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Ultimate Review of The Best Costco Beach Cart in 2023

Best Costco Beach Cart

If you’re heading to the beach alone and with a few essentials for swimming and sunbathing, a stylish straw bag or carry bag is probably all you need.

It’s super light, easy to clean, and can hold all of your essentials.

But users like me don’t usually carry light, so even a large mesh tote bag isn’t sufficient.

When I’m not lugging my kid’s gear, I need to carry my tripod and other metal detector gear for beachcombing. So, it can get pretty wearing.

Last summer, for example, we went a bit further from the beach, a secret fishing spot. It wasn’t a pleasant experience because I got to feel like a pack of mule, hauling my tripod with a camera with a long lens, plus our days’ worth of supplies, and then back at day’s end! 

My shoulders even got pretty sore, and I was restless for the entire day.

The good news is, it was an awakening moment for me, and since I knew I would be in the same situation again, I had to find a solution.

Of course, I would have opted to carry one item at a time, but I don’t like the idea going back and forth to the RV.

And this is how I came across the beach carts.

I had seen other beachgoers using these carts but hadn’t thought much about them.

But once I got my Wheeleeze cart for the next outing, I was impressed at how it made my hauling tasks easier.

It’s a blessing and more like a revelation having a cart, especially when lugging multiple rigs filled with beach essentials over distances. It reduces fatigue and allows me to bring the right equipment.

Of course, over the period, I’ve also discovered that some carts are better suited for certain situations than others.

Beachgoers, however, are better suited to carts that can go through deep sand and unpatched terrains. A collapsible cart is also a plus for me, as it saves space on my RV.

Now, if you need such a cart, I’ve got  you sorted.

I’ll share some of my favorite Costco beach carts you need to know about in the guide below.

Quick Comparison Table!

Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible

4.8

4.8/5
Rio Beach Wonder Wheele

4.6

4.6/5
Tommy Bahama All Terrain Beach Cart

4.5

4.5/5
Fish-N-Mate 310 Lg Cart

4.3

4.3/5
Sea Striker Deluxe Surf

4.0

4/5

The Best Costco Beach Carts For The Money

Best Costco Beach Cart for the money

#1 Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible - EDITOR'S CHOICE

4.7/5
4.2/5
4.8/5

We took the Mac Sport to the Lakeshore last summer, and it was a lifesaver.

It worked well, and I’ve had no complaints so far. I’m impressed that it made our trip to the beach easier, especially from the RV to the sandy shoreline.

Quality is also nice for this purchase, and the nylon material and the heavy-duty frame feel sturdy. It doesn’t feel cheap, and for the time I’ve been using the cart, I’ve not had any concern with it breaking down or anything.

While quality is important for me, I also wanted a cart that could hold enough goods for my trip to the beach.

The good news is this wagon-style cart has a generous dimension of 44.9″ x 21.46″ x 24.61, which is sufficient for my family’s needs.

We packed a small cooler, two chairs, two beach umbrellas, a boogie board, and several items on our last outing.

It was roomy enough to hold everything, and I can even pile more beach gear on top, provided I’ve Velcro tie straps for tie-down.

And when not on the beach, I can even use it for carrying groceries from our car to our gateway condo.

Along with the roomy design, this Costco beach cart also has a bonus of a built-in table with cup holders. It holds my beer can and water bottles after a strenuous journey. Even better, it makes the cart ideal for going to festivals, farmers’ markets, or even a football game.

The biggest differentiator of the Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible and most carts are the wheels.

Pulling this thing is super easy and convenient. It has wide 10” wheels that will roll away effortlessly in packed or firmer sand or on the pavement.

It takes some effort on the loose beach sand, but the wheels will always roll. In my opinion, the amount of force required to pull the Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible on loose sand isn’t tremendous and way better than most carts.

We see other carts on our beach every day, and we can tell this one is the easiest to pull.

And here’s the kicker!

It has a nice utility, and so when we’re not on the beach, we can use it for sporting events, outdoor concerts, and even camping trips.

The cart will easily roll over anything and is easy to pull. The cart doesn’t tip either, especially if you take our suggestion of loading the heavier and bulkier items on the rear.

The other reason I choose the Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible is because of the ease of setup.

Unlike my previous cart, this one doesn’t assemble pretty quickly and is effortless.

I love how it folds compact and easily for convenient storage. Personally, the compact design has helped me save on the precious space in both my car and garage.

Assembling the cart is also super easy and snap.

The best part, it has an adjustable handle. It will work for anyone with an average height, though. Tall users, especially 6.5+, will find it challenging to pull.

