California parks free Memorial Day for veterans

California State Parks said on May 14 that it will waive day-use admission fees for veterans and active-duty and reserve military members on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. The agency said 145 state park units are participating in the one-day program. Eligible visitors must show either a valid military ID or proof of discharge other than dishonorable or bad conduct, according to the state parks system. The department published the participating locations on a dedicated Memorial Day 2026 page. ### Which visitors qualify for the free entry offer? Veterans, active-duty service members and reserve military members qualify for the Memorial Day admission waiver, California State Parks said in its news release. The agency said visitors must present documentation at the park entrance to receive the free entry. A valid military identification card is one option. Proof of discharge other than dishonorable or bad conduct also qualifies, according to the state parks department’s Memorial Day 2026 page. ### How many parks are included, and when does the offer apply? The offer applies on Monday, May 25, 2026, which is Memorial Day this year. California State Parks said 145 participating units across the state will honor the free-admission program that day. The 145-park figure is up from 142 participating state park units announced for Memorial Day 2025, according to last year’s state parks release. California State Parks routinely offers free admission to veterans and military personnel on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the department says in its public FAQ. ### Are all California state parks included? The state parks system said the program covers participating units, not every park in the system. California State Parks manages 280 state parks statewide, according to the department’s website. The agency’s FAQ says the recurring free-admission offers do not apply to museums that charge per-person admission fees or to private events held at state parks. Visitors are also being directed to the official participating-park list rather than assuming all locations are included. ### Where can visitors find the participating parks list? California State Parks posted the full list on its Memorial Day 2026 webpage. The list is organized by district and names individual sites that will honor the free-admission program. The official release links directly to that page and says visitors should review participating locations before traveling. Regional outlets that picked up the announcement, including Fox 5 San Diego, highlighted local parks from the statewide list, but the state’s own page is the primary source for the complete roster. ### What did state parks officials say about the program? State Parks Director Armando Quintero said in the release that Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who have served the country. The department said the free-entry offer is intended to honor that service. The agency did not announce a separate registration process or coupon system. Access is tied to showing qualifying identification at participating park entrances on the holiday, according to the state parks page. ### What should visitors do before heading out on May 25? The Memorial Day 2026 page gives visitors the current participating-park list and the eligibility language that gate staff will use. California State Parks said travelers should confirm that their destination is on the list and bring the required ID or discharge documentation. Monday, May 25, is the date the waiver takes effect, and the next step for eligible visitors is to check the official state parks page for the participating unit they plan to visit and any site-specific entry conditions.