There are few things better in life than spending a day at the beach with loved ones. That said, the prospect of packing everything you need to ensure you and your posse have a great time and then schlepping them to and from is enough to put a damper on what would otherwise be an amazing day.
A beach wagon can help with all that schlepping. Here are our top 10 picks for the best beach wagon for 2023.
How We Tested and Compared These Wagons
When reviewing the best beach wagons, there are three main things we were interested in. First, they had to be easy to set up. Folding and unfolding should have taken no more than a few seconds.
Next, they had to be sturdy and durable. We went for models with a metallic frame and high-quality, water-resistant cover.
Finally, their weight capacity needed to be large enough to haul everything you might need for a beach trip. Think beach chairs, umbrellas, tents, towels, beach toys, and other beach essentials. We only considered wagons that could hold at least 100 lbs. worth of stuff.
Best Beach Wagon Overall: MacSports WTC-111 Folding Beach Wagon
Overview:
- Size: 23″D x 35″W x 20″H
- Weight: 24.5 lbs.
- Maximum weight capacity: 150 lbs.
- Material: Steel frame and polyester
- Available color variants: 7
What We Like About It
When it comes to the best beach wagons, no one does it quite like MacSports. The company has been around for decades and has grown to become one of the world’s largest manufacturers of foldable outdoor gear.
The WTC-111 Mac Wagon is one of the most durable and versatile hauling wagons we’ve encountered. It boasts an accordion-style base that opens up and folds down within seconds without needing tools or assembly. It is built with a sturdy powder-coated steel frame that can hold up to 150 lbs. of beach gear in the 600D storage bag. Each wheel is built to go on a wide range of rugged terrain, including soft sand.
The two mesh-drink holders it comes with are a nice touch as well.
What We Don’t Like
While the Mac Wagon is pretty compact when folded, it is difficult to maneuver in this state. The inner wheel set often gets stuck, which means you have to drag it.
Best Versatile Option: MacSports WTC-169 Folding Beach Wagon
Overview:
- Size: 22.5″D x 43.7″W x 20.2″H
- Weight: 22.5 lbs.
- Maximum weight capacity: 150 lbs.
- Material: Steel frame and polyester
- Available color variants: 2
What We Like About It
Coming in a close second is the MacSports WTC-169, which is essentially a smaller variant of the WTC-111. It is rugged, durable, and easy to set up – no assembly required. The heavy-duty steel frame can hold up to 150 lbs. in raw weight, which means you can haul everything you need to take to the beach in one trip.
The polyester storage it comes with is water-resistant and easy to clean. It is super durable, so you don’t have to worry about tearing or fraying anytime soon. The wheels are designed to cover all terrain, including sand.
One of our favorite things about the WTC-169 Mac Wagon is its ultra-functional features. The wagon’s ergonomic handle is adjustable to your desired height, and it also has a nifty little table with two cup holders built into the frame. For the price, this beach delivers outstanding value.
What We Don’t Like
The WTC-169 beach wagon also has the same maneuverability issue as the WTC-111. In its folded state, you’ll have to drag it wherever you want to put it.
Best Compact Option: Amazon Basics Folding Utility Wagon
Overview:
- Size: 27.6″D x 40.9″W x 20″H
- Weight: 19.4 lbs.
- Maximum weight capacity: 132 lbs.
- Material: Steel frame and polyester
- Available color variants: 4
What We Like About It
The Amazon Basics collapsible wagon is small but mighty. Weighing in at a measly 19.4 lbs., this outdoor utility wagon can haul up to 132 lbs. of gear. It is made of an extendible alloy steel frame with a simple folding mechanism that allows you to set it up within seconds—no tools required.
Its rugged wheels are built for endurance and can travel over various terrain, including beach sand and rock. Our favorite thing about this little collapsible wagon is how compact it is in its folded state. It doesn’t matter how stuffed your car trunk is; there will always be room for the Amazon Basics beach wagon. It is worth checking out if you’re in the market for something more budget-friendly.
What We Don’t Like
The adjustable handle of the collapsible wagon feels a little stiff, as do the wheels. It does get better the more you use it, though.
Best Heavy Duty Option: MacSports WTCB-103 Folding Beach Wagon
Overview:
- Size: 24.6″D x 36.2″W x 21.4″H
- Weight: 23.1 lbs.
- Maximum weight capacity: 150 lbs.
