Skip to content

There’s nothing like enjoying a warm beach bonfire under the stars. And while many of California’s popular beaches have banned them, you’ll still find some with fire pits, even in Los Angeles County. Here are the best places to enjoy a nice, big bonfire in LA.

Dockweiler State Beach

Dockweiler State Beach is located near the LAX Airport in the Playa Del Rey District of LA, and it’s definitely the most popular and well known beach for bonfires. With over 70 bonfire pits to choose from, your odds are quite good of nabbing the perfect spot. This is also a great beach for swimming and sunbathing by day, and since there are restrooms and showers for your convenience, you could easily spend an entire day (and evening) here.

Cabrillo Beach – Ocean Beach

You’ll find Cabrillo Ocean Beach in the San Pedro District of LA, and it’s a slightly less publicized (though still quite popular) spot. There are only about a dozen fire pits here, so if you want a spot, make sure you arrive early. Luckily, this beach has a lot to offer, so you won’t mind waiting for the sun to set.

Point Mugu State Beach

Sycamore Cove Beach in Point Mugu State Beach sits along the Pacific Coast Highway in southern Ventura County near Malibu. Unfortunately, bonfires are not allowed on the beach here, but if you can reserve a campsite in the canyon across the road, you’re welcome to build a fire in pits that are provided. And with 70 miles of trails to explore, one day here may not be enough.

Orange County

Long Beach in LA County doesn’t have any bonfire beaches, but just across the border Orange County has fire rings galore. The closest ones to Los Angeles are in Huntington Beach.

See our complete list of California bonfire beaches listed north to south.