Best beach umbrella

A beach umbrella can protect your skin from the sun when you're sitting on the sand. Spending too much time in direct sunlight can be harmful, and this temporary shade is quite easy to set up. Our favorite beach umbrellas are colorful, offer extra features like windows, and all provide a place to escape on the shore. Whether you want a standard umbrella or more of a canopy style, we have you covered. Read on to see which beach umbrellas we like best.

This upgrade to the standard umbrella gives you a little bit of privacy and more shade. The sides drape down, include vented windows, and must be staked into the ground to hold form. However, the hardware you'll need is included, so that's not a worry. The canopy itself is made of high-grade polyester, so it will hold up to strong rays beaming down. This beach umbrella creates the perfect spot for lounging, reading, or even sneaking in a nap (but be careful).

If you're looking for a beach umbrella that will stay in place without digging extremely deep holes, the beachBUB is for you. It's simple to stabilize; the included shovel helps dig a hole for the pole, and the sandbag at the base must be filled. And then the umbrella is ready to go. As you come back from the water, you'll be able to hang your towel on the convenient hook so it can air dry before you leave. Also, the fiberglass ribbing is much safer than metal options, especially in situations where umbrellas fly down the beach and could harm others. 

Choose your favorite color to display on your beach umbrella. There are beautiful options like deep blue, turquoise, orange, and some striped variations. While looking good under your shade, you'll also enjoy the UPF 50+ UV protection and keeping your skin safe from the sun's rays. And when the sun moves, you can tilt this umbrella to match, maintaining the level of shade you prefer. At only 4.4 pounds, this selection is easy to carry down the sand and back whenever you need it.

Show off this array of colors every time you're at the shore. The large, 8-foot canopy provides generous shade to keep you comfy. To set it up, you'll want to employ the sand anchor auger tip, which only requires twisting into the ground. If you're trying to dodge the sun as much as possible, you'll appreciate that this beach umbrella tilts in two directions to assist. When it's time to leave, just twist the pole in the opposite direction to remove it—and be careful with the pointy tip on the end.

Choosing a beach umbrella

To maximize your shade, we think the Sport-Brella vented sun and rain canopy is the best fit for most people. The additional side flaps won't block your airflow because Sport-Brella has included vented windows on both sides. Additionally, the UPF 50+ protection is top-notch, since you'll need it on the shore. We also think the turquoise color is irresistible.

If you want to stick with the traditional beach umbrella form factor, then opt for the beachBUB umbrella system. It doesn't weigh much, which is great when you're already lugging a bunch of things across the sand. The ribbing is fiberglass, making it safer than metal options. Plus, the sandbag at the base of the pole will really hold it in place when it gets windy.

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