We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel Products Activity + Adventure Beach + Water Activities The 10 Best Beach Chairs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed We focused on comfort, portability, and extra features while testing the best beach chairs for lounging by the shore. By Lauren Breedlove Lauren Breedlove Lauren Breedlove is a New York-based travel writer, photographer, and content creator who focuses on off-the-beaten-path outdoor adventures. Her work has been featured in Afar, Time magazine, TravelPulse, Popsugar, Travel + Leisure, Elite Daily, and Thrillist. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 1, 2024 In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsTips for Buying Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust T+L Photo: Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen Few things are quite as relaxing as spending time on the beach, feet in the sand with waves lapping your toes in the warm sunshine. Laying on an uncomfortable towel and getting sand everywhere can certainly ruin the mood, but that’s when a good beach chair can save the day. As a beach lover and traveler, I’ve used many types of beach chairs, which I can confirm are not all created equal. From lugging a hefty seat and using one that’s difficult to set up, to being uncomfortable while trying to lounge, my experiences with poorly designed models have taught me what to look out for when choosing my next beach chair. Portability, ease of use, durability, and comfort are all key features that I’ve made my top priorities (bonus points for a chair that features cup holders, built-in shades, and the ability to carry it as a backpack). With so many beach chairs to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the best one for you. So along with my personal insights, the T+L team tested a wide array of products. From reclining beach chairs to hammock-style seaside seats, we’ve rounded up the best beach chairs for your relaxing beach days. Our Top Picks Best Overall: RIO Beach Classic 5-Position Lay-Flat Folding Beach Chair at Amazon ($57) Jump to Review Best Backpack Chair: Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair at Amazon ($70) Jump to Review Best Portable: Mac Sports Beach Day Foldable Chaise Lounge Chair at Amazon ($167) Jump to Review Best Hammock Style: Helinox Beach Chair at Amazon ($170) Jump to Review Most Comfortable: Ostrich Deluxe 3-in-1 Beach Chair at Amazon ($147) Jump to Review Best With Shade: SUNFLOW Chair at Getsunflow.com (See Price) Jump to Review Most Durable: Water Buffalo Bondi Backpack Beach Chair at Amazon ($130) Jump to Review Most Sturdy: KingCamp Low Sling Beach Chair at Amazon ($60) Jump to Review Best Recliner: Homevative Folding Backpack Beach Chair at Amazon ($70) Jump to Review Most Versatile: Ostrich On Your Back Beach Chair at Amazon ($74) Jump to Review Best Overall RIO Beach Classic 5-Position Lay-Flat Folding Beach Chair PHOTO: Amazon $57 At Amazon Why We Love It It has five seating positions. What to Consider It lacks a head rest/pillow. I love a beach chair that combines intuitive features for optimal comfort without the bulk. The RIO Beach Classic 5-position Beach Chair fits the bill, and without breaking the bank. For me, a beach chair with multi-position options is key, but I really like that this one offers a lay-flat choice as well. The padded shoulder carry strap and lightweight design means you won’t have to struggle to carry it to or on the beach, which is a major bonus in my book. It folds and sets up with ease so you don’t have to waste fun in the sun. This chair is sturdy and durable, with reinforced stitching so it doesn’t rip. It also comes in a wide array of colors and designs and has a cup holder for drinks. The built-in tilt-lock protection prevents haphazard folding of the chair, thanks to the locking bracket. The material wipes clean in a breeze if you spill on it, too. I’ve used this chair at the beach, by the pool, and even at the lake; it’s comfortable to lounge in the sun, read a book, or just hang out in. The Details: Aluminum and polyester | 30.8 x 24.75 x 29.5 inches | 7 pounds | 250-pound weight capacity Best Backpack Chair Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair PHOTO: Amazon $70 At Amazon Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 4.5/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Why We Love It It has a built-in cooler pouch for drinks. What to Consider Opening and closing the chair requires a bit of a learning curve. A backpack-style beach chair makes it easier to carry, allowing for your hands to be free to lug other items for your day on the coast. The Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair was our top pick in this category thanks to the lightly padded straps and lightweight design for carrying comfort as key features. Highlights include the detachable pillow, arm rests, and the option to fully recline for enhanced comfort. We also liked how sturdy the chair