March 17th Ventura moves into the Red Tier.

On Wednesday, March 17th Ventura moves into the Red Tier. Here, in simple terms, is what it means. Thank you for caring about Ventura — and each other. Please keep wearing your mask, maintain social distance, wash your hands frequently, and stay home if you’re sick. We are moving forward toward the sun.

Are hotels and short-term rentals open?

Yes. Please call the hotels directly for information. Already have future bookings? Please confirm those bookings directly with the service provider.

Are beaches open?

Yes. Ventura County beaches are open for active and passive use; you can sit and sunbathe as long as you keep a safe physical distance of six feet. Congregating in large groups outside of your immediate household is not allowed. Neither are group activities such as volleyball, football, and soccer.

Are parks open?

Yes. Ventura County parks are open for active and passive use; you can sit and picnic as long as you keep a safe physical distance of six feet. Congregating in large groups outside of your immediate household is not allowed. Neither are group activities such as volleyball, football, and soccer.

Are public restrooms and parking lots at parks and beaches open?

Yes.

Are restaurants open?

Ventura County restaurants are now allowed to offer in-restaurant dining at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is less. Many Ventura restaurants continue to offer outdoor dining, as well as delivery service and take-out. Please check the individual restaurant websites to see how they are handling the most recent changes.

Are retail stores open?

Yes, most Ventura retailers are now open for in-store shopping at 50% capacity; many also offer curbside pickup and online sales. Malls are now open at 50% capacity. Our own Ventura Visitors Center is currently open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. We are closed to the public, for the moment, on Mondays and Tuesdays. Our online store is open 24/7. For more information on Downtown Ventura businesses view Downtown Ventura Businesses. For more information on Ventura Harbor Village businesses view Ventura Harbor Village Businesses.

Are breweries and wineries open?

Ventura’s breweries and wineries are allowed to offer outdoor service only (but you won’t need to buy food). Many of Ventura’s breweries and wineries offer outdoor seating — and most continue to offer takeout. Again, please consult their websites for specific information on how they are handling the new tier.

Are bars open?

Under Ventura County’s Red Tier, bars are not open for indoor service unless they are serving food.

Are campgrounds and RV Parks open?

Yes.

Are barbershops and hair and nail salons open?

Barbershops and hair and nail salons are now open for indoor services at 25% capacity. Some are also offering outdoor services.

Are museums, gyms and movie theaters open?

Yes. Movie theaters and museums can open indoors at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is less. Gyms, dance and yoga studios are open indoors at 10% capacity.

Can I go to Channel Islands National Park?

Yes. Island Packers is currently offering trips to Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and Anacapa Islands (day trips and camping), as well as whale watching trips. To observe social distancing, they are running their boats at 40% capacity. Please see their website or call 805-642-1393 for additional important information. Island campgrounds are also open. Please visit the National Park website for more information. Recreation.gov also offers current camping information on the islands.

Are playgrounds open?

Yes.

Any more good news?

You bet. Ventura has adapted to the challenges of Coronavirus with creativity, including closing five blocks of Ventura’s downtown Main Street to traffic, making an easily walk-able downtown more walk-able still. Along the five-block stretch (from the San Buenaventura Mission to Fir Street), restaurants are offering outdoor seating, retailers are moving their wares out on to the sidewalks, and you can stroll down the middle of the street (allowing for social distancing). There are also tables with umbrellas and chairs. Think Europe — by the sea.

Do I have to wear a mask in Ventura?

Yes, please. In accordance with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s state-wide mandate, masks must now be worn while in all public indoor spaces. They must also be worn outdoors when social distancing of six feet isn’t possible. So on Ventura’s beaches, you can take off your mask once you get settled on the beach — as long as you’re at least six feet from others. Thank you for understanding — and caring about others. For more detailed information please visit venturacountyrecovers.org. You can also call us at the Ventura Visitors Center (805-641-1400) and we will be happy to help you. If no one is in to answer your call, we will return your call as soon as we get your message. The Ventura Visitors Center is currently open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Visit California provides daily updates regarding the Coronavirus situation, including valuable travel updates.