As the weather grows warmer and vaccination rates steadily increase, beaches and other popular attractions throughout California are once again experiencing packed crowds some of the largest theyve seen in over a year.

Over the weekend, thousands of people descended upon tourist hotspots such as the Santa Monica Pier, the Venice Beach Boardwalk and Old Town Pasadena to celebrate spring break and relish in visiting with friends in person. However, local health experts have expressed concerned about the lack of masks worn by the crowds, as well as the sheer number of out-of-towners flooding the streets.

On Tuesday, Los Angeles County public health officials announced plans to move into the orange tier, expanding capacity at indoor venues while allowing businesses including outdoor bars that dont serve food to reopen. Expanded activities were permitted the next day, but many businesses wont officially resume operation until Monday, April 5, said public health director Barbara Ferrer.

California again seems keen on jump-starting its economy, rolling out reopening dates for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland this month alone; however, Ferrer urged visitors to exercise caution and continue to wear masks as experts eye a potential surge in case rates. More than 30% of residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the L.A. Times, but health officials estimate that percentage will need to be as high as 85% for the population to reach herd immunity.

It will be essential that each of us not get sloppy, Ferrer said last week as she reported 26 additional deaths and 386 new cases in Los Angeles County.

Even so, more than 100,000 people visited the Santa Monica Pier over the weekend, reports the Guardian. In response, city leaders announced plans to restrict numbers on the pier Saturday by cutting off access to newly arriving visitors at 7 p.m. three hours before the attraction closes. Theyre also planning to assemble a handful of health ambassadors, who will pass out free masks at the pier and remind people wear face coverings.

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Dolores Park filled up with sunbathers on Mar. 31, 2021, when skies over San Francisco were clear and sun-filled.

In San Francisco, 46% of residents over 16 have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and as temperatures climbed toward the mid-80s last week, crowds began to congregate across the city from Dolores Park to Ocean Beach.

Meanwhile in Oakland, officials led by City Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas have established new policies at Lake Merritt due to reported crowding, traffic, high noise levels and littering.Illegal street vendors were another topic of concern, and though the city is setting up a designated area for them to resume business, many refused to go because they believe the cost to operate there is too high.

Were just trying to survive, a vendor who went by Drea told KPIX. I lost my job a whole year ago and I havent been able to get a job that pays the rent.

Implemented on Friday, those new regulations have led to the deployment of a new park ambassador program as well as an increased police presence, reports Oaklandside, and will be enforced through Labor Day weekend. Oaklands City Council is expected to hold a meeting to discuss the allocation of funding for the measure on April 12.

With many people vaccinated, more activities nowpresent less of a risk, but health officials still recommend proceeding with caution: continue to wear a mask when out in public, and don't travel unless you absolutely have to.

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California's beaches and popular attractions are becoming flooded with crowds again - SF Gate