Best Beach Stroller to Beat Sand and Sun
Last Updated on June 28, 2021
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Whether you live by the beach or just want to take your little ones for a fun day trip, getting a good beach stroller can be a huge help to get through the day.
With the right beach stroller, you reduce the hassle of getting your child and their stuff out to the beach easily and quickly.
By handling different types of terrain, a beach stroller moves over sand and rocks smoothly without getting stuck. We guide you through some tips and compared many strollers to help you find the best beach stroller for your next trip.
Too busy loving your little one? Here’s our top pick.
Our top recommendation of the best strollers for the beach is the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0. This amazingly rugged stroller can withstand the harsh beach elements while providing the cargo room and protection your family needs for a visit to the beach.
This stroller is also great for jogging and pushing your baby around town. You will be hard-pressed to find a better stroller that’s as versatile and can take on a sandy beach with relative ease.
If you’re searching for a specific type of stroller for your beach trip, here are our top picks in each category.
Our Top Picks for the Beach
Best Overall Beach Stroller: BOB Revolution Flex 3.0
Top Runner Up Beach Stroller: Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller
Best Travel System Stroller for the Beach: Baby Trend Expedition Travel System
Best Stroller Wagon for the Beach: Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon
Best Double Beach Stroller: Baby Trend Expedition Double Jogger
Why a Jogging Stroller is Perfect for the Beach
You may think that the stroller you already own is perfectly fine for the beach, and it might be. But, it also might get stuck pretty easily in the sand and not provide enough protection for your baby from the sun.
With the right all-terrain stroller, you can handle practically any type of ground with their wide, air-filled wheels. The tires on a jogging stroller are often made of rubber that can easily grip and pull you through the sand. A regular stroller’s plastic wheels will sink right into either loose and soft or compact and wet sand.
A good jogging stroller for sandy beaches will also have a strong suspension that cushions your little one from jolts and bumps as you go over uneven ground. It will also come equipped with a large sun canopy that protects your little one from sunburns and a 5-point harness that will keep them safely secured.
This is what makes jogging strollers perfect for enjoying the sun and sand.
Features to Look for in a Great Beach Stroller
Three-Wheel Design
The best design for the sand, a stroller with three-wheels can easily navigate any type of terrain using a swivel front wheel and two rear wheels. The front swivel wheel helps to provide a tighter turning radius for better maneuverability on the beach.
Four-wheel strollers typically only work well on smooth terrain and sink easily into the sand, which can become frustrating. The three-wheel layout also does well once your stroller is loaded down with both your baby and beach gear.
Locking Front Wheel
Perfect for smooth terrain and sharp turns, a front wheel that swivels is not so great when it comes to harsh terrain. If you want to move smoothly when on the sand, look for locking wheels that won’t swivel and turn as you try to push the stroller through the sand.
In many cases, all-terrain strollers will have a locking and swivel front wheel. It can be easy to switch the lock on or off to give you the option to use either.
Large Air-Filled Wheels
Beach strollers with small wheels will easily get stuck in the sand and will be hard to get out.
With large air-filled stroller wheels, pushing the stroller on the beach is much easier since the air-filled tires glide on top of the sand instead of sinking into it. This makes it easier to move the baby stroller when loaded down with all your gear.
Suspension System
Along with large wheels, you’ll want a stroller than provides an all-wheel suspension system. This allows each wheel to independently make it over a rock or dip in the sand so you can keep going.
Large Canopy
You can expect the sun to be shining when you head to the beach, so it’s important to have a canopy to cover your little one.
Often, you won’t put sunscreen on your kids until you reach the beach. This is why it’s important to have sufficient coverage for your kids during the time it takes to get to the beach and then get settled.
Large Storage Space
When you go to the beach, there is a ton of gear that you need to bring along. Whether its beach toys, sunblock, towels, or a tent, having extra storage space in your beach stroller can be a big plus.
Lots of storage space is essential. You want a large basket for storage and pockets to carry smaller items so you don’t have to make several trips to the car.
Parent Cup Holders
Water is essential when you are at the beach, so it helps to have a designated parent tray to carry your water bottle as you walk. It can be a pain to hunt for a bottle of water for a thirsty child, so having cup holders on the stroller parent tray will keep beverages within easy reach.
5-Point Safety Harness
The rocky and sandy terrain on the beach can be unforgiving. This can pose some risk to your baby if they aren’t secured safely in the stroller to prevent them from bouncing or falling out.
Having a 5-point harness makes sure your baby is safely strapped into the infant car seat or toddler seat.
Reclining Seat
Your infant or toddler will need a nap after being out in the sun for the better part of a day. Having a multi-position seat recline that can be adjusted with one hand is just what they and you will need.
Durability
Saltwater and sand can be pretty hard on a stroller. It’s important to choose one that can withstand the trip to the beach; especially if you go regularly.
Jogging and all-terrain strollers are often the most durable beach strollers you can find to handle rough elements.
How to Clean Your Stroller After a Beach Visit
It’s super important to take proper care of your beach stroller after it has been exposed to sand and saltwater. Always check the manufacturer’s direction for cleaning, but there are also a few other steps you can do to ensure your stroller has a long life.