But other than that markdown, everything else on this purchase is impressive.

And all of that comes at a reasonable price, making the Mac one of our top recommendations.

Pros

Cons

#2 Rio Beach Wonder Wheeler – Best Cart for Beach Chairs

4.6/5
4.3/5
4.6/5

Nothing is more challenging than transporting beach chairs. Their awkward shape and size make it a hassle getting them from one location to another.

But the Rio Beach Wonder Wheeler will save you from all that awkwardness.

It’s a stroller-style design cart, which is quite handy, especially when you need to carry your family’s whole worth of chairs in the sand.

Rio Beach has worked with some of our low chairs with no issues. We’ve even carried one long lounge chair and three beach chairs on this cart.

Zero gravity chairs are a stretch and quite heavy for this cart. It may support one, though, but you need to be aware of the weight limit since it can only carry loads of 100 lbs. But I’ve managed to carry two recliners on the beach, which are less bulky than the zero gravity chairs.

Along with the chairs, this stroller-style cart is also a great pick if you love going to the beach with your family. Everything fits into and on it, just like it’s pictured.

It has the main compartment you can use for storing plenty of beach gear without trapping sand or anything.

I use the main compartment for holding a medium-sized cooler and then pile up items on top.

That’s not all; there’s a removable insulated tote bag for holding some of your smaller and precious items, such as car keys, sunscreen, and books, away from the bulkier beach toys in the main storage.

On the sand, I didn’t experience much difficulty moving this cart.

The wide wheels make it easier to pull the cart through the loose and softer sand. However, you need to “turn the cart” around, tilt the cart up and lift the smaller rubber wheels.

It’s a bit more challenging pulling in the soft sand than on the pavement, but nothing unreasonable.

There are also extending a stroller-style handle with a neoprene grip to help with the push or pull.

It’s ergonomic, molds my hands nicely, and makes it effortless to move the cart.

The other reason I purchased this stroller-style design is because of the ease of assembly and disassembly.

It folds flat, kind of like a baby stroller, so it fits well even in my Honda CRV.

On the other hand, assembly doesn’t require much effort or tools.

In less than ten minutes, my mom even does it in the living room alone.

Overall,  the Rio Beach stroller is a nice purchase, especially for the extra organization for chairs, beach gear, and essential items on the removable tote bag.

I love it.

Pros

Cons

#3 Tommy Bahama All Terrain Beach Cart – Premium Beach Cart

4.4/5
4.5/5
4.5/5

Third, on our Costco beach cart reviews list is the Tommy Bahama.

This cart has plenty of close resemblance with the Rion Beach we’ve just reviewed above.

Except that it comes with a few tweaks and additions here and there.

The most notable change on the Tommy All-Terrain is a cooler bag, a switch from Rio’s tote bag.

It has a nice cooler, which holds quite a bit. I love mine because I can fit eight bottles of water with ice, or even a pack of six sodas, a wine bottle, and juice boxes.

And that’s not all; it holds a lot on the main compartment.

Here, I can hold my towels, beach toys, several bags, and other beach gear and with room to spare.

On top of that, it’ll fit beach chairs, just like the Rio cart. My lounge chairs hang over the metal bar, but that’s not a problem if I secure them with a bungee cord.

There’s also a side umbrella holder that will nicely hold beach umbrellas and my shade tent. So, when everyone is rushing to find a shade, I simply dig my heels in and enjoy the moment.

And oh, before I forget, Tommy Bahama Beach Cart can also hold a body/boogie board. It fits nicely and will secure it against falls or abrasions.

On the move, the Tommy Bahama All Terrain Beach Cart works better than the wagon-style carts, especially when navigating the stairs, curbs, and steep-incline pavements.

The extra-large wheels are plastic but very sturdy. Even when I load my cart to the max, I’ve no problems with the wheels.

They work well even on the loose sand and don’t seem like they’ll lose traction. They’re well-designed and made for beach use, so definitely not flimsy.

The Tommy Bahama All Terrain construction is also premium, though a bit wobbly.

However, I don’t think it’ll fall apart anytime soon, and I expect it to last for a long time.

Setting up this bad boy is easy. For example, popping the wheels was easy, for it folds nicely into my car’s trunk and even leaves too much space.

Overall, the Tommy Bahama All Terrain Beach Cart is a great purchase. The only markdown with this all-terrain cart lacks a tray/side table for holding drinks.

I’m fine with putting stuff in the cooler, but a tray would have made my life easier.

Pros

Cons

#4 Fish-N-Mate 310 Lg Cart – Best for Angling

4.3/5
4.5/5
4.3/5

I bought the Fish-N-Mate 310 Lg Cart since all the piers were closed due to COVID.