felt once the legs were locked, the rust-proof frame, and the two spacious zippered pockets located on the back. While one is dedicated for drinks or cold snacks, the other is great for a hat, book, bottles of sunscreen, keys, or other small but important items. Although the price point is higher than other comparable models, we feel it’s a worthwhile investment for a durable and practical beach chair that will last for years of relaxing with your feet in the sand. The Details: Aluminum and polyester | 24 x 25 x 30 inches | 8 pounds | 300-pound weight capacity Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen Best Portable Mac Sports Beach Day Foldable Chaise Lounge Chair PHOTO: Amazon $167 At Amazon $142 At Target $90 At Walmart Our Ratings Portability 4/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Comfort 4/5 Durability 3/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It It’s easy to roll around, making it very portable. What to Consider There’s no cup holder. For ultra-portability, we love the Mac Sports Beach Day Foldable Chaise Lounge Chair. It has an integrated pull-cart combination for carrying not just the chair, but your other beach gear as well. We were able to put a cooler full of snacks, umbrella, and several other chairs in it on our trip to the beach and were impressed at how lightweight and maneuverable it remained. The chair opened and closed easily, though there’s a bit of a learning curve at first with the multi-step set-up process. We found it comfortable with a pillow and four sitting positions, and we enjoyed having our legs raised off the sand and felt it was sturdy and durable. This chair has the ability to turn into a wagon, making it a great option for families or beach goers who have extra things to carry. The Details: Aluminum, polyester, and plastic | 60.6 x 30.3 x 23.6 inches | 19 pounds | 225-pound weight capacity Travel + Leisure / Jamie Griffin Travel + Leisure / Jamie Griffin Travel + Leisure / Jamie Griffin The Best Beach Accessories and Gear For Your Next Summer Getaway Best Hammock Style Helinox Beach Chair PHOTO: Amazon $170 At Amazon $139 At backcountry.com View On Moosejaw.com Why We Love It It’s incredibly lightweight. What to Consider With higher weight, the seat portion can almost touch the ground. A hammock-style beach chair promotes ultimate relaxation, and the Helinox Beach Chair is our favorite. Not only is it ultra-lightweight, making it super portable, but it’s breathable as well, perfect for those hot sunny beach days. The high back and low profile design make it easy to sit back and enjoy the scenery, read a book, watch the waves, or take a nap. We loved how easy it was to set up; it took less than a minute. We also appreciated how quickly the fabric dried so you don’t have to put a wet chair in your car when leaving the beach. The chair felt durable with sturdy poles and feet that prevent sinking into the sand. The Details: Aluminum, polyester ripstop, and mesh | 31 x 23 x 28.5 inches | 3.5 pounds | 320-pound weight capacity Most Comfortable Ostrich Deluxe 3-in-1 Beach Chair PHOTO: Amazon $147 At Amazon $166 At Walmart $260 At Wayfair Our Ratings Portability 4/5 Ease of Use 4.5/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4.8/5 Why We Love It It has an adjustable padded foot rest. What to Consider It’s a bit pricier than other chairs on this list. We love the extra comfort details of the Ostrich Deluxe 3-in-1 Beach Chair, with a padded footrest, cup holder, side pockets, and adjustable lumbar pillow. The wider frame makes it a roomy seat and the padded strap for carrying and its lightweight profile make it easy to transport. We love how it folds up for storing nicely in the back of the car as well. We also appreciate the five sitting positions so you can decide what level you’d like to lay at during napping, sunbathing, or reading. The chair feels sturdy, well-made, and durable. The unique ability to lay on your stomach with your head comfortably in the open face cavity makes this beach chair extremely easy to find your preferred position. Wider arm rests and a zippered side pocket are additional features that make this our most comfortable pick along with its overall design. The Details: Wood, aluminum, and polyester | 60.76 x 28.1 x 39.75 inches | 9.5 pounds | 275-pound weight capacity Travel + Leisure / Lizz Leonard Travel + Leisure / Lizz Leonard Travel + Leisure / Lizz Leonard Travel + Leisure / Lizz Leonard Best With Shade SUNFLOW Chair PHOTO: SUNFLOW View On Getsunflow.com Why We Love It It’s a versatile chair that sits low to the ground. What to Consider It doesn’t come with a pillow, so depending on your height, your head might rest against the bar. We love how aesthetically pleasing the Sunflow The Original Chair is in addition to its comfort level for all-day use and built-in sun protection. The UPF 50+ rated shade with this chair is a fantastic option for those who want sun protection but don’t want to lug a bulky umbrella to the beach. We love that