Southern California beaches could soon a become national park

LOS ANGELES – The National Park Service is currently assessing whether a substantial portion of the Los Angeles County coastline should be classified as a national park. 

Here’s what we know:

The “Los Angeles Coastal Area Special Resource Study” encompasses a considerable section of the Pacific coast, including Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Venice, and Torrance.

The NPS is reviewing these areas based on four key criteria: significance, suitability, feasibility, and the necessity for NPS oversight.

Experts are currently evaluating the area against federal standards prior to issuing any formal recommendations.

Timeline:

Early February 2026: The National Park Service formally announces the initiation of the study.

February 11, 2026: First virtual public meeting held to collect initial community feedback.

March 11, 2026 (6 p.m.): A second virtual meeting scheduled for public engagement.

April 6, 2026: Deadline for the public to provide formal comments online.

Post-April 2026: Data analysis and subsequent report delivery to Congress.

What is being said:

The agency has stated that the aim of the study is to “collect information about designated sites along the Los Angeles coast through research and public input, and then to communicate these findings to Congress.”

What to expect next:

Once the public comment period closes on April 6, the NPS will review the feedback in conjunction with their internal studies.

Since a national park designation can only be assigned through congressional action or a presidential proclamation, the final report will act as crucial evidence for lawmakers to determine if the LA coast will become the newest federal park unit.

How to get involved:

Those interested in the study are encouraged to participate in the upcoming virtual meeting on March 11 at 6 p.m. Additionally, formal comments regarding the proposal can be submitted through the official NPS planning portal at parkplanning.nps.gov until April 6.