Find Orange County fire pits for a beach bonfire with friends and family, including free and paid options. When you think of Southern California, you probably think of sunshine and beaches. Which is a pretty accurate thing to think of, because Orange County has a whole number of incredible beaches for you to explore. If you’ve never been to one of these beaches, or are simply looking for a new one to visit besides your usual stomping grounds, the overall number of beaches to choose from can seem overwhelming. You just want the perfect bonfire, but might not be sure how to get to the beach or where to go. Get an overview of which beach seems right for you, and start planning that beach bonfire today.
Aliso Beach Fire Pits (Removed)
31131 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92652
The City of Laguna took mysteriously removed the firepits in the Spring of 2023 when they took control of Aliso Beach from OC Parks. There city council is currently debating on whether to return the firepits in a beach city that now has no firepits.
This smaller beach is located in Laguna, with a paid parking lot directly in front of beach access. There’s also a park within walking distance, so it’s a perfect place to bring your family for a day of playgrounds and surf. Like most beaches, it gets busy on the weekends, so you’re going to want to get there early if you’re setting up your bonfire. This is the only beach in Laguna with bonfire pits, so they tend to be in high demand – and there are only about ten available daily. But once you get your bonfire all set, you can enjoy the views of sandy cliffs and the beautiful houses overlooking the beach as you watch the sunset.
Balboa Pier – Newport State Beach
1 Balboa Pier, Newport Beach, CA 92661
Another extremely popular beach in Orange County, Newport has bonfire pits scattered throughout the coast. Newport beach pits are located at teh Balboa Pier, Corona Del Mar State Beach and the Newport Dunes.
At the Balboa pier, before you start your fire, you can take a stroll along the pier or grab a snack at one of them any restaurants lining the beachfront. Get to ‘em while you can, along the Balboa area, because local residents have been fighting for removal because of air pollution. But as of now, that hasn’t happened yet – so go ahead and get your bonfire on.
West of the Balboa Pier Fire Rings:
- Eight wood burning, four designated for ADA access
- Eight charcoal only
East of the Balboa Pier Fire Rings:
- Seven wood burning, four designated for ADA access
- Eight charcoal only
Bolsa Chica State Beach Fire Pits
17851 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
(extends three miles from Warner Avenue to Seapoint Avenue along Pacific Coast Highway.)
Bolsa Chica is a popular surfing spot because the surf breaks in more shallow water, which allows inbound waved to curl when they crest. If you didn’t get any of that and just want to make a bonfire, Bolsa Chica is still a good pick for you. They have over 200 fire pits and, like most other fire pits, they’re first come, first serve. This is also a popular location to watch grunion runs. So set up a bonfire – come fairly early, but don’t sweat it too much – and surf a little, watch the fish, and roast some weenies.
Corona Del Mar State Beach Fire Pits
3001 Ocean Blvd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
Corona Del Mar is one of the hidden gems of Orange County – but not too hidden, so if you want to snag a bonfire pit, you’re probably going to have to have a designated person willing to go grab one for you very early. Park in the designated parking at the bottom of the big hill, or try to find a spot for free in the residential area. If you choose to park here, you’re going to have to lug your stuff down the hill, but hey, free parking. There are sixteen fire pits here, but they go very quickly.
Corona Del Mar Fire Rings:
- 16 wood burning, four designated for ADA access
- Eight charcoal only
Crystal Cove State Beach Fire Pits
15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, 92657
When you go here, visit the Beachcomber Cafe and eat overlooking the ocean. But since you’re probably planning a bonfire, you can make that happen too. You can actually rent a fire pit here. You have to be eighteen years of age to rent a fire pit, and standard pit is $65 for rental, which will get you two hours of fire pit use. You can also choose other packages that come with food and beach chairs.
Dana Point – Capistrano Beach Fire Pits (Removed)
35005 Beach Road, Capo Beach, CA 92675
Unfortunately due to public safety concerns and the increasing cost of maintenance, the fire pits at Capistrano Beach have been removed. The rising tides routinely flooded the fire pits, causing nails and screws from fire remains to be dispersed throughout the area. Removal began in July 2018.