it reclines in four positions for napping, reading, eating, or listening to music. A built-in drink holder is ideal as well, so you don’t have to put your cup or water bottle in the sand. Its compact and lightweight design not only make it extremely portable, but also easy to store when you’re done using it for the day. We also appreciate that it comes with detachable backpack straps for carrying. Although the price point is higher than other models, this beach chair is a worthy investment due to its durability, comfort level, and extra sun protection. The Details: Aluminum and polyester | 24 x 22.5 x 5 inches | 9.4 pounds | 250-pound weight capacity Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen The 6 Best Beach Canopies of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Most Durable Water Buffalo Bondi Backpack Beach Chair PHOTO: Amazon $130 At Amazon Why We Love It It’s waterproof with thick materials. What to Consider It lacks additional storage pockets. Made from rust-proof aluminum and waterproof Polytexteline material, the Water Buffalo Bondi Backpack Beach Chair is our most durable pick. We love how sturdy yet lightweight this chair is, and feel that it will hold up for many beach seasons because of its strong frame. It folds up and opens easily, with a sleek profile for storage in your car or garage when not in use. The mesh material promotes breathability so you won’t end up with a sweaty back by the time you’re done relaxing. The included headrest maximizes comfort as well as the cup holder to keep your drinks sand-free. The beechwood arm rests add to the simple but stylish aesthetic, and with three positions to choose from for reclining, you can truly get comfortable. We also really love that the company has partnered with SeaTrees to help contribute to their coral restoration efforts. The Details: Aluminum and polytexteline | 17 x 26.5 x 5.31 inches | 8.9 pounds | 300-pound weight capacity Most Sturdy KingCamp Low Sling Beach Chair PHOTO: Amazon $60 At Amazon $77 At Walmart Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Durability 4/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It It’s lightweight and portable. What to Consider It doesn’t recline. We found the KingCamp Low Folding Beach Chair to be a very sturdy yet lightweight product that’s well-made and a worthy investment. We loved how easily it collapsed into a bag with a shoulder strap, making it easy to carry to and on the beach. No assembly is required, and once it’s out of the bag, it’s a breeze to unfold and start relaxing. The mesh material is perfect for hot days on the coast to keep you from getting too sweaty with optimal air flow. Padded armrests enhance the comfort level and the low profile seat allows for a more relaxed position where you can really stretch out your legs. We love that it comes with a cup holder with mesh on the bottom to let sand go through. The Details: Aluminum frame and polyester | 24.8 x 23.2 x 25.2 inches | 6.5 pounds | 300-pound weight capacity Travel + Leisure / Megan Rogers Travel + Leisure / Megan Rogers Travel + Leisure / Megan Rogers Best Recliner Homevative Folding Backpack Beach Chair PHOTO: Amazon $70 At Amazon $70 At Walmart Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Love It It can recline to a fully flat position. What to Consider The cup holder isn’t wide enough to accommodate a koozie around the can. Sometimes you just want to take a nap at the beach, and the Homevative Folding Backpack Beach Chair is our favorite choice for beach snoozing. With five reclining positions, including a lay-flat option, it’s a truly versatile chair. We loved how easy it was to transport to the beach as well, with backpack straps to evenly distribute the weight and leave your hands free for other items. We appreciated the lightweight profile, and felt that the materials were high-quality in a durable chair. The directions were easy to follow, the legs glided in and out for reclining, and the extra features like the included pillow and mesh drink pocket added to the overall comfort level. There’s even an additional storage pocket with a velcro closure for important things like keys, chapstick, and more. On the back of the chair is a handy cooler pouch as well, so you can keep your drinks cold without needing an extra item. Also on the back: a towel bar that allows you to keep your towel off the sand. The Details: Aluminum frame and polyester | 17 x 25 x 33 inches | 8 pounds | 250-pound weight capacity Travel + Leisure / Ivy Ford Travel + Leisure / Ivy Ford Travel + Leisure / Ivy Ford The Best Backpack Beach Chairs for Every Oceanside Getaway, Tested and Reviewed Most Versatile Ostrich On Your Back Beach Chair PHOTO: Amazon $74 At Amazon View On Kohls.com View On Wayfair Our Ratings Portability 4.5/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It You can lay face down comfortably. What to Consider It’s a little on the heavier side. For a chair that allows you to lay on your back or your stomach, the Ostrich