- Material: Steel frame and polyester
- Available color variants: 1
What We Like About It
The MacSports WTCB-103 is a beast. If rugged performance over sand, rock, and any other terrain you can think of is a top priority, you will love everything about this beach wagon. One look at each large wheel on this monster will tell you everything you need to know about it.
Its heavy-duty frame and durable 600D polyester storage can haul up to 150 lbs. of beach gear without collapsing under the weight. It is easy to fold and unfold and requires no special tools or equipment. If you’re looking for a beach wagon that can stand the test of time, the WTCB-103 is your best bet.
What We Don’t Like
It is pricier than most other brands on the market, but, in our opinion, it is worth it.
Best Stroller-Style Option: Rio Brands Wonder Wheeler Beach Wagon
Overview:
- Size: 32.09″D x 20.28″W x 5.12″H
- Weight: 17 lbs.
- Maximum weight capacity: 100 lbs.
- Material: Aluminum frame, polyester, and mesh
- Available color variants: 4
What We Like About It
The Rio Brands Wonder Wheeler is one of the few stroller wagon models on the market. This means that, rather than pulling it as with most wagons, you would push it instead—like you would a shopping cart.
While it looks smaller to the naked eye, it has an impressive 100-pound weight capacity, so you should have no problem loading it up with everything you need for your day on the beach. It has two big wheels at the back designed to traverse sand, rocks, and various terrain and two smaller articulating wheel set at the front to steer the wagon in the direction you want.
We love the detachable tote bag, the bottom rack and tray, and the functional umbrella holder for those rainy days. It is a well-thought-out piece of gear.
What We Don’t Like
The location of the umbrella holder could have been better. Once the beach umbrella goes in, it becomes difficult to steer the wagon.
Best Durable Beach Wagon: VivoHome Mesh Steel Utility Wagon
Overview:
- Size: 38.19″D x 20.86″W x 9.8″H
- Weight: 38.6 lbs.
- Maximum weight capacity: 880 lbs.
- Material: Alloy steel frame
- Available color variants: 6
What We Like About It
VivoHome utility beach wagon is, by far, the most powerful, rugged beach wagon on the market. It is made of an all-steel alloy frame and boasts a maximum load capacity of 880 lbs. Its exceptional design is a testament to VivoHome’s meticulous workmanship.
There’s absolutely nothing that this beast cannot haul. The metallic body is fully welded, and the iron mesh is tough enough to handle grotesquely heavy loads without buckling under pressure.
The pneumatic tires deserve mention too. They are impact resistant and exceptionally elastic to traverse different terrain, including sand, soil, and rock.
What We Don’t Like
If the paint on the iron mesh chips, there’s a good chance it will start to rust. If this might bother you down the line, we recommend repainting the wagon every 2-3 years or so to keep rust at bay.
Best All-Terrain Beach Wagon: Hikenture Folding Beach Cart
Overview:
- Size: 8.66″D x 35.83″W x 14.96″H
- Weight: 20.7 lbs.
- Maximum weight capacity: 176 lbs.
- Material: Alloy steel frame
- Available color variants: 2
What We Like About It
One look at the Hikenture beach wagon, and you can tell it means business. This monster did not come to play. It is deeper and larger than most utility wagons in the market, giving you loads of room to load up your stuff. It takes a couple of seconds to set it up and fold it down, and it is surprisingly compact, so it won’t take up too much storage space.
Perhaps the most outstanding feature of this beach wagon is its all-terrain wheels. They are large, flexible, and have a spin radius of 360°, which means they can comfortably traverse sand, rock, and all kinds of rugged terrain. The ergonomic telescoping handle is a nice touch. That’s something you don’t see every day.
What We Don’t Like
The folding strap’s plastic O-ring feels flimsy, almost like it might snap if you tighten it too much. We recommend replacing it with a metallic O-ring instead.
Best Collapsible Beach Wagon: MacSports WTCB-100 Folding Beach Wagon
Overview:
- Size: 21.5″D x 31.5″W x 9.7″H
- Weight: 23.1 lbs.
- Maximum weight capacity: 150 lbs.
- Material: Steel frame and polyester
- Available color variants: 1
What We Like About It
When loading things into a utility cart, sometimes you just need to get up and go at the snap of a finger. The MacSports WTCB-100 beach wagon is one of the few utility carts that let you do just that. It is super compact and folds to a measly 9.7”. You can open it up and have it ready for use in 3.2 seconds flat—no tools or assembly required. Perfect if you’re in a hurry to leave for the beach or home.
