Newsom adds free California State Parks entry on MLK Day after Trump cuts
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he has directed California State Parks to offer free entry at more than 200 participating parks and beaches on Monday, the national holiday honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.
Newsom said that the action is a direct response to President Trump’s decision to remove MLK Day and Juneteenth for free entry at national parks and monuments starting this year.
“I’m encouraging 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,” the Governor said in a message on the official state website.
I’m encouraging 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.Governor Gavin Newsom
“Providing access to the beaches is great for everyone. Everyone should have access, and days we don’t have to pay is a bonus,” said Robert Northop after finding a parking space at Cardiff State Beach, Sunday. He and his wife bring their two young sons frequently to enjoy the ocean.
Depending on demand, access during the year could cost from $12 a day to $25 a day during peak summer season at the Cardiff beach.
“Allowing people to come to the beach (for free) and experience the holiday celebrating MLK here in San Diego is a really nice thing,” Megan Northrop said.
In San Diego County, there are 14 state parks and beaches that will be free on Monday. They include:
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park;
- Border Field State Park;
- Cardiff State Beach;
- Carlsbad State Beach;
- Cuyamaca Rancho State Park;
- Palomar Mountain State Park;
- San Elijo State Beach;
- San Onofre State Beach;
- San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park;
- Silver Strand State Beach;
- South Carlsbad State Beach;
- Tijuana Estuary National Park Point of Interest;
- Torrey Pines State Beach; and
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Tom Claxton and his wife, Lisa, come to the Cardiff Beach from Escondido so often they invested in an annual parking pass. He enjoys using binoculars, “all I do is scope out for boats and fishing vessels,” he said. His wife enjoys a good book and a cup of coffee while people watching. Both of them agree with the Governor’s action.
“I want everything for free,” Tom said. He joked, “I want everything but don’t want to pay for it. Isn’t that the truth for everybody?”
