If you’re someone who spends a lot of your summer at the beach, you likely know the struggle of dragging coolers, chairs, towels, umbrellas, and floats down with you. Those with large families with children find that process even more challenging. You might have snorkels, swimming gear, buckets, and spades that need to make it to the beach with you. However, there is a way to avoid the stress that all of this fun gear can bring. Get one of the best beach carts or wagons and it will make your life a whole lot easier.
Beach carts let you bring everything down in one trip instead of walking to the beach and back to the car multiple times. Everyone will have access to everything they need and the fun in the sand and sun can begin. However, that also means you have to determine which beach cart is the one that is right for you. There are hundreds of options out there which can just complicate things more.
That’s exactly why we’ve compiled a list of the top beach wagons so you can find one that fits your needs. You can get an idea of what is out there and which beach trolley has the features that matter most to you. After we look at the best beach carts, we will also go over the things you should consider when making your purchase.
Best Beach Carts and Wagons - Our Top Picks
Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding All Terrain Utility Wagon Beach Cart with Table
This folding cart with wheels weighs only 22.5 pounds and breaks down into an eight-inch package so it’s easy to fit in your vehicle. While it is lightweight, it can still haul up to 150 pounds of gear. There is an adjustable handle along with two mesh cup holders so you can keep a drink ready while lounging in the sun.
The wagon has plastic durable wheels and made of 600D mildew and UV resistant fabric. It can also be easily washed so maintenance is a breeze. This folding beach wagon is a great choice that comes in seven different colors.
Pros:
- Features two cup holders for convenience
- Folds nearly flat into included carry bag
- Holds up to 150 pounds of gear
Cons:
- Can get stuck in sand when fully loaded
Timber Ridge Folding Camping Wagon
If what you want is a beach cart that is simple to maneuver and durable for lots of time in the sand, this folding cart is one you should add to your short list. It weighs less than 29 pounds for easy transport while being capable of holding up to 150 pounds of your belongings.
There is no assembly needed with this cart, making it even easier to use. You just need to unfold it and it’s ready to go. This is a great cart for regular use. You’ll no longer need to worry about struggling to haul heavy coolers and chairs. Load this wagon up and be on your way.
Pros:
- Features large wheels for any terrain
- Can haul up to 150 pounds of gear
- Requires no assembly
Cons:
- Some find handle is a bit too short
Tipke 2100 Marine Fold-It Utility Cart
This particular beach wagon cart was designed and created for use in marine environments which makes it ideal for the beach. It is maneuverable and durable while in use and can haul up to 300 pounds. It can also be used around the home or neighborhood.
The cart can fold up when not in use for storage. It is also very stable and strong. It has wheels in the back and legs in the front, so you don’t have to worry about it rolling off somewhere. The aluminum used in the cart is rust resistant so it will last a long time.
Pros:
- Small enough to fit anywhere for storage or transport
- Simple assembly takes only a few minutes
- Made of quality materials to be sturdy and durable
Cons:
- Caution is important due to metal components
Rio Beach Wonder Wheeler Wide Beach Cart
When you are searching for the best beach cart, this one by Rio is a solid option. It’s a bit different from other carts because it’s a push cart rather than one you pull. It has ten-inch beach cart wheels which easily push through the sand. The small wheels in front improve the steering.
This cart can hold 100 pounds and has 15 cubic feet of storage. There are also handles on each side which can be used to hang items. The back handle has a pad so your hands don’t get hot while moving the cart to the beach. This carb also comes with a tote bag, an umbrella holder, and a bottom tray for ultimate versatility.
Pros:
- All terrain wide back wheels for stability
- Offers an umbrella holder and removable tote
- Large side handles are easy to grip
Cons:
- Cart may drag when at full capacity
Mac Sports Collapsible Folding Outdoor Utility Wagon
This sand wagon offers a capacity of 150 pounds and comes in different colors so you can match your style. The cart requires no assembly and can be used straight out of the box. It folds up to less than 10 inches for easy storage and transport when empty.
This beach wagon with big wheels offers an adjustable handle so you can easily move it where needed. There are two cup holders to secure your drinks. The wheels are extra-large in size and work well on soft sand and can handle even larger grains of sands.
Pros:
- Folds up small for easy transport and storage
- Easily rolls across sand and other terrain
- Durable and holds up to 150 pounds
Cons:
- Handles may slip off at times
Fish-N-Mate 310 LG Cart with Poly Wheels
The Fish-N-Mate cart is a great choice for pier fishing, but it can also be used as a general beach cart. The cart has enough room and the capacity to hold two coolers, an umbrella, a tackle box, and eight rods and reels. This is a cart made of aluminum which is convenient and lightweight to use.
