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These will save you multiple trips and carry everything you need.

We updated this article in June 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive testing done by the Good Housekeeping Institute. Our original top-rated picks remain the same.

A day at the beach is a fun activity whether you’re going for a swim, laying out in the sun or having a picnic with loved ones. However, lugging all the necessities like beach towels, sports equipment, beach umbrellas and beach chairs can be cumbersome, especially if you also have kids or pets in tow. That’s why a good beach wagon is crucial. It can save you from making multiple trips and make toting a large load much easier.

Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, our Lab experts regularly test all things needed for the ultimate beach day, like coolers to keep your food cold, swimsuit brands, body and face sunscreen, walking sandals and more, including beach wagons. When testing beach wagons, we evaluate ease of use such as setting up and cleaning. We also test how each beach wagon performs on different types of terrain such as concrete and sand. Our picks below include top performers in testing, as well as those that are highly rated and reviewed.

After our picks, stick around to read more about how we test beach wagons and what to look for when shopping for one. Here are the best beach wagons of 2022.

MacSports makes a lot of popular wagons, and this heavy-duty one is no exception. Nearly 2,500 shoppers gave it a 4.6 rating on Amazon and say, "it's great for hauling heavy loads" and that they could "enjoy the beach without the hassle." According to reviewers, the wide wheels made it easy for this wagon to glide across the sand.

The heavy-duty frame can hold up to 150 pounds, and according to brand claims, the fabric is mildew and UV resistant. There are two cupholders for drinks. And when you're done using the wagon, it folds up to only 9.7 inches thick and comes with a carry bag for storage.

• Dimensions: 21.5"D x 31.5"W x 17"H • Wagon weight: 23.1 Pounds • Weight capacity: 150 pounds

This beach wagon from Whitsunday has over 1,400 reviews and a 4.7 rating on Amazon and costs a fraction of the price of other wagons. It has a 3.5 cubic-foot capacity and can handle a load up to 120 pounds.

The handle is adjustable, and the wheels swivel 360 degrees to allow for easy maneuvering. Reviewers give this wagon high praises for its easy assembly and use, though some say it's heavy.

• Dimensions: 27.5"D x 18.5"W x 19"H • Wagon weight: 19 pounds • Weight capacity: 120 pounds

If you bring a lot of stuff to the beach and need a spacious cart, this one has a 7-cubic-foot capacity, which is two times larger than most beach wagons. Expandable side storage pockets can hold items like magazines and sunscreen, and the side slots are perfect for holding foam noodles.

It has all-terrain wheels which allow you to easily guide it over many surfaces such as sand, gravel and grass. It's also collapsible for easy storage. In fact, many reviewers were surprised by how small it folds up for how much it can hold.

• Dimensions: 36"D x 21"W x 15"H • Wagon weight: 13.5 pounds • Weight capacity: n/a

When we tested this beach wagon, our Lab experts found it's an excellent choice for kids since it's compatible with an infant car seat (adapters are required), can seat up to four children (!) and features reclining seats if your little one needs a rest. It also has two large canopies that easily cover both sides for sun protection.

A cup holder and a storage container for small items, like keys, are attached to the handle for easy access, and a storage basket can be clipped onto the end of the wagon. We also loved that it folded relatively flat making it easy to transport and store.

• Dimensions: 41"W x 30" H x 22.5"D • Wagon weight: 41 pounds • Weight Capacity: 25o pounds

This Radio Flyer wagon can be used as a traditional wagon to haul all your beach gear, or as a two-seater for children. Plus, the side panel can be zipped down to turn it into a bench. It has extra-wide wheels for stability and easier navigation through the sand. When our Lab experts tested this, we liked that the zipped panels made it easy for kids to climb in and out.

Though we liked this wagon overall, there were a few downsides. If you have kids in the wagon, there's not a lot of room to store anything else. Also, it has seatbelts rather than a full harness like some other models.

• Dimensions: 47.60" L x 24.40" W x 38.40" H • Wagon weight: 32 pounds • Weight capacity: 150 pounds

This wagon great if you have children because you can attach a car seat to it. Additionally, it looks stylish and comes in a variety of fun prints and colors. During testing, we were impressed with the durability and how easily it could traverse varied terrains. One thing to note: this beach wagon is heavier than some others we tested.

