7 Best Beach Umbrellas for Your Next Beach Day

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"A day at the beach" might be synonymous with ease and relaxation, but if you've ever been stuck lugging a load of beach bags, sand toys, chairs, coolers, and all of the other assorted accoutrement of a shore excursion, pack-mule-style, you know that it can feel like anything but. Worse still, when you make it down to the waterline and have to undertake the frustrating task of attempting to assemble a complicated sun shade... that immediately tries to blow away in the wind.

Of course, it doesn't have to be this way. As our collective appreciation of a bit of beachside luxury—not to mention our understanding of the damage UV rays can do to the skin—has grown, so to have improvements in beach umbrella technology. From modified classic umbrellas built to stand up to the most intense seaside winds to new twists on shoreside shades, we've rounded up some of the highest-rated, most-coveted back umbrellas to make your day at the beach, well, a day at the beach.

All-In-One Beach Umbrella System

If you want a traditional umbrella that's built to last, this option gets top marks among reviewers. With a 7.5' canopy rated for UPF 50+, it provides ample shade for a couple of beachgoers, and comes with everything you need to get settled in for the day, including a carrying bag, towel hook collar, shovel, sand gopher, and anchor system. It's also tested in winds up to 44 mph (the base can hold up to 125 lbs of sand), so you won't have to worry about it breaking on a blustery day.

One reviewer writes: "I can't say enough about how much I love this umbrella. I was pretty nervous spending the amount of money I did on this umbrella and was a bit skeptical that it could hold up in NC beach winds. But wow. It was sturdy, easy to put up and take down, strong enough to hang towels on, never even flinched in the wind, and was so easy to carry. Worth every cent."

Beach Tent Sun Shelter

Okay, it's not technically an umbrella, but if you're looking for shade for a group, it's hard to outdo this UPF 50+-rated mega-sized sun shelter. Despite it's impressive spread (the largest version covers a 10'x 10' square), the stretchy spandex canopy packs up into a lightweight carrying bag that can easily be slung over a shoulder, and assembles quickly, with braces at each corner so it can remain stable even on breezy days. It also comes in four colors and three size options, with grass pegs so it can be used on many terrains.

OutdoorMaster Beach Umbrella with Sand Bag and Cup Holder

Less expensive than some similar models, this adjustable UPF 50+ umbrella brings a sturdy base (the included sandbag holds up to 44 pounds of weight for balance) with a stylish canopy (it's available in half a dozen colors and patterns.) With a 6.5' spread, it can comfortably cover two, and the included pop-open table is complete with four mesh cup holders as well as space for your essentials.

One reviewer writes: "Great size, felt stable, easy to set up, and didn't try to blow away once. The sand weight is a genius idea. The table is awesome for phones and stuff. The cup holders are pretty thin so can't hold much more than a bottle of soda/can of sunscreen but that's ok. It's still a great feature. Plus the pattern is nice and bright and unique rather than the rest of the beach that has plain blue!"

Shibumi Shade

Gusts can be a beach umbrella's worst enemy, so if your favored shore hangout tends toward the blustery, consider a sun canopy like Shibumi's fan-favorite "wind-powered" UPF 50+ model. With just an arch and a counterweight to set up it goes up quickly and weighs a mere 4 pounds, so it won't add extra heft to your beach bag. Just note that since the breeze provides the lift for the canopy, this one is best for beaches with consistent offshore wind.

One reviewer writes: "This beach tent is light and easy to set up. It provides great relief from the strong summer sun while on the beach and was large enough for our family to gather under comfortable. It was effortlessly easy to adjust during the day to adjust the tent as the wind direction changed. Well worth the money. Durable and easy to use make this tent the ultimate beach cover!"

Sport-Brella Versa-Brella SPF 50+

If your idea of the perfect beach companion is a good book, this personal-sized umbrella is just what you're looking for. With an offset pole, 360-degree swivel and 10 square feet of UPF 50+ coverage, it's easy to adjust to provide maximum shade as the sun moves, and comes with a universal clamp that can attach to circular or square rods, so it can clamp onto your beach chair effortlessly.

Beach Umbrella

Portability is always a pain point with beach umbrellas, and at just 1.5 pounds, this version gets a thumbs up from reviewers for its light weight construction. With a built-in auger, it's also easy to set up, with no extra tools needed, making it ideal for a low-key beach day. It also comes in at a lower price tag than many other highly-rated umbrellas, making it a good option for those who aren't ready for a big investment piece.

One reviewer writes: "Great umbrella for the beach. It withstood virtually all wind gust on a Florida beach. Large and well built."

Premiere UPF 50+ Umbrella

Think of this shade as an umbrella-plus. At the intersection of a classic umbrella and a beach tent, the 8-foot UPF 50+ canopy pegs into the sand along one side to provide a little extra sun protection and greater stability, with transparent side panels to allow airflow at will, and built-in pockets for storage.

One reviewer writes: "This umbrella works well, it is sturdy and if you place it right, it will withstand some wind. Having the open windows in the side allows for good air flow. Big enough for our 2 chairs and a cooler."

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