Officials Launch Study to Assess Potential New National Park in Los Angeles

The National Park Service is evaluating whether the coastline from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance Beach meets criteria for inclusion in the National Park System.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The National Park Service has launched a special resource study of the Los Angeles coastline from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance Beach to assess whether parts of the area should become a new unit of the National Park System. The study will evaluate the area's natural, cultural, and recreational resources to determine if it meets the criteria for national significance, suitability, feasibility, and whether direct NPS management would be superior to other approaches.

Why it matters

The study initiates a formal federal review of the coastal stretch, which could reshape the long-term management of coastal access, conservation, and interpretation along Santa Monica Bay. If the area is deemed worthy of national park status, it would require approval by Congress or a presidential proclamation to become a new park unit.

The details

The study encompasses the coastline and adjacent areas along Santa Monica Bay from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance Beach, plus the San Pedro coastline and areas in and around Ballona Creek and the Baldwin Hills. The NPS defines the coastline areas as "the area from the mean high tide line of the sea to approximately 200 yards inland," excluding the Port of Los Angeles north of Crescent Avenue. The NPS will evaluate whether the area meets four key criteria: national significance, suitability, feasibility, and whether direct NPS management would be clearly superior to other approaches.

  • The NPS study was authorized by Congress in 2022.
  • The NPS is accepting written comments through April 6, 2026.
  • The NPS is set to host two virtual informational meetings on February 11 and March 11, 2026.

The players

National Park Service

The federal agency that manages the National Park System, which includes 423 park units covering more than 85 million acres in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

Denise Louie

The natural resources, planning and compliance program lead for the NPS Pacific West Region.

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What they’re saying

“Public participation is important to this study. The L.A. coastline is exceptionally diverse, and feedback will help inform whether these places meet the criteria for inclusion in the National Park System and how they could be preserved for future generations.”

— Denise Louie, Natural Resources, Planning and Compliance Program Lead, NPS Pacific West Region (National Parks Traveler)

What’s next

The findings and any recommendations by the secretary of the interior would be submitted to Congress, who would need to approve the creation of a new national park unit in the area.

The takeaway

This study represents an important step in evaluating the potential for a new national park along the Los Angeles coastline, which could provide greater federal protection and public access to the area's natural, cultural, and recreational resources. The outcome of the study and subsequent congressional action will be closely watched by local communities and conservation groups.