Canopies create shade, lower ambient temperatures and block UV rays on hot, sunny Summer days. Sitting under the canopy of a quality beach umbrella can make the difference between comfort and sweltering. When choosing an umbrella, we look for durability, wind ratings, weight and size.
A growing trend over the past few years has been the adoption of canopies on the beaches. Canopies offer some advantages over umbrellas. With four anchor points, they can be more stable. Most are larger than the average umbrella and offer convenient shade for family comfort. Newer designs pop up and down in seconds with little effort. Many canopies incorporate one or more sides which block wind and increase UV protection in the morning and late afternoon. And, many offer built-in floors which keep gear and toes off hot sand. Here are some highly-rated canopies to consider for your beach vacation.
We were not provided with free or discounted products to review. These recommendations were not influenced by manufacturers. We did, however, heavily consider customer reviews at retail websites when deciding which products to feature. We like these products, but we took care to make sure other vacationers agree. Some of the product links include affiliate codes. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices listed are updated regularly, but subject to change at any time.
Shibumi Shade - Most Popular
$295.00 
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
The Shibumi Shade beach canopy is an innovative and highly efficient beach shade solution, known for its lightweight design and ease of setup. Designed to harness the power of the wind, the Shibumi Shade floats with even a light 3 mph breeze to create a large, airy canopy, providing 150sqft. of shade and UPF 50+ sun protection.
Weighing only 4 pounds, it's incredibly portable and can be effortlessly carried to the beach in its compact carrying bag. The shade sets up in 3 minutes with just two lightweight poles and does not require any anchors in the sand, making it a hassle-free addition to any beach day.
These shades are extremely popular and enjoy excellent customer reviews. We'd be surprised if you visit the beach and don't see at least a few Shibumi Shades!
CoolCabanas Beach Cool Cabana 8' x 8' - Most Stylish
$269.00
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
The CoolCabanas 8' x 8' Beach Canopy is the perfect solution for those seeking a stylish and practical shelter on sunny beach days. This canopy offers 64sqft. of shaded area, providing essential protection from the sun's harsh rays, while its open-sided design ensures a refreshing breeze and a 360-degree view of your beach surroundings.
Coleman DayTripper Beach Canopy - Best Value
$71.39
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
The Coleman DayTripper hits our list as a great value shade. We like this style of shade when sheltering infants and small children, or two adults. The three-sided walls offer lots of protection from the elements. Assembled, it measures 7’5” by 4’5” with a 57” total height. Unlike the Lightspeed shade, this canopy does require some tent-style assembly with multiple poles. It takes a few minutes to set up and another few to take down. The DayTripper features SPF 50 UV protection fabric, a carry bag and extra long stakes, as well as a full floor mat. Overall this shade does very well at its price point.
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
Clam Corporation Quick-Set Escape shelter - Best Bug Beater
$269.99
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
Have a big crowd? Want protection from bugs? The Clam Corp Quick-Set Escape is a large shelter with a highly-rated quick popup system. This shelter features full no-see-um screen walls and waterproof taped seams. The top fabric is 210 denier with SPF 50 UV protection. Packed up, this large shelter is a hefty 34 lbs. measures 72” x 8” x 8”, so plan your packing accordingly. If you like the features but not the size, Clam Corporation offers a full line of quick-set shelters. Weather panels are available separately. Our take: If you want to be outdoors without being bothered by mosquitoes, this shelter is a home run. It is large and heavier than the others, but the quality and peace of mind are wonderful.
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
Sport-Brella XL Umbrella Shelter - Best Canopy / Umbrella Hybrid
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
The Sport-Brella Premiere XL is a versatile and spacious umbrella shelter, providing exceptional protection against sun and rain. Measuring 9 feet in diameter, it offers an expansive shaded area, making it ideal for family outings, sports events, or beach trips. This umbrella is designed with UPF 50+ fabric and its rugged structure is built to withstand windy conditions. The unique feature of this umbrella/canopy hybrid is side panels that provide extra coverage and wind flaps for ventilation.
