How do things currently stand in Ventura?

COVID-19 has altered the landscape; a global situation that stretches far beyond tourism and our town of Ventura. First and foremost, our hearts go out to those affected — and our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all those working so hard to address this unprecedented challenge. The brightest minds in the world are working on this. Proving yet again that, in the worst of times, the best of humanity rises. COVID-19 has also obviously had an impact locally — and it is ever-changing. Below are the latest Ventura updates as of October 6th. We’ve tried to keep things as simple and clear as possible. For more detailed information please visit Ventura County Recovers site. 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. Thank you for caring about Ventura. Though regulations are slowly loosening, please remember to keep taking the same precautions you’ve taken to get us here: wear face coverings in public, maintain physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, and stay home if you’re sick. We’ll get through this together.

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. Please see more on outdoor dining below (under new and exciting news:)).

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. More happy news, our own Ventura Visitors Center is now open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. We are closed to the public, for the moment, on Mondays and Tuesdays. But our online store is open 24/7 — and we are offering curbside purchase pickup, Wednesday through Sunday, again from 10 am to 3 pm. Have questions? Please call us at 805-641-1400! 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 and wineries open?

Bars, breweries, wineries, and distilleries can offer inside seating at up to 25% capacity as long as it doesn’t exceed 100 people. Many continue to serve outdoors because, well, this is Ventura. Many also offer takeout. Again, please consult their websites for information.

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.

Any new and exciting news?

You bet. Ventura County has adapted to the challenges of Coronavirus with creativity. We recently closed 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 in the closed-off area (which our kind city workers will keep clean). Think Europe — by the sea.

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. As of October 6th, movie theaters and museums can open indoors at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is less. Gyms are open indoors at 10% capacity and 12 feet of distancing is required.

Can I go to Channel Islands National Park?

Yes, Island Packers is running trips to the Channel Islands again (they started June 1st). Island Packers is currently offering trips to Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and Anacapa Islands (day trips and camping), as well as three-hour island wildlife trips and six-hour whale watching trips. Yes, some things are different. For one thing, there will be limited space on the boats — 40% capacity to allow for social distancing. For another, everything could change (they are accepting reservations, but with that caveat. Please see their website or call 805-642-1393 for additional important information).

Are playgrounds open?

Yes. Playgrounds recently opened with stipulations. City workers are kindly cleaning them daily.

How can I learn more about Ventura?

Please go to our website for more information www.visitventuraca.com. You can also use our hotels page to search for midweek hotel discounts. If you come to Ventura midweek, you won’t need the web to see that it’s uncrowded. You are also welcome to stop into the Ventura Visitors Center, currently open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Are there good sources for COVID-19 related local information?

Yes, lots of them. Visit California provides daily updates regarding the Coronavirus situation, including valuable travel updates. A great source for Ventura County updates is venturacountyrecovers.org. Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere’s Facebook page is also an excellent source for what is currently happening in the city of Ventura. Shopping, dining, hiking, beach-going, beer-quaffing, wine-tasting, and all manner of fun in the sun (because that’s what Ventura does best). Want to know (almost) everything about Ventura? Please order our FREE Ventura Inspiration Guide here.