On Your Back Backpack Beach Chair is our top pick, and just one of the reasons it’s so versatile. We love the wide backpack straps for ease of portability, particularly because they help to distribute the weight evenly. We found the chair to be very roomy, supportive, and comfortable with just enough give in the material and appreciated the cupholder so our drinks didn’t get sandy. The included headrest enhances the comfort level with a hole for the option to lay on your stomach putting and arm holes for whether you want to read, nap, or scroll on your phone while at the beach. While this option is fantastic, laying on your stomach can be awkward for your legs, depending on your height. We found that propping them up with a rolled beach towel helps with this issue. With the wide array of features and options for laying how you’d prefer, this is our most versatile beach chair pick. The Details: Steel frame and polyester | 46 x 27 x 33 inches | 10.56 pounds | 275-pound weight capacity Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price Tips for Buying a Beach Chair Prioritize durable materials When shopping for a beach chair, it’s key to prioritize durable materials since it will be exposed to elements like sand, salt water, and sun. Choosing a chair that can withstand more than one season of use will ensure you won’t have to purchase a new chair each summer. Look for a rust-proof frame and don’t forget to search for a beach chair that also has durable fabric. Materials like waterproof canvas or recycled 600D polyester are typically the best options as they can wipe clean and don’t hold as much sand, but will be hearty enough to remain durable. Think about portability No one enjoys lugging heavy items to the beach. Keeping portability at the top of your priority list can save you from the annoying task of carrying a beach chair blocks to the shore. A beach chair should be lightweight enough that it won’t weigh you down. It should also have an easy way to transport it, like backpack straps. You’ll also want to find a chair that can fold up (and stays folded until you open it), and store quickly without taking up too much space. Consider shade Sun protection is a fantastic feature to consider in your beach chair search so that you don’t have to carry a separate umbrella while still having the option for shade. Many chairs offer either an attached shade with UPF protection or an attached umbrella. This can make your beach setup more of an all-in-one situation versus having to transport several different items. However, if you prefer to keep your beach chair separate from your shade option, consider adding a tent or umbrella so that you have the option to get out of the sun when needed. Frequently Asked Questions What kind of chairs are best to use on the beach? It really comes down to your preference, but ideally, the best beach chairs are portable, comfortable, and versatile, with options to recline to more than one position. Additional features like storage, cooler pouches, head rests, foot rests, cup holders, and face holes will depend upon how you like to relax on the beach and what you typically do while spending time in the sand. For instance, if you like to nap, you may want to choose a chair that can lie flat. If you prefer to lounge with your feet in the water, you may want to choose a chair that sits lower to the ground so you can extend your legs easier. How do I keep my beach chairs from getting moldy? With so much potential exposure to water, beach chairs can easily get moldy. Make sure you clean them and ensure they’re dry before storing, and then store them in a moisture-free place. If this isn’t an option, you can also keep your beach chair in the basement, garage, or shed, but you might want to consider covering it if there's a chance it may get wet. If you do get mold or mildew spots, you can clean your chair using white distilled vinegar. Is steel or aluminum better for beach chairs? Aluminum chairs will be lighter than steel-framed beach chairs, but steel tends to be more durable. Rust-resistant frames are great as they’re already treated to handle it. If you don’t have a long walk to the beach, a steel chair will likely last longer and can handle more weight. What you choose will depend upon your specific needs and usage. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Writer Lauren Breedlove scoured our testing insights to find the best beach chairs. She also tapped into her own experience and love for the beach when using a variety of beach chairs. Using these factors, she curated this list of top beach chairs for relaxing on the coast. The Best Beach Blankets of 2024, From Stunning Sand-repellers to Massive Family-size Picks Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Edited by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Taylor Fox is the Commerce Outdoor Gear Editor at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over nine years. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit