Traffic has disappeared. Tourist spots have been deserted. Schools have been abandoned. Those are just some of the drastic changes the Bay Area has witnessed during the global coronavirus pandemic.
To get a sense of just how much the virus has changed life in the Bay Area, we decided to fly a drone over some recognizable spots across the region.
Check out the videos below to see what we found.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and neighboring beach are typically overflowing with amusement park enthusiasts and beachgoers during spring break, but the coronavirus pandemic has left the popular area shut off to the public.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Frequently lined with fishermen, people looking for a bite to eat or those in search of barking seals, the Santa Cruz Wharf is devoid of any human visitors during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ferry Building and Embarcadero in San Francisco
Normally bustling with foot and vehicle traffic, the Embarcadero outside the Ferry Building in San Francisco is now an open stretch of pavement amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Market Street in San Francisco
Almost always overloaded with traffic, Market Street in San Francisco is now an open road as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Cable Car Turnaround in San Francisco
The lines to hop on one of San Francisco’s famed cable cars have disappeared during the coronavirus pandemic.
Union Square in San Francisco
Known for being a popular shopping plaza in San Francisco, Union Square is now a ghost town as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Bay Bridge Toll Plaza
Normally jam-packed with vehicles trying to travel to San Francisco and beyond, the Bay Bridge Toll Plaza is now free of congestion amid the coronavirus pandemic and stay-at-home orders.
Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco is usually flooded with locals and tourists, but due to the coronavirus pandemic and stay-at-home orders, it has been left virtually empty.
Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are no longer lines of chocolate-loving customers waiting to enjoy some sweets at Ghiradelli Square in San Francisco.
Pier 39 in San Francisco
San Francisco’s popular Pier 39 is typically overflowing with tourists, but it has turned into a ghost town as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Embarcadero in San Francisco
Consistently packed with cars, tourists enjoying the sights and locals out for a run, San Francisco’s Embarcadero is now a desolate stretch of pavement due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Highway 101 in Mill Valley
With a stay-at-home order in effect due to the coronavirus pandemic, Highway 101 in Mill Valley is just like all other highways and freeways across the Bay Area: completely wide open, evening during rush hour.
Highway 17-Interstate 280 Interchange in the South Bay
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, everyday traffic has disappeared at the Highway 17-Interstate 280 interchange in the South Bay.
