March 3, 2015 2:47 PM EST
A s the rest of the country suffered through a particularly gruesome winter, residents of Southern California have been quick to remind us that they have been enjoying months of clear skies and sunshine. But a rare hailstorm Monday left miles of California’s coastline covered with nearly an inch of hail , offering residents a rare opportunity to play in the “snow.”
Here, we gathered a collection of photos from Instagram and Twitter that captured this unexpected — and totally surreal — winter wonderland.
Nathaniel Brimlow posted this photo of a lone snowman at Huntington Beach Pier. Nathaniel Brimlow (@nathaniel_______ ) via Instagram Fouad Rider shared this snowball photo and said, "Not even mad I missed all my classes today." Fouad Rider (@fouadrider ) via Twitter Nikki Swain posted rare snow photos in Huntington Beach and said, "Happy Tuesday." Nikki 🎀 Swain (@nikkiswiz ) via Instagram Amber Norris declared Huntington Beach a "wonderland." Amber Norris (@amberxsunshine ) via Instagram Ed Templeton captured this snapshot at the Huntingon Beach pier, writing, "the alluvial fan of melting hailstones fascinates passers by at the #huntingtonbeach pier." Ed Templeton (@ed.templeton ) via Instagram Emily Weisenberge declared that it "snowed dippin' dots." Emily Weisenberger 🌔 (@emilyjayew ) via Instagram Giselle Romero shared this photo and asked if anyone wanted to build a snowman. Giselle Romero (@lovegiselle ) via Instagram Instagram user gr3enlotus declared the snow "something you never see." ᑕᕼᑌᑕKᒪE ᗷEᖇᖇY (@gr3enlotus ) via Instagram Jeff Perez captured this surfer, adding, "Out here appreciating somethin HB hasn't seen in many years, snow." jeff_perez (@jeff_perez ) via Instagram More Must-Reads From TIME Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work? Why We're Spending So Much Money Now The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time