California State Parks pass programs reach major milestones during last week to download the free Historian Passport   

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Jul 2, 2026

California State Parks pass programs reach major milestones during last week to download the free Historian Passport

What you need to know: As the July 6 deadline to get a free Historian Passport nears, California State Parks free pass programs are hitting major milestones while connecting hundreds of thousands of Californians with the largest and most diverse state park system in the nation.

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SACRAMENTO – With the Fourth of July holiday weekend fast approaching, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom are reminding Californians to download a free Historian Passport and explore the largest and most diverse state park system in the country.

Governor Newsom, First Partner Siebel Newsom, and their children explore the giant sequoias of Calaveras Big Trees State Park.

Every Californian should get to see part of what makes California extraordinary — the coastlines, the golden valleys, the redwoods, the history. That's why we've made free passes available, and that's why we're committed to expanding access to California's park system to reach more people. The Golden State will never back down from that promise.

Governor Gavin Newsom

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. By removing the barrier of cost, we're fostering the next generation of environmental stewards while ensuring every child can experience the breathtaking beauty and history of our state.

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

Since Governor Newsom and the First Partner's announcement two weeks ago of a special free pass to California's state historic parks, more than 360,000 people have downloaded the free Historian Passport. Additionally, other efforts to expand access to California State Parks recently reached major milestones:

• More than 100,000 downloads of the free California State Parks pass for fourth graders over the life of the program.
• Ongoing funding in the state budget for the California State Library Parks Pass.

Created during the Newsom administration to expand access to California's 280 state parks (and growing) — these free park passes are a cornerstone of the Outdoors for All initiative, Governor Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom's commitment to equitable park access, ensuring all Californians can enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits of being in nature.

FREE fourth grade pass

Championed by and in partnership with the First Partner and the California Natural Resources Agency, the free California State Park Adventure Pass recently surpassed 100,000 downloads since its launch in 2021. The pass has empowered students from every county in California and their families to visit 54 iconic participating state parks.

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"For Californians, this milestone reflects the belief that our greatest classrooms extend far beyond four walls — they are found within these 54 incredible parks in towering forests, along rugged coastlines and within the historic places that tell the story of who we are," said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. "Through this free pass, thousands of fourth graders and their families are not only discovering the wonders of our state's natural and cultural treasures but also connecting with California's rich history. These experiences reveal the mental and physical health benefits of being outdoors and remind all of us that these extraordinary places belong to every Californian."

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom reads to children during library visit.

FREE California State Library Parks Pass

The 2026-27 state budget signed by Governor Newsom, and in partnership with the Legislature, includes $6.75 million ongoing from the General Fund to make the California State Library Park Pass a permanent program. That means library cardholders can continue to check out a pass from any public library for free vehicle day-use entry at 200-plus state parks.

There are 33,000 passes available at public and tribal libraries throughout California. These passes have become so popular that they are one of the most checked out items in the entire State Library system, and select libraries also offer backpacks with outdoor exploration tools, including binoculars, compasses and wildlife guides.

"This is a landmark moment for expanding access to California's state parks," said Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation. "By establishing ongoing funding for the California State Library Parks Pass program, California is making a lasting commitment to ensuring that cost is not a barrier to experiencing our state parks. This investment will help connect generations of Californians with the outdoors."

FREE Historian Passport

The response to this free pass in honor of Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence was immediate, with downloads averaging more than one pass per second over the first few days. Attendance has been noticeably higher at participating parks.

Supported by donations from the California State Parks Foundation and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, the Historian Passport (typical cost $50) is valid for the rest of 2026 at more than 30 state historic parks throughout California, where visitors can immerse themselves in the state's unvarnished, complex history. Download your pass for free by July 6!

FREE Golden Bear Pass

The new and improved Golden Bear Pass Program — which allows residents on public assistance programs to receive free vehicle day-use entry at more than 200 state parks — is a prime example of how greater government efficiency under the Newsom administration is delivering real results for Californians. Thanks to a streamlined application process that eliminates the need for burdensome paperwork, this program has experienced exponential growth, going from a couple thousand free passes a year to more than 146,000 Golden Bear Passes over the past few years.

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Moving forward

California State Parks will soon offer even more to explore. Governor Newsom announced State Parks Forward on Earth Day, a bold effort to establish three new state parks and expand existing parks by more than 30,000 acres by the end of the decade. This is the biggest expansion of the State Park System in decades and is providing more access to parks in the Central Valley.

State Parks protects the best of California's natural and cultural history; more than 340 miles of coastline; the tallest, largest and among the oldest trees in the world; and deserts, lakes, rivers and beaches. There are more than 5,200 miles of trails, 15,000 campsites, 145,000 acres for off-highway vehicle recreation, plus prehistoric and historic archeological sites, ghost towns, historic homes and monuments – all waiting for you.

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