When it comes to having a nice time at the beach, having a way to get some sun protection and shade is as essential as bringing along a few beach towels. But on the sunniest of days, natural sunscreen and a simple beach umbrella might not cut it.

That's where these nifty beach tents come in. Just like the best camping tents, beach tents are made to protect you from the elements. The best ones not only shield you from the wind, but also add an extra—and oftentimes much needed—layer of defense from the damaging rays of the sun.

But how to know which beach tent to purchase? Well, the best beach shelters are lightweight, easy to set up, and have all sorts of cool features like ventilating windows, internal pockets, dry lines for airing out wet clothing, and stakes to ensure that the tent won’t fly away on windy days. All of this makes them perfect for quick fishing trips, park picnics, outdoor sporting events, and backyard relaxation, too.

Ahead, find the best beach tent to suit your needs, no matter your budget or the size of your family. And while you’re planning out your summer beach trips, don’t forget to check out our favorite beach bag totes and beach outfits!

The three roll-up windows on this beach tent will keep you cool while the silver-coated fabric will shield you from harmful UV rays. If you need a little privacy, you can also close the tent's front flap.

This nylon beach tent is budget-friendly and comes with details like sandbags and metal stakes, both of which ensure excellent stability. It twists open and closed, too—no assembly required.

This option from Pacific Breeze has racked up over 5,000 glowing reviews, and it's not hard to see why: It's sturdy, lightweight, provides UPF 50+ sun protection, and is super easy to construct and deconstruct.

Whether you're at the beach, the park, or the lake, this beach tent is great to have on hand. It has all sorts of nifty features, like a back window that unzips for airflow and a dry line where you can hang wet clothes, towels, and bathing suits.

This beach tent comfortably fits two to three people, making it ideal for a couple or smaller family. It pops up and down, and it only weighs a few pounds—nice and portable!

This roomy tent has water resistant walls and floor and breathable mesh windows. It also comes with a portable carrying bag—in other words, it'll always be ready to follow you and your family on any outdoor adventure.

Try this pick if you're worried about your family overheating. This beach tent supplies 50+ UV protection, possesses three huge mesh windows, and has front doors that can be opened to let as much air in and out as possible.

Suited for families of four, this beach tent has plenty of space for when both parents and kids need a little break from the sun. It even has an awning for a few more inches of shade!

This beach tent is another foolproof choice—it pops up when taken out of its bag and folds right back in when you're done. It comes in two fun and eye-catching color ways: orange and pink!

This top-notch tent can handle up to four (!) adults lying down, although it might take a bit of time to get used to setting it up.

Excited for summer beach trips? Here are the best beach tents for every budget to protect you from the hot sun all day long.

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Summer will be here before you know it, and Costco is making the anticipated wait a little bit easier by rolling out some sweet summer products to get us ready for the season. Because the wholesale warehouse sells just about anything you can think of, they just announced the sale of these super convenient Beacon […]

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