LA Beaches Eyed for Potential National Park Status

Santa Monica and Venice beaches could become America's next national park

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The National Park Service has launched a study to evaluate a large swath of the Los Angeles County coastline, stretching from the Pacific Palisades to Torrance, for potential national park status. The preliminary study area includes some of Southern California's most popular beaches and lines some of the region's most expensive real estate.

Why it matters

This study is an early step in the process of potentially designating the LA coastline as a new national park unit, which could have significant implications for public access, environmental protection, and the management of the area. If approved, it would be the first new national park in California since the Mojave National Preserve was established in 1994.

The details

The National Park Service will evaluate whether the study area, which includes Ballona Creek and Baldwin Hills in addition to the coastline, meets certain qualifications to be considered for national park status. This includes criteria around national significance, suitability, and feasibility of long-term protection and management by the National Park Service. The study is a result of a 2022 law directing the Interior Secretary to evaluate the area.

  • The National Park Service launched the Los Angeles Coastal Area Special Resource Study on February 6, 2026.
  • The public comment period for the study is open until April 6, 2026.
  • The National Park Service will hold virtual public meetings about the study on February 11 and March 11, 2026.

The players

National Park Service

The federal agency responsible for managing the United States' national park system.

California Coastal Act

A 1976 law that guarantees public access to California coastlines and beaches.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

A 154,095-acre national park unit managed by the National Park Service that encompasses much of the mountain range stretching from Brentwood to Point Mugu.

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What’s next

The National Park Service will continue the evaluation process, including holding public meetings and accepting comments, to determine if the LA coastline meets the criteria to be designated as a new national park unit. Any final decision would require an act of Congress or a presidential proclamation.

The takeaway

The potential designation of the LA coastline as a national park would be a significant milestone, providing federal protection and management of one of the most iconic and heavily used stretches of beach in the United States. However, the process faces many hurdles, including navigating existing state and local management structures and ensuring the area meets the strict criteria for national park status.