Summer is here, but in 30A, there’s no real wrong time to hang out at the beach with friends and family. With temperatures that stay above freezing even on January nights and beautiful stretches of beach, almost any time in Santa Rosa Beach is the right time to host a beach bonfire. However, there is something about summer nights that makes it that much more thematic. Thinking about hosting a beach bonfire party for your friends? Here are a few tips:
Rent, Don’t Buy
Are you likely to use a beach bonfire every weekend? No? Then it’s probably better to rent a beach bonfire from a local rental place. Not only does this make more sense for those who only plan to use a bonfire occasionally, but it cuts through much of the red tape involved in beach bonfire parties — namely the permit. Typically when you rent a beach bonfire, it comes with the permit included, so you don’t have to worry about it. The Rental Shop 30A, for instance, offers beach bonfire packages that start at $285. For that price, you’re paying for not just the bonfire, but the legal permit, firewood, setup and tear down, and s’mores and roasting sticks. You can have almost everything you need in one package.
Bring Some Games
A beach bonfire is great, but chances are you and your friends won’t spend the whole party just sitting around the bonfire talking. To keep things interesting, make sure you have a variety of games. Frisbees and volleyballs are a good bet, and with an LED glow in the dark frisbee, you can keep playing after the sun goes down. Card games are always an option, even on the beach. Water balloons will keep things cool on a hot summer night, or using the ocean as a backdrop for your game. Here’s a list of some games that can be played around the bonfire.
Don’t Forget the Refreshments
Even if you rent a beach bonfire with complimentary s’mores, you should probably bring a cooler with some drinks (alcoholic or not, depending on the party) as well as some other food options. Hot dogs and kebabs are classics. But consider your group. Are you more of a fresh fruit bunch that would enjoy some apples? Would roasting salmon over the bonfire have a better reception? Or are you more of a dessert bunch? Remember to bring paper plates, plasticware, and napkins as well.
Set the Mood With Some Music
No party is complete without a great soundtrack. Pack some sort of portable music device, like bluetooth speakers or a dock for your smaller music device. You can put on your favorite summer anthems, create your own playlist, or choose an already curated playlist. For instance, consider Spotify’s Summer Acoustic or The Cookout. Whatever mood you want to set for your party, you can find a playlist — or create your own.
Not everyone is lucky enough to live in 30A with so many great beaches — not just Santa Rosa Beach, but Grayton Beach, Miramar Beach, Destin, and many more. So why not enjoy it this summer with your friends by throwing an epic beach bonfire party?
