Is it just us, or does it feel like every time you go to the beach, you must run a mini-marathon, transferring all of your gear from the car to the sand? Getting your umbrellas, towels, beach toys, kids, snacks, drinks, and body boards down to the beach typically requires multiple trips, leaving you exhausted by the time you finally are ready to “relax.” 

　　Adding a quality beach wagon to your routine can help you streamline your gear-hauling while reducing trips to the car and the exhaustion that ensues. They’re a game changer. Seriously. The best beach wagons fit easily in your vehicle, are quick to set up, fit all your beach gear, and roll over varying surfaces like boardwalks, dirt paths, grass, rocks, and most importantly, sand.

　　With so many beach wagon options to choose from, finding the best one for your needs can be a challenge. To help, our resident beach bum and gear expert, Rebecca Parsons, tested eight of the best beach wagons out there on daily trips to the beach near her home on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Rebecca used these wagons for weeks while considering important factors like cargo and weight capacity, wheel size and rolling performance, steering, how well they pack away for storage and transport, materials and durability, and what each is best suited for.

　　Our top beach wagon recommendations are listed below. If you have general questions or want to learn more about what makes a good beach cart, check out our buyer’s guide and FAQs at the end of this article. To see the models we tested and their specs at a glance, head to our comparison table.

　　The Best Beach Wagons of 2024 Best Overall Beach Wagon: Timber Ridge Double Decker Wagon Best Budget Beach Wagon: Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon Best All-Terrain Beach Wagon: Mac Sports Heavy Duty All-Terrain Beach Wagon Best Beach Wagon for Easy Storage and Transport: Sekey 220L Collapsible Folding Wagon Best Beach Wagon for Kids: Veer All-Terrain Cruiser Best Budget Beach Wagon for Kids: Radio Flyer Beach Boardwalk Wagon Best Overall Beach Wagon Timber Ridge Double Decker Wagon Specs Weight 27.3 lbs.
 Weight Capacity 450 lbs.
 Open Dimensions 54 L x 18.5 W x 34.5 H
 Folded Dimensions 15 L x 7 W x 35.5 H Assembly Required No

　　

　　Pros Two levels for storage
 450 lbs. weight capacity
 Extra-long lower level for large items Surprisingly light for its carrying capacity Cons No place for children to sit Might be bigger than some people need Can get a little top heavy Rebecca Parsons The Timber Ridge Double Decker Wagon ($220) is a beast of a beach wagon. As the name suggests, the Timber Ridge has a double-decker design, meaning it has a top compartment for storing gear as well as a large bottom shelf. Translation? Lots of storage space for gear and an easy solution to keeping it more organized than more standard wagons offer. 

　　The Double Decker Wagon requires no assembly, so it’s ready to hit the beach as soon as you receive it. The all-terrain 7.5” diameter wheels are wide and capable of handling sand, rocks, dirt, and chunky broken-down coral (we’re speaking from experience on this one). The wheels also have a locking feature, which was helpful once we reached our destination to ensure the cart didn’t roll away on uneven surfaces. 

　　Since the Timber Ridge wagon has two storage levels, its nice that it can support more weight than most of the other wagons we tested. Each level is claimed to be able to hold up to 225 pounds for a total of 450 pounds. Will anyone ever meet that weight capacity? Probably not, but that also means that its burly enough to handle it. The lower level is ideal for bulkier items, and should you be transporting something extra-long like an umbrella, shade canopy, or chairs — which we often are — the lower level folds open so your gear has room to stick out. This makes it much easier to haul chairs or shade structures that are otherwise tough to fit in more traditional wagons.

　　There are also two bottle/drink holders on the outside of the main compartment, as well as a large mesh pocket on one side to organize smaller items. An added benefit of the double-decker design is that it has a taller loading height, which means you dont have to bend over as far when transferring your gear from the trunk to the wagon, and vice versa. The stainless-steel frame is strong yet light, and our female tester had no trouble lifting the wagon once it was folded up for transport. Despite its impressive carrying capacity, the Double Decker folds down small and includes a strap that wraps around it, as well as a bag to store it in.

　　Our first time using this beach wagon was for an Easter beach day with friends. Our tester and her husband had their two dogs, a camping stove, a cooler, chairs, umbrellas, towels, beach games, and even a hammock stand. Everything fit nicely into the wagon, cutting down what would have been multiple trips into one. Unfortunately, there’s no place specifically created for children to sit, but our small dog enjoyed going for a ride. 

