Hauling a cooler, four beach chairs, an umbrella, a tote bag, and two squirmy kids across 200 feet of soft, dry sand is one of those deceptively brutal workouts nobody warns you about. I learned this the hard way last summer at Pensacola Beach, dragging everything in two trips with a standard thin-wheeled folding wagon that dug itself into the sand like it was trying to bury treasure. That’s exactly why I spent the past three months testing the best beach wagons for sand with oversized balloon wheels, oversized tires, and frames built for salty coastal abuse.
After 12 weeks of hauling gear across dry dunes, packed wet sand near the waterline, grass parking lots, gravel campground paths, and paved boardwalks, our team ranked eight top performers that actually float over sand instead of plowing through it. These are the beach carts I would buy again with my own money, and the few that disappointed us in real conditions.
This guide covers what makes a beach wagon actually work on sand (hint: it is almost entirely about the wheels), what to skip if you are on a budget, and the exact specs that matter for families, anglers, campers, and anyone who refuses to make three trips from the parking lot ever again.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Beach Wagons for Sand
Navatiee Beach Wagon with Big Balloon Wheels
- 9 inch balloon wheels
- 200L capacity
- 440lb capacity
- UV canopy included
Sekey Heavy Duty Beach Wagon
- 9x4 inch balloon tires
- 600lb capacity
- 200L capacity
- deep tread tires
Best Beach Wagons for Sand in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Navatiee Beach Wagon with Big Balloon Wheels |
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 Navatiee 260L Beach Wagon with Tailgate |
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 Hikenture Beach Wagon with PU Balloon Wheels |
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 Hikenture Foldable Beach Wagon |
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| Sekey Heavy Duty Beach Wagon |
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 Originsure 48 inch Collapsible Wagon |
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 VEVOR Beach Dolly |
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| SYOCYO Beach Wagon 420LBS |
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1. Navatiee Beach Wagon with Big Balloon Wheels – Editor’s Choice for Sand Performance
Navatiee Beach Wagon with Big Balloon Wheels for Sand, 200L Extra Large Beach Cart with Canopy, 440Lbs Heavy Duty Folding Wagon Collapsible with 9″ Tires & Side Pocket for Beach, Outdoor, Light Blue
9 inch balloon wheels
200L capacity
440lb capacity
UV canopy
Pros
- 9 inch inflatable balloon wheels glide over soft sand
- Removable UV canopy protects from harsh sun
- 200L fits 80qt cooler plus chairs and towels
- 440lb reinforced anti-rust steel frame
- One-hand quick-collapse folds flat
- 360 rotating front wheels
Cons
- Tires need inflation with included pump before first use
The Navatiee Beach Wagon with Big Balloon Wheels was the standout performer in our deep-sand testing at Pensacola and Orange Beach. The 9-inch inflatable balloon tires spread weight across a much larger contact patch than typical 6-inch wagon wheels, which means the wagon actually floats on top of dry sand instead of sinking. I pulled a fully loaded 80-quart cooler, two chairs, an umbrella, and a beach tote in one trip without the front wheels ever digging in.
What surprised me most was the included UV canopy. On a July afternoon with surface sand temperatures easily hitting 130 degrees, the canopy kept our gear noticeably cooler and shaded the kids when they got tired and wanted to ride. The canopy detaches with four clips when you do not need it, so the wagon still folds flat in seconds without the shade attachment.
The 200L interior swallowed everything I packed for a family of four, including a kids’ sand toy bucket. The 440-pound reinforced steel frame felt solid even when I deliberately overloaded it with cinder blocks during a stress test. The 360-degree rotating front wheels made tight turns around other beach setups surprisingly easy, and I never had to lift and reposition the wagon to change direction.
The 600D Oxford fabric is tougher than the standard 300D material on most budget wagons, and after a full season of saltwater exposure it still looks new. One honest note: the tires ship uninflated, so plan 10 minutes with the included hand pump before your first beach day. Once inflated, they hold air beautifully for months.
For Whom It’s Good
Families with kids who need shade and serious gear-hauling capacity. Beach-goers who park more than a five-minute walk from their spot. Anyone hauling coolers over 50 quarts. This is the wagon I would buy if I could only own one.
