What's Open In San Diego - Reopening Schedule

By JA

On March 19, California became the first state in the nation to issue stay-at-home orders. Other than essential businesses like grocery stores, banks, child daycare, and restaurants offering pick-up or delivery, all other businesses closed. On May 18, Governor Newsom announced that counties could begin reopening provided that public health guidelines are met. Governor Newsom also cautioned "If we see spikes in cases, we will direct counties to put the brakes on moving forward or make more adjustments,” he said. “This is part of the process we’re in.”

San Diego County is navigating through the four stages of reopening, below is a list of what industries and institutions OPEN and what is yet to come.

NOTE: although these entities are allowed to open, not all businesses are capable of meeting the requirements set forth by the state and the CDC. You may want to call before planning a visit.

PLEASE adhere to social distancing and wear a face mask when going anywhere outside of your home.

  • BANKS - OPEN
  • BARS / BREWERIES / WINERIES - OPEN with restriction UPDATE: on July 1, 2020 bars, wineries, and breweries that DO NOT SERVE FOOD will close.
  • CASINOS - OPEN

Capacity is limited and some gaming options that typical had guests in close proximity may not be available, but these San Diego County casinos are open: Barona Resort & Casino, Golden Acorn Casino & Travel Center, Harrah's Resort Southern California, Sycuan Casino Resort, Valley View Casino & Hotel, Viejas Casino & Resort.

  • CHILDCARE FACILITIES - OPEN

25% of the room’s capacity or 100 people, whichever is lowest. Face coverings are required.

  • COLLEGES / UNIVERSITIES - TBD

At this time, colleges and universities are continuing to offer classes online through the summer.

  • DMV - OPEN

DMV offices reopened on June 11, but many services can be handled online.

  • GROCERY STORES / FOOD MARKETS - OPEN
  • HAIR SALONS / BARBER SHOPS - OPEN

Both stylists and customers will be required to wear face masks and adhere to other precautions.

  • LAUNDROMATS - OPEN
  • LEGOLAND - JULY 1
  • LIBRARIES - OPEN
  • MALLS / DEPARTMENT STORES - OPEN

While many major shopping centers were allowed to reopened in early June, some large department store chains postponed reopening to prepare their staff and facilities with sanitization and distancing protocol.

  • MEDICAL FACILITIES - OPEN

Up until June non-emergency and elective procedures were prohibited, but doctors are now allowed to return to their offices to see patients in person. Other procedures like MRIs, mammograms, X-Rays, etc, can now be scheduled for non-emergency health concerns.

  • MOVIE THEATERS - OPEN

25% of the room’s capacity or 100 people, whichever is lowest. Face coverings are required.

  • MUSEUMS - SEE SCHEDULE BELOW
  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES - ALLOWED
  • PARKS - OPEN

San Diego Parks and Recreation updated list and guidelines. The state of California provided these guidelines.

  • PET HOSPITALS / VETERINARIANS - OPEN
  • RESTAURANTS (including dine-in) - OPEN

  • RETAIL STORES - OPEN
  • SAN DIEGO ZOO & SAFARI PARK - OPEN
  • SCHOOLS - TBD

While the governor has included schools in the approved list of Phase 3 Reopenings effective June 12, he has given each district the authority to create their own return plan, provided that it meets the state's health and safety guidelines and requirements.

Cajon Valley School District was one of the first in San Diego to publish a back-to-school plan, which offers parents the flexibility to choose between a physical classroom and distance learning experience, in what is becoming know as "hybrid learning". The district is also proposing a more comprehensive childcare option that would care for children between the hours of 6am and 6:30pm.

It's likely that many districts will adopt a similar approach to operating schools but nothing has been finalized at this time.

  • SEA WORLD - JULY 1
  • USS MIDWAY MUSEUM - JULY 1

MUSEUM / PARKS - OPENING DATES

  • Balboa Park - the park itself is open, but museum reopening dates vary
  • Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town - OPEN
  • San Diego Air & Space Museum - OPEN
  • San Diego Automotive Museum - OPEN
  • USS Midway Museum - JULY 1
  • Fleet Science Museum - JULY 3
  • San Diego Natural History Museum - JULY 3
  • The Veterans Museum - JULY 3
  • Museum of Photographic Arts - JULY 4
  • San Diego History Center - JULY 4
  • San Diego Model Railroad Museum - JULY 4

REOPENING - PENDING:

  • Balboa Park Carousel
  • Belmont Park
  • San Diego Museum of Man
  • San Diego Museum of Art
  • San Diego Art Institute
  • Spanish Village Art Studios in Balboa Park
  • Timken Museum of Art
  • The Old Globe
  • Worldbeat Center

Concert venues and sports venues are still pending as well.

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