California’s Exciting Reopening: A New Chapter in Travel

Summer is off to a great start in California as the state lifts most of its COVID-19 restrictions. Museums, theme parks, and ball games have returned. Consequently, businesses are lifting capacity limits and discontinuing social distancing rules.

Return to Normalcy

Thanks to the widespread availability of vaccines and a significant reduction in coronavirus case numbers, as of June 15, businesses across California can resume usual operations. This change marks the return of:

• Indoor dining
• Museums
• Movie theaters
• Dance floors

With businesses increasing capacity and removing social distancing requirements, the atmosphere in California is vibrant and full of life once again.

Mask Guidelines in California

A new health order will relieve vaccinated individuals from the need to wear masks in most places throughout California, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, masks will still be required on public transport, as well as in schools and hospitals. Additionally, non-vaccinated individuals must continue to wear masks.

Theme Parks and Festivals

Theme parks like Disneyland are also adjusting to the new normal by increasing attendance and eliminating social distancing markers while continuing with advance reservations. This exciting change coincides with the opening of Disneyland’s Marvel-themed Avengers Campus, marking a significant milestone as it welcomes back out-of-state visitors to its resort hotels.

Moreover, most festivals are returning to California with in-person attendance, with some festivals like the Healdsburg Jazz Festival in Sonoma offering both in-person and virtual experiences. However, San Francisco’s famed jazz festival will remain an online event this month.

Ongoing Safety Measures

While many COVID-19 public health measures have been relaxed, some rules will remain for substantial events with 5,000 or more people indoors or 10,000 attendees outdoors. Guests attending these events may need to present vaccination certificates.

Encouraging In-State Travel

To motivate residents to explore California, the government is launching a new prize draw aimed at encouraging citizens to experience vacations within the state. Californians aged 18 or older who are at least partially vaccinated stand a chance to win a vacation package for two or four to various Californian cities, including Anaheim, Greater Palm Springs, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco with travel expenses covered.

Caroline Beteta, President and CEO of Visit California, remarked during a press conference ahead of the state’s reopening, “this state has so much to offer, and this week marks the beginning of a new era where we can recapture the life-affirming freedom of travel in California, particularly where all dreams are welcome.”