17 Best Places To Have Beach Bonfires In California
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Plan a Beach Bonfire with this complete list of California beaches that have fire pits. Gathering around the fire, roasting marshmallows with your toes in the sand, and enjoying the sound of the waves crashing nearby…. There is no experience quite like the California tradition of a bonfire on the beach.
I grew up in a small California coastal town and one of the most popular things to do after dark was meet your friends and family at the beach for a bonfire. I have spent countless evenings on the beach, wrapped in a blanket enjoying a warm fire.
When I was growing up you would simply pick a spot on the beach, any spot, and build your fire. Today, finding a beach that allows bonfires is much more difficult. Due to increased rules and regulations many California beaches have outlawed beach fires and removed their fire pits.
If you want to enjoy the evening on one of California’s many beautiful beaches in the best way, with a fire on the beach, then don’t give up hope because there are still some beaches today that allow bonfires.
While these beaches can be hard to find, and often get crowded quickly with people sometimes arriving early in the day to reserve their fire pit, you shouldn’t let that stop you.
If you’re ready to plan your beach bonfire, here is a full list of the best places where you can still have beach bonfires in California.
This post was originally published in June of 2021, and was completely updated and republished in June of 2023 to include recent changes, updates, and removals of some fire pits.
Map of California Beaches With Bonfire Pits
Click here to view an interactive map of all the California bonfire beaches that I list below.
What Beaches in California Allow Bonfires?
Most of the beaches in California with fire pits are located in Southern California, but there are many other locations farther north. I have organized the list below starting from south to north.
Note: This list of beaches is part of an ever-changing situation. It’s not uncommon for specific locations to frequently change their rules, or even remove their fire pits. If you see any beaches that I missed, or any that need to be removed, then please leave me a comment below.
1. Mission Bay Park
There are over 100 fire pits available in various locations around Mission Bay beaches. While you might have to visit a few locations in the Mission Bay Park area to find an open fire pit, this general area is what you will have the best chances of finding a fire pit near San Diego.
Here is a list of the areas within Mission bay and how many fire pits are at each location.
West Mission Bay – Mission Beach, Belmont Park [7 total – 5 Summer Only], South Mission Beach (11), Mission Point (1), Bonita Cove (5), Mariner’s Point (8),Ventura Cove (9)
Dana Inn Area – Sunset Park (3), Dana Landing (2)
Vacation Isle – Vacation Isle – Southside (12), Vacation Isle – Paradise Point (16), Vacation Isle – North Cove (4), Ski Beach (13)
Crown Point – Crown Point Shores (17)
East Mission Bay Drive Area – De Anza Cove (8), De Anza Boat Launch (2), Playa Pacifica (11), Hilton-North (2), Hilton-South (3)
Fiesta Island and South Shores – Fiesta Island (35), South Shores (2)
Beach Fire Hours: 5 am – 12 midnight
Fire Pits: 150+
Reservations: First come first serve.
More Information: Mission Bay Beach Fire Pit Info
2. Moonlight Beach
This beach in Encinitas was even named after its popular late-night picnics. Moonlight State Beach is one of the few places that you can have a beach bonfire after midnight.
There are a limited number of first come first serve fire pits which are available from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. This beach only closes 2-hours each night. However the public parking hours are 5 a.m – 10 p.m., so make sure you don’t park in the public parking area if you want to stay later.
Address: 400 B Street., Encinitas, CA
Beach Hours: 4 a.m. – 2 a.m. (beach hours) 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. (public parking hours)
Fire Pits: 8 fire pits.
Reservations: First come first serve
More Information: Moonlight Beach Encinitas Fire Info
3. Ocean Beach City Beach
This beach is just north of Point Loma and is home to one of the longest piers in Southern California. Ocean beach has a laid back relaxed vibe and is a great spot for swimming, surfing or enjoying a beach bonfire.
During the summer only you will find 9 first come first serve fire pits, so make sure you get there early as they go fast.
Address: 1950 Abbott St. San Diego CA
Beach Hours: 5 a.m. – Midnight
Fire Pits: 9 fire pits (in summer months only)
Reservations: First come first serve.
More Information: Ocean Beach Fire Info
4. Coronado Beach
Coronado Beach is not only one of the prettiest beaches in California, it’s also an amazing location for a bonfire. Most known as the location of the famous historic Hotel Del Coronado, there are 8 cement fire pits available year round.
The fire pits are arranged in a large square and located next to the Coronado Dog Park. Just make sure you arrive early as they fill up fast.
Address: 100 Ocean Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118
Beach Hours: 4 am. – 11 p.m.
Fire Pits: 8 Fire Pits
Reservations: First come first serve.
More Information: Coronado Beach Fire Info
5. La Jolla Shores Beach
While La Jolla Shores is one of San Diego’s best beaches, if you are wanting to have a beach bonfire, then you are going to have to arrive early to get a fire pit.
