Exploring the National Parks with an Annual Pass

/

America’s national parks have been a mainstay of road trips and summer vacations for generations. Whether you’re hiking Zion or kayaking through the Everglades, crossing a few parks off your bucket list every year is a great way to get out into the wild and appreciate this country’s natural beauty. But if you’re not careful you can actually rack up a tidy little bill paying admission fees: seven day park passes usually cost around $35, while an annual pass for a single park is typically $70.

Fortunately, there’s a good alternative: the “America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.” (For this article, we’re just going to call it the annual pass. Much easier, right?) At just $80, the annual pass pays for itself in just a couple park visits, and having it ready to go in your wallet or glove box makes hitting the road to explore a new park that much simpler.

Here are a few things to remember about annual passes:

  • The passes are accepted not only at National Parks but at lands administered by a whole host of federal agencies: the National Forest Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Army Corps of Engineers. So you can do a ton of exploring on a single pass. Just be aware that it doesn’t cover state parks, which have their own system of passes.

  • A single pass provides entry for everyone in your vehicle. If the site charges by the person it covers the pass owner and 3 individuals age 16 or over. Kids under age 15 are free with or without a pass.

  • Remember that an annual pass only covers entry into the park. Generally you’ll still have to pay for things like camping fees, off-road vehicle permits, or other “expanded” amenities.

  • There are a couple different ways to buy a pass. The important thing to note here is that you need to have an actual physical pass to enter a park- you can’t show your receipt or a screengrab. If you’ve got an REI nearby and you need to pick up some gear anyway, you can get a pass in person at the store. Just call ahead to make sure they have them in stock. They’re available from the REI online store as well.

  • If you’ve got some time before you’re trip and you’re willing to pay a $5 processing fee, you can order the pass from the from the official USGS website, but be warned that the pass can take a week or more to arrive.

  • If you’re pressed for time, you can always get a pass in person when you arrive at most sites- just check the complete list of issuing sites before you go.

  • A pass is good for one year from the date of purchase, ending on the last day of the month, which is indicated by a little hole they punch on the pass when you buy it. So if you buy your pass on April 30th, 2021, your pass will expire on April 30th, 2022. But if you wait one day and buy it on May 1st, it will be good through the end of May 2022. So try to buy early in the month if you want the most bang for your buck. And if you buy your pass in person at the end of the month, but you’re not actually using it right away, ask if they’ll stamp the hole for the following month.

  • There’s no free replacement if your pass is lost or stolen. A ranger can’t just look you up in their computer and issue you a new pass if you can’t find yours. So don’t forget where you stashed it during the off season!

  • Are you traveling with a 4th grader? Then they’re your ticket in! All 4th graders qualify for a free annual pass that works just like the full version. Just visit https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm to print up your pass. And due to the coronavirus pandemic, 5th graders qualify as well through the end of August 2021. Just head to https://www.nps.gov/kids/fifthgrade.htm to print your voucher.

  • There are lots of other annual pass options out there to be aware of. Members of the military, their dependents, veterans, and Gold Star families can qualify for a free military pass. Seniors age 62 and over can buy an annual pass for just $20 or a lifetime pass for $80. And if you’re REALLY into the parks, you can get a free pass when you put in 250 volunteer hours. (We’re going to just pay the $80 bucks, but to each their own!) For more on all the options visit the official USGS website.

A Day in Malibu

/

Beach weather is right around the corner, and I figured why not do some advance scouting? So the family and I headed out to that classic Southern California beach town, Malibu. Here’s a taste of our day:

Strolling the Pier and Hitting the Beach

We kicked things off with a quick stroll in the fresh air, and what better spot than the legendary Malibu Pier, home of surfers and starlets since the ‘50s. In the summer it can be a little crowded but today we had it almost to ourselves. The Malibu Farm has two restaurants on the pier: a full-service location at the start of the pier and a cafe at the end. We strolled out to the end and got coffee and hot chocolate at the cafe while we watched the waves and fishermen. Whether you’re renting beach gear or just surveying the surf, the pier is a good place to get your bearings and start your day.

