Everyone likes going to the beach in summer vacations with family. Young children plays in the sand with reckless abandon, older kids swim and play in the water, while Mom and Dad relax in the sun, reading book, and maybe get a tan. As the day wears on, Beach barbeques and campfires are favorites and depending on the facilities families can sail, kayak, or play volleyball all day.

Enjoying vacations on the beach with a beach tent in tow is a comparatively recent phenomenon. Beach tents are extremely lightweight and transportable and can even be hired on location at many beaches.

Beach tents are also available in a wide range of styles. Some are designed as beach cabanas, while others may resemble a bird's wing. There are some known as beach huts, which are a wonderful mix of beach cabanas and beach umbrellas. Beach tents are also known as sun tents and are extremely easy to install.

Most are simple pop-ups and since they are usually very elementary all-in-one structures, there are no loose accessories that one might end up losing. Some designs are even self-erecting, so you can toss the tent onto the sand and it'll set up itself.  Beach tents are almost always made out of polyester. Some provide fiberglass waterproof floors, mesh windows, velcro-fastened flaps and so on.

Most have sand pockets for storing knick knacks, and sizes vary to suit the needs of buyers. However, since large families usually do not indulge in beach vacations within beach tents, most beach tents are either small or medium in size.

They are mostly as expensive as camping tents but since they provide strong UV protection, the price tends to go up higher. Heading off to the beach with a beach tent in tow is a comparatively recent phenomenon, but whatever your choice, a well-designed beach tent can transform your next vacation to a great day at the beach.