With tourists heading home, residents are enjoying less crowded beaches, open parking spots and warmer water temperatures.
SAN DIEGO — As Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, San Diego locals are reveling in what they call “San Diego summer” or “local summer.” With tourists heading home, residents are enjoying less crowded beaches, open parking spots and warmer water temperatures across popular coastal areas.
“We’re lucky today, it’s 12:30 [p.m.] and I’m finding a parking spot without even waiting,” said Dewy Ton, highlighting the ease of access to La Jolla’s beaches compared to peak tourist season.
Surfers are particularly stoked about the change, with one noting the lack of people, more waves and the warm water temperatures. The impact of the thinning crowds is evident along the coast. At Tourmaline Surf Park, Crystal Pier, and Mission Beach, visitors are experiencing ample space on the sand and in the water.
“It’s lovely. It’s a local summer; all the goobers are gone,” Felix Gomes, a local surfer, said. “I surfed out here and then down the beach and had a peak to myself, so you can’t beat that.”
While the summer tourist season was bustling for local businesses, many are welcoming the change of pace.
“Yeah, we were busy this summer overall, but it is nice to have our beaches back and the water back,” Josh Layaoen, store manager at South Coast Surf Shop in Pacific Beach, said.
In Mission Beach, typically one of San Diego’s busiest coastal areas, the boardwalk is now open in both directions, and parking spots are readily available. Mike Soltan, a local business owner, shared his perspective.
“You know, summer is always so busy, not a break, I worked every day. It’s nice to have a break. It’s our time now,” he said.
San Diego’s “local summer” not only provides residents with a chance to enjoy their city’s attractions without the crowds but also offers a brief respite for businesses and workers in tourist-heavy areas before the next holiday season begins.