Whether you are looking for a family getaway, a night out with friends, or a romantic bonfire for two, Monterey County is sure to ignite your fire. 

Big Sur

Located high above the Pacific Ocean at the foot of the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains sits a little piece of paradise. Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur has welcomed poets, artists and travelers for almost 70 years and the large fireplace on the front deck is the perfect spot to fully experience the magic of Big Sur. Dine on a delicious ambrosia burger or sip a refreshing beverage as you admire the coastline and watch hawks and California condors soar through the clouds overhead, all while basking in the glow of the communal fire pit.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

For a memorable night on the town, stop by Vesuvio's Starlight Rooftop Lounge in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. This rooftop terrace features glowing fire pits, a unique collection of mixed drinks, and a popular happy hour every day from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Order an authentic Italian pizza from the wood-burning oven or try one of the house specialties, from spicy cioppino rosso to 4-hour braised lamb shank osso buco. 

Carmel Valley

End a day of childlike play at Carmel Valley Ranch with a childhood favorite - s’mores. Whether you spent the day golfing, horseback riding, taking an archery lesson or learning about beekeeping, end the day just as you did after a day at summer camp, with a s’more by the fire. Carmel Valley Ranch features nightly complimentary s’mores for guests with all the fixins’. And if you’re in the mood for some seclusion, take your s’more to go and discover the other fire pits on the 500 acre resort.

Marina

Come early to score a front row seat at the outdoor fire pit at Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette at the Sanctuary Beach Resort in Marina. Their epic ocean views are paired with a “Sunset Session” menu that features a variety of local delicacies such as Smoked Trout & Artichoke Dip and a Shrimp Tempura Lettuce Wrap. They are also known for their fresh local ingredients and an array of grilled and raw oysters to choose from. 

Monterey

This one is for the lovebirds. Imagine the most romantic locale for dinner with your special someone. Book the “Light my Fire” package at the Monterey Tides hotel and enjoy overnight accommodations complete with a food and beverage credit to onsite restaurant Vizcaino Waterfront Food + Drink, plus sparkling wine, and a bonfire and s’mores kit. Located right on the sand, you and your loved one can enjoy a romantic night by the fire just steps from your luxurious hotel room.

Also in Monterey, The InterContinental the Clement Monterey’s 3,500-square-foot Pacific View Courtyard offers stunning views of Monterey Bay with two fire pits that cast a particularly romantic glow at sunset. Enjoy the finest in California regional cuisine and drinks from The C Restaurant and Bar as you keep your eye out for marine wildlife. If the warmth from the fire is not enough, ask your server to bring you a blanket for an extra layer of cozy.

Pacific Grove

Stop by Phoebe’s Café at Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove for coffee, lite bites, wine and beer. Take your refreshments out to the fire pit to enjoy a relaxing afternoon and an instagrammable sunset. Enjoy live entertainment every Friday from May through September during Asilomar’s popular Sunset on the Deck music series. For a more private experience, Asilomar Conference Grounds also offers portable fire pits for guests to use around the grounds. 

Pebble Beach

Just down the coast from Pacific Grove, you’ll find ahhhh inducing views in Pebble Beach. Sit by a fire pit at The Inn at Spanish Bay and sip a cocktail while you watch the famed bagpiper serenade the sun as it sets over the golf course and Pacific Coast surf. For even more fireplaces with great views, stay at The Lodge at Pebble Beach, where almost every room boasts a wood-burning fireplace and a stunning view of the coastline and/or golf course.

Salinas

In the heart of Salinas’s City Center you will find 201 Main, a restaurant and event space with a 3,000 square foot Tuscan Piazza complete with four roaring fire pits, big screen TVs, and a 17-foot rainforest marble fire-lit water feature. The ambiance is excellently paired with a creative menu featuring something for everyone from lobster nachos to brick oven pizzas. And make sure to check out  their award winning wine list and highly renowned mixology menu. 

Beach Fires

Wood-burning beach fires are allowed at Carmel Beach in city supplied devices. Visit the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea website for more information. The City of Monterey also allows beach fires on city regulated beaches in city supplied fire rings, please visit the City of Monterey website for information. Please note that beach fires are not allowed on beaches under the jurisdiction of the California State Park system.

So pack your bags and grab a friend or two. There is a fire pit with a view waiting for you!