Free admission offered to all national parks on MLK Day

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The U.S. National Park Service is offering free admission to all national parks Monday in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

All of the nearly 400 parks, preserves, monuments, recreation areas and historic sites in the system will be free of charge.

There are as many as 26 of these sites available throughout California, which includes San Francisco's Alcatraz Island, the Channel Islands in Ventura and Joshua Tree.

"We honor Dr. King and the tremendous impact of his life and teachings on the world," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. "He moved hearts and minds through his words and actions. And his vision continues to inspire us to make positive changes in our communities."

Meantime, the National Parks Service is offering eight other non-fee days this year.

The next entrance fee free date is Presidents Day weekend. Other free admission days are planned for April and August.

For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.