Your day at the beach should be perfect, and nothing brings this dream to life better than reclining beach chairs. No more backaches or sand in your nice beach shorts sounds nice, but that’s only if you have the best model. 

A quick search brings up a lot of options, but only a few can live up to their promises. Some will break on the first day, while others will last a week or two before becoming only a shell of their former selves. 

To save you from such experiences, I combed the market for tried and tested models that tick all the boxes for a beach enthusiast. After probing the reclining features, portability, seat height, load capacity, and weight, among other factors, I determined that these are the best beach chairs to buy right now. 

  At A Glance:  Our Top 5 Reclining Beach Chairs

Comparison Table

Top 5 Reclining Beach Chairs [Reviews]

1. RIO Beach Big Boy Folding Beach Chair

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Versatility! That’s how this Rio beach chair introduces itself. It suits the beach lifestyle but it won’t disappoint if you bring it with you to your camping trip or a concert, either.  It’s also eye candy you will be proud to carry around and show off. 

Key Features

• Folding high back reclining beach and camping chair
• Overall dimensions: 26.76″D x 3.13″W x 31.09″H
• Material: polyester and aluminum
• Weight: 10.08 lbs
• Load capacity: 300 lbs
• Storage pocket 

This chair sits 13” above the ground, but its comfort hasn’t been compromised. You have a super wide seat, high back, and molded broad armrests to optimize its comfort even for larger people. 

When it’s time to move, you can fold this chair into a flat position for easier movement. Adjusting your position is easy as well, with four positions available for a more customized experience. Locking brackets make the chair safer by ensuring it doesn’t tilt or fold while in use. 

Pros

• Lightweight frame makes the chair easy to carry around
• Cup holder on the chair’s side for holding your beverage 
• Velcro straps available for securing your personal items
• Thick, high-quality fabric and rust-proof frame for better durability
• Removable, adjustable contoured pillow for neck support
• Backpack straps for easier transport 
• Different colors available to match your unique style and preferences

Cons 

• The cup holder can be tricky to use but it does the job

There’s very little to hate about this beach recliner chair. Almost every user speaks highly of it, and I bet your experience will be no different. It’s also well-priced and ticks almost all the boxes to make it one of the best recliner beach chairs overall. 

2. Tommy Bahama 2020 Backpack Cooler Chair

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Tommy Bahama effectively blends quality and function. Their 2020 Backpack Cooler Chair is a simple beach chair designed to make your moments on the beach peaceful and memorable. It may be on the higher side of the price range, but the value you get in return is worth it. 

Key Features

• Folding beach recliner
• Overall dimensions: 24″D x 25″W x 30″H
• Load capacity: 300 lbs
• Weight: 6.69 pounds
• Material: polyester and aluminum 
• Storage pouch 
• Cell phone holder 
• Cup holder
• Folding towel bar

Off the sand, this chair sits about 7 inches high so you will be resting very low to the ground and in the most comfortable positions. Five reclining positions are available, one of which is flat – perfect for comfort and sunning. 

You can take this chair with you anywhere with ease because it’s lightweight and collapses into a simple package, complete with backstraps. Convenience has also been optimized, with pouches for storing your valuables and a towel bar for hanging your towel.  

Pros

• Easy to carry around and store
• Adjustable pillow for providing much-needed neck support
• Backpack straps for stress-free toting
• Insulated beverage pouch for storing and maintaining your drink’s temperature
• Made of durable materials for better lasting power

Cons 

• Lower seat height makes it great only for beaches, but this should not be a big deal if that’s what you plan to use it for.

When in need of a simple beach reclining chair that does the job with little effort, this is your go-to option. It’s made to last and offers the superior comfort we all crave.

3. SunnyFeel Extra Wide 28” Low Beach Chair

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Looks can be deceiving but you wouldn’t regret buying this beach chair because of its aesthetics and what it promises. Count on it to inject style and comfort into your moments at the beach and other outdoor adventures while remaining resilient. 

