The busiest season at the beach usually runs from late May through early September. Free fire pits are greatly desired during this time, especially on weekends. It is not unusual for people to stake claim to a pit in the early afternoon, even when planning to use it later in the day. 

The free containers can be found on the beaches beginning not far from C2 on the map, just South of Sunset Beach past Warner Avenue on Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. Continuing along the coast, you will even find them stretching past Beach Boulevard on Pacific Coast Highway (3D on map).

There is no free  wood on the beach unless, like a parking meter with time left, you happen upon someone's left over wood, so it usually must be purchased. Grocery stores in the surrounding area sell it in bundles, as do the concessions on the beach listed below.