This beach buggy cart weighs only a few pounds and can hold up to 250 pounds of gear. The wheel design uses large wheels in the back with a leg on the front for stability no matter where you are.
Pros:
- Large enough to carry all sorts of gear at once
- Created of aluminum to be light and easy to move
- Offers a detachable handle and large tires
Cons:
- Some users believe wheels could be higher quality
Wheeleez Heavy Duty Beach Cart
This beach cart by Wheeleez is a heavy-duty option that can hold up to 220 pounds. It has a shape that resembles a wheelbarrow with huge wheels on the bottom. The balloon wheels make it a great option for the beach, fishing, gardening, hunting, or building projects.
This cart weighs nearly 30 pounds but it has a foldable handle so it can be transported and stored fairly easily. The cart is made from high quality materials including anodized aluminum and stainless steel and a tub created of polyethylene. It makes a great option for those who need to haul a large amount of items over the sand.
Pros:
- Simple to assemble and use
- Pushes easily even on unstable terrain
- Offers a capacity of 220 pounds
Cons:
- Price is higher than for some other beach carts
Mac Sports Collapsible Outdoor Utility Wagon with Folding Table and Drink Holders
As is to be expected with all Mac Sports beach carts, this one is a solid option for the beachgoer. It has a weight capacity of 150 pounds and the interior is three feet long by two and a half feet deep. That makes it capable of holding a whole lot of your beach gear without a problem.
The foldable table that comes with this cart is a great touch and the two cup holders bump up the desirability of this option. If you sit in typical low beach chairs, the table will be at just the right place for easy use. It is a value option with convenient options that set it apart.
Pros:
- Has tons of storage and a large weight capacity
- Collapses down for easy transport and storage
- Offers a good quality table and drink holders
Cons:
- Offers no compartments or dividers
Choosing the Perfect Beach Wagon
When you start looking at beach carts for sale, the first thing you want to think about is how you are going to use it. Are you mainly looking to cart around small items or are you looking for something that can carry multiple chairs and umbrellas? It’s also worth thinking about whether it will solely be used at the beach. Some beach carts work well for other tasks and may fit your needs a bit better.
Choosing the Right Kind of Wheels
One of the most important components of your beach cart is the wheels. Looking at the size of the wheels can give you a clue about how stable the cart will be since large, wide wheels are going to create a cart that is sturdier. Looking at the material used is also an excellent idea. Knobby wheels tend to work better on sand and polyurethane wheels are typically more durable.
Selecting a Style of Cart
There are several styles of carts to choose from. A wagon style looks like the wagons that kids play with. They have four wheels and the cart is parallel to the ground. Some of these are foldable and heavy duty for durability and to make storage easy.
Another popular cart style is the dolly. These have only two wheels which makes it easier to pull across the sand. Dolly carts are deep rather than long so they work well for items like surfboards and umbrellas. These carts are stable and easy to move as you drag them behind you.
You can also choose an upright cart which is a cross between a wagon and a dolly. It has four wheels, but the front wheels are larger than the back ones. However, it is deeper than a wagon cart would be. These carts are extremely stable and tend to maneuver well. They can be pushed or pulled depending on your preference.
What to Know About Cart Handles
No matter what style of beach all terrain wagon you choose, you will want to spend some time looking at the handles. It might seem like a small component but it’s what you will use to pull or push the wagon so having an option that is easy to grip is important. The most important thing is to find a handle you can use easily. Some are adjustable and some are ergonomic, but you also want them to sturdy, so they do not break.
Construction of the Frame
You likely want a cart that is going to last a good long time, which means you want something made with high-quality materials. If quality is more important than price, you want a frame that is made of metal rather than plastic. Aluminum carts and stainless-steel carts fit the needs of most. An anti-rust coating is also a good idea but rinsing the cart off after a day at the beach is also important.
Material Used for Carrying Section
The material used for the frame is important to know but the same holds true for the material that will hold all your gear and items. Some carts use metal for this which works fine. Those who want compartments will do well with mesh or fabric options. This can help protect your gear and keep things separated away from each other. Whether this is important to you will be based on what you carry and how fragile or small it is.
Weight Capacity
You also should look at the weight capacity for each beach cart you consider. If you know what you are using it for, you can look at the capacity to get an idea of whether it meets your needs. You will find this listed for nearly all carts out there, so you don’t overload it and end up breaking or damaging the cart.
Related: Best Kayak Cart
Conclusion
There are of course other things to look at depending on your needs, but you should be off to a good start at finding the perfect beach cart for your needs. Every cart on our list is a top-quality item that will make hitting the sand a lot less complicated. If these don’t fit your needs, the information above will give you an excellent place to start looking for the cart that is right for you.