People flock to Santa Cruz beaches for 4th of July weekend

CAPITOLA, Calif. (KION) Locals and tourists flocked to Santa Cruz beaches for the 4th of July weekend. The only Central Coast beaches open this weekend are in Santa Cruz County.

People took advantage of the warm weather at Capitola Beach. Some people KION spoke with said they're locals, but many are tourists who said this is their way of enjoying the 4th of July and taking a break from the stress of the past few months.

They said they’re not too concerned about the risk of Covid-19, despite the numbers.

“I mean, as long as people are staying safe, wearing masks when appropriate, and washing their hands, yeah,” Natalie Parker said.

“If they’re taking necessary precautions, then for sure,” Alyson Leininger.
The city of Santa Cruz is asking visitors to wear a mask, wash your hands and keep a six foot distance to help prevent the spread of the virus.

KION didn't see many people wearing masks at the beaches Saturday.

Over in Monterey County, beaches are closed or have limited access this weekend.