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

By Visit Ventura

Ventura is now in the Yellow 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 where it is required. California will keep existing mask guidance in place until June 15th, when the state aims to fully reopen the economy. Ventura County is following state mask guidelines. 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 no longer capped at 200 guests at a time, as required in the orange tier, but still must operate at no more than 50% capacity indoors. The minimum distance required between tables has been reduced from eight feet to six feet. If everyone in a group is vaccinated, a maximum of six people can now sit at an indoor table from six households; and a maximum of eight people can now sit at an outdoor table from eight households. There are no capacity limits outdoors, other than the requirement to keep tables at least six feet away from each other. 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 about live entertainment?

“Moving into the yellow tier will allow for increases in capacity in many sectors and will also allow bars to begin providing indoor service at 25% capacity. The sectors with increases in capacity limits include … indoor and outdoor live events and performances…”

What about 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. Our own Ventura Visitors Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Saturdays we’re open an extra hour (10 am to 5 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 Yellow Tier, bars that don’t serve food are now reopened indoors, with a maximum capacity of 25% or 100 people, whichever is fewer. Masks must be worn and can be removed only when seated at a table and eating or drinking. Customers cannot sit or be served at a counter.

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

Wineries, breweries, and distilleries that don’t serve meals can expand to 50% of indoor capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer. In the orange tier, the limit was 25% or up to 100 people. Live entertainment is not allowed indoors. Many continue to offer outdoor service and takeout. Again, please consult their websites for specific information on how they are handling things.

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 continue to offer outdoor services.

What is happening with museums, gyms, and movie theaters?

Movie theaters are open indoors at 50% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer. Museums, zoos and aquariums can now be open indoors at 75% capacity, up from 50% capacity. Gyms, dance and yoga studios are now open indoors at 50% capacity. Masks are required, except for swimming.

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 75% 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. It’s advised to still socially distance and not congregate in close groups outside of members of your own household unless everyone has been vaccinated.

What about parks?

Ventura County parks are open for active and passive use. Again, it’s advised to still socially distance and not congregate in close groups outside of members of your own household unless everyone has been vaccinated.

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

Yes.

Are campgrounds and RV Parks open?

Yes.

Are playgrounds open?

Yes.

What about cardrooms, racetracks, and satellite wagering sites?

Cardrooms, racetracks, and satellite wagering sites can open up indoors at 50% capacity, up from 25%. Tables must be separated from each other by at least six feet. Masks are required. Food and beverages remain prohibited at the tables.

Any more good news?

You bet. Ventura 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. Plans are to keep it that way until at least January 2022.

Do I have to wear a mask in Ventura?

Yes, please. California will keep existing mask guidance in place until June 15 when it aims to fully reopen the economy. After that, the state plans to allow fully-vaccinated Californians to go without a mask in most indoor settings. Thank you for your continued understanding — and for 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. Saturdays we are open an extra hour, from 10 am to 5 pm. Visit California provides daily updates regarding the Coronavirus situation, including valuable travel updates. Additional information about COVID-19 response and resource information can be found at www.venturacountyrecovers.org.