Expert: Steve Summers - 8/12/2009

Question
Hello,

I am planning for my daughter's eighteen's birthday.
I am looking for beach with bon fire,close to my residence.
Also where it is family friendly.
I live by Chino Hills, CA.
I have heard of Huntington Beach, but because some of the girls will be driving, we find it too far.
I would like to give my daughter a birthday to remember.
Thank you,
Vivian


Answer
Hi Vivian,

There are only a limited number of beaches in LA and Orange County where you can have a bonfire in a fire pit: The following beaches have fire pits, listed from north to south:

Mother’s Beach, Marina Del Rey (no waves here, though)
Dockweiler Beach,  by LAX
Cabrillo Beach, San Pedro
Bolsa Chica (just north of Huntington Beach)
Huntington Beach (City Beach AND State Beach)
Corona Del Mar Beach

As you can see, Coronoa Del Mar and Huntington are the two closest beaches to you. As a Brea resident, it's not too hard for us to take the 57 south to the 5 south, then take the 55 south to Newport Blvd. Newport Blvd goes a couple miles and ends at PCH, which takes you a few miles north to the sourthern end of Huntington. PCH moves a lot better than the 405, and we've found the trip isn't bad at all. In fact, it's even shorter if you take the 71 to the 91, then take the 55 south. I'm showing that it's 42 miles from Chino Hills.

If you send someone before noon (after morning traffic), you'll have no problem picking out a very nice spot.

Have fun!