Visit Ventura COVID-19 Reliable Sources

Ventura is joyfully reopening per California’s mandates, though our operative words remain caution, kindness, and consideration. Starting Tuesday, June 15th, California — and Ventura — will remove most remaining capacity and physical distancing restrictions at almost all businesses and other institutions. Mask-wearing rules are also now significantly relaxed for those who are vaccinated.

For several months California has recorded one of the lowest coronavirus case rates in the country and is now experiencing a relatively robust level of vaccine coverage. We are moving back into the sunshine.
It has been a long haul and an unprecedented challenge. And we wouldn’t be where we are now without the efforts of everyone who worked so hard, in so many arenas. Proving, yet again, that in the worst of times the best of humanity rises.

Our gratitude is beyond measure

We’ve tried to keep things as simple and clear as possible, and we will work to keep this page updated as things continue to change. If we don’t answer your questions here, please call us at the Ventura Visitors Center (805-641-1400 or email info@visitventuraca.com) 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. On Saturdays, we are open from 10 am to 5 pm.

HOW THINGS CURRENTLY STAND IN VENTURA (updated June 15, 2021)

As of June 15th, 2021, Ventura, and Ventura County, have almost completely reopened…

What is going on with face masks?

As visitors, here’s the simple version you need to know.

People who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 can now shed their face masks in most non-work situations. Those who are not fully vaccinated will still need to keep their masks on in businesses and other public settings indoors such as gyms and movie theaters. Everyone, regardless of inoculation status, has to wear a mask while in transit hubs or aboard public transportation. Businesses can also require vaccine verification or face coverings if they choose.

Are hotels and short-term rentals open?

Yes. Please call the hotels directly for information.

Are beaches open?

Yes. Ventura County beaches are open.

Are parks open?

Yes. Ventura County parks are open.

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

Yes.

Are playgrounds open?

Good news for parents and children, Ventura’s playgrounds are wide open.

Are restaurants open?

Ventura restaurants are now allowed to open indoors at 100% capacity. Many Ventura restaurants continue to offer outdoor dining, if you prefer to eat outdoors.

Are bars, breweries, wineries, and distilleries open?

Yes, wineries, breweries, and distilleries are now allowed to open indoors at 100% capacity. Again, many of our wineries and breweries also offer outdoor seating.

Are retail stores open?

Ventura retailers are now open at full capacity indoors, though those who are not fully vaccinated will still be (politely) asked to wear a face mask inside. Malls are also now open at full capacity, with the same masking rules. Our own Ventura Visitors Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. On Saturdays we are open from 10 am to 5 pm. We are closed to the public, for the moment, on Mondays and Tuesdays. But our online store is open 24/7. 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 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. Some are also offering outdoor services.

Are museums, gyms, and movie theaters open?

Movie theaters, museums, zoos and aquariums are now fully open, as are gyms and dance and yoga studios. Unvaccinated visitors will be asked to wear masks.

Can I go to Channel Islands National Park?

Yes, and Island Packers is running day trips to the Channel Islands, as well as whale watching trips. Happy news, summer whale watching season is in full swing. From June through the middle of September, majestic Blue Whales and Humpback Whales pass by the Ventura coast. For more information, please visit Island Packers’ website or call 805-642-1393. Camping is allowed on the islands. Please visit the Channel Islands National Park website for more information). And, more good news, the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center is open again.

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 and Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm.

How can I read more about Ventura?

Shopping, dining, hiking, beach-going, beer-quaffing, wine-tasting, and all manner of fun in the sun is what Ventura does best. And you can learn about much of that fun in our Ventura Inspiration Guide. Please order our FREE 2020 Ventura Inspiration Guide. Or take a look at our Ventura Virtual Guide.

Are there good sources for COVID-19 related 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.

A final (heartfelt) word

All of this has been — and, honestly, continues to be — a little overwhelming.

So we’ll finish with what really matters. Rising to meet this challenge hasn’t just been about science. It’s also been about caring and heart.

Our President & CEO, Marlyss Auster puts it humanly…

These times have been, quite likely, the greatest challenge of our lifetime. Maybe several lifetimes.
But we knew that Ventura’s spirit — and the world’s spirit — was up to the challenge. There really is no power like kindness, caring and community. And — plain and simple — the outright refusal to get knocked down.
We’ve seen all of them shine over the past seventeen months.

From all of us here in Ventura, the most heartfelt thank you.

Marlyss Auster