California just handed you a golden ticket to explore the state’s hidden historical gems—and it won’t cost you a dime.
Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced a special free edition of the California State Parks Historian Passport, granting unlimited admission to over 30 participating state historic parks across the state. The $50 passport is being offered at no charge through July 6, and once claimed, it remains valid through December 31. The move doubles down on the state’s“Outdoors for All”initiative while celebrating Juneteenth and America’s 250th anniversary.
This isn’t just about access—it’s a statement. The announcement comes amid a broader national conversation about how American history gets told at public institutions. While the Trump administration eliminated free admission days at national parks for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, replacing them with what officials called“patriotic fee-free days,”California is taking the opposite approach. Governor Newsom drew a stark contrast, saying“California doesn’t hide from hard truths and uncomfortable history — in fact, we embrace it and learn from it.”The state has also pushed back against the removal of historical signs and exhibits from national parks that the administration deemed disparaging, with a federal judge ordering their restoration last week.
Among the participating Sacramento-area sites is Sutter’s Fort Historic Park, one of many locations telling the stories of Native Americans, immigrants, Gold Rush-era settlers, civil rights leaders, and other communities that shaped the state. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in Tulare County—a town founded, financed, and governed by African Americans pioneers dating back to 1908—is also included. California State Parks Capital District Director John Fraser emphasized the value of these less-visited destinations, calling them part of the department’s“Reexamining Our Past”initiative.
The program is funded through donations from the California State Parks Foundation and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, making it possible for families to dive deep into California’s full, unvarnished history without the usual admission fees. To claim your passport, head to the California State Parks website and download it before the July 6 deadline. Then you’ve got the rest of the year to explore.
In a moment when history itself feels contested, California’s approach is refreshingly straightforward: tell the real story, make it accessible, and let people decide what they think.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
