How to Do the Perfect Grover Beach Bonfire

A step-by-step guide to good vibes, glowing embers and sandy toes

There are so many ways to enjoy the sand and surf of Grover Beach, but perhaps the most quintessentially Grover way is to spark up the beach bonfire. If you would like to capture those sunset memories and then warm your toes by the fire, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your step-by-step guide on what to drive, what to pack, and what to know for your Grover Beach bonfire.

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Step 1: Get to Your Perfect Spot

Yep, Grover Beach is one of the few beaches in California where your car is allowed on the actual sand. What kind of car do you need to drive on the beach? Excellent question. Ideally, your vehicle should have all-wheel drive. That said, all street-legal vehicles are allowed onto the sand at your own risk. If you don’t have AWD, stay on the hard-packed sand to avoid getting stuck and needing a tow. 

Drive to the beach entrance at the west end of Grand Avenue and check in at the State Parks kiosk. It’s $10 per vehicle for a single day use pass.

Pro tip: It’s only $50 for an annual vehicle pass at Grover Beach. If you’ll visit for at least five days, it’s worth it! 

On some of the busiest weekends of the year (think Fourth of July), the beach will be so packed with visitors that vehicle passes may sell out. Plan to get there way before sunset on those occasions. But most days of the year, you’re safe arriving in the late afternoon a little before sunset. 

You may drive north or south on the beach to choose your ideal bonfire spot. Follow the lead of other vehicles and park up from the water where the “hard pack” fades into softer sand.

Step 2: Know the Rules (and the Vibes)

• The speed limit when driving on the beach is 15 mph. There will be kids and pets around. Be careful in your big truck, OK?

• Fires must be no more “than three feet in diameter and two feet in height,” according to California State Parks. 

• Use clean wood only. Do not bring old pallets full of nails, furniture or any treated/painted wood out here. 

• The ultimate rule: Be cool. Grover Beach may be low-key, but she appreciates a respectful guest. Give neighbors some space, don’t crank your music too loud, and keep things on the up and up.

Pro tip: You can buy firewood pretty much anywhere on Grand Avenue. Every grocery store, convenience store, liquor store, gas station and many other places sell bundles, boxes and more.

Step 3: What to Bring

One of the best parts about driving on the beach is that you can bring all your gear with ease! Here’s what you need to pack for the perfect beach bonfire:

Essentials:

• Firewood

• Matches or lighters

• Layers for warmth

• Seating like camp chairs or blankets

• Trash bag

Bonus Fun:

• Snacks, s’mores supplies and other food

• Drinks of your choice

• A camp shovel to dig out a nice hole for your fire

• Music from a speaker or acoustic guitar

• Beach toys or a frisbee

• Towels if your kids wanna get wet (brr!)

• Glow sticks or other light-up accessories for the kids

Pro tip: You know how we said bring layers for warmth? Seriously, we ain’t kidding! It will be cooler than you expect once the sun goes down. Throw in the beanies and extra blankets.

Step 4: Kick Back & Let It Burn

Once the fire’s going, it’s just you, the stars and the sound of the waves doing their thing. Tell a few stories, toast a few marshmallows, maybe share a blanket with your dog or your crush. No schedule, no shoes, no problem.

Pro tip: Aluminum foil can take your snack game to the next level. Do the kids keep dropping s’mores in the fire? Want your sandwich warmed up? Foil pouch near the coals, baby. 

Step 5: Pack It Up

Once you’re all thoroughly filled with magical memories (and marshmallows), it’s time to pack everything up. Grab your trash bag and get the whole family involved in making sure you leave no scraps behind. 

Important step here: Extinguish your fire completely, and DO NOT bury it. Although dousing your fire with sand is a great way to put it out, you do not want to completely bury hot embers. They will stay warm under the sand and can lead to injuries for innocent walkers the next day.

Pro tip: Be extra careful on your way off the beach. Once the sun goes down, it’s especially dark out there. Make your way to the exit slowly and safely.

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That’s it! We hope you feel prepared to take on one of the most fun and memorable experiences Grover Beach has to offer. Be sure to talk to the friendly State Parks rangers if you need any assistance on your bonfire adventure!