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Surf, sun, and a super comfy chair.
When the temperature (and, let's be real—humidity) starts to rise, there are very few places better to pass an afternoon than the beach or at your best friend's pool, if you're lucky. Along with towels, umbrellas, a beach read, and of course, sunblock, a good beach chair is an important part of any collection of shore-side essentials, not to mention a *must-have* if you're into tailgating, picnicking, or hosting barbecues with friends (grilling season is almost here!).
But with so many options out there, looking for the best chair can leave you feeling like you'll never find a place to sit. Whether you're looking to spend hours sunbathing (safely with SPF, of course!), picnicking in the park for you landlocked folks, or playing a hours of beach volleyball, there's a chair out there to help make your fun in the sun way more comfortable.
Designed in different heights, sizes, and sometimes even featuring a slew of special extras (like cupholders!), getting comfy at the beach has definitely evolved since the days of lying towels on the sand and simply hoping for the best.
For example, if you're less inclined to find sand in your stuff days after your beach trip, you might want to pick a chair that is a little higher off the ground. But if you want to get the full beach experience, surf and sand and all, picking something lower to the ground might be the way to go. If you want more time in the sun, a lounger or a (nap) chair that fully reclines could be the one for you.
But if you're looking to get some time in the shade, there are even canopy chairs that basically act as your own traveling tent. There are even a bunch of beach chairs catered towards people with back pain.
See below for the 15 best beach chairs of 2022, according to online reviews.
A great beach chair should be able to balance great extra features without adding too much weight—you do have to carry it, after all. Cellphone and cup holder? Check. Supportive neck pillow and adjustable to five different positions? Check. Insulated pouch to keep your drinks cool? Check. Backpack straps for easy carrying? Check. Really, what more could you be looking for?
Rave review: "The pillow headrest, the drink, phone holder, and the pocket located on the backside of the chair make it the perfect seat for the beach. The shoulder straps are also extremely helpful when carrying all the other items your need with you at the beach." — Mark, amazon.com
A cold beverage on a hot day at the beach is the cherry on top of the whole experience. This chair from Coleman comes with a built-in cooler with enough room to keep four cans chilled for hours—which is longer than you'll last in the sun before having to jump into the water to cool off.
Rave review: "Overall, I'm so happy I found these chairs because they are some of the best I've found! I feel the price is great for what you get and I like that there are a few different colors to choose from...If you are looking at purchasing these for outdoor activities, I highly recommend them!" — Kristin, amazon.com
The only thing better than taking a trip to the beach with your BFF, S/O, or favorite furry friend is the chance to sit right next to them while there. Or, you know, use the extra room to really stretch out and get comfortable. No judgment here.
Rave review: "Absolutely love this chair. Got it for my GF and I's 3-year anniversary after she made a comment that we used to sit side by side when we went to eat out and now we sit facing each other. Made sure that doesn't happen anymore!" — Jared, amazon.com
With a design made from soft fabric strips and a secure clasp that makes sure it stays closed after folding, this is an upgraded take on a classic. If it was good enough for your parents' front porch, it's good enough for your next trip to the beach.
Rave review: "Great chair! Classic simplicity: comfort, good on the beach, easy to carry and store. I'd buy them again." — Anonymous, rei.com
You know how sand seemingly gets in everything whenever you go to the beach? This chair, designed with a side pouch that has a cubby to fit your drink, a pocket that zips closed, and a handy side table, gives you a place to put everything. That should give you at least a shot at saving some things from the beach's sandy grasp.
Rave review: "It’s lightweight and easily transported to the beach or wherever. Love all of the storage pockets and the nice sturdy table. It is difficult to find a decent camp chair these days, so many seem to be cheaply made and fall apart or are just plain uncomfortable. This one seems to be very well made, hopefully it will last a few years 😊" — Happy Camper, amazon.com
Stop chasing the shade from a palm tree —or your neighbor's umbrella—and bring your own next time you hit the beach. This little canopy offers some extra sun protection (50+ UPF) from UV rays, but make sure to still use that sunscreen!
