I don't know how much stuff you are carrying and for how many people but here are a couple of ideas. Large plastic tote bags wtih handles (I've seen them recently at Big Lots filled with children's pool toys).
There are a lot of things with wheels too; a tall shopping cart (not the grocery store kind), wagons, large backpacks or small vinyl suitcases on wheels.
I think it is so much fun going to the beach, my kids are older now and still enjoy going. when they were little we would sit on the bench and feed the ducks and seagulls crumbs of bread. Watch the boats or just close our eye and listen to the waves come to the shore.the water is always different whether it's in the morning or at night and all times of the year it is beautiful and especially during the summertime very peaceful.
I bring everything under the sun. I'm so overprepared.
Some people started leaving covered storage boxes at the pool last year. I had a small one in the house so I emptied it, and put in a small first-aid kit, container of "wet wipes," baggie of napkins, a few plastic utensils, some paper cups. Also, I have a "recycled" grapefruit bag that I keep Luke's pool toys in (a few plastic boats, etc.) Because the bag is mesh, water can run right out.
The bag and the box are attached to the fence at the pool with bungee cords, right along with my chair.
Basically this means that all I have to carry in is our towels, sunscreen & food. I make "snack bags" of different snacks and put in a plastic container. This way they don't get smashed, and people have a choice of snack.
I would say a giant tote bag or backpack. You could even get one of those picnic backpacks to put the food in. It's got some insulation and the sides are sturdy so it would be hard to crush.
How about a kids toy red wagon with rails. You could put a large cooler in and the tote bags on top with the toys in drawstring bags. This way you wouldn't have to make more than one trip.
