How to Set Up Your Beach Canopy Like a Pro


How to Set Up Your Beach Canopy Like a Pro | Sunset Vacations

Cabana. This simple word evokes indulgent images of cool ocean breezes, frosty drinks and sandy toes digging for the cold sand underneath the hot surface. Perhaps some chilled grapes and soft music to accompany your relaxing beach day in the shade. 

But wait.... cabanas and beach canopies have actually created a bit of controversy over the years! Many beach towns have made moves to ban their use altogether, citing both crowding and safety concerns (it can be difficult for emergency vehicles to navigate through the sea of tents, and also, canopies can become dangerous if not properly secured).  

Sunset Vacations would like to talk to you about how to properly set up your beach canopy to fall within current guidelines to help make your Sunset Beach vacation comfortable and relaxing. 

*Please note that this information is up-to-date as of July, 2019. Rules and regulations may have shifted during flight! Please consult the Town of Sunset Beach for the most recent information regarding cabanas and other rules of the beach.*


How to set up A cabana

Know the town rules and follow our tips for easy installation! 

early morning sunrise over the beach | Sunset Vacations
beach cabana with chairs and fishing gear | Sunset Vacations
cooler full of bottled water on the beach | Sunset Vacations

1. Get there early

Not only will you get a better spot on the beach ... but no one wants to wrestle with a big beach canopy during the heat of the day. By arriving on the beach early and setting up your spot, you will be able to stake your claim (quite literally) before the sun fully wakes. 

"No tents, shading devices or canopies shall be erected before 6:00 a.m. and all tents, shading devices and canopies shall be removed from the beach strand by 7:00 p.m."

2. Choose your location

Before you start putting up the cabana, make sure you are in line with the trashcan line where the canopies are supposed to be set. No part of the canopy can be erected behind the trash can line (which is where beach patrol drives). Also, make sure you are about 30 feet from the public beach access - you don't want to sit near all that foot traffic, anyway! 

"No obstruction may be placed within a 30-foot perimeter of any emergency access or any public beach access."

"Tents, shading devices and canopies shall be erected in a single line parallel to the ocean, and shall not extend more than 24 feet from the front dune line towards the ocean. "

3. Set it up

  • Grab a friend to help, if you can. It makes this process so much easier! 
  • Start by placing the top on the cabana.
  • Spread the canopy out as far as you can get it apart.
  • NOTE: You need to lock in the section towards the top of the canopy BEFORE you extend each leg out to its desired length! 
  • After you lock in the top corners, extend the legs out to the desired length. There are 3 different settings for the leg length - make sure all 4 legs are set at the same height.
  • There is a hole at the base of each leg of the canopy, insert the provided stakes through this hole.
  • Hammer the stakes into the sand at a 45 degree angle for best results. 
  • If you stake additional stakes from the top corners of the canopy with strings, these stakes have to be inserted in the sand on the INSIDE of the perimeter of the canopy.

 If you are going to be setting the canopy up and taking it down multiple days in a row its best to leave the top on the canopy when you take it down.

4. Fill it with food, fun, & friends!

Now is the time to grab your perfect beach bag, as well as any other comfort items you need for a fun-filled beach day. Chairs (or blankets), a cooler filled with drinks and goodies, sunscreen, and beach toys for the little ones are all you really need! 

Please note that bonfires, charcoal and gas grills are NOT ALLOWED ON THE BEACH or within ten (10) feet of a residence. 

Use only plastic containers or cans on the beach. Glass containers are not permitted. 


Sunset Beach Canopy Rules 

(as of July 2019)

Obstructions placed on the beach strand must abide by the following regulations: 

a. No obstruction may be placed within a 30-foot perimeter of any emergency access or any public beach access. 

b. Tents, shading devices and canopies shall be erected in a single line parallel to the ocean, and shall not extend more than 24 feet from the front dune line towards the ocean. 

c. Tents, shading devices and canopies shall be no larger than 12 feet by 12 feet. 

d. Tents, shading devices and canopies shall not be tied together. 

e. Tents, shading devices and canopies shall be separated by a minimum of ten feet. 

f. Anchors or tie downs for tents, shading devices, canopies and athletic equipment must be located within the footprint. 

g. Athletic equipment, such as volleyball nets, shall remain erected only while in use or attended. 

h. Obstructions shall be set at least ten feet from any sea turtle nest. Agenda Item 5a Page 4 

i. All tents, shading devices, canopies and umbrellas shall be collapsed and secured when the sustained wind speed is 17 mph or greater. 

j. No tents, shading devices or canopies shall be erected before 6:00 a.m. and all tents, shading devices and canopies shall be removed from the beach strand by 7:00 p.m. 

k. Obstructions remaining on the beach strand after 7:00 p.m. will be considered abandoned and removed by town officials.


If you are looking to rent a beach canopy, check out our blog "Did You Know You Can Rent That?" for a list of local rental companies. They can also help you rent beach chairs and other necessities. 

Have questions about the most current rules about beach canopies or anything else on Sunset Beach? Our team at Sunset Vacations is here and ready to help! 


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How to Set Up Your Beach Canopy Like a Pro | Sunset Vacations


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