Patch Parents: How To Visit California's National Parks For Free In 2025

CALIFORNIA — With Monday being a holiday, it's a chance for families to go outdoors and explore one of California's national parks.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is also one of several dates in 2025 when national parks in the Golden State and across the country will offer free admission.

"Dr. King was a significant leader in our nation's history," said Abby Wines, park spokesperson for Death Valley National Park. "To celebrate his legacy, the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees on Monday. This is a great opportunity for individuals and families to visit a new park, or revisit an 'old friend' park."

In honor of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., national parks will waive entrance fees for everyone on Monday as one of several fee-free days of the year. It is also a day of service when thousands of volunteers participate in service projects across the country, including at national parks.

"Martin Luther King Jr. Day offers a wonderful opportunity to honor Dr. King's legacy while connecting with the beauty and history of our national parks," said Chris Rodriguez, superintendent of Cabrillo National Monument, a national monument at the southern tip of the Point Loma peninsula in San Diego.

"We hope that people use this opportunity to reflect on the values of unity, equality, and service that Dr. King advocated for," Rodriguez told Patch. "At Cabrillo National Monument, we're excited to welcome visitors to explore and enjoy our stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the sense of place that comes from being immersed in nature and history."

Cabrillo National Monument and Death Valley National Park will be among the free national park sites honoring the life and legacy of the civil rights leader, but there are hundreds of historic sites, monuments and parks to consider visiting.

In fact, the National Park System encompasses 433 national park sites in the U.S., spanning across more than 85 million acres in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.

"NPS Fee-free days like MLK Jr. Day are a great reminder that our national parks belong to everyone, providing a perfect chance for people to come together to experience and learn more about our world — all without the barrier of an entrance fee," Rodriguez told Patch.

The next free entry day at national parks is April 19, the first day of National Park Week. Other fee-free days this year include June 19 for Juneteenth National Independence Day, Aug. 4 in recognition of the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, Sept. 27 in celebration of National Public Lands Day, and Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day.

Patch Parents is written by Patch Editor Kristina Houck, a mom of three boys. Have a story idea? Email kristina.houck@patch.com.