Explore California’s Rich History for Free This Year: How to Get Your $50 Historian Passport for $0

California is celebrating Juneteenth and America’s upcoming 250th anniversary by opening the doors to its past. And you don’t have to travel far to participate.

Governor Gavin Newsom just announced that California State Parks is giving away a special edition Historian Passport completely free. This pass normally costs $50, but if you claim it by July 6, your family can enjoy unlimited free entry to over 30 state historic parks through the end of 2026.

While our famous local redwood destinations in the San Lorenzo Valley, like Henry Cowell Redwoods and Big Basin Redwoods State Parks, are not covered by this specific history pass, we have incredible historic state parks right here in Santa Cruz County and just past the county line that you can visit for free with this passport.

What is Available Locally?

You can use your free Historian Passport to explore local roots at these participating nearby spots:

• Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park (Santa Cruz): Located right on the bluff near the mouth of the San Lorenzo River, this park features the only surviving original building from the 1791 mission and tells the complex history of the region’s indigenous Ohlone and Yokuts people.
• Castro Adobe State Historic Park (Watsonville): Experience California’s Mexican Rancho era at this beautifully restored, historic mid-1800s two-story adobe home and property.
• Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park (San Mateo Coast): Take a short drive north up Highway 1 to explore this stunning clifftop 1872 lighthouse and historic coastal grounds.
• San Juan Bautista State Historic Park (San Benito County): Take a quick day trip to explore a massive historic plaza surrounded by a mission church, old adobes, and a frontier-era hotel.

What Else Does the Historian Passport Cover?

The pass grants free admission for up to four people per pass. In addition to our local destinations, it unlocks access to locations across the state that showcase the diverse, complex, and unvarnished history of the Golden State. These include:

• Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park: The most significant state park representing Black history in California. Founded in 1908, it is a powerful town built, financed, and governed by African Americans.
• Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park: Home to the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America and a ceremonial roundhouse still used by Native Americans.
• Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park: The legendary site where the 1848 gold discovery sparked the California Gold Rush.
• Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park: The oldest continuously used Chinese temple in California, honoring the resilience of Chinese immigrants.

Part of a Bigger Mission

This initiative is part of California’s Reexamining Our Past Initiative and the Outdoors for All program.

“California doesn’t hide from hard truths and uncomfortable history – in fact, we embrace it and learn from it,” said Governor Newsom. The goal is to ensure that all Californians have the opportunity to experience the state’s unmatched cultural resources.

How to Get Your Free Pass

The pass is only available to download for a very short window, so you need to act fast.

• The Deadline: You must download your pass by Monday, July 6, 2026.
• Expiration: Once downloaded, your pass is valid until December 31, 2026.

Follow these steps to claim yours:

1. Create an Account: Go to ReserveCalifornia.com, the official reservation service for California State Parks. You must have a free account to log in.
2. Download the Pass: Once logged in, navigate to the special edition Historian Passport page to generate your free pass.
3. Print or Save: Keep a digital copy on your phone or print it out to show park rangers at the entrance.

Want Free Access to Our Local Redwood Forests Instead?

If you want free vehicle day-use entry to local natural parks like Henry Cowell or Big Basin, you can use California’s alternative year-round free pass programs instead:

• California State Library Parks Pass: Walk into the Felton Library, Boulder Creek Library, or any other Santa Cruz Public Libraries branch to check out a pass with your library card. It works just like borrowing a book and grants free vehicle day-use at over 200 parks.
• California State Parks Adventure Pass: Gives free entry to all public school fourth-graders and their families at 54 state parks.
• Golden Bear Pass: Free annual pass for families receiving CalWORKs, SSI recipients, income-eligible seniors (62+), and Tribal TANF participants.
• Distinguished Veterans Pass: Free day-use, camping, and boating for honorably discharged California resident veterans.

Featured photo: A Juneteenth flag welcomes visitors to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Photo from California State Parks.

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