Best Outdoor Fire Pits at California Inns
Cozying up to an outdoor fire has a special way of calming the noise that comes with busy schedules. California boutique hotels and bed and breakfast inns enhance the effect with romantic settings, stunning views, wine and s’mores, and other memorable amenities. We’ve compiled a list of inns around the state with some of the best outdoor fire pits.
Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel
The rooftop fire pit at Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel is arguably one of the top sunset viewing spots in Los Angeles. Just before the sun melts into the Pacific, its golden glow reflects off the skyline towers flickering in sync with the pit’s soft flames. And it all pairs deliciously with a cocktail, beer, or wine curated by the hotel’s award-winning sommelier. In addition to the deco fire pit, guests can enjoy the rooftop’s swimming pool, hot tub, cozy seating areas, and full-service restaurant and bar. Major attractions are within walking distance of the hotel.
Oceanpoint Ranch
The fire pit at Oceanpoint Ranch in Cambria is the perfect setting for winding down with the sights and sounds of waves rolling ashore. Moonstone Beach, with its mile-long stretch of sand, is located directly across from this recently revamped hotel and just a short saunter from the fire pit lawn. The fire pit area features a cluster of cozy chairs and the pit’s flame is ready-made for s’mores. Strings of bistro lists hang overhead adding a soft glow of coastal ambiance. Oceanpoint Ranch offers chic ranch-inspired accommodations, onsite dining, and convenient access to local attractions.
Waters Edge Hotel
If ever a place brought Otis Redding’s (Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay lyrics to life, the spacious waterfront deck at Waters Edge Hotel in Tiburon is it. Three gas fire pits with comfy patio seating provide front-row viewing of Angel Island and the glittering San Francisco skyline, and watching the tide roll away is a relaxing bonus. Guests can enjoy complimentary Happy Hour wine and snacks, and fresh-baked cookies from their cozy post in front of the fire. Each of the hotel’s 23 elegant guestrooms features plush bedding, a fireplace, and a soaking tub.
Grand Reserve Inn
In Amador wine country, sweeping vineyard views from the fire pits at Grand Reserve Inn stretch far into the horizon. Built of stone, the two large curving fire pits stand at opposite ends of a wide patio located off the great room. At happy hour, guests can relax in rocking chairs by the fire and enjoy a glass of wine paired with a chef-crafted charcuterie board while the sun sets over the vineyard. Secluded on 40 acres of vineyards near Plymouth, the luxurious, Tuscan-inspired inn offers five spacious suites with gas fireplaces, private terraces, and luxe amenities.
Highlands Ranch Resort
Just minutes from the southwest entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park, Highlands Ranch Resort sits on 175 acres at the edge of a bucolic meadow. Stone paths from the resort’s cottages and lodge lead to an outdoor fire pit overlooking the expanse of meadows against a backdrop of snowcapped peaks. Bright red Adirondack chairs beckon guests to cozy up to the fire to watch the sunset and the blaze of stars illuminate the skies overhead. The resort features seven newly constructed cottages with heated tile floors, gas fireplaces, luxurious linens, and a chef-prepared breakfast each morning.
Timber Cove Resort
The pros at Timber Cove Resort clearly understand the multi-function appeal of outdoor fire pits. That’s why guests have two to choose from at this blufftop getaway overlooking the Sonoma Coast. The oceanfront fire pit with Adirondack seating is the perfect setting for quietly gazing at the ocean, watching the sunset, or stargazing. For a more energized fire pit experience, guests can turn to the game-centered outdoor living room. The fire pit in this space is a lively resting station between sets of ping pong, foosball, and billiards. Timber Cove Resort sits on 25 acres and offers 46 guestrooms.
Lodge at the Presidio
With San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop, the outdoor fire pit at the Lodge at the Presidio offers stunning views. The lodge is the closest hotel in San Francisco to the bridge. The fire pit is ideal for enjoying not only the views but also the hotel’s evening wine and cheese reception. Served from 5-7 p.m. each night, the complimentary reception features locally sourced provisions along with wines from Sonoma and Napa. The beautifully renovated boutique hotel is housed in former U.S. barracks, which were originally built between 1895 and 1897.
The Inn at Newport Ranch
The fire pit at The Inn at Newport Ranch is perched atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean with the wild beauty of coastal Mendocino County stretching in all directions. Seals bask on the rocks below, cattle graze on the rangelands, and ridgelines covered in majestic redwoods tower to the east. The kettle-style fire pit suspended from a trio of metal poles is sometimes used by the chef to prepare open-fire dinners for guests. It’s also a stunning place to enjoy cocktails and a sense of rightness in the world while watching the sun sink into the vast Pacific.
