The kids are back to school, team sports will be gobbling up weekend free time — sorry to deliver the bad news, summer vacation is coming to a close.
For many, the Labor Day holiday marks their last hurrah for summer, a chance to soak in the sun and warm weather before life speeds back up and, ultimately, the cooler temperatures start to bring a fall chill to the air.
But don’t put those bathing suits away just yet – this weekend will be a scorcher, with warmer-than-normal temps in the forecast to put a proper end to the summer season.
Coastal temps will be in the upper 70s, while inland Los Angeles-area and Orange County cities will be in the upper 80s and low 90s.
The Inland Empire will warm to the mid-to-upper 90s, while desert areas such as Coachella and Anza Borrego will reach about 110 degrees.
“We’re going to start a return to above-normal temperatures Saturday and Sunday,” said Sam Zuber, National Weather Service meteorologist, noting that temperatures will peak on Sunday.
Mountain regions, if you’re looking for relief, will be slightly cooler in the mid-70s.
Some people will be hitting the road for one last vacation using the long weekend, while others will stick around closer to home, enjoying the best that Southern California has to offer – beaches, mountains, lakes and parks, gathering with friends and family to enjoy an end-of-summer hurrah with bonfires and barbecues.
And for many locals, the holiday weekend means getting their spaces back from vacationing crowds that flood into Southern California during summer months, a welcome relief from the masses.
“Can’t come soon enough,” quipped Dan Brady, of Irvine, while sitting out in the water waiting for waves this week at his favorite surf spot, San Onofre, where parking has been tough to snag all summer.
But first, this weekend. Be prepared to battle the crowds if heading to the beach, and if you’re looking for a fire pit, make sure you show up at dawn to secure a spot before they fill up. Pack plenty of water to stay hydrated, sunscreen and a lot of patience.
Beach tips
Beachgoers hitting the coast will be soaking in the warm weather in water lingering in the balmy mid-70s.
For experienced wave riders, it will be an epic weekend, with a south swell building on Friday and hanging out through Monday.
South-facing beaches will see waves in the 4- to 6-foot range, up to 7 feet along Orange County and San Diego beaches, according to the National Weather Service.
Los Angeles County beaches will have slightly smaller waves in the 2- to 4-foot range, according to Surfline.com.
“If you’re going to be in the water, you need to be near a lifeguard,” Zuber warned. “When we have surf like this, especially from a strong southerly swell, we have high rip current risks. If you’re going to be in the water, be aware and know what to do if you’re in a rip current. Always make sure you can tread water. That’s why it’s important to identify beaches that have lifeguards.”
If you do find yourself in a rip current and getting sucked out to sea, swim parallel to the shoreline.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, which is open to the public, has a calm bay for people inexperienced with the ocean’s waves. It has paddleboards, kayaks and Duffy boat rentals, as well as a plethora of activities planned for the Labor Day weekend, including food trucks and live entertainment. Its inflatable aquatic park, which requires a reservation, has a 17-foot slide.
Beat the heat
If you don’t want to deal with crazy summer crowds at the coast and want to beat the heat, you could head to the slightly cooler mountain areas.
Big Bear Lake has a weekend filled with fun happenings.
The 13th annual Cool Run in the Mountains Car Show will be Saturday, Aug. 30, featuring 100 unique and classic cars, vendors, and live entertainment.
The annual Labor Day weekend Boat Parade of Lights happens at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31, an event hosted by the Rotary Club of Big Bear Lake that draws dozens of lighted, decked-out boats to cruise around the harbor.
A 15-minute synchronized drone show above the water will follow at sundown. It launches from Pine Knot Marina, visible from Veterans’ Park.
The two-hour parade starts from Garstin Island and follows the shoreline to the north shore east boat ramp. The parade is free for spectators and can be seen from various viewing points along the south shore.
Some of the best spots include Rotary Park, Pine Knot Marina, Veterans Park, Big Bear Marina and Meadows Park.
“Our Parade of Lights is a dazzling display of eye candy you don’t want to miss,” Visit Big Bear CEO Travis Scott said. “Plus, our drone show will have some real jaw-droppers this year.”