Ultimate Guide to Beach Bonfires in San Diego County

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Looking to enjoy a cozy beach bonfire in San Diego County? Whether you're planning a romantic evening, a family gathering, or a fun night with friends, this guide will help you find the best fire pits, understand the rules, and ensure a memorable experience.

Top Beach Bonfire Locations in San Diego County

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1. North Beach, Coronado

North Beach offers public fire pits (non-reservable) with stunning views. Amenities include beach access mats, restrooms, and an off-leash dog area at the northern end. See here for more information on Coronado Beach.

2. Silver Strand State Beach

Located south of Coronado, this beach has fire pits. It's popular for daily beachgoers and overnight campers.

3. Mission Bay Park

With numerous fire rings across various locations like Crown Point Shores, Fiesta Island, and Ski Beach, Mission Bay offers ample opportunities for bonfires. See our Mission Bay Guide for more information on enjoying the bay!

4. Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach features nine fire rings available during summer months. It's a lively spot with volleyball courts, picnic tables, and a fishing pier. See our beach review of Ocean Beach for more information.

5. La Jolla Shores

This beach has seven fire rings available during summer, providing a serene setting with beautiful ocean views. For more information on La Jolla Shores see here.

6. Moonlight State Beach

This beach has fire rings available in the central beach area by the restrooms, concessions, picnic tables, and volleyball courts. For more information on Moonlight State Beach see here.

Beach Bonfire Rules & Regulations

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To ensure safety and compliance, adhere to the following guidelines:

• Permitted Fuel: Only charcoal, clean wood, or paper can be burned.

• Prohibited Items: No pallets, rubbish, or open beach fires outside containers.

• Fire Extinguishing: Do not use sand to extinguish fires; wait until the fire has burned out or use water.

• Operating Hours: No beach fires between 12:00 am and 5:00 am.

• Fire Ring Availability: Fire rings are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

for more information beach bonfire rules, see our post on everything you should know about San Diego beach bonfires.

Fire Rings on North Beach in Coronado

Enhance Your Bonfire Experience

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Looking to elevate your beach bonfire? Consider renting equipment from local providers:

• San Diego Beach Fires: Offers delivery of fire pits, chairs, and s'mores kits.

• Bonfire Bros: Provides complete bonfire setups with a 25% discount for active & veteran military, first responders & teachers.

You can try out a San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise or a Glow Electric Boat Ride for more ways to enjoy the beach and bay after dark!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I bring my own fire pit?

A: Personal fire pits are not allowed on public beaches; only city-provided or approved propane devices are permitted.

Q: Are reservations required?

A: Most fire rings are available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some areas may offer reservations; check local regulations.

Q: Can I leave the fire unattended?

A: Never leave a fire burning unattended. Always ensure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving.

Final Thoughts

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Enjoy your beach bonfire adventure in San Diego County! Remember to respect local regulations and leave no trace. Be sure to check out our post on Cool Things to Do in San Diego at Night for more activities to try after the sun sets!