CALIFORNIA — Ahead of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California State Parks will offer free entry at more than 200 parks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026.
Under policies implemented during the Trump administration, national parks stopped offering free entry on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
President Donald Trump’s birthday was later added as a free entry day, and his image was authorized for use on the National Park Service annual pass.
“Dr. King taught us that ‘darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.’ While the Trump administration tries to erase his legacy and turn national parks and monuments into places of exclusion and fear, California answers with light,” Newsom said.
Dr. King’s Day honors the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., a civil rights leader who championed racial equality, justice, and nonviolent social change.
On Monday, January 19, 2026, free vehicle entry will be offered at participating state parks through the California State Parks Foundation, not using state taxpayer funding.
While California State Parks aims to offer free vehicle entry at as many locations as possible, some parks will still charge fees, including state vehicular recreation areas, parks with per-person or tour fees such as Hearst Castle, and sites operated by partner organizations.
To locate a participating park, visit https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31769
2026 MLK Day of Service
The federal holiday, observed each January, also serves as a national day of service, encouraging Americans to give back to their communities.
Beyond visiting state parks, Californians can honor Dr. King’s legacy by taking action.
California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, is coordinating the 2026 MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 19, offering community resilience and climate-focused volunteer opportunities statewide.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” King said.
From restoring green spaces in Richmond’s Parchester Village to joining the MLK Day Volunteer Festival in Los Angeles, Californians can participate in service projects across the state.
To find an event, visit https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/mlk-day-of-service-2026
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