The National Park Service officially kicks off National Park Week tomorrow, offering 8 days of events and activities in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The biggest save-the-date is next Tuesday, August 25, 2026, when all national parks will waive admission fees throughout the country.
The occasion marks the National Park Service’s 110th birthday, offering free entry for all U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International visitors must still pay applicable entrance and nonresident fees.
Where to go from Los Angeles
For Angelenos looking to enjoy a fee-free national park day trip, there are a few options to consider:
- Joshua Tree National Park: One of California’s most famous national park destinations, Joshua Tree is known for its sculptural trees, boulder-strewn landscapes, and wide-open starry night skies. The park is about 3 hours from L.A., with admission priced at $30 per vehicle or $15 per person.
- Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego: Point Loma’s Cabrillo National Monument has a historic lighthouse, military sites, and coastal views. It’s about 2.5 to 3 hours from L.A., with admission costing $20 per vehicle or $10 per person.
Southern California is full of additional national park sites that are free to visit all year round. Celebrate the NPS’s 110th birthday with a visit to more local sites including the Santa Monica Mountains, Channel Islands, Manzanar, and César E. Chávez National Monument.
To take advantage of the free admission offer, you could also plan a longer trek to Sequoia and Kings Canyon or Yosemite.
National Park Service birthday at a glance
📅 Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
🎟️ What’s waived: Entrance fees at participating NPS sites that normally charge admission
👤 Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents
🌐 Learn more: Read our full guide to National Park Week.