Gaige House
In the Sonoma Valley hamlet of Glen Ellen, Gaige House + Ryokan is a tranquil Zen hideaway offering three inviting fire pits. Carved from natural stone, the fire pit on the Moon Deck features a smooth polished top and is just steps from the inn’s meditation room. On the Sun Deck, a sleek, rectangular fire pit overlooks the grounds below and is a popular gathering spot for guests to enjoy their coffee or a glass of wine. The inn’s luxurious Gaige Suite features its very own fire pit on a private deck with views of the surrounding hillsides.
Drift Santa Barbara
At Drift Santa Barbara, the outdoor fire pit experience is a deluxe amenity of the hotel’s rooftop penthouse suite. The fire pit lounge area is located on the suite’s tiled terrace offering a bird’s-eye view of State Street action below. In addition to the penthouse suite, Drift Santa Barbara features a variety of guestroom configurations designed in minimalist modern décor. Guests are welcome to borrow surfboards, bikes, and yoga equipment. The hotel is located within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, and shopping.
The Genevieve
The fire pits at The Genevieve provide enchanting places to unwind after a day of exploring the Santa Ynez Valley. Built beneath the trees, brick patios with fire pits or outdoor fireplaces are spread out across the inn’s expansive lawn with views of the town’s Western-style facades. The comfy patio chairs with side tables are ideal for cozying up to the fire with a glass of wine. The inn serves a complimentary social hour each evening from 5:30-6:30 p.m. featuring local wines, followed by a dessert reception later in the evening.
El Morocco Inn & Spa
The flickering glow from El Morocco Inn & Spa’s outdoor fireplaces adds to the enchantment of this Moroccan-inspired retreat in Desert Hot Springs. Both fireplaces are poolside to the inn’s healing spring-fed mineral waters, which are open 24 hours a day. One is a white marble hearth near the bar that is flanked by rugs, rattan sofas, and Moroccan poufs. The open flame makes it ideal for roasting s’mores late into the night. The second fireplace near the deep end of the pool features a Moorish design with a mosaic marble hearth. It’s great for couples to cozy up to after a late-night swim.
Milliken Creek Inn
Hidden along the banks of the Napa River, Milliken Creek Inn features three outdoor fire pits for guests. The largest is located just off the lobby on the main deck overlooking the idyllic river and the inn’s expansive grounds. Two smaller fire pits are nestled near the property’s koi ponds. In addition, four of the inn’s guestrooms feature their own fire pits on private outdoor decks. Complimentary s’mores kits are available for guests to make their own melty chocolate marshmallow treats over the fire. The luxurious Napa inn offers sophisticated service and style in a tranquil setting.
Nick’s Cove and Cottages
The fire pit at Nick’s Cove and Cottages sits at the water’s edge of Tomales Bay with a sweeping view of the bay and the pier. Guests can nestle into Adirondack chairs to enjoy the warm glow of the flames and the starry skies. The chef at Nick’s Cove makes homemade s’mores kits that are perfect for roasting over the fire. The inn’s luxurious yet rustic waterfront cottages feature dreamy beds, wood-burning stoves, deep claw foot tubs, and well-stocked honor bars. The adjacent restaurant and oyster bar serves up fabulous seafood.
The Cottages of Napa Valley
Guests of the Cottages of Napa Valley can enjoy their very own private wine country cottage with a wood-burning chiminea on a private patio. The patio chimineas are nestled under mature trees and stocked daily with complimentary firewood. S’mores baskets are available for purchase for guests with cravings for melting chocolate and marshmallows. Steeped in charm, the inn’s eight historic cottages were renovated with modern luxury in mind. The cottages feature vaulted ceilings, luxurious beds, gas fireplaces, HDTV, and fully-equipped kitchenettes.
Lavender
The new outdoor fire pit at Lavender anchors the inn’s meticulously styled garden lounge area. Comfortable couches flank the rectangular fire pit and two oversized chairs provide additional seating. It’s a cozy setting for gathering with friends or enjoying a quiet corner after a day of wining and dining in Yountville. Guests at the nine-room inn also enjoy a hosted afternoon wine hour, complimentary full breakfast, use of bicycles on a first-come/first-serve basis, and access to the swimming pool and hot tub at neighboring sister property Maison Fleurie.
Hotel Bel-Air
Playing true to its roots steeped in Hollywood glam, Hotel Bel-Air has elevated the fire pit experience with its Bel-Air Under the Stars program. Equal parts fireside chat and outdoor dining, Under the Stars bundles personal fire pit seating with food and drink selections from the hotel’s Wolfgang Puck menu. The fire pits are nestled within enchanting gardens on the front lawn near the picture-perfect Swan Lake. Hotel Bel-Air is an enclave of refined luxury in the heart of Los Angeles. The full-service hotel features 103 rooms and suites, a spa, a restaurant, and an event space.
