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When we started our campfire tradition, we had a harder time cause it was windy but if you have good weather, have all of the supplies and are prepared, having a campfire at the beach can be so relaxing. 

Pismo State Beach allows you have to campfire but they have to be distinguished by 10PM every night. Things I always bring include: lighter, lighter fluid, 2 buckets for water to extinguish at the end (I use ocean water), tinder for quick start up (which I usually use cardboard paper around the house), a shovel to dig a hole, and enough firewood for one evening.

Steps:

• First, you dig a hole with a shovel. I've seen people try to do it with their hands and they got tired and frustrated pretty quickly. The hole should not be too deep or you won't feel the warmth of the fire, but you need a hole so the fire can hold and that embers won't be flying in your face.
• Then, you stack a few pieces of firewood like a tent. Put some lighter fluid on the firewood you laid out in that hole that you're starting with.
• Before using the match or lighter, add some tinder paper (for me I use cardboard) in between the firewood you laid out and some on the bottom. Then, light the tinder. If it's successful, you should't need to add any more lighter fluid. Just add a bit more tinder until the firewood catches the fire well. Before it gets too dark, I suggest filling your bucket(s) with water as it'll be easier to get this done ahead of time while you can still see. I live by the ocean so I get ocean water since my campfires are usually at the beach.
• Add fire wood as needed. Relax, enjoy the warmth, and great conversation. When it's time to leave, extinguish all of your fire with the bucket of water you already pre-filled. This is to keep everyone safe, especially those wandering around with children.