Outdoors for All

ABOUT OUTDOORS FOR ALL

We believe in the right of all Californians to have access to recreational opportunities, and enjoy the cultural, historic, and natural resources found across the state.California is known around the world for its iconic and beautiful outdoor places. Yet for too many Californians, these places, recreational activities, and their benefits remain out of reach.

Championed by Governor Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Outdoors for All is expanding parks and outdoor spaces in communities that need them most, supporting programs to connect people who lack access, fostering a sense of belonging for all Californians in the outdoors, and much more. In 2021, Governor Newsom made a historic $1 billion-plus investment to expand access to parks and open space, creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve outdoor access for all Californians. Working in partnership with the legislature and local leaders and communities across the state, these investments ensure more Californians can experience the benefits that nature provides. Outdoors for All also furthers two other Agency priorities, Nature Based Solutions and 30x30, by investing in California’s public lands and natural resources.

Outdoors for All is an initiative built to strengthen a growing movement that engages all Californians. It is led by a broad array of governments in partnership with community organizations and tribes, who all bring established networks, a history of advocacy, and lived experiences. Together, this movement can continue to build momentum from these efforts towards a future where all Californians can benefit from the state’s incredible outdoor environment.

Featured Links

Explore the outdoors

Map of state properties under CNRA: As you may know, State Parks uses Google to display its state park properties on their website -- https://www.parks.ca.gov/Find-a-Park. I’d like to discuss with you the use of ArcGIS to provide a similar map on CNRA’s website. This would include the 280 state park units and other units opened to the public by departments and conservancies. Here’s an example of an ArcGIS map that State Parks created for historical park units: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25543. Please let me know if we can meet 30 minutes later this week to discuss this proposal. Thank you. For now, please post the following links:
Free State Park Passes: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30641
Outdoor Tips

California is home to some of the most beautiful natural and cultural resources. Backpacking, biking, boating, camping, hiking, off-highway vehicle riding, and swimming are just a few ways you can connect to nature. However you explore the outdoors, we invite you to do so responsibly. Here are some important tips:

Know Before You Go:
- Check the status of the outdoor space you want to visit to find current information. Trails, roads, or certain areas may be closed due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Check the weather and social media channels of your destination.
Plan and Prepare:
- Have a back-up plan in case your destination or activity is overcrowded or temporarily closed.
- Permits may be required for activities such as for entry, camping, certain recreational activities or transportation.
- Dress in proper clothing for the planned activities.
- Make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks.
- Cell connectivity in many outdoor spaces is limited or non-existent. Share with a responsible person where you are going and when you plan on returning. Ask that person to notify law enforcement if you do not return on time.
Play It Safe:
- Outdoor spaces are meant to be enjoyed in many ways, but to play it safe, err on the side of caution.
- Plan activities based on temperatures throughout the day.
- Enter waterbodies such as rivers or lakes in parks only if and where it is safe and encouraged. Swimming in a lake, ocean, or river is different than swimming in a pool.
- Water-related accidents happen suddenly and rapidly. Make sure you and those with you wear properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, especially children. Wearing a life jacket is the best way to increase your chances of survival during an incident. You do not own one? Click here to borrow a life jacket.
Leave No Trace:
- As beautiful as your destination may be, avoid parking your car in illegal parking zones.
- Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash.
- Do not disturb or feed wildlife or take plants.
Access for People with Disabilities

California’s public outdoor spaces are available for all, including people with disabilities. Unfortunately, not all spaces have ADA-accessible features. Rustic campgrounds, winding trails occasionally invaded by tree roots, isolated beaches with limited amenities, and historic sites can be challenging to access.

While accessibility improvements are ongoing throughout the properties under the jurisdiction of the California Natural Resources Agency, we encourage you to plan your outings to help ensure a memorable visit.

Explore the webpage of your destination to properly plan for your outing. For state parks, please visit their Accessible Features webpage.

Outdoor for All Initiative

About

Outdoors for All is more than an initiative, it is a movement led by a broad array of governments in partnership with community organizations and tribes, who all bring established networks, a history of advocacy, and lived experiences. Together, this movement can continue to build momentum from these efforts towards a future where all Californians can benefit from the state’s incredible outdoor environment.

In 2021, Governor Newsom made a historic $1 billion-plus investment to expand access to parks and open space, creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve outdoor access for all Californians. Working in partnership with the legislature and local leaders and communities across the state, these investments ensure that more Californians can experience the benefits that nature provides. Outdoors for All also furthers two other Agency priorities, Nature Based Solutions and 30x30, by investing in California’s public lands and natural resources.

Learn more by reading the Outdoors for All strategy (see links below). The document charts progress on equitable outdoor access to date, highlights work underway and identifies additional actions to realize the promise of a California for All. You will also find out the pathways governments, community organizations, philanthropy, private sector, and residents across California can take together to continue increasing access to the outdoors and nature.

Access programs

Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Fishing in the City Program
Department of Parks and Recreation
- Outdoors for All Park Pass programs (free passes)
- FamCamp (Introduces camping to community groups)

Order a Special Interest License Plate

The California Natural Resources Agency and some of its departments and conservancies offer specialty car license plates to provide a sustained revenue source to expand outdoor access and protect natural and cultural resources.

Show your love for California’s outdoors by placing a pre-order of a plate or ordering one from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Available to pre-order

Available from the California Department of Motor Vehicle