beach wagon

Heading to the beach this summer? If so, you’re probably looking forward to the sand, surf and sun. What you’re probably not looking forward to is toting all of your supplies from Point A to Point B. From beach tents and toy trucks to skimboards and beach balls, it’s amazing how a day at the beach often turns into a full-blown camping trip!

Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to get your supplies seaside. Whether you are at the Pacific, Atlantic or just a local lake, there are a wide variety of wagons, carts and accessories that can help you along your journey. Choose from collapsible models, covered wagons that are perfect for carrying kids or stuff, or heavy-duty carts that can take on any surface. The only thing you’ll need to worry about is your bare feet on the hot sand. Check out our favorite beach wagon picks below!

Best Beach Wagon Options

Wonder Cart: Beach-Table Cart
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Little Tikes Deluxe Ride and Relax Wagon
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Heavy Duty Wheeleez Beach Cart
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Radio Flyer EZ-Fold Wagon Ride-on
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WHITSUNDAY Collapsible Folding Wagon
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All-Terrain Folding Wagon
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Gorilla Carts Steel Green
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1. Overall Best Collapsible Beach Wagon: Mac Sports Collapsible Folding Outdoor Utility Wagon

beach wagon

This heavy duty wagon from Mac Sports is a popular option for families looking for a hassle-free way to transport beach essentials and supplies to water’s edge. This collapsible beach wagon for sand boasts a large carrying capacity, but it can be easily collapsed to just 8 inches wide.

This great beach wagon isn’t meant to transport children – it’s for your beach toys and other inanimate objects only. You also don’t have a wheel brake included (just like most beach wagons). That makes it a good beach wagon for families without younger children.

It comes with a carrying case, so it can be packed and protected in the car. Adjust the telescoping handle to minimize back strain, and keep your cold drinks close by as you meander towards the water in the two cup holders at the front of the wagon.

Size: 32.5 x 17.5 x 10.5 inches
Maximum capacity: 150 pounds

Pros & Cons

  • Versatile uses: rubber wheels and sturdy design mean you can take it to concerts, parks, and more.
  • Collapsible wagon for compact storage.
  • May sink into wet sand.

Available options: Blue, black, pink, camouflage, green, red & red with side table

2. Best Portable Beach Table: Wonder Cart: Beach-Table Cart

beach wagon

Rio Beach presents a beach cart with a twist. This wagon can quickly be transformed into a small table, perfect for a picnic lunch on the beach. Use the four cupholders to keep your drinks from sliding off. Use it to keep your speaker or mobile phone out of the sand, or play games on it (if it isn’t too windy, of course)! Aluminum composite construction won’t warp on contact with water – it’s waterproof. Bring your umbrella in the side holder, and bungee your lounge chairs on the back (bungee cord included), and you’re ready to go!

Size: 41 x 21 x 11 inches
Pros & Cons

  • Table feature is perfect for oceanside picnics: avoid your sandwich turning into a sandwich.
  • Includes umbrella holder and bungee cord.
  • Capacity to hold beach chairs and other accessories is more limited than other models due to the space that the table takes up.

3. Little Tikes Deluxe Ride and Relax Wagon

beach wagon


From popular toy brand Little Tykes, this wagon for kids can be used at home or on the sand. You can see why it’s included as one fo the best beach wagons for kids. Cart your kids and your stuff to the park or beach, then lift up the side panel to turn the wagon into a bench. The wagon features a covered storage area, ideal for taking along a hat, sunblock or sand toys. Store snacks and drinks in the included cooler bag, and keep your kids cool under the umbrella! This wagon is one of the few listed that has seat belts to ensure your little Houdinis won’t escape on your walk.

Size: 41.9 x 23.6 x 16.5 inches
Maximum capacity: 250 pounds
Ages: 1.5 – 5 years old
Pros & Cons

  • Wagon converts into a bench that can even be enjoyed by adults!
  • Includes umbrella and cooler.
  • Some reviewers reported that the wagon was difficult to assemble due to unclear directions.