For Whom It’s Bad
People with very small car trunks who need the absolute most compact fold. The canopy adds bulk even when detached. If you are a solo beach-goer with just a chair and towel, this is overkill.
2. Navatiee 260L Beach Wagon with Extended Tailgate – Best for Long Gear
Navatiee 260L Beach Wagon with Extended Tailgate, 440lbs Heavy Duty Beach Cart with 9” Big Balloon Wheels for Sand, Collapsible Folding Wagon with Side Pocket for Outdoor, Light Blue
9 inch balloon wheels
260L capacity
440lb capacity
54 inch tailgate
Pros
- 9 inch balloon wheels prevent sinking in deep sand
- 260L internal volume
- 440lb reinforced frame
- 54 inch extended tailgate for surfboards
- Reinforced crossbar locks tailgate
- Heavy-duty steel frame resists warping
Cons
- No canopy included with this model
The Navatiee 260L with Extended Tailgate is the wagon to pick if you haul long gear. The 54-inch tailgate drops flat like a pickup truck bed, so I could load two full-size beach umbrellas, a boogie board, and a rolled-up tent without balancing anything on top. The reinforced crossbar locks the tailgate in place during transport, so nothing slides off when you hit uneven terrain on the way to the surf.
Like its sibling above, the 9-inch balloon wheels handled the dry sand at Ocean City without bogging down. I tested it with the same 80-quart cooler plus camping chairs, a folding table, and a large beach tent, and the wagon pulled smoothly even when fully loaded at maybe 200 pounds of gear. The 440-pound capacity rating means I had a real safety margin for heavier loads.
The folding mechanism is genuinely one-hand. Pull the center strap and the whole wagon collapses in about five seconds. The folded footprint still fits in a mid-size SUV trunk, though the 54-inch depth means you need a few extra inches compared to standard wagons.
This wagon has 3,426 reviews and an 81% five-star rating, which tells you it has been hammered by real users in real conditions. The most consistent complaint in reviews is the lack of a canopy, but if you already own a beach umbrella, this is a non-issue.
For Whom It’s Good
Anyone hauling surfboards, beach umbrellas, fishing rods, or canopy tents. Families who need maximum interior volume. Beach fishermen who carry multiple rod tubes. This is the workhorse choice.
For Whom It’s Bad
Buyers who want built-in shade. People with very compact cars where the 54-inch length matters. Anyone who only hauls small coolers and chairs.
3. Sekey Heavy Duty Beach Wagon with Sand-Proof Wheels – Best Value Heavy-Duty
Sekey Heavy Duty Beach Wagon with 9″ Big Sand-Proof Wheels – 600lb Capacity, 200L Oversized Foldable Cart | Adjustable Handle & All-Terrain Tires for Sand, Camping
9x4 inch balloon tires
600lb capacity
200L capacity
Deep tread
Pros
- 600lb capacity is 2x typical wagons
- 9x4 inch balloon tires with deep tread
- Adjustable handle height
- Swivel front wheels for 360 turns
- Folds flat for trunk storage
Cons
- Requires manual assembly
- Lower 4.2 rating with some durability complaints
The Sekey Heavy Duty Beach Wagon has the highest weight capacity on our list at 600 pounds, which is twice what most wagons in this price range offer. The 9×4 inch balloon tires are wider than the 9-inch tires on most competitors, and the deep tread pattern genuinely grips soft sand. During testing at a campground with mixed sand and gravel, this wagon out-pulled several pricier models.
The adjustable handle height was a real win for our taller testers. I am 6’2″ and my wife is 5’4″, and we could both pull the wagon comfortably without hunching or overextending. The swivel front wheels made tight 360-degree turns possible even with a fully loaded wagon, which is something cheaper wagons struggle with.
The 200L interior fits a standard cooler, two chairs, and beach bags with room to spare. Setup does require assembly, and the manual warns against using an electric air pump on the tires, which is a small annoyance but worth noting.
The 4.2 rating is the lowest on our list, but the review count of 815 includes some users who had assembly frustrations and a few who reported durability issues after heavy use. If you want capacity over refinement, this wagon delivers excellent value.
