The 5 Best Beaches With Fire Pits in Los Angeles

Meow there, beach enthusiasts and fire-loving felines! If you are feeling curious about a new kind of adventure, you’re in for a kitty treat. This is your feline friend whiskering you away to the sandy beaches of sunny Southern California. Forget about catnip – it’s time to explore the beaches with fire pits in Los Angeles!

As a connoisseur of comfort, I’ve scoured the coastline to find the best places to curl up next to the warm flames of your purr-fect bonfire. Whether you prefer the communal warmth of public spaces or the more intimate feel of your own campsite, this guide will have you purring in delight. Pack up your firewood and marshmallows – it’s time to get your paws in the sand!

Public Pits vs. Reserved Areas

When planning your perfect beach bonfire, the first step is to decide which kind of fire pit you’ll use. It boils down to 3 options: grab a public fire pit on a first-come, first-served basis, reserve a picnic area with a fire pit for day use, or reserve an overnight campsite with a fire pit. 

Opting for a public fire pit for your beach bonfire experience is by far the most popular choice. The biggest pro is that it’s free; the biggest con is unpredictable availability. 

Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee you’ll secure a public fire pit for your beach bonfire adventure. Showing up early (first thing in the morning) will greatly increase your chances, however. Many groups send a few folks to the beach early to secure the fire pit while the rest of the group arrives closer to dark. All this to say, at least a few people in your group need to dedicate their entire day to your beach bonfire. 

Aside from the stress of claiming your territory, spending time at the public fire pits is really a special experience. With fire pits scattered across the beach, you’ll be amongst a group of dimly lit parties with music and occasional shrieks of joy permeating the air. Even though socialization amongst fire pits is rare, the feeling of being surrounded by good vibes adds to this unique experience. 

Some Orange County beaches offer reservable picnic areas that include a fire pit on the beach. While these provide security with an amazing view, they come at a cost. Day use for these areas ranges from $200-$300 and must be booked in advance. 

Your final option is to book a camp site on the sand that includes a fire pit. For those who love camping, this is a great option given that it offers security with a lower fee (generally around $35-45). The main con in this scenario is that a smaller camping space may limit your attendance 

What to Bring

When packing for a beach bonfire, just a little preparation can go a long way. Firstly, you’ll need to bring your own firewood and fires tarter. For environmental reasons, make sure to bring clean wood (no treated wood, nails, staples, etc). You should also bring some tinder, paper or other fast burning fuel to make sure you can get your firewood burning. Finally, you’ll need matches or a lighter to get started.

As far as gear is concerned, a blanket or beach chairs are must-haves, creating a cozy spot to relax by the crackling flames. Warm layers are also crucial, as coastal evenings on the Pacific can get deceptively chilly. A flashlight is handy for navigating the sandy terrain after dark, and it’s wise to pack trash bags to easily dispose of waste.

Next, you’ll need to decide on sustenance. Consider bringing marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers for classic s’mores – just don’t forget the roasting sticks. For a more savory snack, hot dogs are also a great option. If you would like to try a more extensive meal, you can also bring a personal barbecue as long as you operate it within the fire pit. Finally, a cooler stocked with refreshing beverages is quintessential for beach bonfires in LA.

Your last consideration is entertainment. A portable speaker to set the mood is always a great option. You may also think about bringing some beach games like frisbees or beach volleyball to entertain your group while the sun fully sets.

Where to Go 

Now that you know what to expect when claiming your fire pit and what to bring to ensure an enjoyable evening, the only thing left is deciding where to go. You’ll find several different beaches in and around Los Angeles that offer public fire pits, reservable fire puts and overnight campsites. Depending on your location, budget and flexibility, you may choose to set up your beach bonfire at any of the following 5 locations. 

Let’s dig into the best spots for your perfect beach bonfire. 

Dockweiler State Beach – the only fire pits located in Los Angeles County

Dockweiler State Beach, nestled along the picturesque coastline of Playa Del Rey, is conveniently located right off the Pacific Coast Highway. This is the only beach with public fire rings in Los Angeles County. Here you’ll find plenty of paid parking, as well as, limited free street parking. You can also access this beach from the Marvin Braude Bike Trail (aka “The Strand”). 

