Californian Beach Bonfires

Aussies love the beach. The allure of the sand and surf is a phenomenon that Australians understand, and one that is considered part of our national psyche. In Sydney, my hometown, the weekend exodus to coastal towns is not only a ritual, but seen as a necessary escape for many residents. Not to mention that as summer approaches, Kiama, Jervis Bay, Ulladulla, Ballina, Lennox Head and Yamba-Angourie, Port Stephens, Bryon Bay, Seal Rocks all become inundated with city slickers seeking summer solace.

In the same way Californians, suffering through the long sweltering dog days of August, make the pilgrimage to the cool evening air of the coast, to sit by a beach bonfire and enjoy a majestic sunset across the Pacific. It's a time - honoured tradition that locals feel symbolise their life on the east coast of their continent.

So, I write this blog to tempt you, the Aussie travelling family, to leave a little time aside in your summer visit to Los Angeles to experience this So Cal experience. Los Angeles is all freeways, theme parks, glitz and glamour. Leave the congestion behind and head to the beach to enjoy the sand between your toes this side of the Pacific. Whenever I sit at a beach bonfire I feel nostalgic, probably because as a child I saw so many movies and television shows that showed people doing this. So, let me share with you how to experience this tradition.

During summer usually the locals head off to the beach early the morning to claim a coveted beachfront fire pit. They come prepared with sun shelter, tables, chairs and ice-coolers (eskies) and sit all day guarding their pit. In the same way one might sit at a shelter in the Royal National Park to reserve the spot for that 1st birthday party. You will need to get to the beach really early as the pits are limited and are taken early. As the sun sets, fires ignite for an evening of hot dog roasting, s’more melting, singing and what seems like an endless summer. Some beaches provide fire pits for free, first come-first served. Other beaches, including many state beaches, offer them to the campsite visitors as part of their camping fee. You need to do your research!

At the end of the blog, I have listed some web sites that may help you in your quest for information. You will need to call ahead and check if the cities (councils) allow fires, as many beaches have seasonal rules and often change. I have also only included Orange County beaches because that's where I live and can recommend. You will need to bring your own firewood and matches, which can be easily purchased at most supermarkets like Ralphs, Albertsons or Trader Joes.

I have personally been part of a beach bonfire at both Corona Del Mar State Beach and Crystal Cove. I can recommend both. The pits at CDM state beach are cement rings provided free by Newport City. During weekdays you need to be at the beach no later than 7am during the summer to stake you claim over one for the coming evening. It's a long day. If you have small kids though it could just be the relaxing day off from theme parks you are looking for. Do this by setting up your seats, towels, umbrellas or firewood on and around the pit.

If you have not bought chairs with you on your holiday, may I suggest bringing towels from your hotel room, or visiting a Walmart or supermarket, where cheap beach umbrellas etc. can be purchased cheaply enough to use only once. I recommend making a day of it and enjoying the beach for the day. Parking is readily available but you will need to pay for it. The equivalent of the ‘brown bombers’ come around and check the cars throughout the day. The cost of parking, compared to Sydney, is cheap for the day, usually under $20 for the whole day. CDM beach is one of those places you feel you have been to before. That is because it was made famous by the opening scene of the TV show Gilligan’s Island. The actual beach is tucked away at the bottom of a cliff, so it’s the perfect spot for bonfires, Adjacent to the pits are locally-beloved rock formations known as “Pirate’s Cove.” However climbing up some of the rocks is not allowed. There are tracks you can climb though which afford you a view across to Balboa Island homes.

Crystal Cove beach fire pits, on the other hand, are very different experience, taking you back to a by gone era of Californian surf history. It feels like you are on the set of a Gidget movie. I prefer this option over CDM. The reason is that you can pay for a gas fire pit to be delivered to you. This means you turn up ½ an hour before your booking and it will be set up for flames and all. No carrying wood, no bagsing a spot, no trouble you just have to pay for it. Its not free like CDM.

Crystal Cove State Park itself comprises of around 6km of shoreline. It is a favoured spot for campers, hikers, day visitors and beachside restaurant goers. It is also unique because it includes the early seaside cabins that are being slowly renovated to their original condition. The Crystal Cove Historic District is an enclave of 46 vintage rustic coastal cottages built in the 1920s and 1930s nestled around the mouth of Los Trancos Creek. There is a popular beachfront café located on the beach, where you can rent the portable fire pits from. It does take some forethought though and prebooking. The minimum time for hire is 2 hours. I suggest taking the 6:30 – 8:30pm option. As the sunsets late in the evening you get to see both the sunset and enjoy the fire in the dark. The location of the pits, also make me feel secure as the restaurants are close by. At the moment it costs around $70 for that time. If you arrive early for dinner at the restaurant you can enjoy a good meal and then adjourn to the fire pit afterwards. Apparently at sunset the restaurant plays Reveille as patrons salute the martini flag. How much fun!

As an Australian we are renown for being beach snobs and the waves and sand are really not comparable to the pristine white sandy beaches of our coastlines. However the southern beaches of California are good and to experience the coastal life style of So Cal is worth doing.

https://www.californiabeaches.com/california-beach-bonfires/

http://thebeachcombercafe.com/_crystalcove/6-beach_rentals/beach_rentals.aspx

https://www.surfcityusa.com/things-to-do/beaches/

http://www.newportbeachca.gov/trending/projects-issues/fire-rings

https://www.tripping.com/explore/9-california-beaches-that-allow-bonfires

https://www.tripping.com/explore/9-california-beaches-that-allow-bonfires