Is it really summer if you're not relaxing on the beach with a cold beverage in hand [1]? We'll wait. The beach is the epitome of summer fun, and while we love a beach blanket for sunbathing on our stomachs, we also love a good beach chair to keep our cheeks off the ground. While a good chair elevates the whole beach experience, you might shudder at the thought of having to lug another item around — so we've gathered beach chairs that are lightweight, can be carried around like a backpack, and contain special pockets for sunscreen [2], speakers [3], and other beach essentials [4].
The best beach chairs are durable, easy to carry, and comfortable to sit in. Whether you're looking for a high beach chair that sits well above the ground, a low beach chair that rests above the sand, a wooden beach chair that reminds you of a tropical vacation, or a beach chair with a canopy to protect you from the sun, we've gathered the best beach chairs from every category to pick up before it's too late in the season. From "Shark Tank's" famous Sunflow beach chair to pieces from brands such as Rio and Nautica, these are the best and most comfortable beach chairs on the internet. Shop our top picks ahead.
Best Beach Chair With a Footrest: Rio Brands Ottoman Lounge Chair
Enter a state of true relaxation with the Rio Brands Ottoman Lounge Chair [6] ($90). The portable chair has four positions and features a fold-out ottoman for maximum comfort. Ideal for the beach, park, or lake, it comes with an integrated bottle opener in the armrest to make your next trip easy-peasy. With its rust-resistant powder-steel frame, this chair will last a while.
Best Lightweight Beach Chair: Quest Porta-Lite 3 Position Beach Chair
If you're a casual beach-goer, this Quest Porta-Lite 3 Position Beach Chair [7] ($40) is perfect for you. It has a lightweight aluminum frame with backpack straps that makes it easy to carry to the beach. The chair includes an extra-large cup holder that's perfect for tumblers and water bottles.
Best Reclining Beach Chair: Blue Deluxe Beach Chair
Most beach chairs recline, but this Blue Deluxe Beach Chair [8] ($140) works on a whole other level. The chair features six adjustable positions and can even lie flat. Complete with a padded head rest, a cup holder, backpack straps, and a zip cooler pocket in the back for drinks, this chair is a must have.
Best Stylish Beach Chair: Tide Stripe Beach Chair
If you're all for aesthetically pleasing objects, take a look at this Tide Stripe Beach Chair [9] ($128, originally $198). The striped chair puts simplicity first, letting its performance sling fabric do the talking. Its lightweight and fade-resistant design is hard to beat, making it the perfect go-to chair for beach-day photographs.
Best Beach Chair With a Cooler: Eddie Bauer Backpack Chair
Lugging a beach chair to the beach isn't always pleasant, but this Eddie Bauer Backpack Chair [10] ($76, originally $109) makes it easy. Not only is the chair light, but it also features back straps and a convenient six-can cooler in the front. It even has five adjustments, so you can recline comfortably.
Best Low Beach Chair: Brush Stripe Beach Chair
If you want a chair that sits low to the ground and is extra comfortable, this Brush Stripe Beach Chair [11] ($80) is it. The chair features a foam back and seat for extreme comfort and even has a convenient strap that makes it easy to carry around. Its premium poly canvas is waterproof, so you can sit on it in your wet bathing suit without a problem.
Best Wood Beach Chair: The Tommy Chair
If you're looking for a luxurious-feeling chair, get The Tommy Chair [12] ($299). It has a premium hardwood frame with weather-resistant coating to ensure that it lasts for seasons. The back features a zip pocket for essentials, and the chair can even be folded into a backpack for easy carrying.
Best Durable Beach Chair: Nautica Reclining Beach Chair
Nautica's high-quality beach chairs are hard to beat, and this Reclining Beach Chair [13] ($71, originally $77) proves it. The chair is made of a rust-resistant, powder-coated steel frame and a high-quality fabric that can withstand the sun's rays. It is lightweight but can still hold up to 300 pounds, and it can even be folded into a backpack.
Best High Beach Chair: Quest High-Profile Beach Chair
Not all of us like sitting low to the ground, and with this Quest High-Profile Beach Chair [14] ($55), you won't have to. The chair features two options for sitting low or high, and it even comes with a handy pouch for your phone and other small essentials. Its lightweight design is perfect for carrying on the go.
Best Beach Chair With a Canopy: Sunflow Beach Chair
Seen on "Shark Tank," the Sunflow Beach Chair [15] ($198) is great for lounging and napping. It has four positions, so you can find that special sweet spot; it is also easy to carry and can be purchased with special attachments, such as the Sun Shade [16] ($48). Choose from an array of color options.
Best Backpack Beach Chair: Natural Life Backpack Beach Chair
Comfortable, stylish, lightweight, and with snug back straps, there's not much to dislike about this Backpack Beach Chair [17] ($99). The chair features a pink floral design and is available in a vintage patchwork print for a chic look. Enjoy its five lounge settings and lightweight design for summers to come.