Guides
Pass guides
Plain-English answers to the questions people ask before buying and using the America the Beautiful pass.
Is the America the Beautiful pass worth it? The $80 America the Beautiful pass pays for itself in about 2–3 park visits. Here’s the math, who it makes sense for, and when it doesn’t. Read → Every federal recreation pass, compared The America the Beautiful pass comes in six types — Annual, Senior, Military, Access, 4th Grade, and Volunteer. Here’s who qualifies, the cost, and what each covers. Read → Fee-free days: when parks are free Federal agencies waive entrance fees on several days each year. Here are the recurring fee-free days and how they work with (or without) the America the Beautiful pass. Read → The Senior Pass (age 62+) U.S. citizens and permanent residents 62+ can get the America the Beautiful Senior Pass for $20/year or $80 for life. Here’s how it works and where to get it. Read → Who gets a free America the Beautiful pass Current military, veterans, people with disabilities, 4th graders, and volunteers can get an America the Beautiful pass free. Here’s who qualifies and how to claim it. Read → How to buy the America the Beautiful pass Buy the $80 America the Beautiful pass online at Recreation.gov or the USGS store, or in person at a federal recreation site. Here’s each option and what to know. Read →