Top 10 Must-Have Summer Apps

It's official: Summer's here and it's time to have some fun. The warm weather months bring backyard barbecues, outdoor concerts and ample beach time. So grab your smartphone, get outside and use these cool new tech tools to make the most of your adventures.

1. Grill Guide

Price: 99 cents
You'll never again hear, "The steak's a little tough tonight, honey," with this handy barbecuing app. Once you input the type of food you're grilling and the measurements, the Grill Guide app tells you how long to cook it, on what temperature and on indirect or direct heat. There's even a "meat ruler" to help measure the thickness of your rib eye.

2. Songkick Concerts

Price: Free
Summertime means live music. To make sure you don't miss your favorite band in concert, this handy app scans your iTunes music library and creates a personalized, local concert calendar of your favorite acts. For each show, you'll see the complete line-up, venue map, ticket options and invite friends. How cool is that?

3. Beach Finder

Price: 99 cents
Out of town and can't find the sand? With a database of more than 5,300 North American beaches, this app has you covered. Use the Locate Me feature to pinpoint your location and in seconds you'll have a list and map with distances to all the beaches close to your location. Once you find a beach, click for directions and you're on your way to a day of fun in the sun.

4. UV Safe Timer

Price: Free
Ouch! Sunburns can really hurt. This app makes sure you're protected. Simply apply your SPF, set the timer and the app will alert you when it's time to reapply based on your personal profile and, using GPS technology, the current UV index at your location. The UV index is adjusted for actual conditions, such as clouds or rain, to provide better accuracy. The Sun Safe Tips scroll bar comes in handy, too.

5. Drinkspiration

Price: Free
Be the hit of your next summer soiree with this cocktail-mixing app from Absolut vodka. You won't lack inspiration with more than 3,000 drink recipes and step-by-step mixing instructions. This app features stunning photos and an e-mailable shopping list function.

6. Locavore

Price: Free
Find local, in-season food at the farmer's markets and farms nearest you with this iPhone and Android app. You can gather info about the markets, find a specific local item, or just check out what's in season. Plus, you can get recipe suggestions and seamlessly share everything with your friends on Facebook.

7. Pocket Garden

Price: 99 cents
This is a great companion for veggie gardeners of all experience levels. With a database of hundreds of vegetables and seeds, the Pocket Garden app provides a quick way to research, select and plant your dream organic garden.

8. Showtimes

Price: Free
Summertime is blockbuster movie time. Find an up-to-the-minute list of local theaters and show times with this easy-to-use app, which also lets you purchase tickets. You can also view trailers, movie posters, ratings and driving directions.

9. Simple Soirée

Price: $1.99
Entertaining in the summer can be a blast, but it's important to keep things low-maintenance so that you can have as much fun as your guests. This elegant app takes the stress out of planning your next party. It acts as a central hub to organize your theme and menu, record RSVPs and coordinate shopping lists and errands. See? Easy as cherry pie.

10. Mosquito Repellent

Price: 99 cents
Nothing puts a damper on a beautiful summer day like a swarm of mosquitoes. Forget the sticky bug spray; this app allows you to choose from five different sound frequencies to drive away the uninvited guests. (Note: This won't work in vibrate mode.)

Keep reading: 10 Must-Have Travel Apps