly for families with little ones that need to be changed. Additionally, it comes in three different sizes to accommodate groups of up to six people.
The Details: Fiberglass, mesh, and polyester | 17.32 x 5.91 x 6.69 inches | 4 pounds | UPF 50+
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We loved how stress-free the beachBub All-in-one Beach Umbrella is in windy conditions. Since the pole goes about one foot into the ground and has an anchor, it’s very sturdy and stable for withstanding strong gusts of wind. We appreciated that it came with all the tools and accessories needed to set up the umbrella, including a shovel and ultra base to fill with sand. That being said, it was still fairly lightweight to transport.
We found that the canopy provided great sun protection and overall coverage in the hot Florida sun. We also liked the clamp attachment with hooks as an extra feature for hanging our towels or a beach bag. This umbrella feels very high-quality and provides peace of mind in windy locations.
The Details: Polyester, aluminum, and stainless steel | 90 x 61 inches | 9 pounds
Others We Liked
A couple of other beach shades we tested didn’t quite make our list, but still offer features that might be a good fit for some beach-goers.
Shibumi Shade: This beach shade was very lightweight and easy to transport across the sand and is easy to set up. We were impressed by how stable it was in the wind, but found it to be a less reliable shade as it relies on the wind to stay up.
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Tommy Bahama 7 Foot Fiberglass Beach Umbrella: We found this beach umbrella to be a breeze to set up and really liked the included table attachment with cupholders. However, it wasn’t as spacious or secure in wind as other models we tested.
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Our Testing Process
We sent our expert travelers and beach lovers dozens of beach shades from umbrellas to tents. We evaluated each beach shade by assessing their construction and materials, before attempting to assemble them on the beach or in the backyard.
We took each shade on beach excursions and transported them on subways, in the car, and even through airports to analyze how portable and lightweight they were. If they came with a carrying case, we were sure to note its durability and comfort for carrying long distances. Once we arrived on the beach, we assembled the shades, noting how clear the instructions were and how difficult they were to put up. Then, we looked at special features such as anchors, pockets, and built-in cup holders or tables, and left them up for at least four hours per testing day. During this time, we looked at sun protection coverage, privacy, and stability in windy conditions.
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Tips for Buying a Beach Shade
Consider the best style for you
Beach shades come in a few different styles, including the classic upright umbrella, tilted umbrella, tents, and canopies. The style that is the best fit for you will depend upon typical wind conditions, sun protection, how big your group is, and if you need privacy.
Think about portability
Lugging a heavy or hard to carry beach umbrella or shade from your car and across a hot beach can certainly put a damper on your day. Portability is one of the features to look at when shopping for a beach shade; a carrying case, padded strap, and lightweight design will help make your trek easier.
Prioritize sun protection
In addition to providing shade, many beach shelters are designed with SPF-rated materials for extra sun protection. It’s key to look at those specs when shopping for a beach shade so you know how much coverage you’ll be getting. No matter how much shade your beach shelter provides, don’t forget to continuously apply sunscreen for extra protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the best material for a beach shade?
Polyester with built-in SPF protection is widely used for beach shades and umbrellas due to its durability, quick-drying properties, and lighter weight. Look for shades that have high sun protection and can repel sand and water.
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What is the best color to avoid the sun?
Light colors are known to be better at reflecting the sun and keeping you and the shaded area cooler. However, darker shades are best at absorbing UV rays, providing optimal protection from the sun. Finding a beach shade in a lighter or neutral color crafted with a minimum SPF 50+ material will offer a good balance of both worlds. If you choose a darker color, make sure there are built-in mesh windows or air flaps to maximize airflow.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Lauren Breedlove is a traveler and beachgoer who knows the importance of finding the right beach umbrella or canopy for use everywhere from camping to a beach vacation. She also scoured our testing insights to find the best beach shades for spending time comfortably in the sun and sand.
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