A method of orienting an umbrella includes obtaining a current location for an umbrella and communicate the current location to one or more processors, capturing a current time of day via a clock in the umbrella and communicating the current time to the one or more processors, calculating an elevation angle and azimuth angle of a sun utilizing the current time and the location, capturing a reading from a compass in the umbrella to determine a directional heading or an angular heading for a top section of the umbrella, and rotating a core assembly and an upper assembly of the umbrella about a base of the umbrella. The method further comprises utilizing a sensor assembly to detect a location of a magnet in the base of the umbrella. The method further comprises includes aligning a top of umbrella with the magnet in the base of the umbrella.