- After you get home from the beach wipe or shake off any noticeable sand and use the vacuum, if necessary, to get out loose sand.
- You can hand wash any plastic and metal parts with water and soap and run any detachable fabric through the washer as recommended by the manufacturer.
- If you do notice any rust, you may be able to rub the area with a WD40 soaked rag and then wipe off with a clean rag.
- Lastly, make sure to store your stroller in a dry and clean place when not in use.
Reviews of the Best Beach Strollers
Best Overall Beach Stroller: BOB Revolution Flex 3.0
Easy to maneuver on a walk through the park or on a trip to the beach, the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 is a great investment that will stay with your family for many years to come. Available in several colors, these all-terrain strollers are great for everyday use and is equipped with an adjustable handlebar featuring nine positions that run from 34 ½ to 48-inches high.
Providing the most safety and comfort for you and your family, this jogging stroller comes with a wrist strap that keeps the stroller with you and prevents it from rolling away. With its mountain-bike style design, the rear wheels have a suspension system with shocks that are exceptional for absorbing bumps, so you can easily make it through the sand. It also comes with three large air-filled tires that are nice and large providing a smooth ride.
Equipped with a large and reflective UPF 50+ canopy, the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 jogging stroller comes with a peek-through window that lets you check on your child. This canopy is also well-ventilated to keep your child nice and cool while the adjustable seat allows them to recline when it’s time for a nap. This stroller also features a larger storage basket and additional pockets throughout the stroller to provide tons of storage for all your beach gear.
WHAT WE LOVE
- Super durable build makes it a great beach stroller to weather anything
- Really smooth ride on the beach and rough trails with air-filled wheels
- Locking front wheel turns it into one of the best jogging strollers
- 5-point harness keeps your baby secure on the bumpy beach
- Suspension system rides exceptionally smooth for walks on the beach, around the neighborhood, or jogging a 5K
- Large canopy is UPF 50+ rated to protect your baby from the sun
- Reclining seat easily adjusts using just one hand
- Holds older children up to 75 pounds
- Adjustable handlebar can reach many heights depending on your needs
WHAT COULD BE BETTER
- On the heavy side (average for this type of stroller) and may not be easy to get in and out of the car
- Not the cheapest jogging strollers for the beach
Maximum Child Weight Limit: 75 pounds
Stroller Weight: 28.5 pounds
Top Runner Up Beach Stroller: Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller
With excellent performance and a great price, the Baby Trend Expedition jogging stroller is a great value. This is a budget-friendly stroller that can outperform higher-priced competitors with its great maneuverability, lightweight, and easy to fold design. With a superior rating for ease of use, this stroller is user-friendly and comes with handy features like a child tray and parent console.
Perfect for a casual runner or trips to the beach, this Baby Trend stroller is constructed with high-quality materials including lightweight steel and great air-filled tires that provide a comfortable ride. Easy to use on the sand, this stroller also comes with a well-padded seat and a tether strap and an adjustable five-point safety harness.
The adjustable top canopy can be fully extended to block out rain, sun, and wind for your baby. It’s equipped with a convenient and large-sized storage basket, this stroller folds down into a compact size and easily fits into the trunks of an average car.
This jogging stroller is easy to push with very little effort. It also comes with two handy cup holders and a nice plastic cover to keep your little one safe from bad weather.
WHAT WE LOVE
- All three stroller wheels are extra large for all types of ground
- Adjustable canopy for even more sun protection
- Heavy plastic cover which is great for rain showers at the beach
- Two cup holders and a child tray are included which is rare for jogging strollers
- Parent tray on the console has a covered storage area for your phone or keys
- Extra-large storage basket under the seat provides plenty of storage for beach gear
- The five-point harness makes for a safe ride for your child
- Easy to fold up and fits in trunks effortlessly
- Tires can be filled up with a basic tire pump
- Safety cord attaches to the stroller and your waist so it won’t get away from you
WHAT COULD BE BETTER
- Can’t adjust the seat with one hand with your child sitting in the seat
- Doesn’t turn as smooth as other beach strollers
- Folding stroller up not as quick and easy
Maximum Child Weight Limit: 50 pounds
Stroller Weight: 30 pounds
Best Travel System Stroller for the Beach: Baby Trend Expedition Travel System
The Baby Trend Expedition Travel System is made for an easy stroll or you can use the lockable front swivel wheel if you want to head to the beach. It comes with an infant car seat that allows you to take the stroller to the beach right out of the box.
The wheels on this jogging stroller have an all-terrain design that uses a quick-release system for compact storage. The ergonomically shaped push handle is extra wide and padded with foam making pushing this travel system easy.
The canopy on this beach stroller is adjustable and includes a peek-a-boo window that will block out the wind and sun for your baby. Plus, it comes with a tray for parents with two cup holders and a covered storage area along with a nice sized storage basket for beach gear.
