California will waive vehicle day-use fees at more than 200 state parks on Monday, January 19, giving Pasadena and Altadena residents free access to trails, beaches, and historic sites across the Angeles District. 

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the free entry day on Thursday. The California State Parks Foundation, a nonprofit, is funding the waiver — no taxpayer dollars are involved, according to the Governor’s press release. 

Parks accessible within an hour’s drive of Pasadena include Malibu Creek State Park, Topanga State Park, Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, Leo Carrillo State Park, and Point Mugu State Park. State beaches offering free entry include Santa Monica State Beach, Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Will Rogers State Beach, and Dockweiler State Beach. 

Free entry applies to one passenger vehicle with a capacity of nine people or fewer, or one highway-licensed motorcycle. Some parks will still charge fees, including those with per-person entry or tour fees such as Hearst Castle, off-highway vehicle parks, and parks operated by partner organizations.

“On top of our popular free pass programs, California State Parks is excited to offer visitors free vehicle day-use entry at more than 200 participating parks in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” State Parks Director Armando Quintero said in a statement. “We can’t wait to welcome more Californians to their state parks.” 

The announcement comes as California approaches the 100th anniversary of Black History Month in February. The 2026 theme, designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, is “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” 

“Free entry days like MLK Day and programs like the Library Parks Pass help ensure that cost is never a barrier to experiencing California’s state parks,” said Rachel Norton, Executive Director of the California State Parks Foundation. 

Most California state parks typically charge a vehicle day-use fee of around $10. 

The free entry day is part of California’s Outdoors for All initiative, which offers several year-round options for free park access. The California State Library Parks Pass, available for checkout at more than 1,100 public libraries statewide, provides free vehicle day-use entry to more than 200 participating parks. The Golden Bear Pass offers free entry to qualifying low-income residents and seniors. Fourth-graders and their families can access 54 parks free through the California State Park Adventure Pass. 

Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, said in a statement: “Opening our parks for everyone to enjoy encourages loved ones to come together, give back, and honor Dr. King’s legacy while enjoying the natural beauty of the Golden State.” 

California Volunteers, part of the Governor’s Office, is coordinating MLK Day of Service volunteer opportunities on Monday, including the MLK Day Volunteer Festival in Los Angeles. 

A full list of participating parks is available at parks.ca.gov/MLKDay2026. 

“Partnerships like this help remove barriers and ensure more Californians can experience the natural and cultural treasures that belong to all of us,” Quintero said.