4. Heavy Duty Wheeleez Beach Cart

beach wagon

This heavy-duty beach cart from Wheeleez is the “cream of the crop” when it comes to the best beach wagons. Less of a cart and more of a wheelbarrow, it can hold up to 220 pounds and features oversized balloon wheels that won’t sink in even the loosest sand. This is one of those beach wagons that can go from the boardwalk to the roughest of beaches with ease!

Because of it’s large carrying capacity, manufacturer Island Beach Gear also recommends it for hunting, kyaling, fishing, gardening and and building projects. The handle can be folded down for transportation — but be sure to measure the trunk of your car! If you’re looking for a smaller option with the same heavy duty wheels, check out Wheeleez’s mini folding beach cart.

Size: 38 x 26 x 16 inches (collapsed dimensions)
Maximum capacity: 220 pounds

Pros & Cons

  • Reviewers report that the cart is well worth the price tag, cart can hold large loads up to 220 pounds.
  • Balloon wheels are durable and can handle virtually any terrain.
  • High price won’t work with a smaller budget.

5. Radio Flyer EZ-Fold Wagon Ride-on

beach wagon

Radio Flyer wagons have always been a classic. This EZ-fold wagon has all of the same style and quality of the original red wagon, with special features that make it great for a day at the beach. Use the 3-in-1 wagon for hauling stuff, for 2-rider seating, or as a bench. The wagon features quiet ride tires — no clacking and clicking when you use it on the sidewalk. It also features handy cupholders for two drinks, and an adjustable, telescoping handle. If you’re planning to use this at the beach or any sunny locale, consider the canopy model with sun shades to shield your little ones from the sun.

Size: 39.4 x 18.5 x 32.7 inches
Maximum capacity: 150 pounds
Ages:
1.5 years and up
Pros & Cons

  • Unzip the side panel to create a bench!
  • DuraClean fabric is easy to wipe down.
  • While the wagon rides smoothly in one direction, it can be difficult to turn.

6. Best Fully-Assembled Beach Wagon : WHITSUNDAY Collapsible Folding Wagon

beach wagon

This wagon from Whitsunday is great for the convivence and all-around function: it folds and stores easily, comes with a storage bag yet provides plenty of hauling space. Most people don’t spend that much time at the beach (unfortunately) – so it’s great when a beach wagon can work well in “the real world”. It won’t look out of place in a grocery store or bringing garden tools out to the yard.

That doesn’t mean it can’t handle beach time! The 5 inch solid rubber tires can handle packed sand easily. Fine sand won’t give a smooth ride, but if you stay out of deep sand with a heavy load you’ll be ok. There’s plenty of capacity for swimsuits, backpacks, flip flops, towels and small beach chairs along with a medium cooler.

Whitsunday is an American company out of California known for top-notch products and customer service. It’s one of the few brands on this list that has American support agents in case you run into problems with your wagon. While hopefully you won’t need it, USA-based support is good peace of mind.

Size: 27.5 x 18 x 19 inches
Maximum capacity: 120 pounds

Pros & Cons

  • Fully assembled!
  • Easy to fold and unfold – fits in the trunk of your car.
  • Wheels aren’t big enough to handle massive sand dunes with maximum weight.

7. Rio Beach Deluxe Wonder Wheeler

beach wagon

This basket-style beach cart is another offering from Rio Beach. Featuring a large, mesh carrying section, the wagon is suitable for toting beach chairs, boogie boards, towels and more. The design includes large rear tires for travel over soft sand, and front swivel tires for easier turning. Keep items like sunblock, water bottles and sunglasses in the front pocket area for easy access. The removable tote bag is a nice touch — unclip it and keep it next to your towel.

Unlike some of the other offerings, this cart doesn’t require any assembly, aside from snapping on the wheels. Similar to a stroller and like most carts, it’s made for “push-pull” maneuvering. For easiest use, pull the cart (rather than push).