　　Its worth mentioning that the Timber Ridge Wagon might be bigger than some people need. That said, having more carrying capacity is always better than having too little. If youre looking for a serious gear hauler to simplify your life at the beach or anywhere else, the Double Decker is our top recommendation. And, although the $220 retail price is a little more than most, it seems like it almost always sells for a bit less than that.

　　$170 at Amazon Best Budget Beach Wagon Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon Specs Weight 29.9 lbs. 
 Weight Capacity 350 lbs. 
 Open Dimensions 35.4 L x 23.8 W x 31.5 H
 Folded Dimensions 7 L x 23.8 W x 31 H Assembly Required No

　　

　　Pros Rotating wheels
 Tough, tear-resistant and waterproof fabric
 Can support 350 lbs. Cons Single compartment
 Learning curve to setting it up Rebecca Parsons The Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon ($110) was created with large loads in mind. The wagon has a large, deep compartment that can support up to 350 lbs. There are no dividers or extra compartments, except for a small mesh organization pocket, which could be a bummer for some, but we found it was easier to pile in a lot of gear that way.

　　The wheels on the Beau Jardin are something to write home about. They are 7 in diameter and 4 wide with the rear wheels spread out, and the front two are closer together. We found the wheel size and configuration made getting through sand, mud, dirt, and rocks easier. Additionally, the front wheels and handle rotate, which we found especially helpful when steering through trickier terrain. It is worth mentioning that the wheels are advertised as rotating 360 degrees, but we found they only turned about 180 degrees — which is plenty anyway. The front wheels also have reliable brakes to keep the wagon steady when parked on an incline. 

　　The Beau Jardin is easy to set up and fold down, but our tester had some troubles before she figured it out. When you go to pull the wagon open, nothing happens. There’s a red latch on the side that you must open first and then it unfolds easily. It didn’t take too long to figure this out, but it was a bit frustrating before we did.

　　We were really impressed with the 600D Oxford Fabric. Not only is the fabric portion removable for easy cleaning, but it’s also tear-resistant and waterproof. Quality fabric is essential as your beach cart will regularly be exposed to harsh sand and salt water. Likewise, the powder-coated steel frame has a sturdy, durable feel for transporting heavy loads while standing up well to corrosion.

　　At $110, the Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon isnt the least expensive model we tested, but we feel it is the best value. This tough wagon is well made, easy to handle, and ready to haul your gear whether youre at the beach or not.

　　$110 at Amazon Best All-Terrain Beach Wagon Mac Sports Heavy Duty All-Terrain Beach Wagon Specs Weight 23.1 lbs. 
 Weight Capacity 150 lbs. 
 Open Dimensions 37” L x 21” W x 25” H Folded Dimensions 
10 L x 21 W x 31 H Assembly Required No

　　

　　Pros Simple, easy to use design
 Large, heavy-duty wheels
 Adjustable handle Cons 150 lbs. weight capacity
 Wheels don’t lock 
 Not designed to transport children Rebecca Parsons If you’re looking for a no-frills beach wagon with big wheels that can roll over just about everything, look no further than the Mac Sports All-Terrain Beach Wagon ($140). This wagon features a big, wide-open center compartment for stashing and hauling your gear, without any dividers or extra stuff to get in the way. Just drop your gear in and go.

　　The standout feature of the All-Terrain Beach Wagon is the wheels. The wide, 10-inch-diameter plastic wheels performed incredibly well on rough terrain. Not only did we test out this beach wagon at the beach, but we hauled it over rocks and broken-down coral covering the sand, and it performed like a beast. It makes sense given that bigger wheels can more easily roll over obstacles, and the difference was very apparent. The back two wheels are spread out, but the front two are close together, which makes it easy to navigate tricky terrain while also allowing them to nest between each other when the wagon is folded for transport. 

　　We found that the All-Terrain wagon was great for hauling heavy coolers as they easily fit in the large, open storage compartment. We also appreciated the two front cup holders and an exterior mesh pouch for storing drinks and small essentials.

　　For being a seemingly heavy-duty beach wagon, the 150-pound weight capacity seems a bit on the low side. We’re not often hauling more than 100 pounds of gear around, but if you have a big YETI cooler filled with ice, drinks, and food, it can get heavy quickly. On the plus side, the powder-coated steel frame feels rugged and plenty durable, and the polyester fabric is mildew and UV-resistant to help it stay in tip-top shape.