The multi-position reclining seat is not only padded, but it is equipped with a tether strap and fully adjustable safety harness. This stroller also comes with a child’s tray with a cup holder and features foam that is energy-absorbing to provide side impact head protection. This system works with children that weigh up to 30 pounds and 30-inches tall.
WHAT WE LOVE
- High-quality and durable build to withstand sand, rough ground, and being tossed into the car
- Comes with an EZ Flex-Loc Infant Car Seat
- Larger all-terrain wheels are air-filled to make the stroller easy to maneuver on rough ground
- Convenient two cup holders on the parent console and an included child tray
- Multi-position reclining seat makes for a comfortable ride for your little one
- Large canopy to make sure your baby is protected from the elements
- Comes in many attractive and stylish colors
- Quick to fold up the stroller for storage
WHAT COULD BE BETTER
- Can be difficult to take the car seat off the base in the car
- Levers and release buttons require more force than it should
- Does not have an adjustable handlebar for taller parents
- Stroller’s back needs to bend in half to fold down, creating a floppy back that doesn’t offer much support
Maximum Child Weight Limit: 30 pounds
Stroller Weight: 41.5 pounds
Best Stroller Wagon for the Beach: Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon
With simple assembly and easy maneuverability, the Evenflo Pivot Explore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon is equipped with both wagon-style seating and can be used as a stroller. You can put this unit together in about 10 to 15 minutes.
Through an easy transition, you can either pull it like a traditional wagon or push it like a stroller. The included snack and cup tray has enough room for two kids while several pocket pouches can be found in and around the wagon for small drinks or treasures your kids find on the beach.
The Evenflo wagon is a stroller for all-terrain and is easy to take on the beach or pull around a park with a lot of people. Kids can hop in and out as needed and it’s super easy to fold and lift into your car when you’re done with it.
This is an easy to maneuver wagon beach stroller that is easier to control than some inline double strollers. These Evenflo Xplore beach strollers come with tons of storage and adjustable sun shades that are UPF 50+. There is also an optional adapter for car seats to use it with smaller children.
WHAT WE LOVE
- All-terrain wheels constructed so they will never deflate
- Great for families with one or two toddlers or an older child
- Bigger wheels with a wider base provide a super smooth ride for little ones
- Transitioning from wagon to stroller is really smooth
- Can attach a car seat adapter to use with infants
- Child tray acts as a table (or divider) with two cup holders for your children
- Unique stroller wagon design with a modern appearance
- Easily pulled behind or pushed in front of you one-handed
- Wheels turn quickly to allow for tight turns
- Wagon is easy to push or pull on rough ground
WHAT COULD BE BETTER
- Difficult to maneuver front wheels up onto a sidewalk when pushed from behind
- Can be difficult to fold up or down at times
- Brakes can sometimes lock up briefly
- Not ideal for a baby that can’t sit on their own without the car seat adapter
Maximum Child Weight Limit: 55 pounds per seat
Stroller Weight: 40 pounds
Best Double Beach Stroller: Baby Trend Expedition Double Jogger
Perfect for parents will multiple children, the Baby Trend Expedition Double Jogger has a unique design that can handle uneven terrain in the outdoors. It has the versatility to be used as either a baby jogger and a stroller.
This double jogging stroller is super easy to fold, has a compact size, and is super lightweight for a double – making it an easy beach stroller to take anywhere.
Not only is the Baby Trend Expedition Double Jogger stroller easy to handle, but it’s also super affordable. It features incredible durability and high-quality construction, it’s comfortable for the kids to sit in with its equal recline feature that provides more ventilation. Plus, it has a large area for storage under the seat for all of your baby and beach gear.
Thanks to its pneumatic rubber wheel and a three-wheel design, this jogger stroller is easy to turn and moves well over most types of terrain. This double beach stroller is lighter and smaller than most of its competition which adds to its maneuverability and ease of use through the sand.
WHAT WE LOVE
- Super easy to steer with extra-large rubber wheels
- Kids find it a very comfortable ride with adjustable reclining seats
- Tons of storage space on the bottom of this beach stroller
- Simple to fold up and down in a matter of seconds
- Handles uneven ground and potholes like a champ
WHAT COULD BE BETTER
- Too big to fit through most doorways
- Front-wheel tends to shake at a higher pace
- Not the best choice for city living due to the bigger size
Maximum Child Weight Limit: 40 pounds
Stroller Weight: 30 pounds
Conclusion
Our top pick out of the list of best beach strollers is the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0. With its easy maneuverability, this stroller is simple to push through the sand and it absorbs bumps well. The nice sized air-filled wheels provide a smooth ride and a large reflective canopy comes with UPF 50+ protection for your baby. It also features a nice large storage basket and additional pockets throughout the stroller to provide tons of storage, which is always necessary to have when you head to the beach.
If you’re looking for a wagon stroller, we like the Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon since they have the option to be used as regular beach strollers or as a wagon. Not only is it an easy way to carry kids out to the beach, but it’s also easy to cart your beach essentials along as well.
If you are on a budget, the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller is a great value with excellent maneuverability that beats out some other higher-priced competitors. The large wheels make this one of the easiest to push beach strollers that can also be used for everyday needs.