Federal officials are evaluating whether major L.A. beaches could qualify for inclusion in the National Park System, with public input open through 2026

The National Park Service has launched a study to determine whether parts of the Los Angeles coastline qualify for inclusion in the National Park System. The effort falls under the Los Angeles Coastal Area Special Resource Study, a required federal process used to evaluate potential national park sites.

The study area spans much of LA County’s coastline, stretching from Will Rogers State Beach through Santa Monica and Venice Beach. It continues south to Torrance Beach and includes portions of the San Pedro coastline, covering some of the region’s busiest coastal areas.

National Park Service officials say the study will assess four criteria set by Congress for national park consideration. Those criteria include national significance, suitability, feasibility and whether the area requires management by the National Park Service.

Officials emphasize the study does not guarantee the creation of a national park or immediate changes to beach operations. Instead, the process gathers data to help lawmakers decide whether federal designation makes sense for the coastline. Only Congress or the President holds the authority to create a national park or add land to the National Park System.

The National Park Service is evaluating Los Angeles County beaches from Will Rogers to Torrance for potential inclusion in the National Park System. https://t.co/evDRTmarrN

— FOX 11 Los Angeles (@FOXLA) February 14, 2026

What the Study Could Mean for Los Angeles Residents

Los Angeles beaches already rank among the most visited coastal destinations in the country, attracting millions of residents and tourists each year.

Supporters of national park designation say federal oversight could strengthen environmental protections and secure long-term preservation funding. Research on existing national parks shows increased visitation often boosts local economies through tourism, hospitality and small business growth.

However, studies of park gateway communities also show higher visitation can strain infrastructure, traffic patterns and public services. For nearby residents, those impacts can affect daily routines, access and quality of life along already crowded coastal corridors.

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Access to protected open space also plays a role in public health and community well-being. Studies link proximity to parks with increased physical activity, lower stress levels and improved mental health outcomes.

In Los Angeles County, many neighborhoods lack nearby parks, raising equity concerns tied to access and environmental justice. Advocates stress that management decisions will shape who benefits most from any future coastal park designation.

Transportation access, programming and community engagement often determine whether parks serve local residents or primarily visitors.

Open for Community Discussion

Public input remains central to the study process moving forward. The National Park Service has hosted virtual meetings and continues collecting feedback from residents, businesses and community groups.

The public comment period remains open through April 6, 2026.

After that deadline, officials will review public feedback alongside environmental, cultural and operational data. They will compile the findings into a final report for federal lawmakers to consider.

For now, beach access and management remain unchanged.

The study marks an early step in a longer process that could shape the future of Los Angeles’ most heavily used natural spaces.