Heading north from the pier we explored the tide pools at the entrance to the Malibu Lagoon, just below the famous Adamson House. On big wave days this is a great spot for watching the surfers, but our morning was spent mucking around in the sand looking for shells and chasing the occasional sandpiper. A really nice spot for kids on a day without crowds.

Malibu Seafood and Hiking

For years, Malibu Seafood has been one of our favorite seafood spots. It’s right across from the beach along PCH, with both a seafood market and a restaurant. Everything is great, from the chowder to the swordfish burger, but the fried platters are our favorites. This time we went for lunch and got the fried seafood combo, with the kids loving the shrimp and scallops. (The scallops have just the right pop of juiciness after you crunch through the outside).

Next door to Malibu Seafood is a parking lot with a trailhead leading into Corral Canyon Park. If you’re going to take a real hike you should pay the parking fee, but we had about a ten minute wait for our food so we decided to take a quick walk to check it out. It’s an easy trail that climbs quickly to give you a nice view of the beach, and if you’re up for a bigger adventure you can follow the looping trail deep into the heart of the last undeveloped canyon in the area.

Malibu Country Mart

The Malibu Country Mart is a local institution that could only exist in Malibu. It’s a mix of high-end boutiques and cafes with a strong beach vibe and plenty of celebrity sightings. There’s also an amazing playground for the kids, a hitching post in case you prefer to do your shopping on horseback, and plenty of places to just relax and take in the unique atmosphere. We wandered through exploring the many nooks and crannies, and vowed to return another day with empty stomachs so we could sample it all.

Malibu Beach Inn

We stayed at the Malibu Beach Inn, nestled tightly between the PCH and the beach. All the rooms have balconies and beach views, and the location can’t be beat. The beach is literally right downstairs and the staff has beach chairs and towels ready to go at a moment’s notice. Aside from the view, what’s possibly the best part about the rooms? Toto toilets! If you’re not familiar with the cult of Toto, I’ll just say this: there are lots of buttons and features that are guaranteed to make your kids (or you) squeal and giggle the first time they sit down to try it. The Malibu Beach Inn is currently offering a “Stay Two Nights, Get a Third Night Free” promotion, so if you want to check it out for yourself now is a great time to do it.

For dinner we ate at the Malibu Beach Inn’s restaurant, the Carbon Beach Club. The terrace juts out over the beach, and when it’s chilly outside they’re quick with the blankets and heaters. In addition to their full dinner menu, they offer a private diner featuring filet mignon and lobster tails, and of course an amazing “picnic by the beach” option.

We were lucky enough to meet the hotel’s resident mixology master, Josh Curtis, who invented the Playa Access and other drinks that capture the feel of Malibu. Josh shared a couple of his favorite drinks, as well as the secret history of the Mai Tai try Josh’s recipe (recipe below). As the sun set and the cool air set in, we retreated to our room and wound down in front of the fireplace. It was a cozy end to a full day in Malibu.

Where to Stay on Your Trip to the Beach

If you’re interested in booking your own Malibu getaway, here are a few great hotel options. Many are currently offering promotions that can extend your stay or provide free amenities.

mai tai with an ocean view

mai tai with an ocean view

Enjoy a cocktail courtesy of Josh Curtis:
‘1944 Trader Vic style’ Mai Tai

1 oz Appleton 12 yr Jamaican rum
1 oz Clemente Martinique Rum
.75 oz lime juice
.5 oz Liquid Alchemist Orgeat
.25 oz Curaçao (orange liqueur)
Crushed ice
Add crushed ice to the shaker and ‘roll’ shake. This tasty Tiki beverage requires a bit of dilution in the flavor profile. Garnish with a lime wheel & activated mint bouquet.

Josh Curtis offers virtual cocktail making classes. Tell him Woodlyn Travel sent you :)