California has an extensive state park system that includes many miles of beaches set aside for public use. These beaches cover large sections of the coastline, but each one operates independently from the others in terms of facilities, available activities and rules. Some of the rules state whether or not pets are allowed on the beach, where camping is allowed, and whether or not fires are allowed on the beach. Because rules change from time to time, it is always a good idea to check with the park for the latest updates before you go.
There are a number of state parks in Southern California that allow beach fires. Leo Carillo State Park is near Los Angeles, about 28 miles north of Santa Monica. Facilities include handicap access, including accessible bathrooms and showers. Swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving are also popular at this beach.
Located 3 miles south of Carlsbad, South Carlsbad State Beach is a picnicking and camping area that allows beach fires.
Further north, in Ventura County, is Point Mugu State Park, a beach which has handicap access including sand wheelchairs and access to handicap bathrooms and showers. There is no restriction on beach fires at this state park.
Other beaches in Southern California that allow beach fires are Bolsa Chica State Beach and Cardiff State Beach.
Seacliff State Beach, in Santa Cruz County, allows beach fires and also has some unique features that make it a bit different from the other state parks in California. There is a fishing pier and, at the end of the pier, there is a partially submerged concrete freighter, the "Palo Alto," built in the 1920s. Although you can use the pier for fishing, there is no public access to the Palo Alto.
Some other state beaches that allow fires on the beach are the Manresa State Beach, Caspar Headlands State Beach, and the Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach.
The Carpenteria Beach, near Santa Barbara, features tide pool access and seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May. Beach fires might not be allowed year-round here, so check before you go.
Other beaches in the Central California area that allow beach fires are El Capitan State Beach, Andrew Molera State Park, Zmudowski State Beach and Salinas River State Beach. Many of the beaches in the central coast region are part of or near nature sanctuaries, so please check regulations before you go, as beach fires might be limited at certain times of the year or in certain areas of the park.
