Roll up in style and comfort with these tested beach wagons.

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Travel + Leisure

While we love a trendy tote or sling bag for a day at the beach, if you have more than a few items (or are hauling children and pets) you’ll need something more robust, with higher volume, and that isn’t miserable to drag around. A good beach wagon can hold a full day’s worth of food, umbrellas, beach chairs, towels, and other beach essentials, and is more comfortable to use than a heavy bag. The best beach wagons are spacious, easy to maneuver, can roll on sand, grass, and pavement, and will hold up to multiple seasons of heavy use.

We tested every one of these beach wagons on multiple outings, choosing the best options for ease of set up, durability, and smooth rolling on rugged beach terrains. We wanted options that stored nicely, were kid- and pet-friendly, and were convenient and reliable choices for our own trips to the beach.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon at Amazon $140 Jump to Review Best Collapsible: RANGLAND Beach Wagon at Amazon $249 Jump to Review Best All-terrain: Bob Gear Renegade Wagon at Amazon $450 Jump to Review Easiest Setup: Whitsunday Collapsible Folding Cart at Amazon $70 Jump to Review Most Versatile: Navatiee Collapsible Folding Wagon at Amazon $80 Jump to Review Most Spacious: Moon Lence Collapsible Outdoor Utility Wagon at Amazon $100 Jump to Review Best Stroller Wagon: Veer All-Terrain Cruiser XL at Amazon $799 Jump to Review Best Value: SALE Timber Ridge Collapsible Wagon at Amazon $90 $75 Jump to Review Best Sand-resistant: Gregory Alpaca Gear Wagon at REI $250 Jump to Review

Best Overall

Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon

Credit: Amazon $140 at Amazon $143 at Wayfair Why We Love It

• This excellent beach wagon folds open and closed effortlessly with no assembly required.

What to Consider

• A canopy for shade would make this wagon even better.

This great all-around beach wagon made our beach days so much easier from start to finish. We folded it up and loaded it into the car with little effort, then unfolded it in the parking lot once we arrived. We were able to load it with all of our essentials—beach towels, snacks, sunscreen, and even a small cooler—and pull it straight across the sand to our spot without any issues. 

The wheels handled sand well, and the wagon felt sturdy even when packed full. When it was time to leave, we simply reversed the process: pulled it back to the car, unloaded it, folded it closed, and were on our way in minutes. We didn’t have to fumble with any tools or complicated mechanisms, which made a big difference at the end of a long day. For a no-fuss, reliable beach wagon that just works, this is a clear winner.

The Details: 40.6 x 20.5 x 43.3 inches | 25.29 pounds | 500-pound weight capacity | Polyester and steel

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Best Collapsible

RANGLAND Beach Wagon

Credit: Amazon $249 $214 at Amazon View on Rangland.com View on Encased.com Why We Love It

• This wagon folds down compactly and effortlessly, and pops back up just as easily—ideal if you have limited storage space.

What to Consider

• It lacks pockets or compartments for organizing smaller essentials.

I brought this beach wagon with me to Santa Monica on a recent outing with my family and a few of my kids’ school friends (our first beach day since fallout from the fires shut down much of the Pacific Coast Highway). The wagon set up instantly—no tools, no wrestling. Just unfold, drop in the liner, and it’s ready to go. It easily handled our towels, snacks, sunscreens, a football, water bottles, and other gear. And, while pulling through deep sand is never effortless, it rolled smoothly on pavement and boardwalks. Afterward, it collapsed right back into its original form without a fight, which is key when you have limited garage space like I do.

The Details: 35 x 18 x 13 inches | 220-pound weight capacity | Steel and nylon

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Best All-terrain

Bob Gear Renegade Wagon

Credit: Bob Gear $450 at Amazon $650 at REI $650 at Nordstrom Why We Love It

• This high-quality wagon has smart, kid-friendly features like canopies and a snack tray.

What to Consider

• We found it doesn't roll as well over soft sand, so consider your usage.

We tested this wagon both at home and during a long holiday weekend in Maine, and it quickly became a family favorite. We wheeled two kids around in it over gravel, pavement, and packed sand with ease. Setup was much simpler than expected—despite arriving in a big box, it only took a few minutes to assemble thanks to the clear instructions. Once together, everything from the adjustable safety straps to the dual canopies and handle worked smoothly.

It’s clearly designed with kids in mind, with thoughtful touches like a removable snack tray and plenty of seating space. That said, it did struggle a bit on softer sand, so if you're headed to a beach with really loose terrain, that’s something to keep in mind. Still, it feels incredibly well-built and gets nonstop compliments for how sleek and sturdy it is.

