Gavin Newsom Announces Free California State Parks Historian Passport Through July 6
California State Parks is offering a special free Historian Passport through July 6, giving Californians admission for up to four people per pass at more than 30 state historic parks. The pass is normally $50 and can be downloaded free through Monday, July 6.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the offer as part of a state effort tied to Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The pass can be used for unlimited visits to participating historic parks from Juneteenth through the end of the year, and it remains valid for the rest of 2026.
Gavin Newsom and California State Parks
Newsom said, "California doesn’t hide from hard truths and uncomfortable history – in fact, we embrace it and learn from it. While Trump ignores and tries to rewrite the past, California is marking these celebrations of freedom by inviting everyone to learn our country’s history – our real history – for free in our state parks."
Jennifer Siebel Newsom said, "Building on our Outdoors for All initiative, we’re creating even more opportunities for Californians to explore the natural beauty and rich history that define our state. As we celebrate Juneteenth and our nation’s 250th anniversary, the free, special edition Historian Passport provides an incredible avenue for California families to immerse themselves in nature while gaining a deeper understanding of the remarkable place we’re proud to call home."
California's Historic Park Network
The special edition passport is supported by donations from the California State Parks Foundation and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation. California State Parks says the offer is part of its Reexamining Our Past Initiative, which includes participating parks tied to freedom, resilience, innovation, community, Gold Rush-era communities, military landmarks, historic homes, missions and museums.
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is described as the most significant state park representing Black history in California, making it one of the sites included in the broader history-focused network.
July 6 Download Deadline
Californians can download the pass for free through Monday, July 6, and use it for unlimited visits to participating historic parks through the end of the year. After that, the passport remains valid at more than 30 state historic parks throughout California for the rest of 2026.
For readers planning a visit, the practical step is simple: download the free pass before the July 6 deadline if you want access to the participating parks without paying the usual $50 price.
