200+ California State Parks Are Now Free for MLK Day 2026
Governor Newsom announces free entry to California State Parks on MLK Day (Monday, January 19, 2026) as Trump swaps the “free day” for his birthday and whitewashes civil rights history from National Parks.
Ahead of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Friday, January 16, 2026 that California State Parks will offer free entry at more than 200 participating parks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King taught us that ‘darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.’ While the Trump administration tries to erase his legacy and turn national parks and monuments into places of exclusion and fear, California answers with light. That’s why I’m announcing free entry at California State Parks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 — because Dr. King’s legacy deserves to be honored, not erased. I’m encouraging all Californians to get outside on MLK Day, spend time in nature, reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing civil rights for all.
Governor Gavin Newsom
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