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Public Library

Explore San Diego & California

San Diego Public Library encourages library users to get out and explore the great outdoors and other iconic sites. Because everyone deserves to enjoy our sites, the library is proud to offer SDPL card holders access to a variety of programs, resources and materials.
  • Photo of boy and girl using magnifying glass
  • Photo of man holding CA State Library Park Passes
  • Photo of CA State Library Parks Pass logo

CA State Library Parks Pass

In collaboration with the First Partner’s Office and the California State Library, California State Parks is providing free vehicle passes to over 200 participating state parks. The California State Library Parks Pass permits entry of one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one motorcycle. Along with a State Parks Pass, you can also check out a backpack that includes, field guides, binoculars, a magnifying glass, a compass, and more! This initiative is part of a three-year pilot program beginning in April 2022.
 

Backpack next to maps, magnifying glass, compass, and other outdoor items

Daytripper Backpack
Explore your world with the Daytripper Backpack! It includes field guides, binoculars, a magnifying glass, a compass and more for wandering through the scenic landscapes of California State Parks.

 

Backpack next to parks pass, binoculars, flashlight, emergency gear and more

Trailblazer Backpack
Get ready for adventure with the Trailblazer Backpack! Packed with binoculars, trekking poles, a flashlight, emergency gear and more, this backpack has everything you need for an action-packed day in California’s great outdoors.

Research shows that spending time in the outdoors is associated with better mental and physical health, and that many Californians face barriers to accessing their parks. By reducing barriers to park access and partnering with state parks, SDPL can help more San Diegans explore the outdoors and generate positive impacts in the areas of health, stewardship and cultural connections.
 
With a library card, patrons may check out a pass by visiting any San Diego Public Library location. Locations have passes available on a first come, first served basis. Please note that the passes must be returned to the location where it is checked out. The lending period for the CA State Library Park Passes is 14 days and the pass is non-renewable.
 
 

Discover & Go

Explore local San Diego museums, cultural sites and more for FREE with San Diego Public Library’s Discover & Go program. Active users may reserve family day passes to some of the City’s biggest attractions, including the New Children’s Museum, Skateworld and even tickets to select San Diego State University games.

Discover & Go Program

Learn More about Discover & Go