Size: 15 cubic feet (main storage area), approx. 12 x 14 inches (rear pocket storage)
Maximum capacity:
100 pounds
Pros & Cons

  • Great size for a family of four: can hold a 48 quart cooler and four beach chairs.
  • Includes a side umbrella holder and room for two boogie boards.
  • Some reviewers report that the quality of the fabric is not very high, which can lead to stress at the seams.

Available options: Blue fabric, blue plasticized fabric, blue/green print

8. All-Terrain Folding Wagon

beach wagon

“This All-Terrain Folding Wagon goes everywhere; to the garden, the tool shed, the grocery store, kids events and even the beach, toting all of your essentials in a single trip!” Similar to other popular models, this particular cart features a one-pull toggle so you can collapse the cart with ease. The cart has been thoughtfully designed with the handle positioned high enough that it won’t come in contact with the wheels during use. Use the small pockets to hold important items like your wallet, phone or keys (or to protect your kids’ dolls and cars). When you’ve returned from a day at the beach, remove and rinse the fabric to keep your porch or deck sand-free.

Size: 20 x 42.5 x 19.5 inches plus 30 inch handle
Maximum capacity: 150 pounds
Pros & Cons

  • 360 degree wheel swivel makes the cart easy to turn on any sandy terrain.
  • Fabric can be taken off for easy cleaning (just unsnap and hose down to remove sand).
  • When loaded to capacity, the wagon may not navigate as well over loose sand.

Available options: Grey, green, blue paw print, camouflage. Available with canopy in grey or blue.

9. Best Heavy Duty Beach Wagon: Gorilla Carts Steel Green

beach wagon

This heavy duty all terrain beach cart was originally made for hauling around your garden – but it’s perfect for the beach. The 600 pound weight capacity means this beach cruiser will handle whatever you put in the heavy duty bed. Most wagons handle half that weight before tapping out.

The steel frame has removable sides – you if you have a wider load you can strap it to the frame and use the oversized wheels to get you to your beach day quicker! It’s not a double decker wagon nor is it really meant to transport children, but it is one of the best beach wagons for hauling cargo from your car to the sand quickly.

Size: 40.6x 37 x 18 inches plus a padded handle
Maximum capacity: 600 pounds
Pros & Cons

  • Heavy duty wagon can easily handle your beach day needs.
  • Wide wheels will help you move heavy loads over all but the deepest sand.

10. The Wagon Rack

beach wagon

Not enough room in your beach cart? Add additional space with this beach wagon accessory from Etsy shop Wagon Solutions. This innovative attachment is handmade from painted PVC pipes, custom made to fit your specific wagon. The rack essentially doubles the available space in your cart. Put your heavier items on the bottom, and use the rack to tote shoes, beach chairs, tents or umbrellas. The PVC material is light and simple to deconstruct for transportation in the trunk of your car.

Size: Varies; custom built.
Pros & Cons

  • Wagon rack is designed to fit your beach wagon perfectly.
  • Can be disassembled for easy storage or transportation.
  • The rack has only been available for a few months, and does not have any user reviews at the time of publishing.

What We Look For In A Great Beach Wagon or Beach Cart

How many times have you found the ideal spot on the beach only to realize you left an item in the car or at home? Perhaps you feel like an octopus holding your kid’s hands while trying to carry everything from your car to the beach at the same time? Maybe you’ve lost all your enthusiasm for the day with all the back and forth trips.
Have you considered a beach cart that carries all your beach gear in one single trip?

Before you think you can use any cart as a beach cart, have a look at these 6 features.

Wheel Size

A beach cart that’s stuck in the sand defeats the object. If you want a beach cart that easily glides over soft sand, then you need to have a cart with large wheels.

The larger the wheel, the easier the cart will move across the sand. For traction, the back wheels should be wider than the front wheels.