　　At the end of the day, the wagon packs down small and includes a bag for organized storage in your vehicle or at home. If your beach adventures involve transporting gear down less-than-perfect paths to the beach, the Mac Sports All-Terrain Beach Wagon might be your new best friend.

　　$137 at Amazon Best Beach Wagon for Easy Storage and Transport Sekey 220L Collapsible Folding Wagon Specs Weight 24 lbs. 
 Weight Capacity 330 lbs.
 Open Dimensions 37 L x 23 W x 40 H Folded Dimensions 13” L x 9.5 W x 24 H
 Assembly Required No

　　

　　Pros 330 lbs. weight capacity
 Coaxial steering
 Fabric is double layer, fade resistant, and has a waterproof coating Reasonable price Cons No small storage compartments
 Difficult to put the bag back on for storing Rebecca Parsons The Sekey 220L Collapsible Folding Wagon ($130) is a heavy-duty beach wagon available at a reasonable price. The wagon comes fully assembled, and the quality is immediately apparent. The Sekey features an alloy steel frame, and the 600D Oxford fabric is double-layer, fade-resistant, and has a PVC waterproof coating.

　　Thanks to its hefty construction, the Sekey can hold up to 330 pounds, so you don’t have to skimp on packing. The wide, open compartment makes it easy to pack in lots of gear, and the taller sides help keep things from falling out while youre rolling everything down to the beach. There aren’t any extra compartments for storing small items, however, except for two drink holders in the front. 

　　The Sekey has four wide 7-inch diameter all-terrain plastic wheels. They aren’t as large as some of the other wagons we tested, but they get the job done on a wide range of surfaces and are easier to steer. The coaxial steering made the front wheels easily rotate, which we greatly appreciated for quick turns around rocks and other obstacles. Once you’ve reached your destination, the wheels have brakes, so you can rest easy knowing your wagon isn’t going anywhere.

　　A standout feature of the Sekey is the handle. It’s collapsible, and it pops back up into an upright position when you arent holding it, so it doesnt lay down in the sand. This wagon also has a little handle in the middle of the storage compartment that you simply pull up on to fold it up. It packs down relatively small and comes with a storage bag to put over the top. The bag is nice for tidiness, but it’s a little bit of a squeeze to fit it over the wagon. Once you do, however, the wagon is free-standing, making it easy to store. 

　　If youre like us and appreciate a well-organized garage space, the Sekey 220L Collapsible Folding Wagon is a great option thats easy to store and ready in moments when you need it. With a 330-pound weight capacity and all-terrain wheels, its ready to haul all of your gear wherever your adventures take you.

　　$110 at Amazon Best Beach Wagon for Kids Veer All-Terrain Cruiser Specs Weight 32.6 lbs. 
 Weight Capacity Passengers: 110 lbs. (55 lbs. per seat), Cargo or pets: 250 lbs. 
 Dimensions ‎37” L x 20” W x 23” H Folded Dimensions 
37 L x 20 W x 14 H Assembly Required No

　　

　　Pros Seats with seatbelts 
 Rugged, heavy-duty wheels
 Well made Lots of compatible accessories Can carry kids or cargo/pets Plenty useful non-beach activities Cons Expensive
 Must remove cup holders and snack tray to fold Folded size is larger than others Rebecca Parsons If you have young children, you’ll love the Veer All-Terrain Cruiser ($699). If a top-of-the-line stroller and a beach wagon had a baby, it would probably look something like this quality model from Veer. Its the highest-quality kid-specific beach-capable wagon weve seen, and its equally useful outside of the beach environment and can just as easily carry your pets or cargo, too.

　　Where most beach wagons have a compartment made from fabric, the All-Terrain Cruiser incorporates a mix of thick plastic and heavy-duty fabric. The wagon has two seats facing each other, each with a plastic seat and plastic mesh seat back. Each seat has a 3-point harness-style seatbelt to secure children while in transit. Its rated to carry 55 pounds per seat — 110 pounds of kid cargo — or up to 250 pounds if youre carrying pets or beach gear.