You will probably have better luck visiting some of the other beaches on this list, but if you really want to have a bonfire at La Jolla Shores, then you should know that there are 7 summer only fire pits and many people have said that they have to arrive around 5:30 am to secure a fire pit for the day.
Address: 8200 Camino Del Oro La Jolla, CA 92037
Beach Hours: 5 a.m. – Midnight
Reservations: First come first serve.
More Information: La Jolla Shores Beach Fire Info
6. Newport State Beach by the Balboa Pier
Most of the fire pits are located just to the east and west of the iconic Balboa Pier. The fire rings are available on a first-come first serve basis.
Since these fire pits are so close to homes, in an effort to minimize smoke, the fire pits that are painted green are for charcoal use only. The unpainted fire pits are for burning wood.
There are also some designated ADA access fire pits right near the cement walkway.
Address: 100 Main St, Newport Beach, CA 92661
Beach Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fire Pits: 16 west of Balboa Pier, 15 east of Balboa Pier.
Reservations: First come first serve.
More Information: Newport Beach Fire Info
7. Bolsa Chica State Beach
This is another place in Huntington Beach that has 200 fire rings. These fire pits fill up fast so make sure that you get there early or reserve a picnic area and enjoy an ocean side cook-out. There is also a campground with RV hookups near this beach (40 foot maximum length).
Address: 17851 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA
Beach Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. (gates close at 9 p.m.)
Fire Pits: 200 fire pits.
Reservations: First come, first serve unless reserved with a picnic area.
More Information: Bolsa Chica State Beach Fire Info
8. Huntington State Beach
Right next to Huntington City Beach, this state beach is also another popular surfing beach. There are 200 fire rings that are first come first serve.
This beach also has designated picnic areas that are available for reservations. If you reserve a picnic area for $100 it comes with a fire ring. This is a great way to guarantee that you will get a fire ring!
Address: 21601 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA
Beach Hours: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Fire Pits: 200 fire rings
Reservations: First come first serve unless reserved with a picnic area ($100-300 /day reservation fee)
More Information: Huntington State Beach Fire Info *The fire pit information is toward the bottom of the website.
9. Huntington City Beach
Also called “Surf City USA”, this beach is a famous place to surf. It is also a great place to enjoy a classic California Bonfire on the beach! Huntington City which is home to the Huntington Beach Pier has over 125 fire pits from south of first street to Beach Boulevard.
Address: First St. and Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA
Beach Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fire Pits: 100 fire pits.
Reservations: First come first serve.
Parking: $15-30 depending on the time of year.
More Information: Huntington City Beach Fire Info
10. Corona Del Mar State Beach
Just off the Pacific Coast Highway near Newport, you will find 24 fire pits (8 charcoal only & 16 for wood or charcoal) on the sandy shores of Corona Del Mar Beach. While the beach is called a state beach, it’s actually run by the City of Newport.
Address: 3001 Ocean Blvd, Newport Beach
Beach Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fire Pits: 24 fire rings.
Reservations: First come first serve.
More Information: Corona Del Mar Beach Fire Info
11. Doheny Beach
Located in Dana Point within the Doheny State Beach. These fire pits are not right out on the sand, but are found within a grassy area that is right next to the beach.
Each fire pit is in a picnic area that is available by reservation only, and also includes a BBQ and picnic benches. While you won’t be able to put your toes in the sand at these fire pits, the beach is just a short walk away, and you can enjoy ocean views.
Address: 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA
Beach Hours: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Fire Pits: 13 picnic areas / fire pits.
Reservations: Reservations are required and are $150-400 per day depending on the season.
More Information: Doheny State Beach Picnic / Fire Rings Info
12. San Clemente City Beaches
The city of San Clemente has 8 fire pits that are spread out on three different beaches; San Clemente Pier, North Beach, and T Street Beach. They are all available on a first come first serve basis, but because there are so few, you will have to arrive early to get one.
Fire Pits: 8 Fire pits at 3 different beaches.
Reservations: First come first serve.
More Information: San Clemente Beaches Fire Info
13. Dockweiler State Beach
While this might be the loudest place for a beach bonfire (it is right next to LAX), Dockweiler Beach has over 40 fire pits right on the sand that are very popular with locals and visitors. These fire pits can be found in front of the Dockweiler RV park about 3 miles south of Playa del Rey.
Make sure you arrive very early as the fire pits get taken quickly. Sometimes people show up as early as 8 a.m. just to save a fire pit for that evening. If you are saving a fire pit, don’t leave it unattended, even for a quick walk to the water, or someone might take it.
Address: 12000 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Beach Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fire Pits: 40 fire pits.
Reservations: First come first serve.
More Information: Dockweiler Beach Fire Info
14. Grover State Beach
This is one of the few places in California where you can actually drive your vehicle out onto the sand and build your own bonfire anywhere on the beach. Grover beach is part of the Pismo State Beach. Beach access is right at the west end of Grand Avenue in Grover, CA. Fires are allowed on the beach, but must be less than three feet in diameter and two feet high.
Address: 25 W Grand Ave. Grover Beach, CA
Beach Hours: 7 a.m. to 1-hour past sunset.