Huntington Beach Pier
First St. and Pacific Coast Highway; Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Just south of the pier in front of Pacific City, fire rings dot the sand. There are over 100 concrete fire rings from south of First Street to Beach Boulevard, and is open daily 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Arrive early during peak season.
Bonfire Beach Butlers
The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel and The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa’s both offer beach bonfire packages. Packages include a personal fire pit, firewood, chairs, blankets, hot chocolate, s’mores and even pizza delivery.
Huntington State Beach Fire Pits
21601 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92646
Huntington Beach is one of the largest and most popular places to go for a bonfire. Luckily, they’ve got a large amount of fire pits for you to choose from. Parking is fairly simple. Depending on where you choose to settle down, you can park along metered parking or inside the parking lots. Some pits are located near volleyball nets, so bring a ball and get your game on before you set up your fire. Be sure to check your calendar – this beach tends to host festivals and events, so might be more busy on certain specific dates.
Tip: Reserve a picnic area, which comes with its very own fire ring.
Newport Dunes Fire Pits
1131 Back Bay Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
You’ve got eight bonfire rings to choose from here, so an early arrival time might be in your best interest. For a more clear picture of where the fire pits are in this lesser known area, you can go to this photo. Newport Dunes is technically a resort, but you’re free to come build a fire at the firepits. You might just want to drop by some of the nearby restaurants, but roasting marshmallows is pretty fun too.
Newport Dunes Fire Rings:
- Eight wood burning
San Clemente State Beach Fire Pits
225W. Calafia Ave, San Clemente, CA, 92672
San Clemente State Beach has campground fire pits only. Fires are not allowed on the beaches. This beach is more removed from the others on this list, which may be good news for you if you’re trying to plan a bonfire and not worry too much about grabbing a pit. You can enjoy your walk along the pier, or visit some cute shops around the area before you get your fire going. Don’t leave without taking a walk down T-street and visit the mini-bridge that leads down to the sand.
SeaLegs at the Beach at Bolsa Chica
Eat and drink beer, wine and mixed drinks at this beachfront concert venue. Cabanas and fire pits can be reserved.
Seasalt at the Beach at Bolsa Chica
This beachside burger place has live music, food and drinks. Fire-Pits can be pre-booked which also includes 6 Adirondack chairs and a bundle of firewood.
Huntington Beach House at Huntington Beach
Enjoy the fire pits at this beach house that also has a lounge, music and a restaurant serving food and drinks. Firepits must be reserved.
Lost Pier Café at Aliso Beach
Portable fire rings are available for rent, with the staff setting it up, putting lawn chairs around and lighting the “faux log” set in the propane pit.
Public Beach Firepits by City
Orange County currently has 838 public fire rings.
- Bolsa Chica 176
- Huntington Beach 357
- Laguna Beach 0
- Newport Beach 63
- Dana Point 44
- Capistrano Beach 4
- San Clemente 194.
How to Get a Beach Fire Pit & Other Tips
From Memorial Day to Labor Day claiming a fire pit in Orange County can be daunting. Here are some tips to getting a fire pit in Orange County.
- Arrive early in the morning and stay all day on the weekends and holidays.
- How early depends on the number of available fire pits on the beach. Less than 10 might mean 6 am or even earlier.
- Weekdays during the summer you might be lucky to grab one up until 3 pm or 4 pm.
- Designate a pit person who gets there in the morning and holds the pit.
- Take turns during the day holding your pit.
- Never leave the ring unattended. People will remove your belongings and claim the fire pit leading to potential altercations. Many pits state “Must be present to hold.”
- Share the rings, with two or more groups sitting near the flames. Never hurts to ask a group if they’ll share.
- Some rings only allow wood and others only allow charcoal.
- No alcohol allowed. Red cups are the biggest red flag. Coffees cups like the ones you can buy at Costco are not as obvious.
- Always clean up.
There are less fire rings in Orange County every year because of shrinking sand so it gets harder and harder to claim a fire pit.
- Riviera Beach in San Clemente – The one ring is no longer.
- San Onofre State Beach – Down to five from 12 fire rings.
- Doheny State Beach – Down to 14 from 33 fire rings.
- San Clemente City Beach – Down to 8 from 16 fire rings.
- Huntington State Beach – Less than 250 where there were over 500 in the early 2000s.