　　With the All-Terrain Cruiser, Veer thought of everything. Between the seats is a removable plastic tray for snacks and drinks. Next to each seat are two small plastic holders for small items or snacks. There are also two drink holders in the front for the adults — the cup holders can be moved to the handle if you want even easier access to your beverage. 

　　The entire wagon is well-made, and the wheels are rugged and heavy-duty. They’re large and the front wheels rotate to make turns easier. When you want to stay in one place, the wheels lock to ensure your wagon and cargo dont roll away without you. The adjustable height handle is large and secure, and the grip is lined with rubber so you can comfortably pull it behind you. The handle can be used to pull the wagon behind you, or it can be locked in an upright position so you can push the wagon like a stroller.

　　The All-Terrain Cruiser does pack down, but you must remove the snack tray and the front cup holders in order to do so. It’s not a huge thing, but it is a little bit of a pain if you’re frequently loading it in and out of the car. Unlike many wagons that fold like an accordion, the Veer folds down to a slimmer size but stays the same width and length as when its open. The wheels can also be removed to make it smaller. And, when you need to clean up after a long day of family fun, the wagon can be hosed off easily.

　　The All-Terrain Cruiser doesn’t come with any shade for the kiddos, but Veer offers lots of compatible accessories that you can purchase. Accessories include a retractable shade canopy, comfort seats, a car seat adapter, a bug shield, a cargo net, and more. If youre looking for a high-quality kids wagon for the beach, neighborhood, or any other adventure, the Veer All-Terrain Cruiser doesnt come cheap, but we feel its the best around.

　　$699 at REI$699 at Amazon Best Budget Beach Wagon for Kids Radio Flyer Beach Boardwalk Wagon Specs Weight 32 lbs.
 Weight Capacity 150 lbs.
 Open Dimensions 47.6 L x 24.4 W x 38.4 H
 Folded Dimensions 7 L x 18.5 W x 32.7 H Assembly Required Yes

　　

　　Pros Kid-friendly design
 Detachable shade canopy
 Rear storage bar for chairs Can kids or cargo -also converts to bench seating Reasonable price Cons Wheels don’t work well in thick sand
 Doesnt feel super durable or heavy duty Rebecca Parsons The Radio Flyer Beach Boardwalk Wagon ($170) was designed with kids in mind. Made with 100% recycled fabric, it has high seat backs, a thick padded seat with seatbelts, and a detachable shade structure so your children can comfortably ride in the wagon en route to the beach. Once you arrive, the side of the wagon comes undone so your kids can relax in the shade with their feet dangling over the side. 

　　If you plan on having kids ride in the wagon, that doesn’t leave a lot of room for gear. Luckily, this wagon has a back storage bar that can hold two to three beach chairs. You can also pack small, soft items like beach towels and blankets between your kids. There are even cup holders so you can easily stash sippy cups or water bottles. 

　　Our tester and her husband have had a Radio Flyer since their son was young. When he was little, he loved riding and playing inside, but now that he’s a preteen, the Radio Flyer has evolved into a cargo wagon to haul their gear. Whether hauling kids or not, it has a 150 lbs. weight limit. And that is a limit wed definitely recommend staying below, given the less robust feel of the materials used in its construction.

　　Radio Flyer advertises its wheels as all-terrain, but we found that they’re better suited to smooth, even surfaces. They work well on the road, boardwalk, dirt, and hard-packed sand, but pulling it through thick, loose sand proved to be somewhat challenging.

　　Still, if you have kids, the Radio Flyer Beach Boardwalk Wagon is a more affordable family-friendly option that can make your beach days more fun. Just be sure to treat it with a little care and dont overload it to keep in good working order.

　　$134 at AmazonCheck Price at Radio Flyer Best of the Rest Best Beach Wagon for Sports Equipment Rio Brands Wonder Wheeler Beach Cart Specs Weight 13.5 lbs. 
 Weight Capacity 100 lbs. 
 Open Dimensions 34.25 L x 26 W x 41.5 H
 Folded Dimensions 34.25 L x 26 W x 10 H Assembly Required No

　　

　　Pros Exterior umbrella holder
 Tote attaches to handles for extra storage
 Vertical carry compartment is good for long or bulky items Great option for beach volleyball and other sports Cons Vertical design makes it easy to lose track of items
 Umbrella holder doesn’t work with all umbrellas
 100 lbs. weight capacity Rebecca Parsons The Rio Brands Wonder Wheeler Beach Cart ($98.60) is unlike any of the other beach wagons on our list. The Wonder Wheeler is more of a cart than a wagon, so its usefulness may vary depending on how you plan to use it. 

