Huntington Beach Fire Pits: Where to Find Beach Bonfires in Surf City USA®
Nothing complements a California beach day quite like ending it around a bonfire. Huntington Beach is home to more than 500 public beach fire pits, making it one of the best places in Southern California to enjoy a beach bonfire with family and friends.
Most Huntington Beach fire pits are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're planning a larger gathering, however, keep in mind that select picnic areas with fire pits can be reserved in advance through Huntington City Beach, Huntington State Beach, and Bolsa Chica State Beach, providing a guaranteed spot for your group.
During the busy summer season, public fire pits fill up quickly - especially on weekends and holidays - so arriving as early as possible is highly recommended.
Huntington City Beach Fire Pits
Located along the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington City Beach offers more than 125 public fire pits stretching from south of First Street to Beach Boulevard.
In addition to beach bonfires, visitors can enjoy volleyball courts, surfboard and bike rentals, RV camping (October through May), public restrooms, outdoor showers, and wheelchair-accessible beach amenities.
- Hours: 5 am to 10 pm
- Fire pits: 125+
- Parking: $15 - $30 per vehicle (seasonal rates)
- Click here for fire pit reservations
Huntington State Beach Fire Pits
With more than 200 public fire pits, Huntington State Beach is one of the most popular places for beach bonfires in Orange County. The beach also features over two miles of shoreline, public restrooms, outdoor showers, wheelchair accessibility, volleyball courts, basketball courts, picnic ramadas, barbecue grills, a paved beach bike path, and surf fishing (permit required).
For groups planning ahead, reserved picnic areas include a dedicated fire pit, making them a great option for birthdays, family gatherings, and celebrations.
- Hours: 6 am to 10 pm
- Fire pits: 200+
- Parking: $15 per vehicle
- Click here for picnic area reservations
Bolsa Chica State Beach Fire Pits
Bolsa Chica State Beach offers approximately three miles of coastline and more than 200 public fire pits, along with additional reservable fire pits in picnic and ramada areas.
Amenities include public restrooms, outdoor showers, wheelchair-accessible facilities, a visitor center, volleyball courts, basketball courts, barbecue grills, picnic ramadas, a paved beach path, and year-round RV camping.
- Hours: Vary by season
- Fire pits: 200+
- Parking: $15 per vehicle
- Click here for picnic area reservations
Frequently Asked Questions About Beach Bonfires
Q: What should I bring for my beach bonfire?
A: Grab firewood, a blanket, beach or camping chairs, matches or a lighter, kindling, skewers, plus your favorite fixin’s, and toast ooey-gooey marshmallows to your heart’s content while watching a killer Huntington Beach sunset. It’s the ultimate sunset s’mores session.
Firewood is available for purchase at beach concessionaires at each beach: Beach City Provisions (714-698-4188) at Bolsa Chica State Beach, Jack’s Beach Concessions & Bike Rentals (714-536-8328) at Huntington City Beach, and Zack’s Too (714-536-2696) at Huntington State Beach. Call ahead to make sure they’re open and stocked.
Q: What is not allowed at a beach bonfire?
A: Alcohol is not permitted at any of the beaches, and wood pellets are not allowed in the fire rings.
Q: Best tips for reserving a beach bonfire pit?
A: If you're hoping to enjoy a beach bonfire during Memorial Day through Labor Day, plan to arrive early. On busy weekends and holidays, many visitors claim public fire pits shortly after sunrise, and parking lots can fill up before midday.
For a guaranteed bonfire experience, consider reserving a picnic area with a fire pit at Huntington City Beach or Huntington State Beach before your visit.
If you're visiting during the fall, winter, or spring, you'll generally have a much easier time finding an available fire pit without arriving early.
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