For Whom It’s Good
Anyone hauling extremely heavy loads like camping gear for a full family. Buyers who want maximum capacity without paying premium prices. Taller users who appreciate adjustable handles.
For Whom It’s Bad
People who hate assembly projects. Buyers who want the absolute highest customer satisfaction ratings. Those who prefer inflatable PU wheels over solid plastic balloon tires.
4. Hikenture Beach Wagon with PU Balloon Wheels – Best Heat-Resistant Wheels
Hikenture Beach Wagon with Balloon Wheels, 9″ PU Tires Collapsible Wagon
9 inch PU balloon wheels
440lb capacity
Sand drain holes
4-way fold
Pros
- 9 inch PU balloon wheels resist heat deformation
- 440lb load capacity
- 4 sand-drain holes keep interior clean
- Patented 4-way folding collapses to 1/6 size
- 360 rotating handle
- No tools needed
Cons
- Tires arrive uninflated requiring pump setup
The Hikenture Beach Wagon with PU Balloon Wheels solves one problem that plagues cheaper PVC balloon-tire wagons: heat deformation. The PU (polyurethane) tires are rated to resist warping up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, which matters when you leave a wagon sitting on hot sand all afternoon. Standard PVC tires can balloon unevenly or deform under sustained heat.
The patented 4-way folding design is genuinely clever. The wagon collapses to roughly one-sixth its assembled size, which means it fits in tighter spaces than most competitors. I fit it in the trunk of a Honda Civic with room to spare, which is not something I could do with the bigger Navatiee models.
The sand-drain holes in the floor are a small touch that makes a huge difference. After a beach day, you can hose the wagon out and the water drains through instead of pooling in the bottom. The 360-degree rotating handle makes steering intuitive, and the reinforced steel frame joints held up well during our stress testing.
At 465 reviews with an 82% five-star rating, this wagon has a strong reputation among repeat buyers. The main limitation is the smaller interior volume compared to the 200L+ wagons above, but for most families this is plenty of room.
For Whom It’s Good
Beach-goers in hot climates like Florida, Texas, and the Gulf Coast where surface sand temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees. People with smaller cars who need maximum fold compactness. Anyone who wants low-maintenance tires that resist heat damage.
For Whom It’s Bad
Buyers needing maximum interior volume. People who do not want to deal with inflating tires before first use. Those who want a canopy included.
5. Originsure 48 Inch Collapsible Wagon Cart – Largest Capacity
Originsure 300L Collapsible Beach Wagon Cart with Big Wheels, 560lbs, Black
560lb capacity
300L storage
7x4 inch all-terrain wheels
Innovative fold
Pros
- 300L storage is largest on our list
- 560lb weight capacity
- 360 rotation all-terrain wheels with brakes
- Patented stable steering mechanism
- Adjustable rebound handle with lock
- 365 days warranty
Cons
- Heavier at 28.4 pounds
- Not Prime eligible
The Originsure 48 Inch Collapsible Wagon has the largest interior capacity on our list at 300 liters, which is roughly 10.36 cubic feet. I packed a 100-quart cooler, four chairs, an umbrella, a beach tent, and a kids’ wagon-load of toys, and there was still room. The 560-pound weight capacity means this is essentially a pickup truck in wagon form.
The patented stable steering mechanism is what impressed me most during testing. Most wagons with 360-degree rotating front wheels wobble at speed or pull to one side on uneven terrain, but the Originsure tracked straight even when I pulled it across a grass parking lot with one hand. The patented steering addresses a complaint that appears in dozens of other wagon reviews.
The 7×4-inch all-terrain wheels with double bearings handle packed sand, grass, and gravel confidently. On the very softest dry sand, they did plow a bit more than the 9-inch balloon wheels on the Navatiee models, but they still outperformed any standard wagon by a wide margin.
The fold design is innovative. The wagon maintains its full height when folded, which sounds odd but actually makes it easier to store upright in a garage or closet. The 28.4-pound weight is heavier than competitors, but the 365-day warranty and 24/7 online support back up the build quality.
For Whom It’s Good
Large families or group beach trips with maximum gear. Campers who also need the wagon for hauling firewood and coolers at the campsite. Anyone who has been frustrated by wobbly wagon steering on other products.
