SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California State Parks invites veterans, active and reserve military personnel to spend this year’s Memorial Day at one of 142 participating state parks offering free admission [including local Silver Strand State Beach].
Begun in 1868, Memorial Day is a day to reflect and remember U.S. Military personnel who gave their lives in service to their country. Providing a free day to the Armed Forces and veterans is a small way of honoring all men and woman for their service and sacrifice.
For a full list of all participating parks, please click here. Veterans, active duty, and reserve military personnel must show a valid military I.D. or proof of honorable discharge (DD Form 214), in order to receive free admission.
The free admission program was authorized by AB 150 (Olsen), signed by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. in 2013. It allows California State Parks to offer veterans, active duty or reserve military personnel for the United States Armed Forces and the National Guard of any state a reduced or free day use at participating California state parks. This program will be offered again later this year on Veterans Day, November 11.
Responsible for almost one-third of California’s scenic coastline, the California state park system includes 280 parks, beaches, trails, wildlife areas, open spaces, off-highway vehicle areas, and historic sites. It consists of approximately 1.59 million acres, including over 339 miles of coastline, 974 miles of lake, reservoir and river frontage, approximately 15,000 campsites and alternative camping facilities, and 4,456 miles of non-motorized trails.
Source: San Diego Coast District, California State Parks
