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Summer will be here before you know it and there’s a host of products to add to your shopping cart before you hit the beach.
Today, we’re giving all the love and attention to beach carts — from classic models like the timeless Radio Flyer Beach & Boardwalk Wagon to more modern transportation mechanisms like the Larktale Coupe V2 Wagon Stroller.
We know what you’re thinking: If I’m only going to the beach for a day trip, why do I need a larger-than-life cart? Well, here’s why.
Those beach days add up, and you need a centralized wheeler to carry your beach chairs, a quality umbrella and some odds and ends (like bikinis, oversized sunglasses and cover-ups). Maybe grab a cooler too!
With a quick add-to-cart action, you’ll be thanking yourself for this practical, convenience-bringing essential that everyone will be asking about.
Best Beach Wagon for Kids: Larktale Coupe V2 Wagon Stroller
LarktaleThe Caravan coupe is perfect for larger families. This spacious model fits up to four riders and collapses to fit in a standard-sized sedan trunk. Each seat reclines and offers adjustable harnesses for added safety. I appreciate the storage options in this cart — you can choose from the storage basket, handlebar console, and storage console for use inside or outside the wagon, on top of a convenient self-leveling cup holder and interior pockets to stash toys. Despite the generous size, the caravan was rather easy for me to construct. Everything clicks into place easily, and set-up shouldn’t take much more than 20 minutes.
Dimensions: 9.5 x 30 x 42.5 inches
Best Budget-Friendly Wagon: WHITSUNDAY Collapsible Folding Utility Wagon
This wagon may be compact in size, but it can hold a load capacity of 120 pounds. Look forward to an adjustable handle and durable rubber wheels.
Dimensions: 29.1 x 18.5 x 35.8 inches
Best Folding Beach Wagon: FDW Collapsible Folding Wagon Garden Cart All-Terrain Wheels Garden Grocery Wagon
AmazonWe love this find because of its do-it-all superpowers (which serve well for gardening). Trust us, you’ll want to add it to your cart for less than $80. The best part about this wagon? According to the reviews, it only takes minutes to have it all set up.
Dimensions: 29.5 x 17.9 x 18.5 inches
Best Beach Cart for Sand: Strolee Beach Compact Folding Cart
No matter what terrain you’re pushing this through it’ll be able to handle it thanks to the oversized front and back wheels. It even comes with multiple storage compartments and side holders to securely hold your drinks, towels, and more.
Dimensions: 33 x 27 x 41 inches
Best Beach Wagon with Balloon Wheels: RollX Big Balloon Wheel Beach Cart
If you’re in the market for a compact beach cart, RollX’s Big Balloon Wheel Beach Cart is your best bet. While this one features a slim build, the deep pouch still allows for ample storage. Though affixed with an oversized wheel, it’s the perfect wheel-around tool for beach trips and vacations.
Dimensions: 37 x 41.9 x 37.8 inches
Best Compact Beach Cart: Tommy Bahama the Wonder Wheeler
I recommend the Wonder Wheeler for Tommy Bahama for a more compact option. Although I wouldn’t suggest using this to stow your kiddo, the Wonder Wheeler is ideal for groceries, toys, and more beach materials. A removable tote provides easy access to all the essentials and can easily be used as a picnic bag. While this cart comes in a smaller package, it’s still exceptionally sturdy. The thick puncture-resistant wheels on this cart help it trek easily through a variety of rough terrains.
Dimensions: 26 x 11.5 x 30.5 inches
Best Covered Wagon: Radio Flyer Beach & Boardwalk Wagon
AmazonRadio Flyer is the true OG when it comes to wagons and carts. The stylish, timeless firetruck red shade brings me right back to my childhood beach days. While the classic appeal is certainly a selling point, I also appreciate the design. All the details are made to make your beach days more comfortable: the rear storage bar can hold up to two beach chairs, the wagon is easily collapsible, and side zippers can be undone to transform this wagon from hauling mode to bench seating.
Dimensions: 47.6 x 24.4 x 38.4 inches
Best Classic Beach Wagon: Radio Flyer All-Terrain Cargo Wagon
Meet my very first wagon from Radio Flyer. I spent many days reclining in this little wagon, with few complaints. The extra-large body provides an ample amount of room, and a controlled turning radius prevents tipping. While the wood material is not the most comfortable for sitting, it is impressively strong and surprisingly lightweight. The removable wood side panels also make this wagon perfect for gardening (my mom can attest). For a classic option, go with Radio Flyer.
Dimensions: 44 x 20.5 x 21 inches
How we tested
There are a few things to consider when finding the right beach wagon or cart. For this review, I took into consideration the ease of assembly, durability of the material, and overall functionality of each cart. My 11-month-old daughter also took a few of these wagons for a test ride.
- Assembly: Beach carts typically require some assembly (however, it’s unlikely to need tools.) Since these are larger items, many arrived with the wheels, poles, and storage pouches detached. I set up each of these beach carts in my small living room, using the directions and a few youtube videos as a guide. I’ve taken notes on which of these wagons required a bit more patience and others that popped into place pretty quickly.
- Durability: Beach carts are constructed with a variety of materials — sometimes plastic, sometimes mesh, sometimes wood, and sometimes metal. Typically, some combination of these is used. In addition to observing the thickness and heaviness of each material, I also tested out how easy it was to wipe clean (an important feature for parents of little ones). In terms of durability, the structure of the wheels is also key. I looked for puncture-resistant wheels that could easily glide and roll over a variety of terrains.
- Functionality: For a beach cart or wagon to be functional, good storage is key. I’ve tested out the size and security of different punches, cup holders, and detachable totes to ascertain which carts would be best for stowing goods and transporting them on your beach days. In addition to storage, I also made note of how easily these carts are to pull, how comfortable the handles are, and how much weight they can support.
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.
