Cities and counties are slowly lifting stay-home orders and opening beaches and recreation areas. But before we step out into the sun and surf, it’s important to know what exactly the rules are, so here’s a breakdown of what we know for Long Beach and Los Angeles County.

Ground rules for everywhere

First things first, all these places are open as long as residents stay 6 feet away from people outside their household, wear masks when they expect to pass within 6 feet of others and do not gather with others or sit around (so no picnics or sunbathing).

You don’t have to wear a mask if you’re doing physically distanced exercise by yourself, like running, but you should carry one with you at all times.

Businesses must also post and abide by disinfecting and physical distancing procedures.

Also, don’t forget that street sweeping enforcement resumes Monday, but the city’s temporary lots are still available for permitted parking.

Long Beach

What’s open:

• Retail stores are open for curbside pickup only; customers can’t go inside
• Car dealership showrooms also can open for sales
• Restaurants for take-out and delivery only
• Public trails and trailheads, like DeForest Wetlands, Nature Center and Willow Springs
• Beaches are open for active use only; you cannot play any type of group sport; you can:
  • Swim
  • Walk or run
  • Kayak
  • Kitesurf
  • Paddleboard
  • Fish from the shore (this was never restricted), but the piers will remain closed.
  • Launch a boat
• Tennis courts, so long as proper sanitation and physical distancing protocols are in place prior to operation
• Archery
• Disc golf
• Public and private golf courses
• Beach bike and pedestrian paths
• Dog parks
• Park parking lots (beach parking lots are still closed)
• Self service car washes
• Outdoor museums can open outdoor spaces for walking, but no gatherings are allowed

What’s still closed:

• Basketball and volleyball courts
• Playgrounds
• Skate parks
• Picnic areas
• Gyms and fitness centers
• Swimming pools
• Indoor malls and indoor shopping centers

Los Angeles County

LA County has laid out reopening protocols for pretty much every new thing that officials have allowed to reopen. The details for each one can be found here under “Reopening Protocols.”

What’s open:

• Beaches are open for active use only; you can’t play team sports; you can:
  • Swim
  • Walk or run
  • Surf and bodysurf
  • Kayak
  • Paddleboard
  • Check for your specific beach facility here.
• Trails
• Tennis and pickleball courts (singles play only and bring your own balls with your initials on them)
• Equestrian centers
• Community gardens
• Bike paths
• BMX and bike parks (no rentals)
• Outdoor shooting facilities and archery ranges (no rentals)
• Model airplane areas
• Car dealerships
• Retail for curbside or doorside pickup only

What’s still closed:

• At the beach:
  • Parking lots
  • Bike path (on the sand)
  • Piers, boardwalks and walkways
  • Beach access ways
  • Volleyball nets
  • Fishing
• Basketball and volleyball courts
• Playgrounds
• Skate parks
• Picnic areas
• Gyms and fitness centers
• Swimming pools