Key Features

• Foldable beach and camping recliner chair 
• Weight: 5 lbs
• Load capacity: 300 lbs
• Material: aluminum and polyester
• Built-in shoulder straps
• Cupband phone holder
• Built-in bottle opener

Only 11.4 inches of space separates this chair from the ground. It’s very low to help you relax and stretch out your legs with ease. You can also adjust the high back between five different reclining positions, including a flat one for ultimate comfort or sleeping. 

Unlike the other beach chairs on our list, the cup and phone holder on this unit are built into the armrest, making it more convenient. Also, while switching between positions, you can secure the armrest so that your valuables don’t fall off. 

Although it is the heaviest on the list, the trade-off is that you get a sturdy chair built to last for years. The same goes for its fabric which is not only nearly indestructible but also breathable, making it suitable for different purposes. 

Pros

• Folds into a small size making it a space saver
• Built-in shoulder straps for better mobility
• Sturdy frame and hard-wearing fabric for increased durability
• Variety of colors available for your specific tastes
• Convenient cup and phone holder for a better experience at the beach or outdoors
• One of the best recliner pillows for relaxing your neck 

Cons 

• A little heavier but with built-in shoulder straps to help you carry it around 

As much as this chair sits very low to the ground, its versatility isn’t lost. You could take it to the beach, events, sporting activities, and outdoor adventures, or have it in your backyard for relaxing on weekends or after a long day at work. 

4. Sport-Brella Beach Chair With UPF 50+ Adjustable Umbrella

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It’s true that too much UV from sunlight can be dangerous but such a fear should not stop you from going to the beach, especially if you have this chair from Sport-Brella. Covering your skin from UV rays is among the things it does best. 

Key Features

• Folding beach recliner with an umbrella
• Load capacity: 250 lbs
• Weight: 10 lbs
• Material: alloy steel and fabric 
• Canopy
• Footrest 
• Insulated pocket
• Cup holder
• Storage pocket

A swiveling umbrella with metallic undercoating mounted on the chair’s frame will shelter you from the sun and its negative effects as you kick back and relax. You can also sit up or nap with your feet rested on the chair’s footrest for enhanced comfort.

While most of these chairs use aluminum, this particular model is made of alloy steel which makes it strong enough to last years yet light enough to be carried around with ease. 

Because of its average height, this chair suits various purposes. You could use it as your beach chair or bring it along to your camping adventures or sporting activities. 

Pros

• Healthier option for those concerned about UV rays
• Insulated pockets with the capacity to hold up to four drinks
• Easy-to-adjust hinges make it a convenient option
• Storage pocket for keeping your items
• Footrest for added comfort

Cons 

• A lot of care is needed when packing the chair but it’s a task you will get used to in no time

The canopy sets this chair apart from the rest, making it a suitable option for users who care about their skin and overall well-being while at the beach. It’s also one of the best outdoor recliners on the market. Count on it to provide superior comfort as well. 

5. Ostrich Deluxe Padded Sport 3-In-1 Beach Chair

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Your moments at the beach no longer need to be full of discomfort. Here’s a versatile chair you can customize more than fifteen ways for custom comfort positioning. It’s also pleasing to the eye, with sleek wooden armrests that give it a timeless look and add to its practicality. 

Key Features

• Folding beach recliner
• Overall dimensions: 60.76″D x 28.1″W x 39.73″H
• Weight: 10.8 lbs
• Load capacity: 275 lbs
• Side storage compartment
• Padded back, shoulder straps, and footrest
• Material: polyester and aluminum 

When flat, this chair sits just 12 inches above the ground making it a favorite for both beach lovers and adventure seekers. No matter your size, you will have an easier time getting in and out of it. Even better, you can sleep facing up or down and switch between multiple reclining and footrest positions with ease.

Another great thing about this Ostrich Deluxe chair is how it optimizes comfort. At the top, a face pillow relieves pressure points and supports your neck. There’s a lumbar pillow below it for lower back support and as you move further down, you will be welcomed with a padded seat and footrest for uninterrupted comfort. 

