California's free State Parks pass programs have reached significant milestones, connecting hundreds of thousands of residents with the nation's largest and most diverse state park system, as the July 6 deadline for the free Historian Passport approaches. Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom highlighted the success of these initiatives ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of access, saying, "All Californians should have the opportunity to experience part of what makes California extraordinary: its coastlines, its golden valleys, its redwoods, and its history. That's why we've made free passes available and why we are committed to expanding access to California's park system to reach more people. The Golden State will never give up on that promise." First Partner Siebel Newsom added that expanding access "reflects our values as a state and underscores that spending time in nature is vital for children's health, happiness, and overall well-being."
Since its announcement two weeks ago, over 360,000 people have downloaded the free Historian Passport, which is valid through the end of 2026 for more than 30 state historic parks. Other programs have also seen considerable success, with the free 4th Grade State Park Pass surpassing 100,000 downloads since its 2021 launch, enabling students and their families to visit 54 iconic state parks.
The California State Library Parks Pass program, which allows library cardholders to borrow a pass for free day-use vehicle access to over 200 state parks, has received permanent funding of $6.75 million in the 2026-27 state budget. Rachel Norton, Executive Director of the California State Parks Foundation, said, "This investment will help connect generations of Californians with nature." Additionally, the streamlined Golden Bear Pass program has provided over 146,000 free day-use vehicle passes to eligible public assistance recipients.
These initiatives are central to the "Outdoors for All" commitment by Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom, aiming for equitable park access. Looking ahead, the "State Parks Forward" initiative, announced on Earth Day, plans to create three new state parks and expand existing ones by over 30,000 acres by the end of the decade, marking the largest expansion of the State Park System in decades.