State Park Passes

Find the best State Park Pass for you


Do you enjoy visiting state parks and beaches? A California State Parks Pass could make your visits easier and more affordable. Park passes are valid for day use at most state parks and beaches throughout California.

Two passes are available for purchase in our ParkStore Online and the following state park and beach kiosks:

Poppy & Explorer PassesHalf Moon Bay: Francis Beach
Año Nuevo State Beach
Butano State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach
Wilder Ranch State Park
Seacliff State Beach
New Brighton State Beach
Sunset State Beach
Palm State Beach
Manresa & Manresa Uplands State Beach
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Castle Rock State Park
Portola Redwoods State Park
Poppy PassesHalf Moon Bay: Venice & Dunes Beaches
San Gregorio State Beach

When you purchase a park pass from Friends a portion of the proceeds stay local.

The “Golden Poppy” Annual Pass is a popular option for travelers looking to spend some time at Bay Area and Central Coast state parks and beaches. Order today.

The “California Explorer” Annual Pass grants access to most state parks and beaches including the popular Southern California beaches along the Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego Coasts like Huntington Beach, Leo Carillo and Carlsbad State Beaches. Order today.

The Golden Bear Pass provides free entry to more than 200 state parks and beaches. This pass is offered to people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), anyone receiving aid through the CalWORKS program, participants of California’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, or people 62 or older with specified income limitations. Learn more and apply.

The Limited Use Golden Bear Pass is offered for a reduced rate to people 62 and older, and provides entry to most California State Parks during the non-peak season. Learn more and apply.

The Adventure Pass, a partnership with the First Partner’s Office and the Natural Resources Agency, provides free entry for fourth graders and their families at 19 select state parks throughout the state. Learn more about the California State Park Adventure Pass.

The Disabled Discount Pass is for persons with permanent disabilities. This pass entitles the bearer to a 50% discount for vehicle day use, family camping, and boat use fees at California State Parks-operated units. Learn more about the Disabled Discount Pass.

The Distinguish Veterans Pass is for honorably discharged war veterans who are residents of California with an overall/combined rating of 50% or greater service-connected disability or were held as prisoners of war by forces hostile to the United States, or recipients of the Medal of Honor. Learn more about the Distinguished Veterans Pass.

The Library Park Pass is for California public library card holders. Library cardholders can check out the State Library Parks Pass via their local public library. If you don’t have a library card, visit your local library to get one. The library card and park pass are free! Learn more.

  • Santa Cruz Library: 831-427-7713
  • Watsonville Library: 831-768-3400


To check out a full list of passes, visit the California State Parks park pass website.