While the mercury hasn't climbed quite as high as anticipated, the beach is still the place to be this holiday weekend. Revelers arrived at Ocean Beach as early as 3 a.m. to get a good spot.
But, the alcohol ban kept the crowds smaller and better behaved than in previous years, lifeguards said.
Lifeguard Lt. Greg Buchanon said they are prepared with extra staff and patrols.
"It's been an extremely busy weekend because everybody knows about the excessive heat, there's no better place than to come than the beach," he said. Ocean temperatures were only in the mid-60s, a bit cool for July.
Ocean Beach-goers are looking forward to hanging out, barbecuing, and of course, fireworks. But many brought several bags of ammunition for an annual tradition here.
"The marshmallow fight. Everybody, thousands of people, throw marshmallows at each other," Buchanon said with a smile.
The clean up begins tomorrow.