The Sport-Brella XL is equipped with a beefy 1.25" center pole, ground stakes and tie-down cords. The portable design includes a convenient carry bag, transport and set up effortless. This stout canopy weighs in at ~9lbs.
beachBUB Umbrella system - (3,000+) 4.8 Star Reviews!
$158.15
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
The patented beachBUB system is our pick for the best all-around umbrella. This 9lb. system features a 35mph wind rating (you’d feel sandblasted before worrying about the umbrella), and thick poll walls. It includes a transport bag with heavy duty strap, a unique, stable base system that fills with sand, and a big 7.5ft vented SPF canopy that raises quickly. Everything about this system feels overbuilt. Setting it up is easy for anyone and takes less than 2 minutes. We love that this is an entire system designed to solve common problems, and it does so well.
AMMSUN 7ft Heavy Duty, High Wind Umbrella - Best All-rounder (at a Great Value)
$39.97
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
The AMMSUN 7ft Heavy Duty High Wind Beach Umbrella is a robust and reliable choice for beach-goers who face windy conditions. Designed to withstand high winds, this 7-foot umbrella features a sturdy pole and ribs, ensuring stability and durability even in challenging weather. The umbrella's vented canopy allows air to flow through, reducing wind pressure and increasing its resistance to gusts.
The AMMSUN Heavy Duty umbrella includes a portable, removable screw-type sand anchor to ensure your umbrella stays put on windy days. The aluminum pole resists harsh beach conditions, and the umbrella ribs are constructed of fiberglass for extra strength. High-quality fabric provides excellent UV protection. The adjustable push-button tilt mechanism allows for optimal shade coverage throughout the day. Despite its strength, the AMMSUN umbrella is surprisingly lightweight and comes with a convenient carrying case with strap, making it easy to transport to and from the beach.
Tommy Bahama 6' UPF 50+ Tilt Beach Umbrella with Wind Vent, Green and Blue Stripe
$35.99
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
UPF 50+ PROTECTION UMBRELLA: Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for UVA/UVB protection from the sun's rays, this portable beach umbrella is the perfect beach accessory * DURABLE MATERIALS: Steel pole and ribs of umbrella are made from durable and strong powder coated steel to help extend the life of your beach umbrella * INCREASED STURDINESS: Wind vent on top of umbrella provides better stability and prevents falling over * CUSTOMIZED SHADE: Tilt feature to adjust sun and shade according to your preference * HEAVY DUTY UMBRELLA: Constructed from rugged 300 denier polyester fabric to withstand nature's toughest elements and an aluminum undercoating for superior sun protection
MILLER’S OFFERS ONE OF THE FEW TRULY WATERFRONT DINING EXPERIENCES ON THE OUTER BANKS. Enjoy casual dining in our downstairs family-friendly seafood restaurant, or our signature drinks and grill menu in our upstairs deck bar while watching kite boarders, windsurfers and mother nature’s best sunsets.
Avid Outer Banks Surfers and sightseers alike are familiar with Old Lighthouse Beach, a stretch of sand in the heart of Buxton that was once the sight of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Convenient and renowned for its good shelling and great waves, during a typical Hatteras Island summer's day, it's not unusual to see dozens of visitors with boards and board shorts scoping out the scene.
Sundogs is a happening spot open year round in Corolla. Along with good food, they feature a nightlife that includes live music, karaoke and a DJ dance party. They have a full bar and a menu suited to a host of tastes. Starters include nachos, crab dip, wings and oysters on the half shell. Steamers include lobster, crawfish, crab legs, oysters, mussels and shrimp. Order up a shrimp basket or a fresh fish dish – grilled or fried. Sundogs is very proud of their hamburgers, and while they will top it with all the fixings, you don’t need a thing atop one of these babies to enjoy it. Large parties welcome!
