Ocean Beach in San Francisco has always been a little perplexing to me. Mainly because I grew up visiting Ocean Beach in San Diego most of my life and that’s the “real” Ocean Beach to me. And because Ocean Beach in SF rarely feels like a “real” beach to me at all.
There have only been a few times when I’ve been to Ocean Beach when there’s been sun or temperatures worthy of stripping down to your skivvies and getting some sun. My best memories of Ocean Beach in SF relate to the end of the fabulous and fun race Bay to Breakers, with Ocean Beach being the breakers part.
Take this lovely July evening, for example. Temperatures in Milan were hitting near 100 degrees. Here in San Francisco? A classic SF summer day with fog covering the Golden Gate Bridge and seaside. There’s the Cliff House and Seal Rock visible in the background with the 5 other brave souls on the beach this evening.
But these summer days make them perfect to have a bonfire! Luckily Ocean Beach has some designated bonfire pits which get claimed pretty quickly, so if you want to have a bonfire there, best stake your claim early!
Once the guys have had enough fun playing with the lighter fluid and making “big fire” you can start getting serious about utilizing the fire for more than heat.
There, that’s better.
A bonfire wouldn’t be a bonfire without marshmallows.
Careful not to catch the marshmallows on fire! Unless you are one of those that likes to char the outside, pull the blackened part an eat the gooey inside! I am not – I prefer slightly browned myself.
Not everyone likes marshmallows, though, so if you’re one of that crowd, you may think about trying to have some pizza from your very own wood fire oven…yes, warm that pizza up!
And if you’re a true San Franciscan, you throw your burrito on the bonfire, too. If you don’t have charred or smoked peppers inside, you soon will.
Just remember to bring as many blankets as you can because it’s going to be a COLD one, lots of fun music and your dancing shoes* (*flip flops are best – too much sand!)
Wow – I never thought of doing pizza like that! I’ll keep that in mind for next time :-D
YES, that name always threw me, and for the same reason. I lived in OB for years… did you ever do the July 4 marshmallow fight?
Too much sand on a beach!!!
Welcome back to California! Did you used to live in San Diego? Have a wonderful visit.
@janie – my dad has lived there since I was a child – most of my siblings are there, too! :) It’s a second home to me…after SF, of course…so I guess that would make it a 3rd home, heh. (oh, and I’m already back from my visit :(
I sooo agree about the differences between OB/San Diego and Ocean Beach/SF!!!! Absolutely can’t compare!!!! Love OB and always will….