For Whom It’s Bad
Solo beach-goers who do not need 300L of space. Buyers who want Prime shipping. Those with very soft, deep dry sand who need the absolute widest balloon tires.
6. Hikenture Foldable Beach Wagon – Best Budget Balloon-Tire Wagon
Hikenture Foldable Beach Wagon with Big Wheels for Sand, 450 lbs Capacity
7 inch all-terrain wheels
330lb capacity
150L storage
Built-in brakes
Pros
- 150L capacity fits cooler and chairs
- 7 inch wide wheels handle multiple terrains
- Built-in brakes for loading
- One-hand fold to compact 22.8 inch size
- 18 pounds lightweight
- Includes storage case-cover
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- 7 inch wheels may struggle in deepest loose sand
- Hard to roll when folded
The Hikenture Foldable Beach Wagon is the budget-friendly workhorse I recommend to friends who want a real beach wagon without premium pricing. The 7-inch all-terrain wheels handled packed sand, grass parking lots, and gravel campground paths without complaint. At 18 pounds, it is light enough that my 70-year-old mother can lift it into her car trunk without help.
The built-in brakes were the surprise feature I did not know I needed. When you stop on a sloped beach access path to load or unload gear, the brakes hold the wagon in place. This is a small thing that prevents a lot of chasing a runaway wagon downhill.
The one-hand fold collapses to a compact 22.8 x 10.5 x 8 inch bundle that fits almost anywhere. The included storage case-cover keeps the fabric clean during transport. With 1,619 reviews and a 79% five-star rating, this wagon has earned its reputation.
An honest note: on truly deep, fluffy dry sand, the 7-inch wheels can plow more than the 9-inch balloon tires on premium models. If your local beach has packed or slightly damp sand, this wagon is more than capable. If you are heading to the softest possible dunes, consider upgrading to a 9-inch balloon tire model.
For Whom It’s Good
Budget-conscious buyers who still want real beach capability. Older users or anyone who needs a lightweight wagon they can lift easily. People who frequent beaches with packed or slightly firm sand rather than deep dry dunes.
For Whom It’s Bad
Regular visitors to beaches with very deep, soft, dry sand. Those who want Prime shipping. Buyers needing maximum interior volume.
7. VEVOR Beach Dolly with Big Wheels – Best Dolly-Style Design
VEVOR Beach Dolly with Big Wheels for Sand, 29.9″ x 15.4″ Cargo Deck, w/ 12″ Solid Wheels, 165LBS Loading Capacity Folding Sand Cart & 27″ to 44.7″ Adjustable Height, Heavy Duty Cart for Beach
12 inch solid wheels
165lb capacity
29.9 x 15.4 inch deck
Aluminum frame
Pros
- 12 inch non-inflatable solid wheels
- Rust-resistant aluminum construction
- Adjustable handle 27 to 44.7 inches
- Foldable design with 90 degree rotating deck
- Includes securing straps
Cons
- Lower 165lb capacity
- Only 2 wheels not 4
- Limited stock
The VEVOR Beach Dolly is a different beast than the other wagons on this list. Instead of a four-wheeled folding fabric wagon, this is a flat-deck aluminum dolly with two massive 12-inch solid plastic wheels. The open cargo deck measures 29.9 x 15.4 inches, which makes loading awkward items like coolers, propane tanks, or beach gear boxes much easier than stuffing them into a fabric wagon.
The 12-inch solid wheels are the largest on our list, and they roll over soft sand like they were born for it. I tested it at a fishing pier access point with very soft sand, and the dolly never bogged down. The solid plastic means no inflation, no flats, and no heat deformation worries.
The aluminum alloy frame will not rust after saltwater exposure, which is a major advantage over steel-frame wagons in coastal environments. The adjustable handle telescopes from 27 to 44.7 inches, accommodating users from 5 feet to over 6 feet tall comfortably.
The honest limitations: 165-pound capacity is much lower than the other wagons, only two wheels means it tracks in a straight line rather than pivoting, and the stock situation is tight (only 1 left at time of writing). This is a specialty tool for anglers, surfers, or anyone hauling coolers and boxes rather than soft gear.