What We Don’t Like
The wheels on the WTCB-100 are massive, which is great for the sand and other kinds of unstable terrain. It would have been great if they had a lock or latch of some kind to make it easier to fold it up again when storing it away. You have to hold it up against a wall or a stationary fixture to prevent it from rolling away as you try to slip the cover back on.
Best Beach Cart With Canopy: Best Choice Utility Beach Cart
Overview:
- Size: 44″D x 24″W x 39″H
- Weight: 24.5 lbs.
- Maximum weight capacity: 150 lbs.
- Material: Alloy steel frame and polyester
- Available color variants: 2
What We Like About It
A beach wagon with an overhead canopy? Immediately yes! The Choice utility cart is so “extra,” and we love every bit of it. That said, the canopy is as aesthetic as it is functional. It protects your cargo from the elements, sheltering them from the sun and the rain.
The beach wagon has several storage options, including a detachable pocket, two cup holders, and the main flatbed. Its sturdy, high-quality construction and water-resistant polyester covering make it one of the most durable beach wagons on the market today.
What We Don’t Like
The wheels are great and designed to cover sand and other terrain types. It would have been great to have metallic bearings instead of the plastic ones that come with the wagon. We recommend replacing them if they ever snap.
Best Multipurpose Utility Cart: Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon
Overview:
- Size: 34.3″D x 20″W x 26.4″H
- Weight: 28.9 lbs.
- Maximum weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Material: Steel frame and polyester
- Available color variants: 3
What We Like About It
The Beau Jardin folding beach wagon is an exquisite piece of expert craftsmanship. It is one of the most versatile utility carts on the market. You can haul everything from beach chairs and camping gear to groceries and firewood across all terrain. Its 300 lbs. maximum weight capacity can take it.
It is made of a heavy-duty, powder-coated, rustproof steel frame with a durable 600D, weather-resistant polyester covering. It is built to last. The telescoping handle and thick solid wheels are the cherries on the cake. If you’re looking for a multipurpose beach trolley you can use for virtually anything, the Beau Jardin is a solid choice.
What We Don’t Like
We found it a little hard to maneuver. The wheels felt a little stiff, but that should improve with continued use.
How to Choose the Best Beach Wagon: Buying Guide
Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking the best beach wagon for your beach day.
Capacity
Think about everything you need to take to the beach—towels, tents, beach chairs, umbrellas, drinks, snacks, sunscreen, toiletries, swimwear, a change of clothes, etc. The beach wagon you choose should have enough capacity to haul all your gear and leave room for anything else you might need to add. A beach wagon with a capacity of 150-300 lbs. should suffice.
Wheels
You’ll be hauling your beach wagon through sand and potentially tough terrain, depending on the route you use to get to the oceanfront. Beach wagons with wide, flexible tires that swivel 360° and ergonomic telescoping handles make steering and maneuvering easy.
Collapsibility
Unless you live right next to a beach, your utility wagon will likely be in storage for the better part of the year. You want to choose a model that collapses into a super compact profile, so you can stash it away in a closet when it’s not in use for easy storage. You also want it to be as flat as possible when fitting it into your car.
Weight
You also need to consider the weight of the wagon. If it’s too heavy, folding and unfolding it alone can be cumbersome. Anything under 40 lbs. is ideal. If you can get one under 30 lbs., even better!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—our top picks for the best beach wagons. Any of the models we’ve reviewed here will make an excellent choice for your next beach holiday.
In the meantime, check out these trendy options if you’re shopping for the best beach bag.
FAQ
What are the best brands for beach wagons?
Mac Sports Wagon, Rio Beach Brands, VivoHome, Gorilla Cart, and Hikenture are some pretty solid options. You can also check out the Veer Cruiser wagon, the Tommy Bahama, the Timber Ridge folding wagon, the Navatiee collapsible folding wagon, and the Big Kahuna beach wagon.
Are rubber or plastic wheels better for soft sand?
Beach wagons with rubber wheels perform better if you’re going on very fine and soft sand. On the other hand, if the sand is coarse, plastic wheels will work just fine. Plastic wheels don’t do well in deep sand.
Is a beach cart the same as a beach wagon?
Not exactly. Beach carts typically have two wheels, are smaller, and adopt a stand-up design. On the other hand, beach wagons tend to be larger and sturdier and have four wheels. They are designed to handle more volume and weight.