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A beach wagon helps you schlep all your oceanside essentials. While we would love to say you can enjoy the beach with just a bottle of sunscreen and a pair of shades, sometimes that just doesn’t cut it. A truly luxurious day at the beach involves fluffy towels, cool beverages, your favorite snacks, a good book, a change of clothes, sweet treats, a beach umbrella, and the list goes on. Sure, you may not need all of those things, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared with the best beach wagon and a few extra beach accessories to make your seaside day more enjoyable. 

Instead of juggling all these things in your hands or weighing your bag down, a great beach wagon can make transporting all your belongings hassle-free. We’ve gathered some reliable sand-traversing options, as well as a compilation of helpful questions, so you can snag one of the best beach wagons for your next trip. 

How we chose the best beach wagons

Our beach wagon picks are stalwart across the sand, in the parking lot, and while loading into the car. Besides, what’s the point of a beach wagon if it’s going to get stuck in the sand, leading you to say words that rhyme with “beach” and “stuck”? We looked at reviews and recommendations, researched heavily, and scoured reviews to ensure we found the best and prevent a curse-word-related verbal scuffle with beachgoers.

The best beach wagon: Reviews & Recommendations

The best beach wagon offers convenient portability and space for you to transport everything on your list, even your kids. As long as you consider what you’ll be bringing with you and where you want to go, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a great option for your next aquatic adventure. 

Best overall: MacSports Heavy Duty All-Terrain Beach Wagon

MacSports Heavy Duty is our pick for best all-terrain beach wagon.

MacSports

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Specs

  • Material: Steel, polyester, plastic, rubber
  • Dimensions: 21.5 x 31.5 x 9.7 inches (D x W x H)
  • Weight: 24.5 pounds
  • Weight capacity: 150 pounds

Pros

  • Sets up and folds down easily 
  • Large wheels can handle many terrains
  • Comes with cup holders

Cons

  • Some users says it’s difficult to lug wagon through sand

This bright blue wagon from MacSports will help you make a statement while you claim the best lounge spot on the beach. It’s super easy to set up and even easier to collapse. Folded together, it’s only 9.7 inches thick. This beach wagon with big wheels even comes with a carrying case you can slide over the top for simple handling and storage. When fully expanded, the outdoor wagon measures 31.5 by 21.5 inches, which is certainly enough room to hold a few beach chairs, towels, a cooler, and more. Extra-large wheels help tackle many terrain types, while adjustable handles and mesh cup holders keep you comfortable and your beverages secure. 

Best vertical: Rio Deluxe Wonder Wheeler 

The Rio Deluxe Wonder Wheeler is our pick for best vertical beach wagon.

Rio Brands

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Specs

  • Material: Steel, mesh
  • Dimensions: 17.5 x 17.11 x 29.51 inches (D x W x H)
  • Weight: 17.96 pounds
  • Weight capacity: 100 pounds

Pros

  • Designed to store four beach chairs, umbrella holder, and other beach essentials
  • Can hold a 48-quart cooler
  • Easy to collapse and store

Cons

  • Weight capacity is less than other options

The Wonder Wheeler from Rio is chock full of special features and helpful tools to make your trip to the beach as smooth as possible. This vertical cart can be pushed or pulled through the sand with two 10-inch wheels to help wade through softer sand. It can hold up to 100 pounds, support a 48-quart cooler, and fits four beach chairs. This wagon also features an extra rear storage compartment, dedicated umbrella holder, removable tote bag, and storage compartment for a bodyboard. It’s collapsible, too, with a steel frame and mesh fabric well-suited for wet environments. 

Best for carrying large loads: MacSports Double Decker Utility Cart

The MacSports Utility Cart is our pick for best double-decker beach wagon.

MacSports

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Specs

  • Material: Steel, polyester, plastic, rubber
  • Dimensions: 40.1 x 20.1 x 27.9 inches  (D x W x H) 
  • Weight: 26.5 pounds
  • Weight capacity: 150 pounds

Pros

  • Provides two tiers of storage
  • Durable
  • Comes in 10 colors

Cons

  • Not great on soft sand

Another great wagon from MacSports, the double-decker cart does the most when it comes to storage. It’s a little bigger than other models, measuring roughly 40 by 28 inches, though it can still fold for easy, ergonomic storage. The extended bottom shelf forgoes side rails, so you can transport big and small objects, including beach umbrellas, hammocks, tents, and more. This foldable wagon can hold 150 pounds and includes the same adjustable handle and mesh cup holders found in the above mentioned all-terrain model. Available in five colors, this wagon will help you set up camp for a full day of fun. However, it should be noted that this utility cart is designed for a multitude of terrains and does not feature the large wheels that are great for deep, soft sand. It is better suited for rockier beaches, wet sand, and natural gravel.

