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 — opening more than 200 California parks for free to honor Dr. King while calling out Trump’s move.

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

Instead, the administration added a list of historic or presidential-themed dates. Flag Day — which also falls on Trump’s birthday — becomes a fee-free holiday for the first time, along with Constitution Day, the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service and Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday.

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

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“As Trump works to erase Dr. King’s legacy, California will respect him,” Newsom said in a press release. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness,” Dr. King taught us. “Only light can do that.” As the Trump administration attempts 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 declaring 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 Dr. King’s legacy, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing civil rights for all.”

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

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced free admission to more than 200 state parks, including Lake Oroville, on MLK Day 2026, reversing after the Trump administration removed the holiday from national park duty-free days. (Audi Gerucci/Reuters)

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

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 removing MLK Day from free days at national parks, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced free admission to more than 200 state parks on MLK Day 2026. (Julia Demaree Nickinson/AP Photo)

“While the federal government is eliminating free park days for holidays that celebrate Black history, California continues to bask in the glory of our civil rights pioneers,” said State senator Akeelah Weber Pearson. “Opening our parks for everyone to enjoy encourages loved ones to come together, give back and honor Dr. King’s legacy while enjoying the natural beauty of the Golden State.”

Some of the parks that offer 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 require fees, including off-road vehicle recreation areas, parks that charge per-person or tour fees such as Hearst Castle, and sites managed by partner organizations.

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