Families fire up the grills, dig in the sand, and soak up the sunshine along Mission Beach and Pacific Beach.
SAN DIEGO — San Diego’s beaches were buzzing with life this Labor Day, as locals and visitors headed to the coast to enjoy the unofficial end of summer. From sandcastles and surfing to burgers on the grill and boardwalk bike rides, it was a picture-perfect holiday along Mission Beach and Pacific Beach.
Locals Seek Cleaner Waters and Cooler Vibes
Dr. Valita Jones drove from Chula Vista to walk the Mission Beach boardwalk with her daughter, avoiding the pollution that’s affected nearby Imperial Beach.
“Unfortunately, the beach closest to my home is Imperial Beach, and there’s pollution coming from Tijuana, so that’s why I have to drive all the way down here,” she said. “I love the boardwalk. I love the sunshine, I love the people.”
Jeff Young made the trip from Lakeside, beating the traffic to enjoy some peaceful time by the ocean. “It’s absolutely perfect,” he said.
Nearby, musician Fritz Jensen summed it up simply: “It’s San Diego, absolutely perfect.”
Family Fun and Unexpected Characters
On the sand, families played beach volleyball, kids dug holes, and some got a little buried, like Charlotte Brunson, whose siblings buried her in the sand up to her neck. When asked how she’d escape, Charlotte laughed, “I don’t know!”
Not far away, Tim Trask scanned the beach with his metal detector in search of “pirate treasure.”
“You get in shape and find cool treasure,” he said with a smile.
Over in the grass near Belmont Park, Claudette Tanabe-Smith was firing up burgers and bacon. “We’re just making sure we’re enjoying our Labor Day, having a safe, fun time with friends and family,” she said.
And in one of the more unique sights of the day, Kevin Warner brought along Mr. Tom, his goat.
“We just bring him to make everybody smile,” Warner said. “The whole beach lights up happy, and it’s just awesome.”
Pacific Beach Full of Life—and Lemonade
In nearby Pacific Beach, the energy was just as high. Rollerblader Monica Ramon enjoyed the social vibe of the holiday. “I love meeting people, listening to music, just jamming out, you know,” she said.
High school student Saidey Navarro set up a lemonade and dirty soda stand to raise money for her dance team at Granite Hills High.
“It’s always super busy at the beaches on Labor Day, so I thought this was the perfect time to try and help raise some money,” she said.
Grateful Hearts and Full Beaches
For many, the day wasn’t just about food and fun. It was about appreciating San Diego’s natural beauty.
“It’s such a blessing and I’m so grateful,” said Shanna Powell-Mayhue, who brought her grandson to the beach. “My heart is full. I’m filled with joy to be here and just being in an awesome place in San Diego.”
As the sun set on another Labor Day, thousands of beachgoers were left with sandy feet, sun-kissed smiles, and memories of a summer well spent.