California State Parks' free pass programs are achieving significant milestones, connecting hundreds of thousands of residents with the state's diverse park system as the deadline to download a free Historian Passport approaches on July 6. Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom urged Californians to utilize these passes, emphasizing the state's commitment to equitable park access.
Governor Newsom highlighted the importance of experiencing California's natural and historical wonders, stating, "Every Californian should get to see part of what makes California extraordinary — the coastlines, the golden valleys, the redwoods, the history." He added that the state is committed to expanding access and "will never back down from that promise." First Partner Siebel Newsom underscored the health benefits of nature for children, saying, "Expanding access to California’s natural beauty represents our values as a state and emphasizes that time in nature is vital for children's health, happiness, and overall well-being."
Since its announcement two weeks ago, the free Historian Passport, which typically costs $50 and is valid for the rest of 2026 at over 30 state historic parks, has seen more than 360,000 downloads. Other initiatives under the "Outdoors for All" program have also reached milestones, including over 100,000 downloads of the free California State Park Adventure Pass for fourth graders since its 2021 launch.
The California State Library Parks Pass program is set to become permanent with $6.75 million in ongoing funding in the 2026-27 state budget. This allows library cardholders to check out passes for free vehicle day-use entry at over 200 state parks, with 33,000 passes available statewide. Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation, called this "a landmark moment for expanding access," ensuring cost is not a barrier.
Additionally, the Golden Bear Pass Program, offering free entry to residents on public assistance, has seen exponential growth, issuing over 146,000 passes in recent years due to a streamlined application process. Looking ahead, Governor Newsom's "State Parks Forward" initiative, announced on Earth Day, plans to establish three new state parks and expand existing ones by over 30,000 acres by the end of the decade, marking the largest expansion in decades.