More than 200 California state parks will offer free entry on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Governor Gavin Newsom announced Friday.
The move follows a decision by the National Park Service, which removed MLK Day and Juneteenth—two holidays recognizing Black history—from its list of free entrance days in December.
“Dr. King taught us that ‘darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that,’” Newsom said in a statement. “While the Trump administration works to erase his legacy and transform national parks and monuments into places of exclusion and fear, California responds with light. That’s why I’m announcing free entry at California State Parks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026—because Dr. King’s legacy should be honored, not erased.”
Instead, visitors will receive free entry on June 14, which coincides with Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday.
On Monday, California state parks will waive vehicle entrance fees, with costs covered by the California State Parks Foundation. Although some parks are always free, most typically charge a day-use fee of about $10.
Visitors are advised that certain parks may still require per-person admission or tour fees.
A full list of California state parks is available online.