Beach Bonfire Guide For San Diego County

There’s nothing better than gathering around a big beach bonfire after a day of swimming, surfing or sunbathing. If you’d like to enjoy a fire on your next San Diego County beach vacation, plan ahead by choosing a beach with the proper equipment and laws on your side.

Here’s our guide to the best beaches for bonfires in the San Diego area.

Oceanside Harbor Beach

Oceanside Harbor Beach sits in front of the Oceanside city harbor, boxed in by two rock jetties at both ends. Spend the day enjoying the volleyball courts, BBQ areas and snack bar before securing one of the fire pits. Fires are allowed in the pits only, so arrive early to stake out your spot.

Oceanside Pier View South Beach

This is an incredibly popular stretch of beach in San Diego County, and for good reason. Not only is it just north of Oceanside Pier, but the wide, sandy beach features a kids’ play area, BBQ spots, picnic tables and an array of other amenities, including a nearby amphitheater. Fire pits are first-come, first-served, and they are snatched up quickly during peak seasons.

Moonlight State Beach

Moonlight State Beach is a California state park that is operated by the city of Encinitas. Family-friendly with lifeguards and great swimming spots, it’s a fun and welcoming place to be on a warm and sunny day. There is a paid lot, but if you arrive early enough, you can find free street parking. The fire pits are available until the beach closes at 10 PM.

Tourmaline Surfing Park Beach

Surfing isn’t the only thing you’ll enjoy at this beautiful beach – although, if you are a surfer, we highly recommend catching your next wave here. Tourmaline Beach sits on the border of the Pacific Beach and La Jolla districts of San Diego. As with all the other beaches in the area, the fire pits are first-come, first-served.

Playa Pacifica Park on Mission Bay

Mission Bay Park has many beaches that provide fire pits for bonfires. Playa Pacifica is a cozy little beach park that can be found on the east side of Mission Bay. A large grass park with a sandy shore wraps around the entire cove known as Leisure Lagoon. Often used for swimming, picnics and sunbathing, it’s a quiet park, so it’s a great place to enjoy a bonfire with a small group of friends.

Ocean Beach City Beach

Since Ocean Beach City Beach is the main beach in the neighborhood, it stays perpetually crowded. That being said, since there are numerous fire pits here, your odds of getting one are pretty good, provided you arrive early in the day. Other amenities include volleyball courts, picnic tables, a lifeguard, showers and a fishing pier.

Ski Beach Park on Mission Bay

Located on Vacation Isle in the middle of Mission Bay, Ski Beach Park features a boat launch, picnic tables, a great walking path, a play area for kids and, of course, fire pits for bonfire-seekers. To reach the park, take Ingraham Street onto the island and turn east on Vacation Road, then take your first left into the parking area.

South Shores Park on Mission Bay

South Shores Park is located at the end of Mission Bay. With views of SeaWorld, picnic tables, a boat ramp and plenty of fire pits, you’d think it would stay crowded… but this is actually one of the most under-utilized parks in the area. If you can find it, you’ve got a great chance of securing a fire pit for yourself. See all the beaches on Mission Bay.

Shelter Island Shoreline Park

This Shelter Island beach is small, but the breathtaking views can’t be beat. Imagine lighting a bonfire at sunset with those sparkling city views in the distance. The park address is 2210 Shelter Island Drive, and it’s typically pretty easy to find.

Coronado Beach

Not that Coronado Beach needs more amenities to be amazing (you’ll find picnic tables, BBQs, restrooms and the gorgeous Hotel del Coronado nearby), but the fire pits spread out across the sand are much appreciated. The beach here stays crowded with tourists and locals alike, but the majority of them are there to build sandcastles and enjoy surfing and sunbathing.

If you head south from the Del, you’ll find a beach below tall condo buildings called Coronado Shores Beach which has a free public parking lot.

Glorietta Bay Park Beach

Located on the San Diego Bay side of Coronado Island, Glorietta Bay is a wonderful place for families to spend the day. With abundant areas for picnics and playing plus an on-duty lifeguard, this little oasis provides the perfect beach experience. When dusk nears, head to one of the fire pits and keep the party going.

Silver Strand State Beach

Located along Highway 75 in Coronado, Silver Strand State Beach offers an aquatic center with kayaks for rent as well as a beautiful and relaxing campground. There’s so much sun and sand to be seen here that it’s easy to see why people fall in love with Southern California. Fires must be contained to the fire rings and they must all be out by closing time (10 PM), even if you’re spending the night.

Border Field State Park Beach

The southernmost beach in California begins at the Mexican border and continues north to the mouth of the Tijuana River. The developed area has picnic areas, BBQ grills, restrooms, a grass park, and accessible trails. There’s a fee for vehicles, but it’s free to walk in, and the fire pits are often readily available.

For a more complete list of California beach fire options, check out our beach bonfire map.