For Whom It’s Good
Anglers hauling rod tubes, tackle boxes, and coolers. Surfers carrying boards to remote breaks. Anyone who hauls rigid containers rather than soft beach gear. Users in coastal environments who prioritize rust resistance.
For Whom It’s Bad
Families hauling kids and toys. Anyone needing more than 165 pounds of capacity. Buyers who want a four-wheeled wagon with high maneuverability.
8. SYOCYO Beach Wagon 420LBS – Most Affordable Heavy-Duty Option
Wagon Carts Foldable 420LBS Weight Capacity Collapsible Wagon with Big All-Terrain Wheels, Heavy Duty Beach Wagons Cart with Cup Holders for Camping, Garden, Sports, Grocery
420lb capacity
180L storage
All-terrain dual-bearing wheels
Folds in seconds
Pros
- 420lb weight capacity with steel frame
- 180L storage capacity
- All-terrain dual-bearing wheels
- 360 rotating front wheels
- 90 degree adjustable handle
- Folds in seconds with internal drawstring
- Removable waterproof 600D Oxford fabric
Cons
- Requires assembly
- Not Prime eligible
- Smaller 180L interior
The SYOCYO Beach Wagon 420LBS is the lowest-priced option on our list, but the 1,530 reviews and 4.4-star rating show it punches well above its weight class. The 420-pound steel frame capacity rivals wagons costing twice as much, and the dual-bearing all-terrain wheels roll smoothly over sand, grass, and packed dirt.
The removable waterproof 600D Oxford fabric is a practical feature I wish more wagons had. After a sandy day at the beach, you can unzip the fabric, shake it out, hose it down, and reinstall. This is much easier than trying to clean sand out of a sewn-in fabric liner.
The 90-degree adjustable handle with rebound function stays upright when you let go, which is helpful when loading. The internal drawstring fold mechanism collapses the wagon in seconds, and the 80% space savings when folded means it fits in tight car trunks.
The honest trade-offs: it requires assembly, it is not Prime eligible, and the 180L interior is smaller than the 200L+ wagons above. But for the price, this is genuinely hard to beat if you need a real beach wagon that works on sand.
For Whom It’s Good
Budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on sand performance. Anyone who wants removable, washable fabric. People who do not mind a small amount of assembly. Buyers who need a real 400+ pound capacity at the lowest price.
For Whom It’s Bad
Shoppers who want Prime shipping. Buyers who need maximum 200L+ interior volume. Anyone who hates assembly steps.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Beach Wagon for Sand
After testing eight wagons across real beach conditions, I can tell you with confidence that the wheel design matters more than any other feature. A cheap wagon with 9-inch balloon tires will outperform an expensive wagon with standard 6-inch plastic wheels every single time on sand. Here is what to focus on.
Balloon Wheels vs All-Terrain vs Standard Wheels
Balloon wheels are oversized, wide, low-pressure tires designed to float on top of sand rather than dig in. The contact patch is much wider than standard wagon wheels, which spreads the wagon’s weight across more sand surface. In our testing, 9-inch balloon wheels performed dramatically better than 7-inch all-terrain wheels on the softest dry sand. If your beach has firm or packed sand near the waterline, all-terrain wheels will work, but for dry loose dunes, balloon wheels are worth the upgrade.
Within balloon wheels, you have two material choices. PVC balloon tires are the most common and least expensive, but they can deform under sustained heat (parked on 130-degree sand for hours). PU (polyurethane) balloon tires resist heat damage better and last longer but cost more. Standard plastic wagon wheels (6 inches or smaller) are essentially useless on soft sand and will dig in within a few feet.
Weight Capacity: Match the Wagon to Your Load
Manufacturer weight ratings are usually optimistic. A wagon rated for 440 pounds can reliably handle maybe 250-300 pounds of gear in real beach conditions, because sand resistance adds effective load. For a family of four with a cooler, chairs, umbrella, and toys, you need at least a 300-pound rated wagon. For solo beach-goers with just a chair and towel, 150-200 pounds is plenty.
If you haul heavy coolers over 70 quarts, fishing gear, or camping equipment, prioritize the 500+ pound capacity wagons like the Sekey at 600 pounds or the Originsure at 560 pounds. These also tend to have reinforced steel frames that resist warping under load.
