Ventura is Now in the Orange Tier. Here’s What it Means

By Visit Ventura

Ventura is now in the Orange Tier. Here, in simple terms, is what it means.

Thank you for caring about Ventura — and each other. And yes it’s a familiar refrain, but it’s also an important one. Please keep wearing your mask, maintain social distance, wash your hands frequently, and stay home if you’re sick.

Know that we are grateful for your considerate actions. And know that we are moving forward toward the sun.

Are hotels and short-term rentals open?

Yes. Please call the hotels directly for specific information and safety protocols.

What is happening with restaurants?

Ventura County restaurants are now allowed to offer in-restaurant dining at 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is less. Only member of the same household are allowed to share a table. Many Ventura restaurants also 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.

What is happening with retail stores?

Ventura retailers are open at full capacity indoors, though you are still asked to kindly wear a mask and maintain safe social distance. Not comfortable going inside? Some Ventura stores continue to offer curb front shopping and many offer online sales. Malls are also now open at full capacity, but with the same mask and social distance protocols; common areas remain closed and food courts are at reduced capacity.

Our own Ventura Visitors Center is 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 bars that don’t serve food open?

Under Ventura County’s Orange Tier, bars that don’t serve food can serve outdoors with modifications.

What is happening with breweries, wineries and distilleries that serve food?

Ventura’s breweries, wineries and distilleries that serve food are now open for indoor service, though capacity is limited to 25% or 100 people, whichever is less. Only members of the same household may share a table. Many continue to offer outdoor service and takeout. Again, please consult their websites for specific information on how they are handling the new tier.

What is happening with barbershops and hair and nail salons?

Barbershops and hair and nail salons are now open for indoor services with modifications. Some are also offering outdoor services.

What is happening with museums, gyms and movie theaters?

Movie theaters are open indoors at 50% capacity  or 200 people, whichever is fewer. Museums are open indoors at 50% capacity. Gyms, dance and yoga studios are open indoors at 25% capacity.

Can I go to Channel Islands National Park?

Yes. Island Packers is 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 65% 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.

What’s happening with beaches?

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. It’s advised to still socially distance and not congregate in close groups outside of members of your own household.

What about parks?

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. Again, it’s advised to still socially distance and not congregate in close groups outside of members of your own household.

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

Yes.

Are campgrounds and RV Parks open?

Yes.

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 offer outdoor seating, retailers have moved some of their wares out 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 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.