So, I wanted something I could use for fishing, but more importantly, a cart that would ride well on sand.

The Fish-N-Mate 310 Lg Cart seemed like the perfect choice, and so far, it hasn’t disappointed.

It’s a nice beach cart, especially for users who’re primarily focused on getting large, heavy coolers on the sand.

The cart can hold a full-size cooler. I use mine with a loaded Yeti Tundra 65, complete with fish.

On top of the ice cooler, Fish-N-Mate 310 Lg Cart has some other welcome additions, such as two mesh cup holders, mesh bags, umbrella holders, and fishing rod holders. They add to the overall value of the cart.

Fish-N-Mate 310 Lg Cart doesn’t have any problem rolling on the smooth pavements and curbs.

The big polyurethane front wheels are also excellent at hauling large loads across the soft sand.

I’m impressed that even under weight, the wheels don’t “dig” into the surface of the sand.

They’re durable too, and even after putting them on the test on the jagged reef and shells, I’ve not experienced the tires popping.

The other nice thing with the Fish-N-Mate 310 Lg Cart is the solid construction and customizability.

While it may cost you a little extra, the best part with this cart is you can buy PVC pipe, build extra shelves and do much more to convert the cart into more of a wagon.

Or else, you can just leave it as is and enjoy the sturdy build.

Unfortunately, this cart doesn’t collapse, so you need to create more space for easy-haul storage in both your car and garage.

Secondly, it’s a bit more expensive than most carts in our Costco beach cart reviews. But I feel it’s worth it, especially if you need a cart tailored for anglers’ needs.

Pros

Cons

#5 Sea Striker Deluxe Surf – Best Value Cart

4.2/5
4.6/5
4/5

The Sea Striker Deluxe Surf has been a lifesaver for our family.

See, we frequent the local inlets, but it’s usually quite a walk from the parking lot.

The Sea Striker has made the experience more pleasant because I can bring everything we need for the beach in a single go.

It’s exactly what we expected. Very sturdy, nice capacity, and an easy-to-remove handle for a convenient experience.

Out of the box, the Deluxe Surf has plenty of resemblance to the super-expensive Fish-N-Mate, we reviewed earlier.

But it’s a more simplified version and comes at a lower price.

Still, it scores pretty high.

For example, it’s a much more durable cart, especially for the price.

So far, we’ve been using it nearly every weekend on the saltwater beaches and haven’t seen signs of wear or tear.

The powder-coated steel construction is reliable and will stand up to the abuses of beach use.

But I’ve seen some users complain that it wobbles, but that’s probably because they didn’t tighten the screws all the way. Use an impact driver, and you’ll be impressed at how solid it feels. Sturdy as a rock.

On the sand, Sea Strike works like clockwork.

It has pneumatic wheels that make walking the beach easier. The rolling tires will also ride well over other terrains such as pavements with relative ease.

However, on loose and deeper sand, the wheels are a bit challenging to maneuver and will require some bit of elbow grease, but you won’t die in the process.

The other reason I purchased the Sea Strike is because of the generous dimensions.

It’s great and has saved me from making several trips to our RV to get everything for the family.

With a generous size of 34” x 14.5” x 7”, it accommodates everything my family needs in a single go. I can fit my family’s beach gear and even stash some fishing gear on a single go.

Using the Sea Strike is effortless and easier than most beach carts.

There’s an adjustable handle that works well for the average guy, but the taller users might find it a little bit awkward.

Plus, I’m impressed at how quickly it folds for storage and transport. The wheels pop out really nice and fast, thus creating more space in your garage or RV.

The range of accessories, including fishing rod holders on the Sea Strike, was also a pleasant surprise, especially considering the price it goes for.

Pros

Cons

Best Costco Beach Cart Reviews Buying Guide

Best Costco Beach Cart buying guide

With so many beach carts in the market, choosing the right one is challenging.

But in the section below, I’ll share a comprehensive guide that should make the selection process a lot easier.

Here, I’ll outline everything you need to know about selecting the right beach cart for your needs.

Styles of Beach Carts

Before everything else, let’s first shed light on the existing types of beach carts.

The three common types of beach carts are:

1)      Wagon

2)      Dolly

3)      Upright

Wagon

The wagons are also known as collapsible wagons.

They’re rectangular carts, resembling the bed of a truck.

Wagons are popular because of their versatility, large storage capacity, and ease of folding down.

However, they’re a bit challenging to maneuver on the sand.

Dolly

The second design is the dolly or stroller.

