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

$260.60

*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

$249.00

*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

$299.99

*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

$94.99

*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)

$44.48

*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

Henry's Restaurant

Henry's Restaurant

Henry's Restaurant offers down home, simple food done Outer Banks style. Henry's Restaurant has been serving the Outer Banks of North Carolina since the summer of 1989. They are pleased to be considered one of the most popular restaurants in Dare County. Owners Henry and Linda Ezzell, along with daughter Kim Ezzell Parker offer honest American Style food that appeal to people of all ages. With so many fine dining establishments in the area they felt there was a need for a down-to-earth, no-frills experience for those that wanted good food, a pleasant and accommodating staff, and an affordable menu. As their customers will attest, they feel confident they have achieved this goal.

This is the kind of delicious food grandmothers of North Carolina have been cooking for generations. You’ll feel like you're visiting family with the comfort food and the restaurant's nautical-style decor.  

The kid-friendly and casual restaurant has been serving hearty portions to locals and visitors since 1989. Breakfast is what Henry's does best, although it's a wonderful restaurant for lunch and dinner as well. Start your day with incredible hotcakes, omelets, biscuits, french toast, eggs benedict, breakfast sandwiches, and even fried trout, served 7:00am to 1:00pm daily.

Buxton Woods

Buxton Woods

Perhaps the reason that this area of maritime forest goes unnoticed, (an area which in fact comprises the majority of Frisco Village), is simply because the oceanfront beaches just yards away are too alluring to ignore, and garner the lion's share of vacationers' interest. This is understandable, as when most folks think of an Outer Banks vacation, they envision miles of unspoiled beaches, refreshing ocean waves, and plenty of room to spread out a beach blanket, and Frisco's beaches have all of these attributes in spades.

Poke Box

Poke Box

PokeBox offers fresh, quick, simple, healthy poke bowls in Nags Head. Choose your items and build your bowl. Tuna, salmon, chicken, steak, shrimp and tofu options available. Mix in your favorite veggies, sauces and toppings for the perfect poke experience.

Poke (Hawaiian for "to slice" or "cut into pieces") is a traditional main dish of Hawaiian cuisine made with marinated tuna. As Poke became increasingly popular, the modern version, known as Poke Bowl, has variety ingredients and flavors arranged to customize personal preferences.

 

(More Locations)
Lost Treasure Golf

Lost Treasure Golf

The noted explorer, archaeologist, anthropologist, paleontologist, and part-time plumbing contractor from the University of Chicago, Professor Duffer A. Hacker, led two expeditions to the outer banks in the late 1920’s. The purpose of these expeditions was to search for an answer as to what happened to the lost colony of Roanoke Island and to look for treasure believed to have been hidden by Blackbeard the Pirate. Professor Hacker’s first surprise was the discovery of an old mining train built by the Confederate Army during the Civil War. They were searching for gold to finance their war effort. Take the mining car* to the top of the mountain and follow Professor Hacker as you putt your way through an adventurous expedition to find gold and diamonds.

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.

(More Locations)
Duck Corolla Parasail

Duck Corolla Parasail

Discover the beauty of the Outer Banks with Duck Parasail. Duck Parasail is proud to partner with Corolla Parasail and together, they take pride in being the longest running, family owned and operated parasail company on the Outer Banks. Duck Parasail is the only company running a FLEET of US Coast Guard Certified and Inspected 12 passenger Ocean Pros on the Outer Banks, with boats leaving from the North Beach (Currituck) Lighthouse, Corolla, and Duck.

KEES Vacations

KEES Vacations

KEES Vacations offers the best Outer Banks rentals for family vacations, romantic weekend getaways and groups of all sizes looking for the perfect OBX rental for their stay. When booking with KEES Vacations, travelers can expect excellence in service and a one-of-a-kind OBX vacation experience. With one of the largest OBX vacation rental property inventories available, travelers are sure to find the best Outer Banks rentals with KEES Vacations. Featured property amenities include on-site pools & hot tubs, contactless check-in, linens included on every reservation, cabana services & more. Looking for a short stay? We have those, too! Ask about FlexStay for your next trip. 

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Explore Hatteras Island at its natural best with a visit to the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Covering 13 miles of Cape Hatteras National Seashore land, this attraction is hard to miss, although there aren't many giant signs, hotels or businesses to point the way. Instead, visitors will find a completely undeveloped parcel of land, that's well-stocked with gorgeous views and serene nature trails that are ideal for off-the-beaten path excursions.

Outer Banks 2025 Vacations - Wide Open Spaces

Outer Banks 2025 Vacations - Wide Open Spaces

The Outer Banks offers plenty of opportunities for a healthy, family fun vacation. Visitors can spread out over more than 100 miles of pristine shoreline.  Local restaurants and eateries are providing abundant take-out and delivery options.  Kids are distance learning from the beach! Also, there’s no risk of boredom with our list of social-distancing compatible activities! It’s no wonder that vacationers are turning to the Outer Banks for a fun, relaxing, and safe vacation during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Here are our picks for outdoor attractions, parks and activities where it’s easy to maintain social distancing guidelines while having 100% of the fun.