　　The Wonder Wheeler has a vertical design with a large mesh storage compartment and a 100 lbs. weight capacity. This makes it super easy to toss camp-style chairs, balls, and other bulky items into it. But, depending on what youre carrying we found that some items can get somewhat lost in the abyss. However, we found that this cart was perfect for sports, especially beach volleyball. We found that the main compartment in the cart was perfect for piling in balls. The cart also has a side attachment for an umbrella and a front tote by the handle for smaller items like books, phones, snacks, etc. 

　　The umbrella holder is clever and was an easy way to attach an umbrella without taking up extra room in the cart. It works for most umbrellas but if your umbrella is on the wider side, it might not fit. The large all-terrain back wheels are wide and heavy-duty, so they cut well through the sand. The front wheels are small and slim like those found on a stroller — they work fine on even surfaces, but you’ll want to push or pull the cart on its back wheels when you’re going through softer sand. 

　　Although you can carry beach chairs, towels, and the usuals for a beach day, we felt the Wonder Wheeler was best suited to sports. The steel frame feels durable, the mesh bag is perfectly suited for holding balls, and the tote allows you to pack along any extra items you may have. When you’re finished, it packs up for easy storage and transport, and this lightweight cart is easy to toss in the back of your vehicle.

　　$95 at Amazon Best Beach Wagon on a Tight Budget iHomey Collapsible Folding Utility Wagon Specs Weight 21 lbs. 
 Weight Capacity 300 lbs. 
 Open Dimensions 35 L x 20 W x 23 H
 Folded Dimensions 6 L x 19 W x 26 H Assembly Required Yes

　　

　　Pros Affordable Can support up to 300 pounds
 Adjustable handle
 Packs down small Cons Wheels are slim
 Assembly required
 Our handle holder was broken upon arrival Rebecca Parsons The iHomey Collapsible Folding Utility Wagon ($79) is a very affordable, simple, and effective wagon for the beach or use around the house. Weighing 21 pounds, it is relatively light, and its small collapsed size makes it easy to load in and out of the car.

　　Right out of the box, the iHomey Wagon does lose some points as assembly is required. Getting the wheels attached wasn’t terribly difficult, but it was a bit of a pain compared to other models that arrived completely assembled. On the plus side, the wheels are removable if you’re in a situation where you wish to take them off for storing or transporting.

　　The wide, open storage compartment makes it easy to pack all your gear, and with a claimed weight limit of up to 300 pounds, you don’t have to skimp on what you’re packing. The only downside is that there are no smaller compartments except for two water bottle holders, so it can be tricky to stay organized.

　　The Utility Wagons handle is adjustable and has a clip to keep it upright when not in use. However, our clip was broken upon arrival, so we werent able to use this feature. Since the iHomey wagon isnt specifically designed for the beach, the wheels are slimmer than most of the others we tested, but they do have an all-terrain design. They fared well on most surfaces but didn’t work quite as well in thick, soft sand as wider wheels.

　　Regardless, the iHomey Collapsible Utility Wagon is a very budget-friendly option for anyone seeking a functional wagon for use at the beach, around the house, or in the garden. Its not fancy, but it gets the job done without breaking the bank.

　　$69 at Amazon Comparison Chart

Beach Wagon	MSRP	Weight	Weight Capacity	Open Dimensions	Folded Dimensions
Timber Ridge Double Decker Wagon	$220	27.3 lbs.	450 lbs.	54 L x 18.5 W x 34.5 H	15 L x 7 W x 35.5 H
Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon	$120	29.9 lbs.	350 lbs.	35.4 L x 23.8 W x 31.5 H	7 L x 23.8 W x 31 H
Mac Sports Heavy Duty All-Terrain Beach Wagon	$160	23.1 lbs.	150 lbs.	37” L x 21” W x 25” H	10 L x 21 W x 31 H
Sekey 220L Collapsible Folding Wagon	$130	24 lbs.	330 lbs.	37 L x 23 W x 40 H	13” L x 9.5 W x 24 H
Veer All-Terrain Cruiser	$699	32.6 lbs.	Kids: 110 lbs., Cargo: 250 lbs.	37” L x 20” W x 23” H	37 L x 20 W x 14 H
Radio Flyer Beach and Boardwalk Wagon	$160	32 lbs.	150 lbs.	47.6 L x 24.4 W x 38.4 H	7 L x 18.5 W x 32.7 H
Rio Brands Wonder Wheeler Beach Cart	$94.60	13.5 lbs.	100 lbs.	34.25 L x 26 W x 41.5 H	34.25 L x 26 W x 10 H
iHomey Collapsible Folding Utility Wagon	$79	21 lbs.	300 lbs.	35 L x 20 W x 23 H	6 L x 19 W x 26 H

