JULY 6 IS THE LAST DAY!
Monterey County families have a great opportunity this summer: a free pass to more than 30 state historic parks, available to download right now through the Fourth of July weekend.
Governor Newsom announced the special limited-time offer of the California State Parks Historian Passport — normally $50 — as a free download through Monday, July 6, in celebration of Juneteenth and America’s 250th anniversary. Each pass covers admission for up to four people and is valid for unlimited visits to participating historic parks through the end of 2026.
How to get your free pass
Download the free special edition Historian Passport at ReserveCalifornia.com. You’ll need a free account with ReserveCalifornia.com, the state’s official reservation service, to complete the download.
What parks are included?
The pass opens the door to more than 30 state historic parks across California. Monterey State Historic Park is located in Downtown Monterey and is accessible with pass.
Some other standout parks included in the program:
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park — Explore a California town founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Established in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and a group of Black pioneers, it stands as a powerful symbol of self-determination and freedom.
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park — View what is believed to be the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America, along with one of the largest ceremonial roundhouses still used by Native Americans in California. The on-site Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum features artifacts from tribes throughout the region.
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park — Visit the site where gold was discovered in 1848, sparking the California Gold Rush that transformed the state and nation.
Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park — Step inside the oldest continuously used Chinese temple in California, built at the heart of a Gold Rush-era Chinese American community.
To see a full list of the included parks: https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/1012/files/DPR335HP.pdf
Other free park passes available year-round
If you miss the July 6 deadline, there are other free state parks options available to California families all year long:
Library card holders can borrow a California State Library Parks Pass from any public library for free vehicle day-use at more than 200 state parks — just like checking out a book, with more than 33,000 passes available at over 1,100 libraries statewide.
Fourth graders and their families can access the California State Parks Adventure Pass for free entry at 54 state parks.
Income-qualifying families, including those receiving CalWORKs benefits, can get the Golden Bear Pass for free vehicle day-use at more than 200 parks.
Veterans who were honorably discharged can receive the Distinguished Veterans Pass, covering free day-use, family camping, and boat access at more than 100 state parks.
Don’t wait on the Historian Passport — the free download window closes July 6, but once you have it, you’re set for the rest of the year. Head to ReserveCalifornia.com/passes/advancepasses to claim yours.