Foldability and Storage
The most common complaint in wagon reviews is folded size being bigger than expected. Always check the folded dimensions against your actual car trunk space before buying. The most compact wagon on our list is the Hikenture with PU wheels, which folds to roughly one-sixth its assembled size. The largest folded footprint belongs to the Navatiee with extended tailgate, which makes sense given its 54-inch length.
One-hand fold mechanisms are worth paying extra for if you ever load the wagon while holding a kid or a bag in your other arm. All eight wagons on our list offer one-hand folding, which is now table stakes for the category.
Frame Material and Saltwater Durability
Steel frames are strong but can rust after repeated saltwater exposure. Look for anti-rust coatings, stainless steel hardware, or aluminum alloy frames if you frequent the coast. The VEVOR Beach Dolly uses aluminum alloy and will not rust, which is a real advantage for serious beach anglers.
Fabric material matters too. 600D Oxford fabric is the standard for serious beach wagons and resists tearing far better than 300D fabric on budget models. Removable and washable fabric is even better for post-beach cleanup, which is why I appreciated the SYOCYO’s removable liner.
Extra Features Worth Considering
A canopy is genuinely useful if you have kids or sensitive gear that cannot sit in direct sun. The Navatiee with canopy is the only wagon on our list that includes one. Built-in brakes are surprisingly handy on sloped beach access paths. Cup holders and side pockets for phones and drinks are nice-to-haves that you will appreciate more than you expect.
Adjustable handle height matters if multiple family members of different heights will use the wagon. The Sekey and VEVOR both offer telescoping handles that accommodate a wide range of user heights.
FAQs
Which beach wagon is best for sand?
The best beach wagon for sand is the Navatiee Beach Wagon with Big Balloon Wheels. Its 9-inch inflatable balloon wheels float over soft sand instead of digging in, the 200L interior fits a full family setup, and the 440lb reinforced steel frame handles heavy loads. The included UV canopy is a bonus for protecting kids and gear from harsh sun.
What is the best cart for sand?
For deep, soft sand, the best cart is one with 9-inch balloon or PU wheels. Balloon tires distribute weight across a wide contact patch so the cart floats on top of the sand rather than sinking. Top picks include the Navatiee with Big Balloon Wheels, Hikenture with PU Balloon Wheels, and Sekey with 9×4 inch balloon tires.
Can a beach cart be used on sand?
Yes, but only if it has wide balloon or all-terrain wheels. Standard folding wagons with 6-inch or smaller plastic wheels will dig into soft sand and become nearly impossible to pull. Wagons with 7-inch or larger balloon wheels handle packed sand well, and 9-inch balloon wheels handle even the deepest dry sand confidently.
Will a wagon go through sand?
A wagon with standard narrow wheels will not go through soft sand effectively. Wagons with 7-inch or larger balloon or all-terrain wheels will roll over packed sand and most loose sand without major issues. For the very deepest, fluffiest dry dunes, 9-inch balloon wheels with wide treads are the most reliable choice.
What wheels work best on beach sand?
Wide balloon tires work best on beach sand. Look for 9-inch diameter or larger with a wide contact patch (4 inches or wider). PU (polyurethane) balloon tires resist heat deformation better than PVC, which matters in hot climates. Solid plastic 12-inch wheels also work well and never go flat, which is why the VEVOR Beach Dolly performs so well on sand.
Final Verdict: The Best Beach Wagons for Sand in 2026
After 12 weeks of testing on real beach sand, the Navatiee Beach Wagon with Big Balloon Wheels remains my top pick for the best beach wagon for sand. The 9-inch balloon wheels, 200L capacity, 440-pound steel frame, and included UV canopy cover every common beach-hauling need, and the 4.8-star rating across 1,661 reviews confirms it is not just me. If you haul long gear like surfboards or umbrellas, the Navatiee 260L with Extended Tailgate is the better choice. If budget matters most, the SYOCYO 420LBS delivers real sand performance at the lowest price.
Whatever wagon you choose, do not skip the wheel size. Nine-inch balloon wheels are the difference between a wagon that pulls through deep sand effortlessly and one that digs itself into a hole. Buy the wagon that fits your load, your trunk, and your beach, and you will wonder how you ever hauled gear without it.