Hotel Cerro
Each garden suite at Hotel Cerro in San Luis Obispo features a private patio with its very own fire bowl. Cozy, built-in patio seating surrounds each of the fire bowls, providing a relaxing space for enjoying a morning cup of coffee or sipping a glass of wine. The privacy of the patios adds to the delight. The patios also open up to the hotel’s edible gardens, where guests can enjoy an organic snack right off the plants. The newly-built boutique hotel offers sophisticated design and luxury in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo.
Eden Vale Inn
Overlooking a quiet pond in the Sierra Foothills near Placerville, the fire pit at Eden Vale Inn is an idyllic spot for roasting s’mores over a fire and gazing at the stars overhead. The fire pit was built by an artisan metal worker. Glowing lights hidden beneath the outer steel rim add to the enchantment. A sublime retreat, the inn features beautifully appointed rooms with luxurious baths, fireplaces, and outdoor soaking tubs. The inn is surrounded by acres of gardens with seating areas and wooden arbors draped with grape vines.
Kenwood Inn & Spa
Completed in June 2023, the extensively renovated Kenwood Inn & Spa in Sonoma Valley features four outdoor vignettes for fireside relaxing. Guests will find two new fire pit lounge areas tucked amid the inn’s verdant gardens with trickling fountains and sparkling pools in view. Just beyond the inn’s main lobby, two outdoor fireplaces transform Centro Courtyard into a cozy outdoor living space perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or bites from the small plates menu. In addition to completely redesigned common areas, the inn features elegantly styled guestrooms, poolside cabanas, and a luxurious full-service spa.
Inn at Moonlight Beach
Designed on the principles of feng shui, the gardens encircling the Inn at Moonlight Beach each offer their own bit of enchantment. But the citrus garden, with its outdoor fire pit and cozy seating, is the most alluring at night. Guests can purchase s’mores kits and gather around the fire to roast marshmallow treats under the moonlight. For guests who want a little more privacy, the inn also offers mini burners for roasting s’mores on the guest rooms’ private decks. The inn is the world’s first WELL™ certified hotel, harmoniously blending modern luxury with wellness in every detail.
Rest, a Boutique Hotel
In the courtyard of Rest, a Boutique Hotel, the fire pit is a popular gathering spot for guests all hours of the day and night. Each evening, the inn offers complimentary s’mores kits with charming, handwritten notes. Owner Tracey Berkner says that guests are sometimes too full from dinner to enjoy their evening s’mores so they roast them in the morning for breakfast. Built in 2016 with a nod to the history of the region, the contemporary boutique hotel is nestled in the small, Gold Rush-era town of Plymouth and is an ideal base for exploring the wineries of Amador County.
Elk Cove Inn & Spa
Guests at Elk Cove Inn & Spa enjoy a variety of fire pit opportunities on the Mendocino Coast. Overlooking a mile of pristine beach, the inn’s bluff-top fire pit and seating area is the daily gathering spot for sunset drinks and snacks. Guests can also build their own bonfire on the beach below. The inn sells bonfire kits for $42 that include wood, kindling, a fire starter, a bottle of wine with tumblers, fixings for s’mores, a lighter, and a blanket. On weekends, the inn features a warming fire on the deck for social hour wine tasting.
The Gables Wine Country Inn
In Sonoma County, The Gables Wine Country Inn is lucky enough to have two fire pits. One is built on the edge of a grassy lawn amid a ring of majestic redwood trees. The other stands beneath a covered pavilion overlooking the inn’s vineyard. Both fire pits are ideal for relaxing with a glass of wine and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty. Nestled on three-and-a-half acres, the inn is a Gothic Victorian that was built in 1877. Each of the eight elegant guest rooms features 12-foot ceilings, luxurious beds, and private bathrooms with claw-foot tubs.
Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa
Tucked within beautifully tended gardens, the stone fire pit at Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa offers a safe harbor from seasonally windy conditions on the Mendocino Coast. Evenings are especially popular for gathering around the flames with a favorite beverage or the fixings for s’mores. The inn sells a premium s’mores kit ($25), and hot cocoa is available. Built in 2001, much of Brewery Gulch Inn was constructed of 100 – 150-year-old redwood timber eco-salvaged from the nearby Big River. The inn is situated on a bluff overlooking Smuggler’s Cove and all but one guestroom features ocean views.
The Avalon Hotel
The courtyard fire pit at The Avalon Hotel is a welcome resting spot for capping a fun-filled day of Catalina Island living. In the evening, soft garden lights complement the fire’s glow creating a relaxed ambiance for conversation and stargazing, or for simply listening to the sounds of rustling palms and the courtyard fountain. The Avalon Hotel is located in the heart of Avalon town and is within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and the beach. The hotel provides guests with complimentary taxi service to and from the Avalon ferry boat landing.