Starting today, June 17th, California is opening a 20-day window through July 6th for residents to download a free “Historian Passport” that normally costs $50.
The pass grants unlimited access for up to four people to 30+ state historic parks through the end of 2026!
The limited-time offer is designed to make it easier and cheaper for families to explore California’s historic sites, in honor of Juneteenth and America’s 250th anniversary, according to a press release.
To claim the pass, users need to create a free account with ReserveCalifornia.com, the official reservation system for California State Parks.
California State Historic Parks near San Francisco
More than 30 state historic parks are included in the Historian Passport, scattered through the length of California and covering a range of stories. Here are a few of the closest ones to San Francisco:
- Sonoma State Historic Park (Sonoma): Discover several landmarks around the historic Sonoma Plaza, the largest plaza in California. Some sites include Mission San Francisco Solano, the Sonoma Barracks, and General Vallejo’s home.
- Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park (Pescadero): See one of the tallest lighthouses in America at this state historic park down the coast.
- Jack London State Historic Park (Glen Ellen): This park in Glen Ellen preserves writer Jack London’s “Beauty Ranch,” The House of Happy Walls museum, and the ruins of his home, Wolf House.
- Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park (Petaluma): Explore the restored, sprawling adobe residence that was part of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo’s 66,000‑acre ranch in the 1830s and 1840s.
- Benicia Capitol State Historic Park (Benicia): Did you know that California’s third state capitol building is in Benicia? Check out restored legislative chambers and exhibits.
- Olompali State Historic Park (Novato): Olompali preserves an ancient Coast Miwok village site, a 19th‑century rancho, and the remnants of a 1960s counterculture commune on Mount Burdell.
- Marconi Conference Center State Historic Park (Marshall): Head to this hilltop site overlooking Tomales Bay to learn about the origins of Guglielmo Marconi’s early telegraph company.
- Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park (near St. Helena): This historic water-powered flour mill has a short trail and a picnic area.
- San Juan Bautista State Historic Park (San Juan Bautista): Head down to San Benito County to see the preserved Spanish and Mexican-era adobes around Mission San Juan Bautista.
- Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park (Santa Cruz): This small park overlooking downtown Santa Cruz protects the only surviving building from the original Mission Santa Cruz.