Why You Should Trust Us The team at GearJunkie loves all things outdoors and that includes spending time at the beach. Whether were spending time at the coast, a nearby lake, heading to an outdoor concert, or doing chores around the house, we learned a long time ago that having a wagon to carry our gear can be a huge help.

　　For our beach wagons buyers guide, we recruited self-proclaimed beach bum Rebecca Parsons to test and review all of the models included here. Rebecca lives on Oahu, Hawaii, and ventures to the beach daily. Sometimes she hits the beach for a quick surf, but most of the time, beach days involve the three F’s — food, friends, and family. For long beach days with lots of toys, chairs, towels, coolers, and more, Rebecca regularly uses a beach wagon to make getting her gear from the car to the beach much easier. She’s also a full-time gear reviewer and has been writing about beach gear and equipment for a decade. 

　　How We Tested Beach Wagons After researching the best and most popular beach wagons on the market, we rounded up a diverse selection of 8 models to test and compare. Some are designed to carry young children, others have heavy-duty wheels designed to tackle mounds of sand, and others are double-deckers so you can more easily store and organize your gear.While many of them share a similar design and functionality, we found that not all beach wagons are created equally.

　　During testing, we considered how easy each cart was to set up and break down, how much cargo space and weight capacity each provided, how well the wheels fared on the sand and other surfaces, special features, and how small each packs down to fit in your vehicle or storage space. We packed these carts in the car and took them to the beach and oceanside parks where we wheeled them across grass, dirt, and sand. We packed them to the brim with stuff, cruised around with minimal gear, and even had the dogs ride in them.When testing concluded, we zeroed in on our favorites, and those that excel in specific ways compared to the rest.

　　

　　Author Rebecca Parsons testing the Mac Sports All-Terrain beach wagon near her home in Hawaii; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) Buyers Guide: How To Choose a Beach Wagon Beach wagons all serve the same basic function, but there are quite a few things to consider when deciding which one is right for you. By assessing what youll be hauling and the surfaces youll be pulling it over, you should be able to determine the size, weight capacity, wheels, and beach wagon type thats best suited to make your trips to the beach easier and more enjoyable. And, to make your trips to the beach even better, you might also be interested in our reviews of the best womens sandals, hard-sided coolers, and soft coolers, too.

　　Intended Use When you’re in the market for a beach wagon, the first thing you should consider is how you plan on using your wagon. Do you want to use it to help transport your children? Will it be strictly for gear? Or is your hope that your toddler and your gear will all fit into the cart?Along with that, considering the size, shape, amount, and weight of the gear you intend to haul is very important.

　　It’s also helpful to think about the type of terrain you’ll be pulling your cart across. Most likely, you’ll be pulling it through sand at some point, so you’ll want heavy duty, wide, large diameter, all-terrain wheels. But, if your beach has a smooth path leading to it, then skinnier wheels may be just as effective.

　　Carrying Capacity

　　

　　The Timber Ridge Double Decker Beach Wagon has a whopping 450 lbs. weight capacity and two levels of storage so you can get everything you need down to the beach; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) Capacity accounts for how much gear you can fit in your beach wagon and how much weight it can handle. Before purchasing, consider what you plan on carrying in your wagon. Kids? Dogs? Chairs? Coolers? All of the above? After thinking about how you plan to use your wagon, look at the storage space, if there are seats or separate areas for kids, and the weight capacity of the wagon. 

　　By considering the size, shape, and weight of the items youre hoping to move in the wagon, you can also narrow down the choices further. If you intend on using your wagon mainly for beach towels, chairs, and a few beach games, you won’t need a high-weight capacity, and a wagon like the RIO Wonder Wheeler Beach Cart could do the trick. But, if you plan on hauling a heavy YETI cooler packed to the brim with drinks and food for a beach BBQ, large chairs, a sun shade, and cooking gear, then you’ll probably do better with a wagon that can support a heavy load like the Sekey Foldable Wagon or the Timber Ridge Double Decker.

