Top Spots For A Bonfire In South Florida

If you've ever watched a beach movie, especially in the 80s, then you've seen teens frolicking near a towering bonfire while dancing underneath the moonlight. Like most things on television, this is an event you want to try yourself and now you can, even if the South Florida options are somewhat limited. Miami-Dade and Broward counties both require permits for bonfire burning, so planning ahead is required and necessary. You can either create your own bonfire or join an established bonfire social event to meet new people and cultured friends with similar tastes. Either way, you're living the dream and you'll never have to compare your life to the movies again.

Blue Moon Outdoor Center
3400 N.E. 163rd St.
North Miami Beach, FL 33160
(305) 957-3040
http://bluemoonoutdoor.com/

Nestled in Oleta River State Park, kayakers have a chance to coast the waves on a full moon in a unique bonfire celebration. The Full Moon Kayak Tour takes place once a month and is perfect for those looking for an escape from the norm to spend a few hours communing with nature. It begins with a relaxing kayaking adventure under a moonlit sky for an hour and a half followed by the last 30-45 minutes being devoted to a bonfire on the beach. Prices are approximately $50 per person, but it's a worthy experience for nature lovers to experience a one-of-a-kind kayaking adventure and a bonfire celebration where the participants are not responsible for the permit or the cleanup of the fire. Simply put, it's a great social event to meet your next partner in crime or significant nature-loving other.

John U. Lloyd Beach State Park
6503 N. Ocean Drive
Dania, FL 33304
(954) 924-3859
http://www.floridastateparks.org

John U. Lloyd Beach State Park is located in Dania Beach and has a great tiki theme that will please residents and tourists alike. There are cool grass hut coverings, great for a barbecue, and bonfires are allowed with a permit. Your friends can gather around the fire to cook marshmallows or dance the night away, but don't get too rowdy. A park ranger has to be on hand to supervise the fire so your social interactions are limited, especially when it comes to drinking. Simply call the number to schedule your next bonfire blowout. There is a fee of $180 for the bonfire and they can only happen after the park closes (after sunset) so the ranger that accompanies the party will also need to be paid an additional $30 per hour (minimum three hours) by the party. Although it seems expensive, if you gather enough people, you can have a great time celebrating a wedding or important event by a roaring bonfire.

Related: Best Bike Paths In Miami

A.D. Barnes State Park
3401 S.W. 72nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33155
(305) 666-5883
http://www.miamidade.gov

Other parks have self-made bonfires and social scenes, but A.D. Barnes State Park has fire rings. It's part of the the campground area and is a great way to easily start a fire without the fuss. Simply reserve one of the onsite tents and a fire ring will be provided. You can call the Nature Center at (305) 662-4124 and reserve a fire pit. Then you can light it without the hassle of finding wood, brush and a lighter to ignite the flames and be ready to party hours before the beach bonfires begin. It's great for ghost stories, for those looking to escape the mad city and for people who have always wanted to sleep in a teepee.

Related: Best Public Beaches To Spend A Summer Day In South Florida

Niema Hulin was born in Newark, NJ but raised in Lexington, South Carolina for the bulk of her formative years. In 2002, she moved to Miami after graduating from the University of Florida. Since then, Niema has worked in film, television and commercials as a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator. Some of her films have included Bad Boys II and I Am Number IV. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.