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Santa Clara County Parks
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Equitable access

County Parks is working to reduce barriers to visiting so everyone can enjoy the many physical, social, and mental benefits of spending time outdoors.

For many in our community, one barrier to visiting is the $6 daily vehicle entry fee at most County parks. To address this, the County Parks Department offers free or low-cost ways for everyone to enjoy our parks, trails, recreational spaces, and programs. Please check out these opportunities below.

Library Pass Program

In partnership with the County of Santa Clara Library system, County Parks offers free vehicle entry passes that can be used at most County parks with vehicle entrance fees. Just like a book, a pass can be checked out for a three-week period with a free library card.

Learn about Library Parks Pass

Participating libraries

Reduced-price Venture Pass

County Parks partners with the County’s Social Services Agency to offer our Annual Venture Pass for $25 (regularly $95) to individuals or families who:

  • Participate in Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, or CalWORKs
  • Use programs or resources at the Department of Family and Children’s Services San José or Gilroy Family Centers (such as Prevention Programs, Family Support, Early Intervention, Safety and Wellbeing, and Resource Families)

The Venture Pass covers the vehicle entrance fee at all Santa Clara County parks (excluding Sunnyvale Baylands Park) and is valid for one year from the date of purchase.

Please apply for a reduced price Venture Pass at the front desk of the San Jose Family Resource Center or the Gilroy Family Resource Center.

San José Family Resource Center 
591 N. King Road, Suite 3
San José, CA 95133
Phone: (408) 793-8800
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00am–8:00pm

Gilroy Family Resource Center
7933 Wren Avenue
Gilroy, CA 95020
Phone: (408) 758-3440
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00am–6:00pm

Persons 60 years or older

Visitors 60 years or older can obtain an Annual Venture Pass for $48 (regularly $95). Three ways to buy a pass:

Online

Purchase a pass online

Pass will be mailed within 2 weeks. A temporary pass can be printed and used upon purchase.

In person at Parks Administration Office

Parks Administration Office
5965 Silver Creek Valley Road
San Jose, CA 95138

ID with proof of age required.

In person at a staffed park kiosk

Please note that not all park kiosks are staffed.

ID with proof of age required.

Active military

A discount on Annual Vehicle Entry Passes for parks operated by the County Parks Department is available to active or reserve members of the Armed Forces or California National Guard in pay grades E-4 or below and their families.

Eligibility for the program is based upon:

  • Providing a Department of Defense Military Identification Card identifying the applicant as either an active or reserve member of the Armed Forces or National Guard in pay grades E-4 or below; or provide a Dependent Identification Card of either an active or reserve member of the Armed Forces or a California National Guard in pay grades E-4 or below; and
  • Providing proof of residency within Santa Clara County
  • Because verification of eligibility status must be made, passes can only be obtained through the Parks Department Administration Office at 5965 Silver Creek Valley Road, San Jose, CA 95138. Annual Passes are valid every day of the year from 8:00 a.m. to sunset at all County Parks and are not applicable towards lake use, boating reservations, special park events, camping or other park use fees. The discount for eligible military individuals is 50% off the regular annual vehicle entrance pass price. Each family may receive one pass per year, any additional passes may be purchased at the regular price.

Annual passes are valid for one year from the date of purchase.

Persons with disabilities

Free vehicle entry is available to visitors with disabilities in a vehicle displaying a DMV-issued permanently disabled person placard or a disabled person license plate. Temporary parking placards are not applicable.