　　Portability

　　

　　Most beach wagons, including the Beau Jardin seen here, fold down fairly small and are relatively lightweight, making them easy to put in your vehicle when heading out for a beach day; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) Unless youre lucky enough to live within walking distance of the beach, you’ll likely have to transport your beach wagon in the car. For this reason, you’ll want to make sure the wagon is light enough for you to lift and load it into your trunk comfortably and that it will fit in your vehicle, too.Fortunately, most beach wagons are reasonably lightweight and collapsible so they can be folded down to a much smaller size to fit in the back of most vehicles.

　　Lighter-weight wagons may be easier to lift but tend to be less durable and typically have lower weight capacities. Heavier beach wagons may be slightly more cumbersome to lift into your trunk, but they tend to be made from beefier and more durable materials. Again, consider how you plan to use your wagon to determine if you want to prioritize a lighter, more manageable beach wagon or a heavier, more durable wagon. The lightest wagon on our list was the RIO Wonder Wheeler Beach Cart, which weighed just 13.5 pounds, whereas the Veer All-Terrain Cruiser was the heaviest at 32.5 pounds.Every other model fell somewhere in between and all of them were light enough to be relatively easy to deal with.

　　Storage

　　

　　Not only does your beach wagon need to fit in your vehicle, but youll also need some space to store it at home. Thankfully, most of them fold down to a small size for transport and storage; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) Beach wagons are inherently somewhat big and bulky — if you don’t have a garage, finding a place to store them can be challenging. Luckily, almost all the wagons we tested were collapsible, making them small enough to store in a closet or under a bed. If you’re tight on space, make sure the wagon you are interested in is collapsible. Additionally, once collapsed, most of the wagons could be stored upright as they were able to stand on their own. However, a few couldn’t stand on their own, which was annoying if you plan to store it leaned against a wall.

　　Wheels

　　

　　Wider and larger diameter wheels roll better through sand and over rough surfaces. Brakes are another nice feature that keeps your wagon from moving around when its parked; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) When it comes to beach wagons, the wheels are an important factor to consider that dictact how well they roll over varied surfaces and sand. In our opinion, larger wheels — both in width and diameter — are what you’re after. The larger the wheel diameter, the easier it can roll over obstacles like rocks and roots. The wider the wheel, the more floatation it has, and the easier it will be to roll over soft sand. Narrower wheels, on the other hand, can more easily sink into soft sand, but if you plan on mostly using your wagon on firm, even surfaces such as the boardwalk or your local park, then you should be fine with smaller wheels.

　　Materials Beach wagons spend a lot of time exposed to sun, sand, and salt water, so their construction is especially important. The ideal beach wagon is made from durable yet lightweight materials. This includes the fabrics used in their construction, as they tend to take a lot of abuse, as heavy and sand-covered objects are often placed inside. Thin materials can wear out quickly, whereas thicker, UV—and water-resistant fabrics can stand up to more abuse from both your gear and the elements.

　　The same goes for the frames. While we appreciate lightweight construction, we appreciate things that dont break even more. Thin and fragile frame tubes and other parts can be much more prone to bending, buckling, and failing prematurely than slightly heavier and more durable options. Even then, the weight difference is marginal and worth a few extra pounds for added peace of mind and longevity.

　　Extra Pockets

　　

　　Bottle pockets and cup holders are common on many beach wagons and add convenience. Some wagons have additional pockets to help organize your gear; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) While extra pockets aren’t necessary, they are nice to have. Most of the beach wagons we tested came with a cup holder or two, which was great for storing a water bottle or coffee to free up your hands. Some carts come with mesh pockets on the interior or exterior for storing smaller items such as a phone, book, or wallet. Again, while we dont think they are necessary, smaller pockets can be very helpful for organization and keeping track of smaller items that can often get lost in the shuffle of a larger cargo area.

