The Coolest Beaches for Bonfires

Beach bonfires have been a long-treasured tradition on the Pacific coastline, and Californians today continue in the footsteps of the older generations. Around the bonfires of the California shoreline, families reunite, friendships strengthen, new friendships form, and love stories blossom. Nothing beats the fun of roasting marshmallows and feasting on s’mores around the fire; nor can anything beat singing, dancing, and laughing around the embers as the waves roll gently to shore.

Today, due to environmental problems, many California beaches prohibit bonfires. But those beaches that allow them get so crowded quickly—expect to find people who arrive at dusk to reserve a fire pit. If you’ve been craving bonfire fun with your loved ones, check out these seven California beaches, and get ready for a beautiful adventure.

Top Places For A Beach Campfire

Muir Beach

Location: 200 Pacific Way, Muir Beach
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Parking: Free parking available
Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables, trails, fire pits
Dogs allowed: Yes

A Pacific Coast bonfire is the best thing you can do under the California night sky. Muir Beach is known for being both one of the best beaches to view the California sunset and to host bonfires at. Located in Marin County, this beach is surrounded by miles of hiking trails, and is a perfect place for beachcombing, birdwatching, and having a picnic. Come nighttime, the smell of roasted marshmallows and S’mores fills the air, alongside laughter and music. This breathtaking NorCal beach should top every bonfire list.

Ocean Beach

Location: Sloat Boulevard and Great Highway, San Francisco
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Parking: Free parking available
Amenities: Restrooms, promenade, paved bike lane, dunes, zoo, fire pits
Dogs allowed: Yes

The list of beaches with bonfire pits takes us to the Bay Area, where fun gatherings are had around beach campfires. Ocean Beach, known as one of the best in the Bay Area, is a five-mile stretch of sand with warm waters. This dog-friendly beach is a great spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding—talk about fun under the sun. As the night approaches, the beach becomes lit with bonfires and the shore suddenly is packed with nighttime beachgoers. That shouldn’t come as a shock though, because Ocean Beach is integral to San Fran bonfire culture. Next time you’re in the area, don’t fight your urge to join the bonfire crowd. 

Carmel Beach

Location: Ocean Avenue and Scenic Road, Carmel
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Parking: Free parking available
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, trails, fire pits
Dogs allowed: Yes

Breathtaking views, stone sidewalks, quaint cottages, and bonfires are meant to make for the perfect romantic and affordable getaway. Known as one of the most romantic beaches in California, Carmel Beach is the perfect spot to take any relationship to the next level—under the watchful eyes of dolphins and sea otters, which make regular rounds along the shore. During daytime, picnic, sunbathe, explore tidepools, and participate in sandcastle building competitions; while at nighttime, cuddle next to a bonfire and enjoy each other's company. Especially after experiencing the nighttime fun, this secluded California beach will truly take your breath away.

Dockweiler State Beach

Location: Imperial Highway and Vista Del Mar, Los Angeles
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Parking: Free parking available
Amenities: Lifeguard, restrooms, showers, volleyball courts, paved bike path, fire pits, picnic tables, BBQs
Dogs allowed: No

We won’t lie and say Dockweiler State Beach is quiet, but what we’re going to say is that you’re going to have the time of your life and make tons of new friends on its sandy shoreline. Located just a 15-minute walk away from LAX, Dockweiler State Beach is the perfect spot for bonfires as you watch airplanes arrive and take off from the airport. While the sun is up, surfing, fishing, and challenging complete strangers into a game of beach volleyball is a pretty rad way to spend your day. And as the sun sets, you’ll be telling ghost stories and roasting marshmallows around a fire pit, with people who were strangers only a few hours back. So, grab your beach essentials, add a few good songs to your playlist, and enjoy the hip L.A. beach culture tonight.

Huntington Beach

Location: Pacific Coast Highway and Magnolia Street, Huntington Beach
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Parking: $15
Amenities: Lifeguard, fire pits, restrooms, showers, snack bar, paved bike path, picnic table, BBQs, basketball courts, volleyball courts, rentals, accessible features
Dogs allowed: No

If there’s one thing beachgoers agree with, it’s that nothing beats a Huntington Beach bonfire. Everything you need for a long day at the beach can be found here. From basketball and volleyball courts, to fire pits and hiking trails, Huntington Beach has something fun going on for everyone. But that’s not all, this Orange County favorite is famous within the surfing community as one of the best surf spots in California. We bet you can imagine how crowded the beach can get, so if you want a good spot close to the iconic pier, arrive early and choose one of the many fire pits at Huntington Beach.

Corona Del Mar State Beach

Location: Ocean Boulevard and Jasmine Avenue, Newport Beach
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Parking: $15
Amenities: Lifeguard, restrooms, showers, BBQs, picnic tables, volleyball courts, fire pits
Dogs allowed: Allowed on leash before 10 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m.

Orange County bonfires are the best. Visitors swear that the Corona Del Mar State Beach bonfires go down in memory lane forever. The fire pits at this Newport Beach stretch of sand have heard more stories than any human ear has. Here scuba divers, surfers, snorkelers, volleyball players, and swimmers come together after a day well spent to talk about their adventures and let go of their troubles. Situated on the east side of the Newport Harbor channel entrance, Corona Del Mar State Beach is the answer to all your bonfire-related questions.

Mission Beach

Location: Mission Boulevard and Ventura Place, San Diego
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Parking: Free parking available
Amenities: Amusement park, boardwalk, arcade, wave house, grass park, picnic tables, lifeguard, showers, bike path, fire pits, restaurants
Dogs allowed: Allowed on leash before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

Look at us saving the best for the last. Deemed by many as the number one beach for summer bonfires in California, Mission Beach is where you want to spend every one of your vacations—and you’ll never get bored. Not only is the San Diego beach a surfer’s paradise, but it also offers good opportunities for skating, biking, and running near its shoreline. But, most importantly, it’s home to the only beachside amusement park in the United States—Belmont Park. The beach’s famous Boardwalk is just a three-mile walk from the fire pits as well. As far as beaches that allow bonfires go, Mission Beach is the best of them all. Hurry up and enjoy the midnight fires at one of the best beaches in all of California.