Huntington Beach is home to more than 600 fire rings, so crowds there can get thick. But tucked away on the northern edge of Surf City USA is Bolsa Chica State Beach, a pleasant oceanfront respite from the downtown buzz. Claim one of the 80 fire pits and throw some franks on the grill. Keep an eye out for a variety of feathered friends from the neighboring Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve—the black-crowned night heron and the red-tailed hawk are among the usual suspects. As the sun dips below the horizon, bright lights shine from Catalina Island in the west and the Palos Verdes Peninsula to the north. Post-franks, load the sticks with marshmallows and join Bolsa’s great horned owls with some hooting—and hollering—of your own.

From PCH in Huntington Beach, turn west into the Bolsa Chica State Beach parking lot. Expect to pay $15 for a day pass or use your California State Parks Pass. The beach is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., but the gates close at 9:00 p.m. for entry. Dog-friendly!