The Details: 49.62 x 28.61 x 38.58 inches | 42 pounds | 165-pound weight capacity | Aluminum and fabric

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Easiest Setup

Whitsunday Collapsible Folding Cart

Credit: Amazon $70 at Amazon View on Whitsundayshop.com Why We Love It

• This wagon is compact, lightweight, and ready to use with no setup required.

What to Consider

• Its smaller wheels make it harder to pull through deep sand.

This no-fuss beach wagon came ready to use right out of the box—no assembly required. We loved how lightweight and compact it was when folded, making it easy to store in the car or tuck away at home. While the overall size is a bit smaller than some other models we tested, it still fit all our beach essentials and held up well across pavement, grass, and sand. It struggled a bit on softer sand, but the durable frame and tear-resistant fabric gave us confidence it would last for many seasons to come. At this price point, it’s an excellent value for families who want a reliable wagon without the bulk.

The Details: 29.1 x 18.5 x 35.8 inches | 18.36 pounds | 300-pound weight capacity | Polyester and steel

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Most Versatile

Navatiee Collapsible Folding Wagon

Credit: Amazon $80 $70 at Amazon View on Walmart Why We Love It

• This wagon is spacious and strong enough to handle heavy loads on multiple terrains.

What to Consider

• The fixed back wheels can make maneuvering a bit awkward in tight spots.

This large-capacity beach wagon is ideal for families or anyone hauling a lot of gear. It folds down compactly for easy transport and storage, and once assembled, it impressed us with its sturdy canvas basket and strong metal frame. The setup was quick, though a slight hiccup with mismatched tire shapes (square versus round poles) made assembly briefly confusing.

On the beach, it handled pavement, grass, and sand with ease, but we did notice that the non-rotating back wheels made turning a little tricky. Still, the wagon’s generous size and durable construction make it a great value for the price—and useful beyond just beach days.

The Details: 32.7 x 18.1 x 20.9 inches | 20 pounds | 220-pound weight capacity | Oxford and alloy steel

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Most Spacious

Moon Lence Collapsible Outdoor Utility Wagon

Credit: Amazon $100 at Amazon View on Walmart Why We Love It

• This wagon glides easily over sand and gravel with a smooth, sturdy feel.

What to Consider

• It's slightly bulky when folded, compared to more compact models.

This beach wagon earned high marks for performance, especially when it came to hauling gear across tough terrain. We pulled it through a gravel parking lot, over a sandy walkway, and across 100 feet of beach—and it handled it all smoothly. It came ready to use right out of the box with no assembly required, and the sturdy handle made it easy to steer and control—even when packed full with tons of beach gear.

The frame, wheels, and fabric all felt solid and well-constructed, and the fold-up design made it easy to transport and store in the back of a truck. For the size, quality, convenience, and durability, this wagon delivers great value.

The Details: 36.6 x 22.4 x 15.3 inches | 30.7 pounds | 220-pound weight capacity | Oxford and steel

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Best Stroller Wagon

Veer All-Terrain Cruiser XL

Credit: Amazon $799 at Amazon View on REI View on Goveer.com Why We Love It

• Built-in toddler seats, smooth wheels, and premium construction make this the ultimate family wagon.

What to Consider

• This wagon is heavy and bulky, which makes lifting or transporting in smaller cars more challenging.

Calling this wagon a beach hauler doesn’t do it justice—it’s more like a luxury stroller, utility cart, and family vehicle all in one. Built with sturdy metal, ventilated mesh panels, and thoughtful kid-focused details like harnessed seats and an infant carrier attachment, this wagon handled playgrounds, parks, and the beach with ease.

The smooth-rolling wheels and T-shaped handle made for an incredibly stable ride, and the entire setup felt engineered to last for years (and generations) of use. Yes, it’s heavy, but for families who walk frequently or want an all-in-one stroller alternative, this is the investment wagon to beat.

The Details:  37 x 23 x 20 inches | 36.7 pounds | 220-pound weight capacity | Aluminum, polyester, and cotton

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Best Value

Timber Ridge Collapsible Wagon

Credit: Amazon $90 $75 at Amazon View on Walmart Why We Love It

• This wagon is easy to maneuver, fold, and clean—all for a great price.

What to Consider

• It's not specifically designed for use on sand, so pulling through soft beach terrain takes extra effort.

This lightweight, yet durable, beach wagon impressed us with how easy it was to set up, fold, clean, and store—all at a reasonable price point. We used it daily on a family vacation to Myrtle Beach, hauling everything from beach toys and towels to snacks and a diaper bag (and even a toddler, who loved the ride).

