Announcing: Special Edition-Historian Passport-Free download by July 6, 2026!

California State Parks is offering a special edition Historian Passport free to download through the Fourth of July weekend. An account with ReserveCalifornia.com, State Parks’ official reservation service, is required to download.

Free admission for up to 4 people at more than 30 participating state historic parks and museums (normally a $50 value)  You must download it digitally through the ReserveCalifornia website by navigating to the "Passes" section. It is valid through December 31, 2026, and is available for a limited time.

California Parks Pass Program

In partnership with the First Partner’s Office and the California State Library, State Parks are providing free vehicle day-use entry to over 200 participating state park units operated by State Parks to library-card holders.

The California State Library Parks Pass is valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle.

Note: the pass will not be honored at state park units operated by federal or local government and private agencies or concessionaires. Also, the pass is not valid for per-person entry or tour fees (such as museums), boat use, camping, group use or sites, special events, additional/extra vehicle fees, sanitation disposal use or for supplemental fees.

See a list of participating and nonparticipating parks, and read full terms and conditions.

Circulation Guidelines: One pass per patron at a time Checkout period of 3 weeks-The Parks Pass will be deactivated once the loan period has ended. Non-renewable Holds cannot be placed on Parks Passes

Explorer Backpacks

The California State Library and the Southern California Library Cooperative (SCLC) partnered to provide hiking backpacks for libraries statewide. These backpacks are designed to make the outdoors more accessible and foster a deeper connection with natural resources. Contents include hiking poles, pocket microscopes, binoculars, compasses, field guides, and safety equipment.

A California State Library Parkes Pass is included when you check out an Adult backpack.  Backpacks include:  Compass  Guide books  Flashlight  Binoculars  Maps  Survival Horn Mosquito Head Net 3-Water Pouches Poncho Circulation Guidelines: One Expolorer Backpack per patron at a time Checkout period of 2 weeks Non-Renewable Holds cannot be placed All items except the Poncho must be returned.

For more information see the FAQ 

The Park Pass program has been funded through December 31, 2026.