Size Matters
Make sure you get a beach umbrella that is large enough to provide ample shade. If you plan on spending a whole day at the beach you most certainly will want some sort of escape from the sunshine.
Durable
You don't want a flimsy umbrella that is going to blow away in the wind. It should be well built and sturdy. Beach umbrellas are usually made with aluminum, plastic or wood. Any of these can do a good job of keeping your beach umbrella firmly attached in the sand. You might also want to consider a tilt so you can easily change the shade location. This feature can come in real handy.
Good Fabric
If possible, find a beach umbrella with a strong fabric. It is also best to get one that is water resistant as it might get wet from a rain shower or splashed from wet beach goers. There are also umbrellas that SPF protection which provides even higher protection from the sun.
Anchor
When possible make sure you buy a spaded tip at the end of your umbrella pole. It can be very annoying to have a pole that does not anchor well into the sand. The slightest breeze could end up blowing your umbrella over. A spaded tip will make placement into the sand much easier.
Color
You might consider getting a fancy color that is easy to remember in a crowd. Suppose the beach is crowded and you go to the bathroom or take a walk along the beach. A colorful, memorable beach umbrella will make it easier for you to spot your area.
