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

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

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

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

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

Sport-Brella XL Umbrella Shelter - Best Canopy / Umbrella Hybrid

$148.86

*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!

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)

AMMSUN 7ft Heavy Duty, High Wind Umbrella - Best All-rounder (at a Great Value)

$44.98

*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

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

The Northern Outer Banks

The Northern Outer Banks

Discover Historic Corolla Park With its wide open green spaces and scenic views, Historic Corolla Park is the heart of Corolla in Northeastern North Carolina. It's a great place to take in a seasonal event or simply take a walk, and is home to three unique landmarks—The Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Whalehead in Historic Corolla ,the Currituck Maritime Museum and the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. Outdoor activities such as fishing, crabbing and kayaking the Currituck Sound are welcomed, as are bicycles, kites and leashed pets.

Salt Coast Outfitters

Salt Coast Outfitters

We offer one of a kind SALT COAST OUTFITTERS brand name tees, long sleeves, performance gear, Yeti tumblers, caps, eyeglasses, and more! Browse the fullest collection of coastal lifestyle clothing on the beach. Featuring a sizable selection of brand names such as Wicked Tuna, Columbia, Avid, Sunbum, Yeti Coolers, Icemule Coolers, Dude Shoes, Salt Life, Performance Fishing Clothing, Eyewear, Fishing tackle, Surfboards and more!

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

Corolla Wild Horse Fund

We are The Corolla Wild Horse Fund the non-profit 501 (c) (3) charity responsible for the care and protection of the wild Banker horses roaming the northernmost beaches of the Outer Banks. Join us in the summer season, every Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at our farm, in Grandy, on the mainland. Please check our website for current Mustang Mornings dates and details. Meet the rescued Banker horses currently in our care on a self-guided walking tour where you can spend time with our staff. Attend a free movie screening of The Secret of Corolla, a 32-minute documentary on the Banker mustangs and the culture and lifestyle of the island. Engage with CWHF’s Director of Herd Management in a Q&A directly after the screening. This is a meaningful way for us to engage with our members and supporters while educating the public on the history and future of the Bankers.

 

H2OBX Waterpark

H2OBX Waterpark

YOUR BEST SUMMER DAY - Nothing satisfies your craving for fun like a day at the H2OBX Waterpark. Start with that perfect Carolina sun. Add a dose of adrenaline as you soar 6 stories up on The Rogue Wave or drop 90 screaming feet down The Plank. Stir in a float down Teach’s Tide Adventure River. Chill as you get toes up in some perfect shade. Top it off with the best family-friendly food around, and you’ve got yourself the best summer day ever…more fun than a day at the beach!

Kitty Hawk Kites

Kitty Hawk Kites

Kitty Hawk Kites has been Teaching the World to Fly since 1974 and is home to the world’s largest hang gliding school. As the Outer Banks leader in quality outdoor recreation and adventure, Kitty Hawk Kites offers more than 30 activities to choose from, so get out that pen and start crossing things off your OBX bucket list today! Visit KittyHawk.com or call 1.877.FLY.THIS to book your Kitty Hawk Kites adventure today.

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Jimmy's Seafood Buffet

Jimmy's Seafood Buffet

Home of the Crab Leg & Lobster Buffet for 26! years! Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet is a great stop for an all you can eat affordable dinner extravaganza. The buffet offers over 100 different items. It even serves Jumbo Alaskan crab legs and Jumbo steamed shrimp, something you will not find on any other buffet in the OBX. The buffet offers a variety of seafood and non seafood options. Try some of Jimmy’s seafood options and load your plate with blackened tuna, Louisiana crawfish, steamed scallops and mussels, fried oysters and deviled crabs. Not in the mood for seafood? Fill your plate with steak, pineapple glazed ham, fried chicken, BBQ ribs, and fettuccini Alfredo to name a few. The buffet also offers a kid section. Let your kids load their plates with chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and corn dog nuggets. Don’t forget dessert! The buffet also offers soft serve ice cream and a plethora of baked goods. 

 

It’s been 25 years since Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet opened its doors for the first time. Since that inaugural summer, the goal has remained the same: provide customers with a tasty, fresh array of seafood full of Caribbean flavor.

