An ancient beach tradition, beach bonfires are enjoyed by both visitors and locals. Some beaches even provide fire pits so you can build your own.
Follow basic safety regulations to enjoy a fun beach bonfire experience safely. First and foremost, ensure you have water handy for dousing flames if they come alive.
Cabrillo Ocean Beach
Cabrillo Beach Park boasts two beaches on either side of its ocean surf. One boasts ocean surf while the other features harbor beach within its breakwater, making for safe swimming conditions when conditions allow. Both beaches provide families with sea air enjoyment as well as amenities like restrooms, lifeguard services, beach wheelchairs, picnic areas and an expansive playground - which make this beach an excellent spot to visit with children!
The inner beach boasts a fire pit available on a first-come, first-serve basis for that classic beach bonfire experience. Being smaller than its counterparts in this area and remaining fairly peaceful makes this beach ideal for people wanting to avoid crowds.
This park is a favorite kayaking spot and its paved pathway allows visitors to roller-blade, jog or bike along its length while taking in ocean air. Anglers find success fishing for grunion, white croakers and other species from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily from its mile-long pier, open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM each day. In addition to these attractions there's also the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium providing excellent family fun!
South Shores Park
Just south of Oceanside's main beach is an ideal place for an intimate sunset bonfire. Fire pits here can become quite crowded during the summer when SeaWorld hosts nighttime fireworks shows; therefore arriving early in the afternoon is the best way to ensure a spot.
San Diego plans to rejuvenate much of Fiesta Island, including South Shores Park. Both City Council and California Coastal Commission must approve these plans which could take years for completion. These include turf fields, children's play structures, picnic areas, camping spaces and parking lots among many other features.
Tourmaline Beach, which sits along the border between Pacific Beach and La Jolla, is a surfer's haven that boasts several beach fire pits for use by surfers. As these spots are first-come first-serve, especially during UCSD student visitations periods in summer months, spots can become quickly taken up.
Moonlight Beach in Encinitas boasts eight fire pits, making it another prime location for bonfires. Unlike Oceanside's fire pits which were removed due to social distancing laws, Encinitas still has theirs intact; for your own safety it is recommended that you call ahead or go online before setting out on any beach visit - especially as each beach may have specific regulations and guidelines in place - call ahead or check online before heading out!
Shelter Island
Silver Strand State Beach in Shelter Island, located just south of Coronado on Highway 75, is an unforgettable beach with fire pits that shouldn't be missed! Popular among both daily beachgoers and overnight campers in RVs, motorhomes and trailers, its warm bayside waters make for ideal swimming and sailing, while gazebos, tables and barbecue pits provide guests with a place for bonfire-fueled evening entertainment.
Shelter Island may only be 10 minutes by ferry ride from Greenport and Sag Harbor, yet its 8,000-acre hamlet feels like an isolated weekend retreat for residents and visitors. Here they enjoy beautiful beaches, serene hiking trails, cozy cafes and an array of outdoor events to unwind on this weekend getaway.
Shelter Island, home of America's Cup Harbor, is an epicenter for sailing enthusiasts. The Shelter Island Yacht Club provides programs tailored for sailors of all skill levels; J/World Performance Sailing School and San Diego Sailing Academy also offer charter services for experienced mariners. Plus, internationally known musicians and comedians perform at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay every summer on its bluff overlooking both bay waters and downtown skylines - the summer highlight!