California State Parks Are Free This MLK Day

Entry to more than 200 California state parks will be free on Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s 97th legacy and the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.

In his announcement on Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom described the decision as a challenge to President Donald Trump’s move earlier this year to eliminate MLK Day and add Flag Day — Trump’s birthday — to the list of fee-free days at national parks.

“Dr. King’s legacy deserves to be honored, not erased. I’m encouraging all Californians to get outside on MLK Day, spend time in nature, reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing civil rights for all.” Newsom wrote.

Find a full list of participating parks here — they’re the same ones that accept the California State Library Parks Pass all year long. And, if you need some ideas for state parks to visit on Monday, here’s a handy list.

According to the release, the California State Parks Foundation, which also supports the library pass, is funding the fee-free day.

“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,” Rachel Norton, executive director of the California State Parks Foundation, said in a statement.

The move is Newsom’s latest to position himself at odds with the president.

“The contrast couldn’t be sharper,” the release reads, “between Newsom’s commitment to make parks accessible and the Trump administration’s policies.”

Newsom specifically called out new Trump-era policies that charge foreigners extra to access national parks and require ID checks, which the governor said run contrary to King’s legacy.

“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.

Which fee-free California state parks should I visit?

Need some ideas for which California state parks to visit on Monday? We’ve got you covered:

North Bay:

• Mount Tamalpais State Park
• China Camp State Park
• Angel Island State Park
• Samuel P Taylor State Park
• Tomales Bay State Park
• Oolompali State Park
• Sonoma Coast State Park

East Bay:

• McLaughlin Eastshore State Park
• Mount Diablo State Park
• Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach
• Lake Del Valle

Peninsula:

• Montara State Beach
• Pacifica State Beach
• Half Moon Bay State Beach
• Portola Redwoods State Park
• Burleigh H. Murray Ranch