Entry fees to the beaches at Padre Island National Seashore will be waived on Monday, Jan. 19. Courtesy photo
Entrance to Padre Island National Seashore — and all other national parks in the U.S. — will be waived on Monday, Jan. 19 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The civil rights leader, who was born on Jan. 15, 1929, is celebrated annually for his non-violent approach to advancing civil rights. A pastor, activist, humanitarian and national leader, Rev. King based his work on his Christian beliefs. “We honor Dr. King and the tremendous impact of his life and teachings on the world,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis in a press release. “He moved hearts and minds through his words and actions. And his vision continues to inspire us to make positive changes in our communities.” Entry fees will be waived at national parks on eight other days in 2015:
- February 14 to 16 (Presidents’ Day weekend)
- April 18 & 19 (opening weekend of National Park week)
- August 25 (the National Park Service’s 99th birthday)
- September 26 (National Public Lands Day)
- November 11 (Veterans Day).
People with permanent disabilities and active-duty military members and their dependents may use the parks for free any day of the year.