Dockweiler State Beach offers 40 well-spaced fire pits that are open for public use. Make sure to bring your own firewood and a way to light your fire. This beach also allows grilling within the fire pits, so feel free to bring your own charcoal and grill top if you are feeling industrious. 

The beach “closes” at 10 pm, but this just means that they lock the entrance to the parking lot. You can exit the parking lot at any time. As long as you are not disrupting anyone, you can usually stay on the beach as late as you’d like. With that said, however, the police can ask you to leave after 10 pm, if they’d like. 

Dockweiler is a great place for a beach bonfire due to its proximity to the city.

Huntington State Beach – welcome to the beaches of Orange County!

Huntington State Beach, located about 1.5 hours south of the center of LA, is located in Orange County. Here you’ll find 200 fire pits with a small subset open for reservation. Fire pits that are open for reservation range from $200-300 per day and also include private picnic tables.     

The fire pits at Huntington Beach also require that you bring your own firewood and allow grills within the fire pits. They tend to be stricter with their closing time, so you should expect to start packing up around 9 pm, as the parking lot closes at 9:30 pm.

While this beach is farther away from Los Angeles, it’s generally regarded as a nicer beach (cleaner, fewer “wild” parties). Best known for great surfing and rows of sand volleyball courts Unlike Dockwieler, it is also located far away from the nearest airport resulting in less noise pollution. 

Bolsa Chica State Beach

Located near the northern end of Huntington State Beach, Bolsa Chica is known for its natural beauty and public bonfire pits. Further outside of town than the state beach, this area tends to be a little quieter and is often populated with surfing enthusiasts.

Featuring 200 fire pits, as well as, some reservable picnic areas, this is the perfect spot for those seeking a quieter bonfire experience. With that said, you should still claim your fire pit as early as possible as demand is always unpredictable. 

Like Huntington State Beach, the parking lot closes at 9:30 pm. 

Newport Beach

The final beach with firepits to check out in the Orange County area is Newport Beach. Unlike the other beaches with fire pits, Newport Beach offers a mix of charcoal-only and wood-burning pits. The green pits are for “charcoal only” and, due to air quality regulations, do not allow any other materials. 

Nestled next to the picturesque Balboa Pier, here you’ll find 39 fire pits approved for burning wood. These pits are spread out across the beach, and best accessed from various parking lots. These pits are operated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pro Tip: Have one person to stake your claim while the other moves the car to the closest spot before unloading all of your gear.

Due to their proximity to a residential area, these fire pits tend to be quieter than their counterparts. They close at 10 pm and you can expect a greater chance of enforcement here than at the other beaches. With that said, Newport Beach is one of the prettiest areas in Orange County, relatively calm water and flat sandy beaches make this an ideal place to spend time before your bonfire. 

Point Mugu State Park – camping next to your fire 

Located in Ventura County, about 1.5 hours north of the middle of LA, the Thornhill Broome Campground, located in Point Mugu State Park offers tent camping sites directly on the beach. Assuming there is not a current fire ban, staying here is a great way to enjoy a late evening fire next to the ocean and stay up as late as you want. 

Like most campgrounds, Point Mugu does have “quiet” hours, but this just means that you need to keep your voice down and be respectful of other campers. 

While this type of experience takes some planning ahead, for those who love sleeping outside, this is the perfect way to experience your beach bonfire. 

Conclusion on Beaches with Fire Pits in Los Angeles

In conclusion, fellow adventurers and fire-loving companions, the beaches with fire pits in Los Angeles offer a spectrum of experiences, each tailored to suit your preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the lively camaraderie of public fire pits or the exclusive charm of a reserved campsite, the sandy California beaches await your paw prints.

Now that you know the ropes of choosing your fire pit, what to bring, and which beach to pick, all that’s left is enjoy your experience. It’s time to gather your gear, pick your spot, and let the warmth of the flames and the soothing sounds of the Pacific Ocean create your purr-fect beach bonfire memory.