What to Bring to a Beach Bonfire
Building a beach bonfire can be a memorable experience with friends and family or even a date night. We've created the perfect bonfire checklist of essentials, food and accessory ideas, fun things to do, and tips for the best bonfire experience.
Here is a list of all the beach bonfire and fire pits in Orange County, plus tips for securing a fire ring.
Beach Bonfire Checklist
Bonfire Essentials
- Firewood
- Lighter
- Kindling and approved fire starters (skip lighter fluid)
- Beach blankets
- Bucket and water for extinguishing the fire, following posted beach rules
- Beach chairs
- Flashlights
Bonfire Food & Accessories
- Bottle opener/corkscrew
- Charcoal (only if permitted at your beach)
- Condiments (ketchup, mustard, etc.)
- Cooler/Ice Chest
- Cups, insulated cups, plastic cups, drink containers
- Cutting board and knife
- Drinks (water, juice, soda)
- Garbage bags
- Grilling tool(s)/utensil(s)
- Hot dogs & buns
- Hot chocolate/coffee
- Ice
- Popcorn (or buy Jiffy Pop)
- Plates, napkins, wipes and plastic utensils
- Skewers/Sticks/Metal Wires/Roasting Sticks
- S'mores (marshmallows, Graham Crackers, Hershey's Bars)
- Snacks (chips, crackers, fruit, veggies, etc.)
- Reusable food containers
Bonfire Extras
- Bathing suit
- Beach towel
- Beach bag
- Bug spray
- Cash
- First aid kit
- Pop-up table
- Sun glasses
- Sunscreen
- Towels
- Umbrella
- Wagon
- Warm clothes (for night)
- Extra layers for windy evenings
Bonfire Fun Stuff
- Boogie/bodyboards, skim boards, surf boards, fins, swim goggles
- Fishing gear
- Football, beach ball, frisbee, volleyball etc.
- Games e.g. cards, dice
- Glow items
- Guitar
- Kite
- Lawn games e.g. cornhole, Spikeball, Bucketball, Ladder Ball, Kan Jam
- LED lantern or battery-powered string lights
- Sand toys
- Speakers/Music player
Bonfire Cooking Surfaces
- Cooking equipment (optional, where permitted)
- Aluminum foil (for fish, meat, veggies)
- Outdoor popcorn popper
- Portable grill, only where allowed
- Cast-iron cooking tripod
- Dutch oven stand
- Grill grate
- Rotisserie grill and spit
- Skillet
Note: Alcohol is generally prohibited on public Orange County beaches and at beach fire rings. Check the specific beach rules for any exceptions. Use designated fire rings and burn only clean, dry, untreated wood.
Beach Bonfire Tips
- Check posted fire-ring rules and beach hours before you go
- Arrive early for first-come, first-served fire rings and allow time for parking
- Use a beach wagon to carry chairs, firewood and a cooler
- Pack out trash and fully extinguish the fire as instructed; never bury hot coals in sand
- Bring warm layers; coastal evenings can turn chilly and windy
Things to do at a Beach Bonfire
- Play lawn games
- Campfire songs
- Board games
- Scary stories
- Stargazing
- Play with sand toys
- Beach volleyball
- Throw a ball
Bonfire Cooking Tips
- Grill hot dogs on a metal wire
- Wrap fish in aluminum foil and cook over the fire
- Cook veggies and meat on a kabob stick
- Place a grill over (or on the side of) a bonfire for burgers and hot dogs
- Do the food prep at home
- Keep cooking supplies and a bucket of water close by
Beach Bonfire FAQs
How do you keep sand out of food at a beach bonfire?
Pack food in lidded containers, keep snacks in the cooler until needed, and use a small table or tray for serving. Prepare skewers and other ingredients at home to reduce handling food on the sand.
What are easy make-ahead foods for a beach bonfire?
Pre-cut fruit, sandwiches, pasta salad, wrapped hot dogs, and pre-portioned s'mores kits travel well. Keep perishable foods chilled until serving.
How can you keep your belongings organized after dark?
Pack supplies in a few labeled bags or bins, keep a flashlight or battery-powered lantern near the seating area, and designate one spot for shoes, keys, and phones.
