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Free National Parks Day 2021 | National Park Service Birthday

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Wednesday, August 25, 2021 - All Day | Cost: FREE
All Over California |

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Free National Parks Days 2024

Sometimes you’ve just got to get away from it all and clear your head with the peace and serenity of a national park.

On certain “fee-free” days throughout the year, enjoy free entry to all national parks and monuments including Muir Woods and Yosemite National Park, and free admission aboard all of the historic vessels at the Hyde Street Pier of SF’s Maritime National Historical Park.

Please always check with each National Park before heading out to confirm that the park and its facilities are open and admission is free. 

Free National Parks Days 2024

Parks listed on this page typically waive their entrance fees on nationally designated fee free dates. Please check with each park below for operating hours and event schedules. See the latest updates.

Participating California National ParksSee the full list
*Last Updated 1/4/24

2024 Yosemite Reservation Updates

A reservation will be required to drive into Yosemite for visitors on select dates in 2024.

A reservation will be required to drive into or through Yosemite National Park on some days in February 2024 and from April 13 through October 27, 2024, for those driving into the park between 5 am and 4 pm as follows:

    • February 2024: A reservation is required February 10-11, February 17-19, February 24-25
    • April 13 through June 30: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and on holidays (May 27 and June 19).
    • July 1 through August 16: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm every day.
    • August 17 through October 27: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (September 2 and October 14).

Driving through the park will also require a reservation if entering between 5 am and 4 pm. If you are planning to visit after peak hours, please do not arrive before 4 pm; vehicles blocking roads will be cited.

Check out all the fee-free national parks in the nation.

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks | 2024

The National Park Service now offers six free days a year. All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone.

National parks are America’s best idea, and there are more than 400 parks available to everyone, every day. The fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite, especially one of the national parks that normally charge an entrance fee. The others are free all the time.

The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.

In addition, there are also free or discounted passes available for senior citizens, current members of the military, families of fourth-grade students, and disabled citizens. Learn more about the variety of passes offered by the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass series.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.


Cost: FREE
Categories: **Annual Event**, *Top Pick*, In Person, Kids & Families, San Francisco Bay Area, Sports & Wellness, Summer Preview