Free entry, free admission days and free hours from every section.
1 pick
Section: Free and Budget-Friendlyhistoric site
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
FreePets OK
Restored and reconstructed buildings of the California town founded, financed and governed by African Americans, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield. The buildings are not open to the public, but you can view the interiors through the windows.
Hours
Park daily 9am-4pm; visitor center daily 10am-4pm (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day)
Escape rooms, bowling, trivia nights and other group activities.
1 pick
Section: Friends and Groupspreserve
Kaweah Oaks Preserve
Pets OK
344-acre preserve east of Visalia protecting one of the last valley oak riparian forests in the San Joaquin Valley, home to bobcats and great horned owls; group visits can be reserved.
Hours
Sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year
Dogs
Leashed dogs allowed; watch for grazing cattle, rattlesnakes and ticks.
Places whose official source says dogs or pets are welcome.
2 picks
Section: Pet-Friendlyhistoric site
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
FreePets OK
Restored and reconstructed buildings of the California town founded, financed and governed by African Americans, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield. The buildings are not open to the public, but you can view the interiors through the windows.
Hours
Park daily 9am-4pm; visitor center daily 10am-4pm (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day)
344-acre preserve east of Visalia protecting one of the last valley oak riparian forests in the San Joaquin Valley, home to bobcats and great horned owls; group visits can be reserved.
Hours
Sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year
Dogs
Leashed dogs allowed; watch for grazing cattle, rattlesnakes and ticks.
Parks, trails, beaches, gardens and nature reserves.
3 picks
Section: Outdoors and Naturehistoric site
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
FreePets OK
Restored and reconstructed buildings of the California town founded, financed and governed by African Americans, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield. The buildings are not open to the public, but you can view the interiors through the windows.
Hours
Park daily 9am-4pm; visitor center daily 10am-4pm (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day)
344-acre preserve east of Visalia protecting one of the last valley oak riparian forests in the San Joaquin Valley, home to bobcats and great horned owls; group visits can be reserved.
Hours
Sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year
Dogs
Leashed dogs allowed; watch for grazing cattle, rattlesnakes and ticks.
Giant sequoia groves and mountain parks open year-round. Grant Grove, the Foothills and Giant Forest & Lodgepole have year-round services; Mineral King and Cedar Grove close for the snowy season (Cedar Grove typically May to early or mid November), and tire chains can be required at any time.
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; some roads close in winter
Cost
Private vehicle $35 (1-7 days); entrance stations are card only (no cash)
Section: Free and Budget-Friendlyhistoric site
