How to Set Up the Perfect Beach Bonfire on the Emerald Coast
There’s something magical about gathering around a glowing beach bonfire with friends and family, especially on the stunning shores of the Emerald Coast. Whether you’re staying in Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, or along 30A, a beach bonfire can be the highlight of your vacation. From toasting marshmallows to sharing stories under the stars, a beach bonfire is a fun, relaxing way to spend an evening. But here’s the thing—setting up a bonfire can be time-consuming, especially when you’re juggling all the other activities that make a beach vacation memorable. That’s why hiring a professional company to handle the setup is a great way to ensure your beach bonfire is hassle-free, leaving you with more time to enjoy your vacation. Here’s a guide to everything you need to know about setting up a beach bonfire, fun ideas for your event, and a list of companies that can take care of everything for you. What is Required for a Beach Bonfire? If you want to host your own beach bonfire, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind: Permits: Most beach areas along 30A, Destin, and Santa Rosa Beach require a permit for setting up a bonfire. These permits help regulate bonfire activities to ensure safety and environmental protection. You can obtain these permits from the local county office, such as Walton County for areas along 30A. Firewood and Fire Pit: You’ll need plenty of firewood to keep the bonfire going throughout the evening. It’s also important to use a designated fire pit or container to contain the fire and protect the beach environment. Seating and Supplies: Don’t forget to bring enough chairs, blankets, and pillows for your group to sit around the fire. You’ll also need matches or a lighter, roasting sticks for marshmallows, and trash bags to ensure you leave the beach clean after your event. Lighting and Music: String lights or lanterns can add a cozy glow to your bonfire setting, and portable speakers with a curated playlist are great for setting the mood. Fun Ideas for Your Beach Bonfire Once your beach bonfire is set up, the real fun begins! Here are some ideas to make the night even more enjoyable: S’mores Bar: Elevate your traditional s’mores by providing a variety of chocolates, flavored marshmallows, and graham crackers. Your guests will love getting creative with their sweet treats. Beach Games: Before the sun sets, enjoy some classic beach games like frisbee, beach volleyball, or cornhole. These are perfect for large groups and keep the fun going before the fire is lit. Storytelling or Acoustic Music: Encourage everyone to share their favorite beach memories or spooky stories. If someone in the group plays the guitar, an acoustic set around the fire adds a magical vibe. Themed Dress-Up: Take your bonfire to the next level by adding a theme, like a tropical luau or beach pajama party. Dress accordingly and bring fun props like leis, Hawaiian shirts, or cozy beach blankets. What to Bring to a Beach Bonfire Here’s a checklist to ensure you have everything you need for a fun and comfortable beach bonfire: Firewood and lighter Beach chairs or blankets Pillows for extra comfort S’mores supplies (marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers) Snacks and drinks (cooler with ice) Lanterns or string lights Roasting sticks Trash bags Bluetooth speaker for music Extra layers (the beach can get chilly at night) Why You Should Hire a Beach Bonfire Company While it’s possible to set up your own bonfire, doing so can take valuable time out of your vacation. A much easier option is to hire a professional bonfire company that will handle everything for you, from securing permits to providing seating, firewood, and even extra amenities like s’mores kits and entertainment. Hiring a company ensures that your evening is stress-free, and you can focus on having fun with your group. Here are some companies that provide excellent beach bonfire services along the Emerald Coast: La Dolce Vita Website: La Dolce Vita Details: La Dolce Vita offers a full-service beach bonfire experience that includes a fire pit, chairs, and firewood. They also provide s’mores kits, beach games, and optional catering services. Cost: Bonfire packages start around $400 for a 2-hour event. 30A Blaze Website: 30A Blaze Details: 30A Blaze specializes in custom beach bonfires. They take care of everything, including permits, setup, firewood, and clean-up. You can even upgrade your package to include tiki torches, music, and more. Cost: Packages start at $375 for basic setups. The Rental Shop 30A Website: The Rental Shop 30A Details: This company offers all-inclusive bonfire setups with premium amenities like s’mores kits, marshmallow roasting sticks, and cozy blankets. They handle all logistics and permit applications for you. Cost: Basic bonfires start at $350, with options for add-ons like coolers and string lights. Live Well 30A Website: Live Well 30A Details: Live Well 30A provides beach bonfire setups complete with chairs, firewood, and s’mores kits. They offer additional services such as catering, beach games, and even a photographer to capture the memories. Cost: Bonfire setups start at $400, with optional extras available. Book Your Emerald Coast Vacation with Legacy Beach Homes If you’re planning a group vacation on the Emerald Coast, staying with Legacy Beach Homes ensures that your stay is luxurious and stress-free. Our large vacation homes in Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and 30A are designed specifically for multi-family vacations and large groups. With 8-bedroom homes that sleep 20+ guests and side-by-side homes that can accommodate even bigger groups, Legacy Beach Homes is the ideal choice for your next beach getaway. Each home is equipped with amenities like private pools, easy beach access, and complimentary paddleboards and golf carts. Our 5-star hosts ensure your group has everything you need for a perfect vacation, from start to finish. To add a beach bonfire to your vacation experience, simply book with one of the companies listed above for a night of fun under the stars! Visit Legacy Beach Homes today to