Pros

• Folds flat making it easier and more comfortable for users to lie facing down
• Shoulder straps for easier transportation
• Variety of colors available for your unique preferences 
• Face opening available if you want to lie with your face down
• Cup holders and storage compartments for added convenience
• Can be configured in many ways to match your desired positions 

Cons 

• The footrest may not be too comfortable if you are tall, but you can always try different configurations to find an ideal one

This chair has stood the test of time and remains the go-to model for adventurous beach lovers. Try lots of positions in this chair and discover many ways to have more fun at the beach. 

How To Choose Beach Reclining Chairs

Like every other chair, due diligence should be done before you settle on what you believe to be the best recliner beach chair for you. You will come across lots of them, some deceivingly good-looking, but a mistake you don’t want to make is basing your selection on aesthetics alone. Here’s what to look out for. 

Can It Recline And Fold?

Every chair on our list reclines, but the versatility varies from model to model. Some have only one reclining position while others boast of several.  

Closely related to reclining is folding. For easier transportation and to save on space, narrow your options to models that can fold flat or into a more compact package. 

Is It Portable? 

At some point, you will have to carry your lovely chair from your home, car, or train to the beach. This will be an easier task if it’s lightweight, but make sure its strength isn’t compromised while making it portable. There has to be a good balance of both. 

The chair’s weight may not be a deal breaker if it comes in a compact bag, as that could make it easier for you to move it. 

Seat Height

Three common options you will have to choose from with regard to seat height include low, average, and high. 

If, for instance, you want a beach chair that lets you comfortably stretch your legs or dip them into the water as you relax, then a low-height option would be ideal. 

If your goal is instead to use the chair for other purposes besides just relaxing by the beach, say bush camping or outdoor dining, you will want to go for those with average to high seat height. 

Load Capacity

This will depend on who is using the chair. Always check its load capacity to be sure it’s within a range that can support your weight.

Durability

How long a beach chair lasts depends on a number of factors, some beyond your control, like normal wear and tear. That said, there are still a few factors you should watch out for such as the materials the frame and fabric are made of and weather-resistant features such as sun umbrellas for UV protection. Check out the reviews as well to see what other buyers are saying about it. 

Extras

Extras that could add practicality and joy to your experience while in this chair include a footrest, cooler, cup holder, bottle opener, canopy, and headrest, just to name a few. Even so, please keep in mind that the more extras, the higher the cost (and probably weight).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you take care of a beach chair?

For a chair that’s more exposed to sand and water, the least you can do is to regularly clean dirt, stains, and grit from the fabric and frame. When it’s not in use, keep it in a well-ventilated environment that’s cool and dry to prevent rusting. 

Also, once or twice a month, you can vacuum the chair and do deeper cleaning as instructed by the manufacturer in the manual. 

Maybe you have never done any of these preventive measures before. If not, I suggest you start by looking for mildew. If present, first you should learn how to remove mildew and mold from beach chairs and implement those steps. Once you have the chair back in its near-original pristine state, continue on with regular cleaning and maintenance. 

How do you store beach chairs for the winter?

Winter brings with it many elements that could affect your chair’s comfort and function, but there are a number of ways to protect it. 

To begin with, store the chair in an airy, dark, and dry environment. A garage would be ideal; you can hang it from a hook or slide it into a storage rack to avoid using shelf space.

It would also be great if you could get a proper storage bag with features to help protect the chair’s surface and fabric. 

Can you use a camping chair on the beach?

You could use a camping chair on the beach but the experience wouldn’t be the best because most of them are too high off the ground to fit this purpose well. Beach chairs that recline sit very low to the ground for greater comfort. 

Also, most camping chairs lack a reclining function, and can easily sink into the sand at the beach because they are not designed for that kind of ground.

Final Thoughts About Beach Recliner Chairs

There has never been a better time to make your trips to the seaside more comfortable. Act today! You have a chance to redefine your beach experience from now on by ordering great beach chairs that recline. 

Every chair on our list can bring joy, comfort, and style to your moments at the beach, but if you specifically want the best of the best, look no further than the RIO Beach Big Boy Folding Beach Chair. 

This chair comes loaded with features that amplify its comfort, convenience, and style, making it stand out from the rest. It’s also one of the most affordable, so you get ultimate value for your money.