It handled a wide variety of surfaces with ease, from carpeted hotel hallways to pavement, wooden boardwalks, and soft sand. With smooth-rolling 360-degree front wheels, an adjustable handle, and a sturdy steel frame, it felt far more premium than the price tag suggests.

The Details: 35.5 x 21.5 x 18.5 inches | 21 pounds | 225-pound weight capacity | Alloy steel and fabric

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Best Sand-resistant

Gregory Alpaca Gear Wagon

Credit: Gregory $250 at REI $250 at Backcountry View on Gregory.com Why We Love It

• This wagon is stylish and well-built, with a unique rain/sand cover for added protection.

What to Consider

• It's heavier than most, and can be tricky to maneuver over uneven surfaces.

This sleek matte black wagon is a standout for anyone who wants a more elevated look without sacrificing utility. During testing, we loaded it up with heavy gardening gear—including mulch, plants, and tools—and it handled the weight with ease. For beach days, we loved the thoughtful rain/sand cover with its own storage pocket, which makes this wagon especially great for sandy locations and unpredictable weather. The wagon also has a mesh bottom for sand to pass through, so you don't drag any home (or into your car.)

While it’s more expensive than many models, the design-forward aesthetic and smart details help justify the price. The tri-fold base also adds stability, and while the included polyester storage bag is a nice touch, it’s a bit too bulky to use regularly.

The Details:  38.6 x 23.2 x 20.9 inches | 28.75 pounds | 250-pound weight capacity | Powder-coated alloy and blended recycled polyester

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Other Beach Wagons We Liked

The following beach wagons didn't make our list of favorites, but have some special features that may meet the needs of some travelers.

Gorilla Carts Heavy Duty Poly Utility Dump Wagon: This heavy-duty beach wagon handled sand like a pro and carried everything with ease—but it’s bulky, and a hassle to assemble without the right tools.

Tommy Bahama Wonder Wheeler: This beach wagon rolled smoothly over sand, grass, and mud with ease. But it’s not ideal for families with toddlers since it can’t be used as a stroller.

Travel + Leisure

Our Testing Process

To determine the best beach wagons, we tested a variety of models both in our New York City lab and on beaches across the country. We evaluated each wagon for ease of assembly (or readiness right out of the box), overall durability, maneuverability across a variety of outdoor surfaces—including pavement, gravel, grass, and sand—and how well it accommodated beach essentials like towels, umbrellas, coolers, chairs, snacks, and even young children.

We planned full beach days for each wagon and packed them accordingly. Throughout the process, we assessed how easy each model was to steer, fold down, clean, and store, while also noting any signs of wear, damage, or performance issues over time. We also considered thoughtful features like built-in storage compartments, harness systems, water resistance, and how compactly each wagon folded for transport and storage.

Travel + Leisure

Tips for Buying a Beach Wagon

Consider the weight capacity

If you’re just hauling towels and sunscreen, any wagon might do. But when you’re loading up heavier gear—like a full-size cooler, shade tent, or even kids and pets—weight capacity becomes a huge factor. If you have a lot of gear to haul, you might appreciate the peace of mind that comes with a sturdy steel frame and oversized wheels. On the flip side, you don’t want to end up with a wagon that sags or feels unstable when filled to the brim. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s specs before you buy—and err on the side of more capacity than you think you’ll need.

Think about terrain

A wagon that works great on pavement might not be so great in deep sand. Many carts that handle beautifully on sidewalks instantly get bogged down when you hit the beach. For sand, look for wagons with large, treaded wheels that are specifically designed for loose or uneven terrain. It makes a huge difference when you’re pushing through—especially with kids in tow or a big group waiting in the sun for you to show up with all the gear.

Opt for stroller wagons or seated styles for travels with kids or pets

If you’re bringing kids (or even a small dog), a traditional beach wagon might not cut it; stroller-style wagons with built-in seating, harnesses, and sun canopies are a game-changer for family beach days. If you have young kids who need a ride, choose models designed with passengers in mind. Look for options that meet stroller safety standards and have the features you’d want in a traditional stroller—like storage pockets, cupholders, and smooth steering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Alesandra Dubin is a travel and lifestyle writer and professional product reviewer, who frequently hits the beach in her hometown of Los Angeles, especially Santa Monica and Malibu. And because she’s often making a day of it with her kids, she doesn’t pack light—which can make for a challenging haul from the parking lot to the shoreline. For this story, she coupled her own experience testing beach wagons with T+L testing results to compile a thorough list of the best options.

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