Rave review: "I love this chair. So many times I have wished I had a portable chair with an umbrella to shield me from the bright sun. This product fits the bill. Definitely great for places that have no trees for shade!" — Slwheele, amazon.com
Everything about this chair is easy and breezy. The mesh fabric lets you fully enjoy the breeze off the water, and its lightweight design that collapses into a bag means you can carry it just about anywhere without breaking a sweat—yes, including your carry-on.
Rave review: "It arrived quickly and I just used it this past weekend at the beach. I LOVE that it collapses into a bag because it takes up much less room in the vehicle and is much easier to pack." — Kathy, amazon.com
Trying to lie out at the beach can be awkward. You're either staring straight into the sun, or you have to face-plant in the sand. This chaise lounge bends (or lies fully flat if you want it to), and comes with a side pocket to keep your valuables nearby while you catch those rays.
Rave review: "I use this for laying out and it’s amazing. Easy to transport, extremely comfortable, and supportive compared to other folding chairs, and can go totally flat (comfortably) so you can tan your back —most folding chairs cannot do this. Highly recommend for beach or backyard purposes" — Claire, amazon.com
If your vision of a perfect beach day is digging your feet into the sand while the ocean waves gently splash against your ankles, then consider your vision manifested, thanks to this low-seating beach chair. Plus, you won't have to worry about your drink floating away thanks to the attached cupholder.
Rave review: "I looked for years for the perfect beach chair. The kind that sits low in the sand and slows the water to lap at your toes, and are also easy to fold/unfold, and are well made and will last many summers. These are the ones friends!!" — Lily, amazon.com
The cooler, umbrella, bag of towels, sunscreen, chairs, and that extra bag of snacks (you can never have too many) all seem like necessities for your beach day until you have to carry everything from the car to your favorite spot. A backpack chair like this one on Amazon frees up your hands so maybe, just maybe, you'll be able to carry everything in one trip.
Rave review: "I bought this for a beach vacation I just got back from. So glad I did. It was very comfy and the backpack pouch was nice to have as well. Very easy to fold and recline." — Melinda, amazon.com
Weighing only two pounds and easily folding into a 14 x 5-inch bag, this chair is ready to go anywhere you want to take it—beach, picnic, and tailgate days included.
Rave review: "...this chair has been absolutely fantastic. It's small and portable, easy to pack in a book bag, and it is super comfortable. I have accidentally fallen asleep in it quite a number of times." — Kaitlin, amazon.com
Nothing ruins a beach trip more quickly than trying to dry off from a dip in the ocean with a damp towel. The supportive bar on this chair from Hurley solves all your problems by doubling as a towel-drying rack, so you'll never have to deal with a soggy one again.
Rave review: "Great durability and stability! Love the backpack design for easy carrying!" — Erica, amazon.com
If there's a list of the characteristics you should look for in a good beach chair, comfort is pretty close to the top of it. The built-in lumbar padding and support on this model from Strongback is designed to keep back pain at bay, no matter which of its many reclining positions you choose.
Rave review: "This is a great option if you need a beach style chair and want to actually be comfortable after sitting for a few hours!" — Erin, amazon.com
Count 'em—one, two cupholders, and a built-in bottle opener in the arm, this chair is basically your new beverage bestie. With a neck pillow and five different adjustable positions, it's super versatile.
Rave review: "It's easy and convenient with the backpack style carrying straps, easy to get in and out of, and [features] multiple positions." — Lacy, amazon.com
Sitting in the sand with no back support is so last year's trips to the beach. Not quite a chair, a lounger still says, "I'm a semi-professional beachgoer who knows how to have a great time in the sun."
Rave review: "We were in the market for new beach chairs and when I came across these, I was really intrigued. I like the idea of having something that functioned more as a lounge chair than as a regular chair and I liked how this was lightweight in nature. What I quickly came to realize was all those years that I have been sitting on the beach on a towel with nothing to support my back are now over." — Amazon customer, amazon.com