Newsom announces free MLK Day park entry after Trump drops holiday

A month after President Donald Trump eliminated free admission to national parks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Gov. Gavin Newsom responded by opening more than 200 California state parks for free to honor Dr. King while denouncing Trump’s decision.

Last month, the Trump administration changed the date Americans can enter national parks for free, removing Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth and National Public Lands Day from the 2026 calendar.

In their place, the administration added a series of historical or presidential-themed dates. Flag Day – which is also Trump’s birthday – becomes a free day for the first time, alongside Constitution Day, the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service and Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday.

Newsom announced Friday that as the 100th anniversary of Black History Month approaches, he is directing California State Parks to offer free admission to more than 200 participating parks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 19, 2026.

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Governor Gavin Newsom announced that more than 200 California state parks will be open for free on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK ​​Day). (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

“While Trump works to erase Dr. King’s legacy, California will honor him,” Newsom said in a press release. “Dr. King taught us that “darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do it.” As the Trump administration attempts to erase its legacy and turn national parks and monuments into places of exclusion and fear, California responds with light. »

“That’s why I’m announcing free admission to California state parks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 – because Dr. King’s legacy deserves to be honored, not erased,” Newsom continued. “I encourage all Californians to get outside on MLK Day, spend time in nature, reflect on the legacy of Dr. King, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing civil rights for all.”

Free admission applies only to vehicle day-use fees and is available at more than 200 participating California state parks statewide, according to the governor’s office.

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom announces free entry to more than 200 state parks, including Lake Oroville, on MLK Day 2026, pushing back after the Trump administration removed the holiday from free days at national parks. (Aude Guerrucci/Reuters)

Free vehicle entry is made possible by the California State Parks Foundation rather than taxpayer dollars. The foundation’s investment aims to keep state parks operating while sowing the seeds of a lifelong connection to the state’s “natural and cultural treasures,” Newsom’s office said.

Democratic leaders framed the move as a direct rebuke of the Trump administration’s actions.

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In response to the Trump administration’s removal of free MLK Day days at national parks, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced free entry to more than 200 state parks on MLK Day 2026. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo)

“As the federal government eliminates free park days for holidays celebrating Black history, California continues to bask in the glory of our civil rights pioneers,” said Senator Akilah Weber Pierson. “Opening our parks for the benefit of all encourages loved ones to come together, give back and honor the legacy of Dr. King while enjoying the natural beauty of the Golden State.”

Some of the parks offering free admission include Big Basin Redwoods, Half Moon Bay, Sugarloaf Ridge, Doheny, Wildwood Canyon Park Property, Folsom Lake, Bidwell Mansion, and Lake Oroville.

Some parks will still charge fees, including off-road vehicle recreation areas, parks with per person or visitor fees like Hearst Castle, and locations operated by partner organizations.

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A complete list of participating parks is available at parks.ca.gov/MLKDay2026.