More than a few argue that the beaches of Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast are some of the very best in the world. When it comes to blazing white hue, powdery texture, and some brilliant surf to back everything up, there’s no question the area’s sugar sands can hold their own with just about any strand anywhere.
Alongside the classic sun-worshipping, swimming, shelling, and sand-castle-building, few activities better sum up the charm of beachgoing here than sitting around a bonfire just a stone’s throw from the swash. Walton County’s one of the few in Florida to permit beach fires, so you really ought to consider the experience—especially if you’ve got a gaggle of friends or family members along for the visit.
30A Bonfires on the Beach gives you that experience with an absolute minimum of hassle and effort on your part. The idea is to let you enjoy the pleasures of a beach bonfire without really needing to do any of the associated legwork. The company—established in 2018 by owners (and Santa Rosa Beach locals) Ashley and Noah Vickers—sets up and lights your fire while supplying any number of associated amenities, and takes care of the post-blaze cleanup to boot.
Now, you might well be tempted to eschew the expense of hiring a company and simply handle the bonfire prep yourself. That’s all well and good, but many folks realize there’s a lot to be said for the convenience of having somebody else handle the logistics so they can focus completely on the fun, R&R, and around-the-firepit conviviality.
Bonfires on the Beach takes care of the necessary Walton County permit, for one thing, so your burn will be good and legal. They also supply large, high-quality firepits made of copper or steel as well as hot-burning, low-smoke oak firewood—enough to fuel some four hours’ worth of burning, though of course, you don’t need to commit to staying for that long.
You’ll also get a set of roasting sticks and a beach table, plus—depending on the package you select—chairs, a cooler filled with ice and bottled water, and s’more makings. The fanciest Bonfires on the Beach option—Noah’s Beach Bonfire Package—throws tiki torches and a music speaker in for the deluxe treatment. You can pay for add-ons, too, such as extra wood or chairs.
Bonfires on the Beach also provides customized service for special events such as birthdays, family reunions, and the like.
The company offers its readymade bonfire bonanzas across the South Walton beachfront between Destin and Panama City Beach, including such hotspots as Miramar Beach, Grayton Beach, Watersound Beach, Dune Allen, and Rosemary Beach.
Bonfires on the Beach promises the kind of prompt attention and reliable service that comes with entirely local ownership; Ashley and Noah typically handle the fire set up themselves.
All things considered, this is a good route to go if you want the beach-bonfire experience on the Emerald Coast, but don’t want to invest the time and effort in securing a permit, tracking down firewood, or bringing your own seating and accessories (though the pared-down Simple Beach Bonfire Package is aimed at those who’ll be providing all or most of their own chairs). One way or another, you ought to see just how magical a sea-breeze-cooled evening along the South Walton surf spent around a sand-between-your-toes bonfire can be!
Insider Tip:
– At least in the past, Bonfires on the Beach has offered discounts for repeat customers, so be sure to inquire if you might avail yourself of their services more than once!