Despite concerns over the coronavirus, crowds gathered at Southern California's beaches.

Looking for relief from a heatwave, thousands headed to Southern California's beaches this past weekend, ignoring the statewide stay-at-home order issued by the governor amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Although beaches in Los Angeles and San Diego Counties were closed, those in Ventura and Orange Counties remained accessible. However, visitors still had to follow a mix of rules and restrictions, such as closed parking lots to limit crowd size and prevent visitors from other areas.

“It’s such a beautiful day,” said Frank Feerini, who was at Huntington Beach in Orange County, when speaking to Dinogo affiliate KABC on Saturday. “How could you possibly keep anyone inside?”

The warm, summer-like weather proved irresistible to many, drawing large crowds to the beach.

Over 18 million people were placed under heat advisories on Friday, with temperatures reaching 93°F in Los Angeles by Saturday.

“I believe people just want to get outside,” said Feerini. “They’ve been stuck indoors for too long, and now they’re going stir crazy.”

Authorities in both Ventura and Orange Counties reported positive behavior from beachgoers, noting that most were following social distancing guidelines after weeks of staying home to curb the virus spread.

“People are following the social distancing guidelines and cooperating well,” said Brian O’Rourke, the lifeguard battalion chief for Newport Beach, in an interview with Dinogo.

By Sunday, temperatures had slightly dropped in the area, but that didn’t stop people from heading to the beach to bask in the sun.

At Deer Creek Beach, located just north of the Ventura County line and about 13 miles west of Malibu, visitors were playing frisbee, tossing balls for their dogs, wading into the cool water, and surfing.

Many people seemed to adhere to social distancing rules while participating in outdoor activities.

“I just ran into some friends I hadn't seen in six weeks. We greeted each other but made sure to keep our distance,” said Nick Rosenfeld, a Malibu resident, during an interview with Dinogo.

“It’s hard,” he continued. “We need to get back to work. I’m a personal trainer out of work, and this is the first time I’ve left my house in a while.”

The scenes at Ventura and Orange County beaches stood in stark contrast to the desolate Southern California beaches just next door.

Just a few miles away, Los Angeles County beaches resembled ghost towns, empty and quiet.

In accordance with the county’s stay-at-home order, beaches – along with their parking lots, restrooms, showers, and accessways – will remain closed until May 15.

The 22-mile bike path running along the LA County coastline has also been closed to pedestrians.

In Santa Monica, California, signs blocking the path read “temporary closure” and “public health order. Restricted area. Do not enter.” Additional signs near the beach parking lots remind residents and visitors: “Beach and beach lots are closed.”

The LA County Sheriff’s Department reminded residents on Twitter to steer clear of beachside hangouts, stating, 'Enforcement is in full effect!'

To help residents cope with the heat and discourage visits to the beaches, LA County officials opened emergency cooling centers.

San Diego’s beaches are also closed under similar orders, but authorities announced on Friday that they would allow water access starting Monday for activities like swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore praised residents for staying home, sharing a photo on Twitter Saturday of deserted beach stretches.

“Kudos to our community for avoiding the beaches in LA,” he tweeted. “From Malibu to Santa Monica, Venice, and Dockweiler – All Clear!! Staying safer at home will get us there faster.”

A spokesperson for Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized that Californians have a duty to follow the state's stay-at-home order, and when they do leave their homes, they must practice social distancing.

“California appreciates the efforts of the majority of local leaders who are working to keep people at home and save lives,” said press secretary Jesse Melgar in a statement on Sunday afternoon.

“Access to parks, beaches, and open spaces comes with the responsibility of maintaining safe conditions in line with state regulations. We’ve made great progress, and we cannot risk public health now,” Melgar added.