California State Parks is offering a free special edition california state parks pass through July 6, giving Californians unlimited visits to more than 30 state historic parks through the end of 2026. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the free Historian Passport on June 19, tying the offer to Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The pass is normally $50 and covers up to four people per pass. Californians can download it for free from today through Monday, July 6, and use it for unlimited visits to participating historic parks from Juneteenth until the end of 2026.
Newsom and State Parks
Newsom said, "California doesn’t hide from hard truths and uncomfortable history – in fact, we embrace it and learn from it." He also said, "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."
He added, "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."
Historic Parks Access
The special edition is supported by donations from the California State Parks Foundation and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation. California State Parks is pairing the offer with its Outdoors for All initiative and its Reexamining Our Past Initiative, giving the free passport a limited download window but a much longer use period.
For readers who want the lower-cost option, the normal Historian Passport remains priced at $50. The special version changes the entry cost to zero, but only for the download period ending July 6.
Through July 6
The practical step is simple: download the pass during the free window if you want access through 2026. It applies to state historic parks, not all California state parks, and it allows admission for up to four people per pass.
