Living in a beach city is truly a blessing, you can enjoy the coast year-round! While summer and spring are perfect for beach days, fall and winter bring unique magic. Fall offers tide pools, glowing waves, and kayaking, while winter delivers meteor showers and cozy bonfire nights. Grab your guitar and marshmallows for these bonfire beaches around LA! But first, remember these quick bonfire etiquette tips:
- Don’t leave the fire unattended
- Don’t sleep overnight on the beach
- Don’t use accelerants such as lighter fluid
- Don’t throw trash into the fire, specially metals
- Keep the music low for your neighbors
- Bring a bucket to put out the fire with seawater
- Clean up all your trash
1. Dockweiller State Beach
Dockweiler Beach, nestled in the Playa del Rey district and just a stone’s throw from LAX, is a go-to destination for anyone seeking bonfire pits in Los Angeles. With over 70 fire pits available, it’s the perfect spot to gather friends and family for a cozy evening by the flames.
Beyond the bonfires, this beach offers plenty of options to enjoy the day, from swimming in the refreshing waves to soaking up the sun on the sandy shores. Plus, the convenience of on-site restrooms and showers makes your beach day stress-free.
📍 Location: 12000 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 18 miles, 20 minutes drive
2. Cabrillo Beach
Cabrillo Beach, an incredible spot for its breathtaking sunsets and an iconic movie location, offers a more low-key option for bonfire pits in Los Angeles. With just about a dozen pits available, it’s a lesser-known spot for cozy beach fires. To secure your spot, arriving early is a must! While you wait for the evening glow, enjoy the stunning views and capture some incredible photos at this scenic seaside gem.
📍 Location: 1 Cabrillo Beach Rd, San Pedro, CA 90731
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 25 miles, 30 minutes drive
3. Huntington State Beach
Huntington Beach, famously dubbed the surfing mecca and home to the annual Surf Open, is also one of the best spots for bonfires in Los Angeles. It’s one of the closest beach where fires are allowed directly on the sand, making it ideal for roasting marshmallows with friends as the waves crash nearby. Beyond its many fire rings, the beach also features volleyball courts, picnic tables, and excellent facilities to ensure a comfortable visit.
📍 Location: 21601 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92646
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 40 miles, 45 minutes drive
4. Huntington City Beach
Huntington City Beach is the heart of a long stretch of sandy shoreline, offering a prime location for beachgoers looking to enjoy the sun and surf. It’s also one of the best spots for epic sunset photos, with stunning views over the iconic pier. The fire rings are available daily from 6AM to 10PM.
📍 Location: 1 Main St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 36 miles, 41 minutes drive
5. Balboa Pier
Balboa Beach in Newport Beach offers a unique experience for bonfires in Los Angeles, with fire rings conveniently located near residential areas. Due to this proximity, there are specific restrictions on what you can burn: green-painted rings are designated for charcoal only, while unpainted rings allow clean wood or charcoal. Fire rings are available daily from 6AM to 10PM on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is a smart move.
📍 Location: 1 Balboa Pier #1, Newport Beach, CA 92661
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 46 miles, 47 minutes drive
6. Corona del Mar State Beach
On the east side of the Newport Harbor channel, Corona del Mar State Beach is a fantastic option for a beach bonfire near Los Angeles. The beach offers a range of amenities, including BBQ pits, volleyball courts, lifeguards, restrooms, and fire rings, making it the perfect place for a day of relaxation and fun by the ocean. The fire rings are available daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.
📍 Location: 3000 Ocean Blvd, Corona del Mar, CA 92625
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 46 miles, 43 minutes drive
7. Bolsa Chica State Beach
Located in Orange County, Bolsa Chica State Beach is a top choice for anyone looking for a beach bonfire near Los Angeles. With over 200 fire rings available on a first-come, first-served basis, you’re sure to find a spot to enjoy a cozy bonfire. The rings are available every day from 6AM to 10PM, making it easy to plan your perfect beach day.
📍 Location: 17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 33 miles, 38 minutes drive
8. Aliso Beach
Renowned for its world-class skimboarding, Aliso Beach is a favorite among thrill-seekers and beachgoers alike. The beach also features coveted fire pits, though they are often occupied by families who set up camp early and stay until 6PM. Since the fire pits are available on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s best to arrive early to snag one.
📍 Location: 31131 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 55 miles, 60 minutes drive
9. San Onofre State Beach
San Onofre State Beach is a beloved destination for surfers, kayakers, fishermen, campers, and anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. This beach is not only perfect for catching waves, but it’s also a fantastic place to watch wildlife, with opportunities to see whales and sea lions in their natural habitat. While the beach is a paradise for nature lovers, the fire pits are limited, so it’s best to arrive early to secure your spot for a cozy LA beach bonfire.
📍 Location: 8300 Pacific Coast Hwy, San Clemente, CA 92672
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 49 miles, 50 minutes drive
10. San Clemente State Beach
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1934 and 1937, San Clemente State Beach is a historic gem that blends nature and recreation beautifully. With its campgrounds, day-use areas, picnic tables, restrooms, lifeguard services and of course fire pits, this beach is perfect for a full day of fun and relaxation.
📍 Location: 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, CA 92672
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 64 miles, 57 minutes drive