• Dimensions: 37″ L x 20″ W x 25″ H • Wagon weight: 32.5 pounds • Weight capacity: 118 pounds

Unlike other wagons that you have to drag through the sand because the wheels get stuck, this wagon has 4-inch wide wheels which help roll over the sand with ease instead of getting bogged down in it. One frequent beach-goer was extremely pleased with their purchase saying, "It is sturdy, the wide wheels are easy to pull in the sand and the steering is also easy as well."

This wagon has over 2,700 reviews and a 4.6 rating on Amazon. The frame is made of steel, and the fabric is 600 denier polyester for extra durability. The fabric is also removable so it can be easily washed. Just keep in mind: once it's folded up it, won't stand on its own since the wheels don't have any brakes.

• Dimensions: 34.3"D x 20"W x 26.4"H • Wagon weight: 30 pounds • Weight capacity: 300 pounds

This beach cart can hold all the beach essentials such as a 48-quart cooler, four beach chairs, towels and more. It has a side umbrella holder and a detachable tote with a shoulder strap for extra storage.

The beach cart has over 3,300 glowing five-star reviews, with one reviewer saying that it's "perfect for hauling chairs, umbrellas, toys, towels, coolers, etc. The big wheels glide smoothly over the sand, even when loaded down with stuff!" It does require some assembly, though most reviewers say the process is fairly easy.

• Dimensions: 26"D x 34.25"W x 41.5"H • Wagon weight: 19 pounds • Weight capacity: 100 pounds

If you carry a lot of stuff to the beach, this double-decker wagon not only has an open compartment but a lower shelf as well. The lower shelf can hold bigger items that won't fit in normal wagons like umbrellas and canopies.

It has a heavy-duty frame that can hold up to 150 pounds, so it can be sturdy even with a heavy load. It has over 2,000 reviews and a 4.7 rating, and many reviewers also find this wagon handy for their kids' sporting events, grocery shopping and pets.

• Dimensions: 40.1"D x 20.1"W x 27.9"H • Wagon weight: 26 pounds • Weight capacity: 150 pounds

With this combo, you get a beach cart to haul your belongings and a folding lounge chair in one, which means there's no need to carry a separate chair for yourself to the beach. The cart has a 3.9-cubic-foot capacity so it can hold a ton of stuff, like a small cooler, towels and other beach items.

It has over 1,100 excellent five-star reviews, and shoppers say over and over that the chair is extremely comfortable. However, the cart and chair combo makes it bulkier than others when folded.

• Dimensions: 18. 9"L x 18. 9"W x 18. 9"H (cart), 63"L x 30. 3" W x 23. 62"H (lounger) • Wagon weight: 21 pounds • Weight capacity: 100 pounds (cart), 225 pounds (lounger)

When testing beach wagons, we evaluate how easy they are to set up, maneuver, clean, adjust and open and collapse.

We also assess performance, testing them to see if they can handle different types of terrain, while also considering each wagon's weight capacity and storage space.

When shopping for a beach wagon, look for what suits your specific needs, whether it's a large capacity or one that allows you to attach a car seat. Other factors can make the beach wagon easier to use and a more enjoyable experience. Here's what to look for:

✔️ Collapsibility: These types of wagons are often easier to store since they fold up compactly. If you're taking your wagon in and out of your car, a collapsible wagon is preferable so it fits easily in the trunk and is easier to transport.

✔️ Lightweight vs. durable: Often you're sacrificing one for the other when it comes to weight and durability, but ideally you want one that is the right balance of both for your purposes. If you find yourself having to carry the wagon a lot, consider a lighter wagon. If you tend to wheel around a heavier load, you'll want something more durable.

✔️ Maneuverability: Look for wheels that are large, as they make it easier to navigate different types of terrain. Larger wheels also make it easier to roll over sand without getting stuck.

✔️ Extra storage space: If you have a lot of smaller items, consider a beach wagon that has side slots, additional baskets, cup holders or pockets. Look for pockets made out of mesh so that sand and rocks can filter out through the material.

✔️ Weight capacity: Beach wagons have varying weights that they can handle, so check the weight capacity to make sure it can easily handle your belongings, pets and kids.

Rachel Rothamn is the Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director and has been testing juvenile products for nearly 15 years. She has served on several ASTM committees for helping with industry standards. She has three toddlers who actively support her in her testing pursuits in this space.

Lexie Sachs is the executive director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in fiber science from Cornell University and more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry, including merchandising and product development for home products and fashion.