Dollies resemble shopping carts, coming with two wheels and deep box-like storage.

Usually, dolly carts can be pulled or pushed. They’re suitable when you’ve a big container to carry.

Upright

The upright cart has 4-wheels, but the two wheels come in different sizes.

Upright cards are popular because of their stability and ease of movement.

Essential Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Beach Cart

Size & Storage Space

Size is important for a beach cart for two main reasons.

One is portability, and the other one is storage space.

If you’re a big family or have lots of gear to carry, you’ll definitely need a bigger beach cart.

Bigger beach carts can hold a lot of gear in a single unit.

At the same time, however, you shouldn’t overlook the portability element of the carts.

The bigger beach carts are generally bulkier, so you need to consider the storage needs and portability.

Simply put, try to find a balance between these two aspects. Get a beach cart that suits your storage needs but is still small enough for easy handling and compact storage.

Weight and Weight Capacity

As a quick rejoinder to the already mentioned point, it’s always good to consider the weight capacity.

Or rather, how much weight a cart can hold without crumbling or breaking down.

It’s a necessary element, especially if you’ve a lot of gear to carry with you.

Usually, the range for most beach carts is between 75 and 250 pounds.

Wheels

Next in line, you need to consider the ease of movement. And here, you should look at the wheels.

Specifically, consider the size because they affect the performance and ease of use.

For example, the bigger and wider wheels tend to be more solid and sink less on the sand because of the wide surface area.

Also, pay attention to the wheel construction and choice of material.

Hard plastic and polyurethane are the most popular materials because they last longer and are hard-wearing.

Another critical element to consider on a wheel is the shape. Avoid wheels with little spikes, and instead, choose wheels with little knobs. They move effortlessly over-sand.

Handles

Best Costco Beach Cart faq

The handle is one part of the cart you’ll interact most with.

It affects the overall usability and comfort, so you need to ensure it’s comfortable grip.

Choose a cart with an ergonomic, neoprene grip and a nice, non-slip material. Also, an adjustable handle is always welcome.

Material

Choice of material affects the overall longevity and durability of a cart.

I would advise you to select a beach cart utilizing a heavy-duty frame.

The best beach carts designed from metal are expensive, but they’re reliable, long-lasting, and hard-wearing.

A heavy-duty steel frame or aluminum is a great choice, especially if you want a cart that won’t rust. It should also be coated with an anti-rust coating.

Of course, you also need to consider the fabric or lining. It should be mildew-resistant fabric and offer sufficient privacy for your belongings. It should also be reliable and prevent the falling of small items.

Ease of Assembly

The best beach cart should be easy to set up.

Attaching the wheels, the handle, and unfolding the car should be quick and effortless.

Extras

The best Costco sand carts aren’t simply holding devices.

Instead, the top-quality options have some extra adds on.

For example, some can double into picnic tables or chairs, while others have handy cup holders, stroller-style handles, built-in mesh pockets, separate cooler bags, or even different compartments for different goods.

Best Costco Beach Carts Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use my car to transport children?

A: High-quality Costco beach carts are reliable, but I would strongly advise against using them to carry your kids.

Even when the cart has a higher weight capacity than your kids, many things could go wrong. They lack the necessary safety features.

Instead, I would advise you to consider investing in a kid’s stroller.

Q: How do I clean my Costco beach cart?

A:  Cleaning your cart after every use and before storage is a good way to extend its life. It eliminates the chances of rust and mold formation.

Shaking off the fabric and wiping with a damp cloth is sufficient. But if it’s extremely dirty, consider hosting it with water and then dry it.

Q: What’s the ideal beach cart for the beach?

A: The best Costco beach carts should be durable and have sufficient space to hold your gear.

But more importantly, it should come with a firm wheel configuration that will maneuver through the softer sand without sinking.

In general, I would advise you to choose carts with bigger wheels and more wheels for spreading the weight and increasing the rolling surface.

Wrap Up: Our Choice

Best Costco Beach Cart wrap up

Our winner for the best Costco cart is the Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible.

It wins our hearts with its ample storage, incredible load capacity, durable construction, and ease of use.

And as its name suggests, it’s collapsible and has compact storage. Plus, it has plenty of accessories, including a handy cup holder and a cargo net.

The cart has made our beach experiences more pleasant and effortless.

I would recommend you get the Mac Sports.

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Picture of Lisa Hayden-Matthews

Lisa Hayden-Matthews

An avid Skier, bike rider, triathlon enthusiast, amateurish beach volleyball player and nature lover who has never lost a dare! I manage the overall Editorial section for the magazine here and occasionally chip in with my own nature photographs, when required.
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