Muiraculous Beauty

Ready to make your non-California friends jealous? Have a bonfire at Muir Beach while watching the sunset. This is Northern California living at its most braggadocious.

Bring your own firewood and picnic provisions (yep, you can roast some marshmallows and hot dogs if you’re so inclined) and try to arrive in time to get one of the handful of firepits on the beach. Tip: Bonfires cannot be started before 9am, and you must use a designated fire-ring which are first-come, first-served. According to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, there are six fire rings available May through November, and three fire rings are available December through April. Be sure to follow bonfire rules and regulations. Once you get set up, all that’s left to do is kick back, relax, and enjoy the view … beach goers, surfers, and seals bop about and linger as the sun sinks pink over the surrounding headlands.

The beach is dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and bongo-drum-friendly, so take it all in and enjoy. Just be sure to put out the fire completely before leaving it and be conscientious in general. In whale migration seasons you might even get lucky and spy a … wait, is that a blow in the distance?

BONUS HIKES: There’s plenty of trails around Muir Beach for exploring. We like this beach-hopping adventure hike.

NOTE: Muir Beach closes one hour after sunset, so keep that in mind! Dog-friendly!

IMPORTANT: Be sure to follow the rules and regulations on bonfires at Muir Beach, including using only designate fire rings and ensuring that fires are completely extinguished before leaving. You have until one hour after sunset to put out the fire completely and leave the beach. More information.