Grab Your Jacket and S’mores Materials! 

Get your flannels and scarves ready—we are finally beginning to experience some fall weather in SoCal. With cooler temps and the sun dropping sooner, now is the best time for outdoor dining by a fire pit or a socially distanced bonfire on a chilly evening! Since we don’t get the typical fall or winter snow in Southern California, spending the nights outdoors by the fire is our version of playing in the snow. With that said, here are 12 spots to spend time fireside this season in Orange County. Bonfire in Orange County

 

Playa Mesa Bonfire in Orange County

Serving up authentic Mexican food and cocktails, Playa Mesa is the place to go for a festive night out. Their outdoor patio offers the same decorative flair you’ll find inside, but with the chance of sitting at one of their intimate firepits. And if the fire pit isn’t keeping you warm enough, opt for one of their 50 premium tequilas to warm you up from the inside.

Native Knowledge: If you’re really trying to spice up the night, ask for their “special hot sauce” for a spicy yet flavorful kick to your meal. 

Playa Mesa
428 E 17th St
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949.287.5292

12/26

 

180BLU at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel

If you’re looking for an elegant dining experience featuring views of the ocean and, of course, the warmth of a fire pit, 180BLU is the place to go. This outdoor patio of The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel overlooks Salt Creek Beach with no obstructions. The restaurant is not taking reservations, so be sure to plan accordingly if you hope to catch the sunset while dining.

180BLU at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
One Ritz-Carlton Dr
Dana Point, CA 92629
949.240.2000

EXP 12/8

 

Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar Bonfire in Orange County

Walk the purple carpet at the Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar. This stylish restaurant offers beautiful outdoor seating with views to the Neptune Water Spouts and lake. The fire pits and incognito heat lamps will keep you toasty on a cool fall evening. Their California-classic menu features unique seasonal ingredients, making the seasonal dessert a must-try!

Native Knowledge: Royal purple blankets are available for those who want that extra layer of warmth.

Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar
3350 Avenue of the Arts 
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.442-8593

 

A&O Kitchen+Bar at Balboa Bay Resort Bonfire in Orange County

Outdoor fire pits and bayfront views? Yes, please! A&O Kitchen+Bar offers seasonal hand-crafted cocktails and coastal cuisine on the Balboa Bay Resort. Their outdoor seating features multiple enclosed fire pits and comfortable lounge chairs to create a cozy atmosphere. With the warmth of the fire and daily happy hours, you’ll forget it’s not summer. 

A&O Kitchen+Bar at Balboa Bay Resort
1221 W Coast Hwy
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.630.4285

 

Topside Lido House Rooftop Deck

You know you are in Southern California when you can still enjoy a rooftop bar in the middle of fall. This sophisticated lounge gives post-yacht party vibes and is equipped with fire pits and heat lamps to keep your warm. For those who opt to stay at Lido House, you’ll only be a few steps away from your private cottage.

Topside Lido House Rooftop Deck
3300 Newport Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.524.8500

 

Hangar 24 Brewing

For those missing that backyard hangout feel, visit Hangar 24 Brewing. The outdoor space is huge—almost big enough for…an airplane! Swinging chairs, fire pits, volleyball nets and plenty of seating are just some of the cool features of this Irvine brewery. On select evenings, you can even catch live music being performed from the second floor of the restaurant. 

Hangar 24 Brewing
17877 Von Karman Ave, Ste 110
Irvine, CA 92614
949.799.0020

 

Balboa Pier

The Balboa Pier offers easy access to its bonfire pits on the beach and even has a playground and grass area to keep the kids occupied prior to sundown. The pier itself is open to fishing, but it also offers great scenery for a romantic stroll to enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean. There are several outdoor dining options surrounding the pier, including Ruby’s Diner (peanut butter shake, please!) at the end of the pier.

Balboa Pier
E Balboa Blvd and Palm St
Newport Beach, CA 92661

 

Huntington Beach Pier Bonfire in Orange County

The vibrant Huntington Beach Pier offers dozens of unique and well-known eateries. The fire pits along the Huntington State and City beaches are available for use every day until 10 p.m. You can purchase firewood from Beach City Provisions and Jack’s Beach Concessions & Bike Rentals, which are right along the beach walkway.

Huntington Beach Pier
Main St. and Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

 

San Clemente State Beach Bonfire in Orange County

Looking to stay overnight? The San Clemente State Beach campground has 160 campsites (72 with full hookups) and is located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Complete with BBQ grills, a campfire center, fire pits and more, the San Clemente campground provides the perfect setup for a cozy night under the stars. Be sure to make a reservation and also check the COVID-19 safety guidelines to ensure a safe stay.

San Clemente State Beach
225 W Calafia Ave
San Clemente, CA 92672
949.492.3156

 

Gulfstream Newport Beach Bonfire in Orange County

String lights, Adirondack chairs and genuine hospitality give Gulfstream a true homestyle feel. This restaurant is family-owned and operated, which explains the homey atmosphere. To guarantee the freshest ingredients, Gulfstream has their own herb garden and sources their produce from local farmers. The outdoor patio has fire pits and heat lamps where you can relax and enjoy your food and drink or cigar.

Gulfstream Newport Beach
850 Avocado Ave
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949.718.0188

 

Corona del Mar State Beach

Perched above the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean, Corona del Mar offers sunset views, easy parking and safely distanced fire pits. As you’ll notice, these pits are closer to homes than other fire pits. To help comply with local air quality regulations, there are two types of fire rings available for public use—green for burning charcoal only and unpainted rings for burning clean wood or charcoal. For those eager to explore, there is a rocky bluff to the east of the fire pits that is fairly easy to climb and will take you to the perfect place to catch the sunset.

Corona del Mar State Beach
3100 Ocean Blvd 
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
949.644.3309

 

At-Home With ARCHPOT Bonfire in Orange County

Prefer cozying up in your own backyard? ARCHPOT has dozens of fire pit styles to choose from to add to your backyard oasis. From fire tables and fire bowls to the combination of fire and water bowls (perfect for poolside), an ARCHPOT design will elevate your yard and give you another excuse to stay home and enjoy the outdoors.

ARCHPOT
508 W Bateman Cir
Corona, CA 92880 
714.895.3359