The Wasp — 1877 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical comic strip depicts a Victorian-era excursion to Santa Cruz, California. The panels show various stages of a seaside vacation: wealthy tourists boarding a steamship, enjoying leisure activities on the vessel, bathing in the ocean, exploring coastal caves and forests, and visiting what appears to be a local landmark or attraction ("The Big Trees"). The satire likely mocks the pretensions of affluent San Francisco society taking fashionable beach holidays, with exaggerated depictions of their clothing, behaviors, and interactions. The juxtaposition of refined travelers with rustic natural scenery creates comedic contrast. The reference to Santa Cruz's specific attractions suggests this entertained contemporary readers familiar with the actual destination.