CA State Parks offering free admission to veterans, military members on Memorial Day

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - California State Parks is offering free admission to veterans, active and reserve military members on Memorial Day.

On Monday, California State Parks will honor military members by giving them free admission to 134 State parks.

Veterans, active duty and reserve military members can show their military IDs to park officials and be able to get their free admission.

“Thank you to the brave men and woman who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “In their honor, State Parks is offering military individuals complimentary admission to some of the most amazing places within California’s State Park System.”

Military members will also have free access to state vehicular recreation areas and the California State Railroad Museum.

State Parks is warning visitors of large crowds during Memorial Day weekend. Park officials say parks have seen an increase in use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

State Parks have put in place some safety guidelines provided by California Department of Public Health to keep guests safe during the pandemic. They ask parkgoers to check the park status before they leave, plan ahead for some restroom closures, take precautions when exploring the outdoors, avoid crowds and to wear their masks.

Park officials say everyone in indoor settings must wear face coverings regardless of vaccination status. When outdoors, vaccinated people can take off their masks and unvaccinated people must keep on their mask in the case of social distancing not being possible.

For more information on California State Parks, click here.