Military Get In Free Memorial Day At Malibu Creek, Malibu Lagoon

MALIBU, CA — The California State Parks system is honoring the service of U.S. military veterans and active and reserve members of the U.S. military this Memorial Day by offering them free admission Monday to participating parks across the Golden State, including one in Malibu and nearby.

"Thank you to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country," said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. "In their honor, State Parks is offering military individuals complimentary admission to some of the most amazing places within California's State Park System."

There are 280 California State Park units, and of those, 134 are offering free admission this Memorial Day.

• Malibu Lagoon Beach, a magical inlet right near the Malibu Pier that features world-class surfing and the Adamson House Museum, is open from 8 a.m. to sunset on Memorial Day. Parking can be found along Pacific Coast Highway, or at two parking lots: one at the intersection of PCH and Serra Road, and the other at PCH and Cross Creek Road.
• Malibu Creek State Park, 8,215 acres of pristine wilderness in the Santa Monica Mountains. The park is also open from 8 a.m. to sunset, although there are campgrounds. A parking lot is located just south of the intersection of Las Virgenes Road and Mullholland Highway.
• Will Rogers State Historic Park, 186 acres of hiking trails in Pacific Palisades offering breathtaking mountain and ocean views. The park is located off Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades at 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road and is open 24 hours.

To receive free admission, veterans, active duty and reserve military personnel must show a valid military ID or proof of honorable discharge.

Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, State Parks anticipates large crowds this Memorial Day — one of the busiest weekends of the year.

Since January when the state first lifted its stay-home order, State Parks has reopened the majority of its campgrounds although a few sites, including group campsites, remain closed to the public because of the pandemic, wildfire impacts or other issues. Day-use outdoor areas have remained open and State Parks has reopened some indoor facilities such as visitor centers and museums at limited capacity

Here are the current COVID-19-related guidelines when visiting state parks.

Know Before You Go: Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a backup plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick.

Plan Ahead: Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.

Play It Safe: Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System.

Keep Your Distance: Avoid crowds. If there are too many people at a park or beach, please visit us on a different day.

Wear a Mask: California State Parks continues to follow the guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health.

• Everyone: In indoor settings, such as museums and visitor centers, face coverings are required regardless of vaccination status.
• Fully Vaccinated Persons: Face coverings are not required outdoors except when attending crowded outdoor events.
• Unvaccinated Persons: Face coverings are required outdoors any time physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Leave No Trace: Leave areas as you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.

Find and check the status of California State Parks near you.