First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom called the day an opportunity to “open doors wider” in honor of King’s legacy
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that more than 200 California state parks will waive vehicle day-use fees on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 19, 2026.
The free entry is funded by the California State Parks Foundation, not taxpayer dollars, officials said.
Newsom highlighted the move as California prepares for the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom called the day an opportunity to “open doors wider” in honor of King’s legacy.
State Parks Director Armando Quintero said the waiver aims to encourage visits and foster connections to natural and cultural resources.
Free vehicle entry applies at participating parks, though some sites with per-person fees, tours or partner operations may still charge. A full list is available on the state parks website.
The announcement comes amid changes to federal park fee waivers, including the removal of MLK Day from the National Park Service’s free entry calendar.