 

Elizabeth Dowless and her husband Jerry had always worked in restaurants in the Outer Banks, so when the opportunity to open Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet with a couple of friends arose, it was an easy yes. The Dowlesses bought out the business in 2003, excited to turn Jimmy’s into an Outer Banks staple. When Jerry passed away later that year, Dowless knew she wanted to continue pursuing their dream on her own.

 

Dowless went all in on the concept of a fresh, flavorful seafood buffet and her hard work paid off. Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet is a beloved fixture of Outer Banks dining, with customers returning year after year for the fresh fare.

 

“Customers keep in contact with me throughout the winter. I get people every day asking me when we’re opening for the season, and customers book their vacations around our opening,” Dowless says. “I absolutely love getting to see familiar faces come back to see us each year. I love seeing them lose their minds over the buffet! Their excitement is what I love most about my job.”

Duck Town Park & Boardwalk

Duck Town Park & Boardwalk

Duck Town Park provides a playground for all seasons and more. Its 11 acres consist of a mix of Maritime Forest, willow swamp, open lawn with amphitheatre and picnic shelters, all sitting next to the lovely shallow waters of scenic Currituck Sound. Situated in the heart of Duck, the Park is also central to most of the town’s public activities. During the season, the smoke-free Park offers live theatre, stories and magic shows for children in the mornings and a concert series for all ages in the early evenings. All during the day, every day from dawn ‘til dusk, visitors and locals can take advantage of the park’s picnic shelter, walking trails through the woods, canoe and kayak access and playground with gazebo. Fantastic free Town Park events like the Fourth of July celebration, with parade and after-party, and October’s Duck Jazz Festival, featuring national and local jazz artists, have become favorite annual OBX traditions.The latest addition to the Park is access to the town’s new boardwalk, which is open from dawn until 1 a.m. and offers breathtaking soundside views, peaceful sunsets and a connection to solitude and nature, as well to the bustle of Duck’s many visitors shopping and dining during the season. Duck Town Park provides two parking areas where visitors and locals can leave their cars and enjoy any or all Park activities, or they can choose to access the boardwalk and take in all it has to offer.The Town of Duck sums up its Park as a place for family fun, sound side activities, natural beauty, awesome music and stunning sunsets.

Coastal Smoothie Cafe

Coastal Smoothie Cafe

At Coastal Smoothie Cafe, we have created a menu and atmosphere that is designed to be as unique as the northern shores of the Outer Banks. Our creations utilize fresh local produce when possible. There is nothing better than local NC strawberries, blackberries or blueberries. Make sure to try our Carolina peaches. From our amazing acai bowls and smoothies to our signature sandwiches and wraps you simply won’t find anything like Coastal Smoothie Cafe.

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Sandy Run Park

Sandy Run Park

Sandy Run Park leads its visitors through the heart of Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Preserve, one of the largest maritime forests remaining in North Carolina. Completed in two phases, the park now encompasses 1600 acres of marshland, waterways and maritime forest. The park features a wooden boardwalk, two gazebos, a fishing and many more amenities for the enjoyment of the area's natural beauty and wildlife. On a stroll through the park you will likely run into many of the area's indigenous creatures and plants.Just after entering the park, and next to the ample parking area you’ll find a covered picnic pavilion, a putting green, cookout grills and a basketball half court. Below the pavilion is a canoe and kayak access deck. Beyond this recreation and picnic area is a half-mile loop, mostly boardwalk, that will take you on a scenic and educational tour of a large section of the Preserve, where wildlife and plants are identified by plaques placed along the route. At the first gazebo stop is another kayak and canoe access where you’re sure to see many yellow-bellied slider turtles swimming all around and an Osprey family nesting above. Other creatures you may get a glimpse of include deer, otter, egrets, raccoons and even a nutria. Also along the boardwalk you’ll find an observation deck and a pier for fishing (license required). The fishing pond is stocked with several varieties of fish, including brim and bass..Sandy Run Park is open from sunrise to sunset. Although the cost is free, the natural serenity and beauty it offers is priceless.

Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station

Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station

The Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station is one of Rodanthe's greatest treasures. This historical lifesaving station has been a popular attraction for Hatteras Island visitors for decades, and stands on the very edge of the small town of Rodanthe. Over the years, this station has been battered by hurricanes, ocean and soundside flooding, and ferocious gusts of winds, and yet it is still standing, and serves as a proud reminder of Hatteras Island and the Outer Banks' rich lifesaving history.