Best for soft sand: Big Kahuna Beach Wagon 

The Big Kahuna tops the list as the best soft-sand beach wagon.

Alumacart, Inc.

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Specs

  • Material: Aluminum, rubber, foam
  • Dimensions: 52 x 31.5 x 24 inches (D x W x H)
  • Weight: 78 pounds 
  • Weight capacity: 350 pounds

Pros

  • Can handle soft sand
  • Heavy-duty design
  • Carries up to 350 pounds

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Smaller gear may fall out of open slats

The Big Kahuna Beach Wagon only weighs in at 75 pounds, but with its 12-inch-wide wheels specifically designed for use on sand, it’s capable of carrying up to 350 pounds of fishing equipment, beach gear, even a Yeti Tundra. At 33.5 inches wide, this beach wagon for sand fits easily through standard doors. Plus, this heavy duty wagon’s ergonomic design and pull handle allow for easy maneuverability. This aluminum beach cart with balloon wheels is perfect for families or a day of fishing and can perform double-duty transporting equipment when it’s not a beach day. 

Best for kids: Radio Flyer Beach and Boardwalk Wagon 

The Radio Flyer Beach and Boardwalk Wagon is the best kids beach wagon.

Radio Flyer

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Specs

  • Material: Recycled fabric, metal, rubber
  • Dimensions: 47.24 x 41.34 x 24.41 inches ( D x W x H)
  • Weight: 32 pounds
  • Weight capacity: 150 pounds

Pros

  • Classic design
  • Converts into a bench
  • Can hold two beach chairs
  • Comes with cup holders

Cons

  • Expensive for limited use
  • Somer users had problems with construction quality

This beach wagon from Radio Flyer is specifically designed to support your little ones while carrying your beach gear. It features child safety belts, a removable canopy, and two-rider seating that can easily be converted to a bench seat by unzipping one wagon panel. A rear storage bar can hold up to two beach chairs, and built-in cup holders can keep sippy cups out of the sand. Extra-wide beach tires help you navigate with ease in this canopy wagon, and one-hand folding makes storage a snap. This wagon stroller can hold 150 pounds and is suitable for children 18 months and older. 

Best budget: Seina Folding Wagon

The Seina Folding Wagon is our pick for best budget beach wagon.

Seina

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Specs

  • Material: Steel, polyester, rubber
  • Dimensions: 32.7 x 19.7 x 21.3 inches (H x W x D)
  • Weight: 14.52 pounds
  • Weight capacity: 150 pounds

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Can do double duty for yard work
  • Comes in black, gray, green, and blue/gray

Cons

  • Not cheap for a budget pick

While this Seina Wagon is listed for garden use, it has many of the same features found in the beach wagons above, with all-terrain rubber wheels to boot. As long as you don’t overload it, you should be able to pull this wagon through the sand without too much trouble. The Seina cart features a foldable steel frame, two cup holders, and durable polyester fabric. It can hold up to 150 pounds and measures 40 by 39 by 27.5 inches. 

If you’re looking for a cheaper beach wagon, we recommend setting your sights on a smaller folding cart, like this one from Gorilla. It may not be able to carry as much, and you might have a little more trouble pulling it through the sand. But as long as you’re not going far, you should still be able to bring all the basic necessities. 

Things to consider when shopping for the best beach wagons

The trick to purchasing the best beach wagon is carefully considering what you intend to bring, where you’re going, and who is coming with you. You don’t want to gather a bunch of beach accessories only to realize they won’t all fit. Nor do you want to make it all the way to the sand before realizing the wheels are going to get stuck. And you certainly don’t want to traverse the shoreline with hot, cranky kids trailing behind you when you could seat them comfortably in the right wagon. So, before buying, go over your beach checklist and consider which cart has the features you need for a successful day of seaside relaxation. 

