California State Parks Honors Veterans and Their Families with Free Admission to Over 140 Parks on Veterans Day
(Left) Anza-Borrego State Park (SP), (top right) McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial SP, and (bottom right) Mount Tamalpais SP are among the over 140 state parks that will offer free admission to veterans and their families on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Photos from California State Parks.
SACRAMENTO — California State Parks is proud to invite U.S. military veterans and their families to enjoy free admission to 145 state parks on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
“Veterans Day is an opportunity for us to honor the courage, commitment and sacrifices of the men and women who serve to protect our nation,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “With our endless gratitude, we invite veterans, service members and their families to enjoy the beauty and peace their state parks have to offer. Truly, a wonderful way to honor our nation’s veterans."
Eligibility and Requirements:
- Who is eligible: Veterans, including active duty and reserve military personnel.
- What to bring: Bring a valid military ID or proof of discharge other than dishonorable or bad conduct to receive free admission.
State parks from all corners of California will be offering free admission to veterans. Participating parks include Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (SP), California State Railroad Museum,Mount Tamalpais SP, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial SP, and Pismo State Beach, among 140 other state parks. A full list of participating park units can be found at parks.ca.gov/VeteransDay2026.
Assembly Bill 150 (Olsen), signed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. in 2013, authorized State Parks to offer veterans, active duty, and reserve military personnel from the United States Armed Forces and the National Guard of any state a reduced or free day use at participating state parks.
Veterans and their families can ensure they have a safe and enjoyable visit at park properties by planning ahead and visiting the websites or social media pages of their destination to confirm hours of operation, local conditions and guidelines. Visitors can check State Parks’ safety tips website to ensure they recreate responsibly during their visit: parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.