Sunny afternoons are great for bumming at the beach, but San Diego beaches with first pits are the place to be when the sun goes down. Bonfires are a classic beach activity, whether you want to roast hot dogs with your friends or just plan to hang out around a flickering fire pit. Due to important safety laws, San Diego fire pits are not available on every beach. It’s important to be mindful of the local laws when taking part in this timeless pastime.
Photo from Pixabay
Check out our list of the 6 best San Diego beaches with fire pits where you can safely let loose and unwind.
- Ocean Beach City Beach
Photo from Pixabay
This long sandy beach is the favorite of locals in the Ocean Beach area. Arrive early in the day and you should have no problem securing a fire pit for your sunset San Diego bonfire. This beach has everything you need for a day in the sun and a night in front of the fire—enjoy picnic tables, restrooms, showers, lifeguards, a fishing pier, volleyball courts, and plenty of nearby bars and restaurants. Take a stroll out to the end of the pier for a great view of the town, too.
- Tourmaline Surfing Park Beach
Tourmaline Beach is a surfer’s haven in the La Jolla area. Parking is free, restrooms are available on site, and the fire pits are first come, first serve, so head out early to secure a spot. Be aware that swimming is prohibited in most parts of the beach, though. If you’re not a surfer, plan to sunbathe, go for a walk, or people watch until it’s time to light the bonfire.
- La Jolla Shores Beach
Located on the northside of La Jolla, the La Jolla Shores Beach is a popular San Diego beach with fire pits—about six in total. Go early if you plan to bonfire on the weekend, otherwise enjoy a weekday with less competition. City ordinances state that two adults should always be present at your San Diego bonfire, so remember this when you’re planning your trip out. This area provides a quiet family retreat complete with all the necessary beach amenities—bathrooms, showers, and lifeguards. There are also nearby parks and playgrounds for anyone looking to take a break from the sand.
- South Shores Park on Mission Bay
Mission Bay is home to many great San Diego beaches with fire pits, but South Shores is one of the best. The small beach has a lot to offer—a large boat launch, connections to the Mission Bay Bike Path, and a view of Sea World, to name a few. It’s less crowded than other San Diego beaches with fire pits, so you have a pretty good chance of snagging yourself a spot too.
- Playa Pacifica Park on Mission Bay
Another favorite beach on Mission Bay, Playa Pacifica offers a protected sandy area curved around the “Leisure Lagoon” cove—with a name like that, it’s easy to imagine unwinding in front of one of their San Diego fire pits. The area is also kid-friendly, with playgrounds, grassy areas, a sand island, and lifeguards on duty during the warmer half of the year. Parking is free, and you can also bike along the Mission Bay Bike Path, which passes right through and connects to other beaches on the bay.
- Glorietta Bay Park Beach in Coronado
Though it’s technically located on Coronado Island, Glorietta Bay Park Beach is a great family-friendly beach facing San Diego Bay. Enjoy your bonfire with a stunning view of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge at sunset. This beach is great for swimmers and is equipped with all the usual amenities.
Bring the Bonfire to Your Home
The 30″ Ardoch Fire Pit is portable and perfect for a group of friends to surround from the comfort of your home or out and about.
These are just a few of the many great beaches with fire pits in San Diego. You can also enjoy a bonfire in the comfort of your own backyard—check out our selection of fire pits. If you’re looking for more inexpensive outdoor fun in the city, check out our guide on how you can start saving in San Diego.
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