Most beach carts are pushed; however, some people prefer pulling beach wagons.

Ease Of Storage

Chose a beach cart that folds and unfolds easily when loading and unloading. A foldable beach cart needs less storage space.

Some beech carts’ wheels are removable making the beach cart a flat object for storage purposes.

A foldable beach cart will easier fit into the car. Collapsible handles make storage easier.

Cleanable Fabric

Beach sand tends to attach to everything. After a day at the beach, you don’t want to spend hours cleaning the beach cart. Chose a type of fabric you can easily clean with a hose or a wet cloth.

You also want a fast-drying fabric.

Polyester and nylon material cleans easily with soap and water. It doesn’t absorb the water; the water rolls off the fabric.

Useful Extra Pockets

Probably the worst thing that can happen is losing your car keys in the sand. Beach carts with extra pockets can safely carry the items like car keys, wallets, and cell phones.

If you have a lot of gear and need a large cart, extra pockets for smaller items are very useful. You don’t have to unpack the whole cart in search of the sunscreen.

Beach carts with compartments keep the cart neat and easily accessible. You don’t have to unpack the whole cart in search of one item. With compartments, every item has its place.

Frame Durability

The frame of the beach cart is what defines its durability and longevity of the beach cart. It must be sturdy enough to carry the umbrella, the beach chairs, beach umbrellas, body boards, a cooler, and all the other beach necessities you want for an enjoyable day at the beach.

  • An aluminum frame is sturdy and won’t rust as a steel frame would.
  • Softwood carts aren’t as durable as hardwood beach carts. Wood treated and painted correctly can protect against deterioration.
  • Fabric carts may be cheaper but aren’t as durable.
  • The combination of fabric and metal ensures a lighter but more durable beach cart.

Internal Storage space size

The beach cart should be big enough to carry all your beach equipment with one trip. Whether you need to carry beach umbreallas

The carrying capacity of the beach carts varies from 75 to 150 pounds. Make sure you purchase a cart that can hold the maximum weight of all the gear it needs to carry.

Beach wagons have large internal space but don’t have compartments as some beach carts do.

There are beach carts that conveniently change into a beach table. The tables have slots for drinking cups. Your drink and food can stay sand-free when children run past and accidently kick up sand.

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Best Type of Beach Cart For Different Activities

Here are a few pointers to consider for specific types of beach carts when traveling through sand, carrying infants or taking your dog to the beach.

Best Beach Cart For Soft Sand

  • Balloon wheels are perfect for soft sand but can be expensive. Alternatively, choose all terrain rubber wheels for easier gliding over soft sand.
  • The back wheels of the beach cart should be wider or at least the same size than the front wheels.
  • Beach gear is heavy. Choose a beach cart with a durable frame made of lightweight metal like aluminium or stainless steel.

Best Cart for Parents With Infants

  • Toddlers don’t sit still. Keep this in mind when you put your child in a beach cart.
  • Some foldable beach cart may be too light to carry a child. Some beach wagons, however, are foldable, can carry a child and has a sunshade to protect the child against the sun.
  • It takes a bit of practice, but it’s possible to maneuver the beach cart without your toddler falling out of the cart. Picking a model with an adjustable handle will help you stay in control.
  • If you’re looking for a cart or wagon with a baby seat, make sure the wheels are big and wide enough for beach sand.

Best Beach Cart If You Have A Dog

  • Many dog carts and dog wagons aren’t made to travel over soft sand.
  • Choose a cart with big wheels.
  • Train your dog to get used to sitting still in the cart before you take the dog to the beach in a cart.

Beach Cart For Bikers

  • A bike beach cart has an attachment handle to the bike seat.
  • When unhooked the tow behind beach cart can be pushed like any other beach cart.

Have a beach wagon your child just can’t be separated from? Let us know your best picks and recommendations in the comments below!

Feature image courtesy of Flickr, archibald jude.

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