If you spend a lot of time outside, chances are you could benefit from a good beach chair. Not only can beach chairs provide comfort on your next coastal vacation, but they can also come in handy when you're camping, fishing, or simply gathering around a fire pit in your backyard.
As you look for the best beach chairs, there are a number of factors to keep in mind, including portability, durability, and comfort. The ACTIVE Reviews Team has researched several of the top products on the market and developed a list of recommendations.
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The Best Beach Chairs - Our Top Picks
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- Best Beach Chair Overall: REI Co-op Outward Padded Lawn Chair
- Best Canopy Beach Chair: GCI Outdoor Sunshade Rocker Chair
- Best Lightweight Beach Chair: Coleman Living Collection Flat-Fold Chair
- Best Portable Beach Chair: REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Boss Chair
- Best Beach Chair with Umbrella: WGOS Low Chair w/ Detachable Umbrella
- Best Tall Beach Chair: Coleman Living Collection Sling Chair
- Best Low Beach Chair: Neso Beach Chair
- Best Budget Beach Chair: ALPS Mountaineering Big C.A.T. Camp Chair
Best Overall - REI Co-op Outward Padded Lawn Chair
SPECS
- Dimensions: 35" x 25" x 23"
- Weight: 8 lbs. 4 oz.
- Material: Aluminum, polyester, foam
- Seat height: 16"
- Recommended use: Camping
Made with extra padding and a generous seat height, the REI Co-op Outward Padded Lawn Chair is one of the most comfortable beach or camping chairs you'll ever have the pleasure of sitting in. It also happens to be incredibly sturdy, designed with rip-resistant and water-repellent polyester, plus robust yet lightweight aluminum. The bifold design makes the chair easy to unfold and then pack up again, and there are even some attached carrying handles and backpack straps. This is a great all-purpose folding chair, and one you'll enjoy using for years to come.
What We Like
- Padding ensures ample comfort
- Very durable, long-lasting materials
- Easy to fold, unfold, carry, store, and transport
- Made with sustainable materials
What We Don't Like
- Limited color options
- No cup holder or storage area
BUY: REI Co-op Outward Padded Lawn Chair
Best Canopy Beach Chair - GCI Outdoor Sunshade Rocker Chair
SPECS
- Dimensions: 38.8" x 35.6" x 26.2"
- Weight: 13 lbs.
- Material: Steel, polyester
- Seat height: 19.7"
- Recommended use: Casual use (firepits, beach days)
What if your beach chair could also help protect your skin against the sun's harmful rays? Enter the GCI Outdoor Sunshade Rocker Chair, our pick for best canopy chair. The built-in sunshade will allow you to enjoy the great outdoors without risking sunburn. There's also built-in rocking technology, really allowing you to relax and get comfortable. Other conveniences and amenities include cupholders and a mesh seat back, which ensures air circulation.
What We Like
- Nice, tall seat
- Built-in features include sunshade and mesh seat back
- Durable materials
- Carrying bag included
What We Don't Like
- Limited color options
- Higher price point
- A few extra steps required for takedown/packing
BUY: GCI Outdoor GCI Outdoor Sunshade Rocker Chair
Best Lightweight Beach Chair - Coleman Living Collection Flat-Fold Chair
SPECS
- Dimensions: 21.7" x 21.3" x 24"
- Weight: 4 lbs. 14.4 oz.
- Material: Aluminum, wood, canvas
- Seat height: N/A
- Recommended use: Camping
Looking for something that's easy to carry? (Or for something so light, your child can carry it for you?) Consider the Coleman Living Collection Flat-Fold Chair, which weighs less than five pounds but nevertheless delivers comfort, durability, and ease. Made with lightweight aluminum, plus wood armrests, this is a sturdy enough chair that can be easily folded up for storage or transport. It's also got a low-to-the-ground, classic feel that some beachgoers crave.
What We Like
- Weighs less than 5 lbs.
- Low-to-ground feel will be welcome to some
- Very easy to collapse and carry
What We Don't Like
- Limited color options
- Higher price point
- No cup holder or storage pocket
BUY: Coleman Living Collection Flat-Fold Chair
Best Portable Beach Chair - REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Boss Chair
SPECS
- Dimensions: 29.5" x 24" x 24"
- Weight: 2 lbs. 14 oz.
- Material: Aluminum, polyester
- Seat height: 14"
- Recommended use: Backpacking, camping
One thing you want from your beach chair is portability. The REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Boss Chair really shines in this regard. Not only does it weigh in at under 3 pounds, but it can fold down so small that you can easily store it in a backpack or sack. It's also designed to be comfortable, offering pressure-point relief while accommodating a wide range of body types. The use of sustainable materials is a nice bonus.
What We Like
- Weighs less than 3 pounds
- Very easy to collapse and carry
- Supports a wide range of body types (up to 300 lbs.)
- Made with sustainable materials
What We Don't Like
- No cup holder or storage pocket
- No real armrests
BUY: REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Boss Chair
Best Beach Chair with Umbrella - WGOS Low Chair w/ Detachable Umbrella
SPECS
- Dimensions: 24.4'' x 22.6'' x 23.6''
- Weight: 8.3 lbs.
