Local beaches are jam-packed for the holiday weekend, with larger crowds expected on Labor Day – CBS Los Angeles

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) – While some southerners played it safe during the pandemic and avoided the crowds on this holiday weekend, many Santa Monica beachgoers were just happy to be outside, masks or not.

“The weather is fantastic. It’s a lot of fun here, ”said one beach visitor.

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Crowds thronged Santa Monica Beach over Labor Day weekend. (Credit: CBS)

The beaches were overcrowded that weekend and, for the most part, few people wore masks.

One couple said they took heed of the recommendation not to travel this weekend and decided to spend a day at the beach just to be on the safe side.

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“We live down the street. We relaxed and it’s good to be outside, ”said the man.

One surfer said he was ready to enjoy some time out from work, surfing and the parties, and said he wasn’t too worried about COVID at this point and felt ready to party.

“I’ll be partying later, going to pool parties, maybe in the bars, yeah,” he said.

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More people are expected to hit the sand and surf on Labor Day.