By now, we hope you know that protecting yourself from harmful UV rays is priority numero uno year-round—but it is especially vital during scorching summer months. And while you probably have a favorite SPF you swear by, a wide-brimmed hat for keeping your complexion sunburn-free and a pair of sunnies to protect your eyes from sun damage, why stop there? A beach umbrella that is your own personal shady spot (whether you’re actually at the beach or just hanging out at the park) should be a staple alongside whatever gear you’re taking along on your adventures.
10 Beach Umbrellas to Add To Your Summer Must-Have List
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Published May 3, 2022
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What To Look For when Buying A Beach Umbrella
Now you might be thinking, “An umbrella is just an umbrella,” but you could not be more wrong. If you’re in the market for one, there are a few things to consider:
- Construction: There’s no point in purchasing a product only for it to break after a few uses, so an umbrella built with made-to-last materials is key. Look for ones crafted with fabrics that are windproof and waterproof, have built-in UV protection and are durable enough to withstand frequent wear and tear. As for poles, fiberglass, aluminum and wood-covered plastic excel at standing up to harsh conditions without bending and breaking.
- Anchoring: An umbrella’s anchor will determine just how sturdy the umbrella actually The two main types are a spiral-shaped shaft with a pointed tip (which digs into the ground to remain upright), and a sandbag anchor (which requires zero digging, relying on its weighted bag to keep the umbrella from taking off with the wind).
- Shade coverage: Is the whole family tagging along and in need of extra space? Or are you riding solo and only need a smaller brim sized for a party of one? If your group falls under the first category, a wider canopy (anywhere from seven feet and up) is your best bet. If you fall under the latter, an umbrella’s brim that’s smaller than the former should do the trick.
Ready to start shopping? Here are ten beach umbrellas we’ve compiled—from classic designs and styles with fun details to easy-to-transport canopies— that will fulfill whatever your needs may be so you can get your resting beach face ready.
Best Beach Umbrellas At A Glance:
- Best Overall: beachBUB All-In-One Beach Umbrella
- Best with Sand Anchor Beach Umbrella: Sunphio Sand Anchor Beach Umbrella
- Best Clamp On Beach Umbrella: Versa-Brella Swiveling Beach Umbrella
- Best Beach Umbrella Tent: Sport-Brella Premier Umbrella Shelter
- Best Canopy Beach Umbrella: KMM Beach Tent
- Best for Wind Beach Umbrella: L. Bean Wind Challenger Beach Umbrella
- Best Portable Beach Umbrella: Fatboy Miasun Pop-Up Canopy
- Best Lightweight Beach Umbrella: Picnic Time Beach Stick Umbrella
- Best Affordable Beach Umbrella: VidaXL Beach Umbrella
- Most Splurge-Worthy Beach Umbrella: Business & Pleasure Co. The Premium Beach Umbrella
Amazon
1. Beachbub All-in-one Beach Umbrella
Best Overall
- What We Like: Comes with useful accessories, UPF protection, wind-proof and vibrant color options
This pick has all the makings of a good umbrella and then some. It’s equipped with 50+ UPF protection, can withstand wind speeds of up to 44 miles per hour, has an easy set up and take down (like, in less than a minute easy) and comes with a sandbag anchor, digging shovel, carry pouch and towel hooks that clamp onto the pole. Oh, and it’s endorsed by the American Lifeguard Association for peak performance, too.
Amazon
2. Sunphio Sand Anchor Beach Umbrella
Best with Sand Anchor Beach Umbrella
- What We Like: Sturdy sandbag anchor, four-layer canopy, UV protection and a simple set up process
OK, so you want an umbrella with a seamless, easy-to-use design? This little guy is perfect if you want to avoid the hassle of trying to screw the stand of your umbrella into the sand. (Which should honestly be considered an Olympic sport, BTW.) The sandbag anchor keeps it sturdy and secure to the ground, practically guaranteeing the wind won’t take it for a ride. And we also dig the four-layer canopy design that features UV protection and aluminum rods that prevent that dreaded umbrella-turned-inside-out dilemma.
