Squeeze S’more Out of Summer in 2024

S’mores have been a summer staple for generations, a dessert that’s as simple as it is satisfying. And as the last days of summer start to slip away, there’s no better way to celebrate the season’s end than by gathering around a fire with your favorite people to make wonderful (and sticky) memories.

Here are a few of this year’s favorite places to indulge in s’mores while the summer is still here:

Beach Genie

S’mores are one thing, but s’mores right on the beach are next level. And s’mores on the beach without having to raise a finger? Legendary. Beach Genie has got everything covered, so you can skip the hassle of lugging gear and focus on the good stuff. They’ll set up the whole thing - a portable propane fire ring, a table stocked with all the s’mores essentials including graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate and a cooler filled with sparkling water.

If you arrive before the sun goes down you can also take advantage of some of their a la carte beach activities like paddle ball or frisbee. As the sky shifts to twilight, gathering around the fire with chocolate and marshmallows is truly the cherry on top of a fun day by the ocean. Book with Beach Genie and they’ll take care of the rest.

Resort Fire Pits

Carlsbad’s top resorts have all the bases covered with fire pits that bring the experience right to your doorstep when you’re in town. At the Park Hyatt Aviara, wind down after a day of exploring the resort’s two-story waterslides or hiking at the nearby Batiquitos Lagoon by grabbing a s’mores kit from the Aviara Market and settling in at one of the many fire pits scattered throughout the property. Relax under the stars and toast marshmallows and enjoy the last warm evenings of the season.

Over at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, the resort offers a whole menu of family-friendly activities that include hands-on fun and sweet desserts. Nighttime s’more roasting and dive-in movies are a few of the favorites that guests can join in on when they visit.

For a quieter, more intimate experience, the Beach Terrace also offers fire pits with some of the best ocean views in Carlsbad. If you are looking to wind down, Beach Terrace is a peaceful retreat where the waves crash just outside your window and soothe you to sleep at night. Their fire pits provide a relaxing setting where you can roast marshmallows while the waves lap the shore in the distance.

The Camp Store

Another s’mores experience that comes with a front-row seat to the Pacific is at The Camp Store at South Carlsbad State Beach. Located on the bluffs overlooking the ocean, this spot offers fire pit rentals that include everything you need for a quintessential summer night—comfortable seating for up to eight people, a bundle of wood to keep the fire going and all the fixings for perfect s’mores.

If you’d rather enjoy your s’mores alongside a meal, The Camp Store also rents out bluffside and patio tables. The bluffside tables, located right at the edge of the bluffs, have an unbeatable view, while the patio tables, just steps away from the beach, offer a slightly more sheltered environment without sacrificing the seaside vibes.

With on-site dining options that include wood-stone pizzas, fresh salads and seasonal snacks like chicken wings, plus a variety of cold beverages to keep everyone refreshed, The Camp Store is all about awakening a sense of adventure and community. They frequently host live music and light shows so that toasting your marshmallows to perfection is both memorable and entertaining.

Campfire

For a twist on tradition, Campfire restaurant is more than what it seems. While it sounds like this local favorite should be all about the outdoors, they’ve perfected bringing the essence of an outdoor campfire indoors. The whole experience at Campfire centers on gathering around an open flame and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Executive Chef Eric Bost and his team have created a menu that draws inspiration from California’s diverse landscapes, from coasts to forests to deserts, making it a dining experience that feels both familiar and new.

But the real star of the show is their DIY s’mores kit. After a satisfying meal, guests can be treated to a s’mores experience that’s a step above the usual. They serve homemade marshmallows that are perfectly fluffy, premium chocolate that melts just righ and graham crackers that make you wonder why you ever settled for anything less. With smoldering coals right at your table, Campfire elevates everything you thought you knew about s’mores.

Snores & S’mores

Finally, if you’re up for an overnight adventure, Snores & S’mores at Aviara Community Park is something worth planning for. This event has it all—family relays, crafts, a BBQ dinner, and of course, s’mores by the campfire. The night wraps up with a movie under the stars, making it a full-on summer experience.

Even though this year’s event is sold out, it’s a tradition to keep an eye out for next year.

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One thing’s for sure—summer never really ends in Carlsbad. Keep those summer nights going at any of these spots where the fire’s always warm and dessert is always on the menu.