As warm weather returns, businesses see a boost in Santa Cruz
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) - As the weather warms up along the coast, more people are heading to the Santa Cruz Wharf.
People and businesses KION spoke with say the warmer weather is bringing more people to the Santa Cruz Wharf to enjoy the coast and support local shops
Warm weather and the ocean are drawing crowds to the wharf to shop, eat, and support local spots
"The weather's warm, you can come out, look at, look at the sea lions, you can walk around, you can sit outside, eat lunch, and then come in here for a sweet treat afterwards," Owner Gino Marini of Marini's Candies said.
From those chilly, windy days to now, businesses say more people are coming out as the weather warms up
"They want to be somewhere warmer. Out here, it gets a little windy and a little cold. And so I think it's not as fun to walk around when the wind is swirling all over the place," Marini said.
But today? Business is good.
"Warm weather definitely helps us. And so we'll take all the warm weather we can get because warm weather brings the people and the people come and patronize the store," Marini said.
And it’s not just locals making the trip. Some came from across the state.
"The weather, the breeze and everything, like, is not really an issue to us. So far from fresno. So we don't like the heat so much. So, the breeze is really nice for it," said Fresno visitor Peyton Chappel.
Spring break has had a noticeable impact on local businesses
"The last month or so, it's been spring break, so definitely brought a lot of people out here from out of the area and over the hill as well," Nolands worker Ellis Conover said.
Many shops are already seeing an increase in foot traffic.
"It's definitely picked up a little bit. We're kind of waiting on summer to start, I think, around the end of the month, but this this has been better than it was at the end of last year. So definitely picking it up," Conover said.
Eight free concerts will start May 13 at the santa cruz wharf where you can enjoy live music.