How much weight do you need to carry? 

While some may be satisfied with a few towels and a small selection of drinks, others need to bring much more to the beach. Do you need to carry enough clean towels for the whole family? Will you be bringing lounge chairs? Aquatic equipment? A cooler that’s full to the brim? It’s important to check out the specs on any wagon you’re considering in order to make sure it can bear the load of your beachy belongings. While most wagons are equipped to handle upwards of 150 pounds, it doesn’t hurt to double-check. You should also keep in mind that the heavier your cargo, the harder it will be to pull your beach wagon through the sand. 

Do you need any special features?

Not all beach wagons come with additional features, like cup holders or compartments, but there are plenty of specialized models suited to your needs if you know what you’re looking for. Do you need a particular container to store fishing poles? Do you want an extra shelf underneath the main cabin for boogie boards? Take the time to think about what your dream beach wagon would include. Once you begin your real-world search, you might be surprised by what you find. 

Would you rather have a push cart? 

Typically, a beach wagon will need to be pulled along by a handle, an action that is comfortable for some but challenging for others, especially if you’re carrying a heavy load. Pulled wagons are often rectangular and low to the ground, which can also present a challenge if you need to move long items like beach umbrellas. If pulling a wagon like this might be difficult for you, consider looking for a vertical beach utility cart. These models are designed to be pushed, which may be a more comfortable way for you to make your way across the sand.

Where will you be pulling your beach wagon? 

Not every beach features the same sandy terrain, and not every beach wagon can smoothly glide over any surface. It’s easier to navigate super-soft sand with a smaller wagon that has large, hollow wheels (and carries a light load). A denser, rocky shore might necessitate more traction carved into the tires. You can even investigate a garden wagon for ultimate versatility on dirt and gravel.

Do you need to pull your little ones along, too? 

If your most crucial beach accessory is your tiny tots, look at a beach wagon that can comfortably accommodate them. Whether you need to transport a sleepy toddler or protect their little feet from super-hot sand, a wagon made for kids with built-in seats or bench support and some extra room for additional belongings can save you a lot of grief during your trip to the beach. You can even find a wagon with a canopy overhead to keep your kids out of the sun while you stake out the perfect spot. 

FAQs

Q: What is the best beach cart wheel size for sand?

Generally speaking, the bigger, the better when it comes to wheel size for sand. If you’re heading for a more gravelly, rocky, or dense area, you should be fine with small tires, as long as they provide some traction. If you can find a wheel that measures close to 10 inches in diameter, you should have much more success traversing sand. 

Q: What are the best beach wagons for soft sand?

The best beach wagons for soft sand will have wide wheels that can gather traction while gliding over the malleable surface. Perhaps the title of “best” belongs to the Big Kahuna Beach Wagon, which features balloon tires almost 12 inches in diameter. However, you may be better off with the less expensive MacSports Heavy Duty All-Terrain Beach Wagon or Rio Deluxe Wonder Wheeler models.

Q: Can I carry my kids in a beach cart?

Yes, you can definitely carry your kids on a beach wagon, so long as it’s specifically designed to support little ones. Make sure you check the specs to ensure the cart is safe before plopping them in. Look for built-in seats, a reinforced bottom, safety belts, and locks on foldable frames. And, of course, pay attention to weight limits and additional restrictions before trying to pile everyone in at once. 

Q: How much does the best beach wagon cost?

Many of the best beach wagons retail between $80 and $100, which can initially seem a bit pricey. But once you consider the detail and design that goes into navigating various types of terrain, the cost starts to make a little more sense. Luckily, there are a few budget-friendly options out there that will get you where you need to go without emptying your wallet. While you may sacrifice some special features like kids’ seats or a canopy, you’ll still be getting the best bang for your buck. 

Final thoughts on finding the best beach wagons

Whether you’re fixing to throw a beach party, ready for a day of tanning, or looking to ride the waves, the best beach wagon will keep you supplied with all your seaside needs. Simply gather a list of everything you want to have by your side and look for a wagon that can accommodate your belongings. From kids to surfboards, coolers to umbrellas, beach chairs to towels, there is a beach wagon out there, ready and waiting to carry all your beach essentials through the sand. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

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