Fire Pits: No fire pits, beach fires are permitted anywhere on the beach.
Reservations: First come first serve.
More Information: Grover Beach Fire Info
15. Seabright State Beach
This beautiful wide beach is the perfect spot in Santa Cruz to enjoy a bonfire. This beach is about a half-mile long and sits between the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Harbor.
This beach is a great place to enjoy the day, watch the sunset, and spend the evening around one of the 10 first come first serve fire pits on the west end of the beach.
Address: East Cliff Dr. at Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Beach Hours: 6 a.m.- 10 p.m.
Fire Pits: 10 fire pits.
More Information: Seabright State Beach Fire Info
16. Ocean Beach
Just steps away from the City of San Francisco is Ocean Beach. This wide sandy stretch of beach is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and they have 16 season bonfire pits where fires are allowed from March through October.
Address: Sloat Blvd and Great Highway, San Francisco CA
Beach Hours: Fires must be out by 9:30 p.m.
Fire Pits: 16 fire pits located between Stairwells 15 and 20.
Reservations: First come first serve.
More Information: Ocean Beach Fire Info
17. Muir Beach
This is a favorite beach spot for locals in the Bay Area. Muir Beach is a quiet sandy cove that is three miles west of Muir Woods. There are 6 fire rings available May to November and 3 fire rings available December to April. This is a great spot in Northern California for a beach bonfire.
Address: 200 Pacific Way, Muir Beach CA
Beach Hours: 9 a.m – 1 hour after sunset.
Fire Pits: 6 fire pits (May – November) 3 fire pits (December – April)
Reservations: First come first serve.
More Information: Muir Beach Fire Info
FAQ About Beach Bonfires in California
Are bonfires allowed in California?
There are some California beaches that allow bonfires. Most fires are allowed during certain months of the year and must be within the provided fire rings. Each beach has different rules and regulations regarding bonfires. There are a few beaches in California that still permit bonfires outside a fire ring.
What to bring for a bonfire?
I would suggest checking the rules for specific beaches that you will be visiting so that you know if you need to bring wood or charcoal, since some locations only permit the burning of charcoal.
You want to make sure that you have everything that you need before heading out for a bonfire. As a general rule, you should remember to bring the following items:
- Wood or charcoal
- Matches or a lighter
- Fire logs
- BBQ lighter fluid
- Kindling
- Newspaper or cardboard
- Small bucket for water (to put out fire)
- Chairs
- Blankets
- S’mores’ supplies
- Food & Drinks
- Wet Wipes
- Bluetooth speaker for music
- Wagon to carry all your supplies.
How to get a beach fire pit?
You should arrive at the beach…. VERY early to claim a fire pit. During the summer and on weekends I recommend that you try and arrive as early as 6 a.m. to claim your fire ring. They fill up fast, so if you really want to have a beach bonfire, you’ll have to make a day of it.
During the off-season or on weekdays there are usually fire rings available and you shouldn’t have a problem claiming one even if you arrive in the afternoon or early evening. This of course depends on the location, some beaches only have a few fire rings, and others have many to choose from.
Since everyone wants a fire pit, claiming and keeping yours can be a challenge. Once you arrive you will want to put all your belongings and beach chairs around the fire pit. You are also going to need to have at least one or two people there the entire day to save it for the evening.
You can’t just leave your stuff there and come back, someone will take it if there aren’t any people around. I have even heard of people paying someone to stay there the entire day just to save their spot for an evening bonfire.
Reserving Fire Pits / Concierge Services
There are a few beaches that offer reservable paid picnic areas that include fire rings. If you don’t want to worry about arriving early and finding an open ring, then it might be a good idea to pay to reserve a picnic spot with a fire ring.
There are also some concierge beach bonfire services that, for a fee, will go early, save your fire ring and parking spot, and make sure that you have all the supplies needed for a bonfire. This is a great idea if you want to skip all the hassle of gathering supplies and claiming a fire ring, and instead just show up and enjoy your bonfire.
Here are some bonfire concierge services in California:
- Beach Fire Guy Services, San Diego
- San Diego Beach Fires, San Diego
- The Beach Genie, San Diego
- The Bonfire Experts, La Jolla
You will also find many beachfront hotels that also offer add-on beach bonfires to your hotel stay. Here are a few hotels that offer beach bonfire packages.
- The Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntington Beach
- Pasea Hotel, Huntington Beach
- Paradise Point Resort, San Diego
- Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado
- Hyatt Regency, Huntington Beach
Beach Bonfire Rules
Each beach has their own set of rules for having a bonfire. Before you head out make sure that you look over the regulations for that specific beach. Most beaches only allow bonfires during certain times of the year, and within specific hours of each day.
Also, most beaches allow you to burn only firewood or coal. In the rules they will also state the allowed maximum fire size.
Make sure that you follow the rules and regulations so that you don’t risk the chance of getting ticketed, and so that we can all continue to enjoy the fun California tradition of a beach bonfire.
