Parts of the Central Coast experienced triple-digit temperatures and constant sunshine all day Friday, but in Pismo Beach, the day began with a blanket of fog swirling over the frigid waters and relatively mild temperatures compared to inland areas, anyone looking to cool off.
Many businesses along the coast are benefiting from the increase in visitors.
“It should be more than usual with the heat wave this weekend,” said Alicia Avina, owner of Avila Beach Paddle Sports.
“It’s been busier than it has been the past two weekends,” said Kraken Pismo Beach barista Amber Mehring.
“The kids go back to school in August and it’s just like the last big weekend,” said Brittany Suns, general manager of Woolly & Oyster Loft.
For many beach town businesses, Labor Day weekend is the last of summer, which usually brings in big profits, but business owners say they expect even more profits this year with the heat wave.
“We’re fully booked for tomorrow, pretty booked for Sunday,” Avina said.
“Definitely more traffic because if it’s hot around here, it’s hot from the ground, so everybody’s going to travel here,” Mehring said.
“Tons, tons – we get a lot of people from Fresno, Bakersfield, but we also get a lot of people from Paso, Atascadero and even down south,” Mehring said.
An increase in tourism is boosting business over the weekend, giving beach businesses their best profits of the year.
“I’d say it’s a pretty big chunk of profit, yeah,” Sons said.
“Yes, it’s supposed to be the end of summer, but it’s got to be the busiest weekend of the year. We’ve had a lot of wind this year and now we’ve got the heat so we’re expecting a big crowd,” Avina said.
Avila Paddle Sports would like to advise anyone visiting this weekend to bring plenty of sunscreen and water to stay safe and have a great time enjoying the Central Coast.