- Material: Alloy steel
- Seat height: N/A
- Recommended use: Beach
The WGOS Low Chair with Detachable Umbrella is a great selection for beachgoers who want a little added protection from the sun. The built-in umbrella allows you some flexibility with your shade options and adds very little to the overall weight of the chair (together, chair and umbrella weigh less than 9 pounds). Also note such comforts as a breathable mesh seat back, convenient carrying case, cupholders, and more. The fun, beach-ready colors are a great touch, too.
What We Like
- Great option for sun protection
- Fun color options
- Sturdy construction
- Promotes air flow
- Modest price point
What We Don't Like
- A few extra steps involved in takedown and setup
- Not recommended if you want something higher off the ground
BUY: WGOS Low Chair w/ Detachable Umbrella
Best Tall Beach Chair - Coleman Living Collection Sling Chair
SPECS
- Dimensions: 27.2" x 23.6" x 38.6"
- Weight: 10.6 lbs.
- Material: Polyester, metal
- Seat height: N/A
- Recommended use: Casual, camping
Though it comes at a slightly higher price point, the Coleman Living Collection Sling Chair is worth it for the heightened comfort. Not only is it good and tall, but it comes with three different reclining positions, making it easy to sit around a campfire or lay back for a beach siesta. The polyester and metal construction are sturdy, but also very easy to fold up and transport.
What We Like
- 3 reclining positions
- Sturdy construction
- Carrying bag included
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- No cup holders included
- Only one color option
BUY: Coleman Living Collection Sling Chair
Best Low Beach Chair - Neso Beach Chair
SPECS
- Dimensions: 25" x 20.5" x 18.75"
- Weight: 4 lbs. 4.8 oz.
- Material: Aluminum, canvas
- Seat height: 6"
- Recommended use: Camping, casual
Some campers and beachgoers prefer something low to the ground. The Neso Beach Chair has a seat back of just 6 inches, making it a great option for those who prefer this classic beach chair feel. Add in a sturdy aluminum frame, rustproof construction, and padding, and you get a beach chair that's as robust as it is cozy.
What We Like
- Comfortable padding
- Very lightweight
- Durable and rustproof
- Great low-to-the-ground feel
- Multiple colors to pick from
What We Don't Like
- No cup holders included
- Not recommended if you prefer taller chairs
Best Budget Beach Chair - ALPS Mountaineering Big C.A.T. Camp Chair
SPECS
- Dimensions: 31" x 17" x 36"
- Weight: 11 lbs.
- Material: Steel, polyester
- Seat height: 17"
- Recommended use: Casual, camping
The ALPS Mountaineering Big C.A.T. Camp Chair is a great pick for stretching your beach chair budget, while still getting a robust and resilient steel and polyester chair with a tall seat back, armrests, and more. And that's to say nothing of the strong, supportive design, which can accommodate users up to 500 pounds. It's a great pick for anyone shopping for value.
What We Like
- Low price point
- Robust and resilient
- Supports up to 500 lbs.
- Tall seat back
What We Don't Like
- No color options to choose from
- Not as padded or comfy as other beach chairs
BUY: ALPS Mountaineering Big C.A.T. Camp Chair
What to Look for in a Beach Chair
As you shop around for the best beach chair, there are a few factors to keep in mind.
Recommended Use
While the term "beach chair" is used to describe all kinds of portable seats, it's important to note that some beach chairs are actually intended for use while camping or mountaineering. These chairs may be a little more durable, and potentially a bit heavier.
Weight
The last thing you want is to be dragging a burdensome beach chair to your spot on the beach, only to have to lug it back to your Airbnb when the day is done. To ensure convenience and portability, look for beach chairs that don't weigh too much.
Materials
Durable materials, like alloy steel and polyester, will help your beach chair stand up to plenty of seasonal use. Paying a little more for high-end materials can ultimately be a good investment, allowing you to get more bang for your beach-chair buck.
Dimensions
Always look for a beach chair that can be easily loaded into your trunk, stashed in your garage, and carried to your beach site. But also be sure the dimensions of your beach chair will allow you to sit comfortably, rather than feeling folded-up or cramped.
FAQs About Beach Chairs
How do you clean beach chairs?
Most beach chairs are designed to be low maintenance, and often the only thing you need to do is hose them down from time to time. Also, keep an eye on your beach chair for any sign of mold or mildew. If you see these signs, simply spritz the chair with white distilled vinegar.
Are beach chairs worth it?
A good beach chair can provide comfort and convenience on your next vacation, fishing trip, or campout. Assuming you do your due diligence and select a beach chair that's built to last, the investment can absolutely be worth it.
How long do beach chairs last?
It all depends on the materials of your beach chair. The most high-end, durable materials can stand up to at least a decade of regular use.
How do you keep your beach chair from sinking in the sand?
To keep your beach chair from sinking into the sand, placing the legs on paver stones or beach chair mats can work really well. You can also try placing it on a beach blanket or towel.