　　Handle

　　

　　Adjustable handles are a nice feature as they extend for pulling the wagon and collapse down small for storage and transport; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) Surprisingly, the handle design for beach wagons has a fair amount of variation among the models we tested. Some wagons have fixed-length handles, others have adjustable handles, and some are equipped with springs that help them stay upright even when you’re not holding them. We were fans of wagons with collapsible handles for storing and transporting and really enjoyed when the handle could stay upright so it wasnt just laying in the sand. The most unique handle of all, however, was on the Veer All-Terrain Cruiser. This handle can be used to pull the wagon behind you, or it can be locked in position to push it like a stroller. We found this added versatility to an excellent kid-friendly wagon, as the user could choose to use it as a stroller or wagon depending on the situation.

　　Price There is a bit of price variation among the beach wagon models we tested. Our selection of wagons ranges in price from around $80 up to $220, with one high-end outlier at $699. Most of the beach wagons we tested are relatively affordable, and all of them will help make your beach days a little easier. In our testing, we found that quality and price seem to go hand in hand. For example, the least expensive model we tested, the iHomey Utility Wagon ($79), uses materials that dont seem quite as durable as models like the Sekey or Beau Jardin Wagons, which cost only about $30 to $40 more. Still, the iHomey Wagon will get the job done for less frequent users, but wed recommend spending a little bit more for the sturdier model if youll be using it a lot and want it to last a long time.

　　The Veer All-Terrain Cruiser ($699) is by far the most expensive model we tested, but it also stands in a class of its own in terms of build quality and performance. This wagons materials, construction, and kid-carrying capability are miles ahead of the other models we tested. For active parents with a more flexible budget, this is a seriously top-shelf way to move your kids around the beach, neighborhood, parks, etc., and its also versatile for carrying cargo, pets, and more.

　　

　　If you go to the beach, then you could probably benefit from having a beach wagon to help simplify your gear-hauling; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) Frequently Asked Questions

　　What is a beach wagon? In short, a beach wagon is a wagon that is specifically designed for the sand. They should be able to store your gear, be durable enough to withstand sand and saltwater, and have wheels capable of rolling over varied surfaces including soft sand.

　　Do beach wagons work on sand? Beach wagons absolutely should work on sand! If they don’t, they’re simply a wagon. In general, wagons with larger, wider wheels tend to perform better in the sand, mud, rocks, and more.Realistically, even the wagons that perform best in the sand can still be somewhat tricky to pull through the softest sand, especially if they are loaded with lots of weight. Skinnier and smaller diameter wheels tend to sink into the sand more, making it more difficult to roll the wagon in the soft stuff.

　　What should I use my beach wagon for? The main function of a beach wagon is to haul items from your vehicle to the beach. Think beach towels, beach chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, coolers, and more. Many can also be used to transport children and/or dogs — the Veer All-Terrain Cruiser and Radio Flyer Beach Boardwalk Wagon are specifically designed with hauling kids in mind.

　　Just because beach is in the name doesn’t mean you need to restrict your usage to the sand. Beach wagons can also be helpful for camping, going to the park, seeing some outdoor music, having a picnic, or doing tasks around the house like transporting groceries, yard work, or moving anything that fits and is under the weight capacity.

　　How much gear will fit in my wagon? Beach wagons come in various sizes and with different weight capacities, so the amount of gear that will fit in your wagon is dependent on those factors. Most wagons list their dimensions and weight capacity, so you dont have to guess. Outside of that, it comes down to the size and weight of the items and how well you can organize them in the loading process.

　　If you plan to haul lots of gear, or you at least want the option to do so, then the Timber Ridge Double Decker is our recommendation. Not only can it support up to 450 lbs. of gear, but it has two levels so you can keep your long and bulky items on the bottom shelf with the rest in the large cargo compartment above.

　　Is assembly required? Some beach wagons come fully assembled whereas others require some assembly. Assembly is usually quick and easy, but if you don’t want to bother, then make sure the wagon is fully assembled.

　　Can my kids ride inside the wagon? Some beach wagons are specifically designed for children and have seats and/or seatbelts. If you plan on mainly using your beach wagon for your kids, make sure it has seating options for children. The Veer All-Terrain Cruiser is a high-end wagon that can carry up to two children (55 pounds each) and is a great option for active parents. Similarly, the Radio Flyer Beach Boardwalk Wagon is a much more budget-oriented kid-friendly wagon. Otherwise, check the wagon’s weight capacity and transport your children at your own risk.

　　Is my wagon collapsible? Most beach wagons are collapsible, making them easy to transport in your vehicle and store when not in use. However, not all are collapsible, so double-check if it’s important to you.

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