Amazon
3. Versa-brella Swiveling Beach Umbrella
Best Clamp On Beach Umbrella
- What We Like: Sturdy clamp, travel-friendly, UPF 50+ protection and a 360-degree swivel pole
If you’re riding solo and not looking to haul an entire umbrella just for yourself, stop what you’re doing and just add this to your cart already. This umbrella provides the ideal amount of shade for one person and its clamp easily attaches to everything from chair arms to beach bags. It’s got a 360-swivel rod for easy adjusting, fabric that keeps the skin protected from nearly 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays (99.5 percent, to be exact) and comes with a case that makes carting it around a total breeze.
Amazon
4. Sport-brella Premier Umbrella Shelter
Best Beach Umbrella Tent
- What We Like: Lightweight design, suitable for different outdoor environments, 8-foot canopy and internal storage pockets
Maybe you secretly wish that you were camping in the mountains instead of sandy shores, but this all-terrain umbrella tent will keep you cool in the shade no matter where you are. The 8-foot-wide canopy not only provides ample shade coverage, but the resting-on-the-ground design offers maximum privacy and protection as you sit shoreside.
Amazon
5. Kmm Beach Tent
Best Canopy Beach Umbrella
- What We Like: Great for large parties, durable materials, easy to transport and waterproof material
This umbrella-meets-tent hybrid has more than enough room for keeping friends and fam covered, and it’s easily adjustable to change the positioning of the shade throughout the day. The Lycra fabric has UPF 50+ protection and is water-resistant so that you’ll be sun-safe and dry wherever you go, and comes equipped with set-up necessities including a shovel, sturdy ground pegs and a storage pouch to keep it all tidy and together while in transit.
L.L. Bean
6. L.l. Bean Wind Challenger Beach Umbrella
Best for Wind Beach Umbrella
- What We Like: Reliable wind ventilation system, pole with a 45-degree tilt, fiberglass ribs and large canopy diameter
One second your umbrella is sitting pretty and secure, and then a gust of wind rips it from the ground and has it soaring through the air like a seagull the next. Fun, right? Kick the wind-related stress to the curb with this tough cookie that’s specifically designed to battle intense weather and stay rooted to the ground. It’s crafted with an innovative ventilation system that allows the wind to pass right through the canopy without it tipping over, and has added perks like UPF protection, a 7-foot diameter and an oversized auger that plants deep into the ground for extra stability.
Wayfair
7. Fatboy Miasun Pop-up Canopy
Best Portable Beach Umbrella
- What We Like: Travel-friendly, easy to store, vibrant colors and an easy set-up
Sometimes you need a little bit of wiggle room, and this pop-up canopy delivers just that, providing tons of shade for you and your fellow beachgoers. (No one being squished together like sardines here!) Its privacy makes for a great beach party umbrella, keeping your snacks and treats safe, while also offering a spot for your guests to store shoes and bags. And when it comes time to clean things up, it folds down to fit into a zippered carry case that’s small enough to fit in just about any beach tote.
Target
8. Picnic Time Beach Stick Umbrella
Best Lightweight Beach Umbrella
- What We Like: Lightweight and portable, easy to clean, lifetime warranty and 155-degree tilting range
Sure, it may look simple, but this unassuming, emerald green style checks off all of our requirements for a decent beach umbrella: Lightweight design that’s kind to your back as you transport it to and fro? Built-in sun protection? Strong as steel pole and a durable canopy that won’t end up ripped to shreds? Check, check and—you guessed it—triple check.
Wayfair
9. Vidaxl Beach Umbrella
Best Affordable Beach Umbrella
- What We Like: Budget-friendly price point, UV resistant canopy, water-resistant and sturdy anchor
On the mission to track down a no-fuss option that’s simple, still gets the job done and doesn’t completely wreak havoc on your checking account? This baby fits that description perfectly. We’re talking a straightforward design, a UV-protective, anti-fade polyester canopy, tilt pole and four different color options to choose from. And with it currently marked down as 72 percent off, this umbrella truly is a steal.
Business & Pleasure Co.
10. Business & Pleasure Co. The Premium Beach Umbrella
Most Splurge-Worthy Beach Umbrella
- What We Like: Aesthetically pleasing style, comes with a canvas crying bag, blocks 98 percent of UV rays and durable construction
You already know you’re going to try and snap a cute pic for Insta. No photoshoot is complete without some props, and this umbrella totally fits the bill. The aesthetically pleasing design adds a chic touch to your beach vacay and the fun tassel detailing totally gives off crystal-blue-water-paradise vibes. All you need is some tropical sliced fruit (and maybe some pre-mixed piña coladas) and you’re good to go.