Veterans, active duty and reserve personnel can visit 145 participating parks for free May 25
Veterans, active duty and reserve military members will receive free admission to 145 participating California state parks on Memorial Day as California State Parks honors those who have served the nation.
The free admission offer will be available Monday, May 25, at participating park units across the state. Eligible visitors must show a valid military ID or proof of discharge other than dishonorable or bad conduct to receive free day-use admission.
“Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our nation,” California State Parks Director Armando Quintero said. “We are honored to welcome veterans and active and reserve military members into California’s state parks, where we hope these special places provide space to recharge, reconnect and be surrounded by the natural beauty they have helped protect for all.”
The program applies to veterans, active duty and reserve military personnel from the United States Armed Forces and the National Guard of any state. It was authorized under AB 150, signed in 2013 by then-Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr., allowing California State Parks to offer reduced or free day-use admission to qualifying military members on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
Participating parks this year include Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park in Sacramento County, Clear Lake State Park in Lake County, Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area in San Benito County and San Buenaventura State Beach in Ventura County, among many others.
The full list of participating parks is available at parks.ca.gov/MemorialDay2026.
Around Folsom and nearby, residents can take advantage of nearby destinations such as Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and Lake Natoma, along with regional parks including Auburn State Recreation Area and Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park in Sacramento, all offering a variety of outdoor recreation, history, hiking, biking, boating and family activities.
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