CA Allows Free Entry To State Parks On MLK Jr. Day After Trump Eliminates The Free National Park Holiday

California officials announced Friday that all national parks across the Golden State will offer free entry on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The announcement comes after President Donald Trump swapped his birthday for MLK Jr. Day on the free entry calendar and eliminated Juneteenth benefit— a decision that California state officials say was "erasing civil rights history."

It also comes after Trump put his face on the National Park Service annual pass — another decision that garnered much criticism and led to some artists creating stickers to place on his face.

"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," California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement Friday. "That’s why I’m announcing free entry at California State Parks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 — because Dr. King’s legacy deserves to be honored, not erased."

Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D., Chair, California Legislative Black Caucus, said the decision to make the parks free for the holiday encouraged people to come together and give back in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

"As the federal government eliminates fee-free park days for holidays that celebrate Black history, California continues to revel in the glory of our civil rights pioneers," Pierson said.

Funding for the free entry will come from the California State Parks Foundation, according to state officials.

Some parks, including off-highway vehicle parks, those with per-person entry or tour fees such as at Hearst Castle and those operated by partner organizations, will still require a fee, according to state officials.

A list of the more than 200 parks offering free vehicle day-use entry for MLK Jr. Day can be found here.