Many newcomers to the Outer Banks find the best way to delve into the local history, scenery and culture is via a tour, and luckily the Outer Banks has a world of different tours available. Vacationers can take to the sea, skies, or the land for an in-depth view of the Outer Banks, and can choose from quick one-hour excursions to overnight trips that explore the region's little known hidden treasures. For an introduction to everything the Outer Banks has to offer, or to experience the North Carolina Coast from an entirely new perspective, hop on board a boat, kayak, bus or plane, and begin a guided adventure that will surely leave your family completely fascinated with the rich landscape of the Outer Banks.
Welcome to Mike Dianna's Grill Room, home to the finest seafood, USDA prime beef, amazing live entertainment and more! Come have brunch or dinner with us in Corolla on the beautiful Outer Banks. Celebrating over 20 years in the Timbuck II Shopping Center in Corolla, Mike Dianna's Grill Room is owned and operated by a true Corolla local who grew up here and has lived in the area since 1984.
Owned by Garry Oliver, the proprietor of the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, this small wooden aqua blue-colored store on the Nags Head-Manteo causeway has been serving the needs of fishermen for decades. A full line of tackle is available for all types of fishing --- surf, pier, inshore and offshore --- with fishing rods stored on the ceiling as well as along the walls. The store is an authorized dealer for major tackle brands, including Fish Bites, Daiwa and Gulp, and has a large selection of fresh, frozen and live bait. In addition, it stocks crabbing supplies, and sells sunglasses, jackets, hoodies, T-shirts and hats. The store also rents outboard and pontoon boats for sound fishing, and is an authorized outlet to purchase state-required recreational fishing licenses. We also offer Dolphin Watching Tours!
The Wright Brothers National Memorial is a "Must See" attraction for any Outer Banks aviation enthusiast, history lover, and virtually any Kill Devil Hills vacationer who wants an up-close look at the towering granite structure that towers over the town's landscape.
Since 1968, our family owned and operated company has offered families just like yours a wide selection of Outer Banks vacation rentals in beach communities and towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and South Nags Head. We invite you to view our brilliant photos, detailed property descriptions complete with amenity lists and maps. Make the selection that best suits your needs, and you will see why our guests consider us a part of their family.
Twiddy & Company is here to provide all the help and southern hospitality you've come to anticipate when planning your beach vacation. We invite you to let us share our unique understanding of this coastal landscape; unlike any place in the world. We will assist you in finding the vacation rental that best suits your group's style and preferences to make your time on the Outer Banks as relaxing and memorable as possible.
Over 450 Outer Banks vacation rentals with amenities such as private pools, hot tubs, elevators, keyless entry, 1 - 9 bedrooms, Oceanfront to Soundfront, 4x4 Carova...
Discover gifts, garlands and glittering lights galore. Looking for a trinket for someone who has everything? Choose ornaments for every hobby, occupation, occasion or enthusiast; from the fisherman or Disney lover; dancer or photographer. Throughout our 25,000 square feet of wonder, where you can peruse and purchase from thousands of Christmas ornaments and décor, there is even more to experience!
Spring and fall visitors will notice the popularity of kiteboarding on the Outer Banks the moment they ride down a stretch of soundfront highway. In the off-season months, it's not unusual to spot dozens if not hundreds of multi-colored kites lining the skies over the Outer Banks' miles of sound waters.
Many newcomers to the Outer Banks who are browsing the local restaurants, shops and area attractions online or in the local guide books notice an interesting addition to the standard address. Besides the typical business name, street name, street number and town, many local businesses also include a Milepost number. This may initially appear to be an odd notation to include, but on the Outer Banks, this is incredibly helpful to new visitors on the lookout for a specific restaurant or shop.
The Wright Brothers National Memorial is a "Must See" attraction for any Outer Banks aviation enthusiast, history lover, and virtually any Kill Devil Hills vacationer who wants an up-close look at the towering granite structure that towers over the town's landscape.