Free Things to Do for Military Members Visiting San Diego

San Diego’s military history and culture is quite significant, as you’ll learn if you explore attractions like USS Midway and Liberty Station, a converted naval base. Therefore, it’s no surprise that we’re known for accommodating our men and women in uniform. Here’s a guide to complimentary experiences you can have if you’re visiting the city as a member of America’s armed forces, or if you’re part of a serviceman’s or woman’s family.

San Diego Zoo & Safari Park – 2.7 miles & 29 miles from Days Inn

Every day of the year, the San Diego Zoo offers complimentary one-day passes to members of the U.S. Armed Forces presenting valid ID. Spouses and children visiting with or without their family’s serviceman or woman may also enjoy 10% off the zoo and safari-park pass, while military veterans and retirees may contact their local base’s ticket office to inquire about additional discounts.

https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/help-center

 

San Diego Air & Space Museum – 3.9 miles from Days Inn

Active-duty personnel may explore the spacecraft and aircraft collections, film and audio archive, and special exhibitions at the San Diego Air & Space Museum completely gratis any day of the year. Retired military members are also eligible for a roughly 15% discount.

 

USS Midway Museum – 4.4 miles from Days Inn

The USS Midway Museum furnishes military personnel serving active duty, and reservists, with complimentary admission year round (a valid ID is necessary to redeem). Veterans may enjoy highly discounted tickets of $10, as compared to the normal $26 rate for adults aged 18 and older.

https://www.midway.org/visit/buy-tickets/

Free Admission to SeaWorld San Diego – 4.8 miles from Days Inn

For military members, activated or drilling reservists, or National Guardsmen who are on active duty, as well as up to three dependents, Sea World offers the Waves of Honor Military Discounts — which includes complimentary admission. Further deals are available for additional dependents, and if you’re serving overseas but would like your children to visit without you, you may contact the Guest Relations Department to make necessary arrangements. A veterans discount will be reinstated later this year.

https://seaworld.com/san-diego/search-page/?phrase=military

 

Cabrillo National Monument – 10 miles from Days Inn

As it is a federally operated recreation site, Cabrillo National Monument’s military pass is available to those serving active duty, as long as they are entering the site in a private non-commercial vehicle. All passengers in said vehicle may also visit at no extra cost.

https://www.nps.gov/cabr/planyourvisit/fees.htm

 

San Diego Botanical Gardens – 24 miles from Days Inn

The San Diego Botanical Gardens provide discounted memberships to personnel serving active duty, as well as their families, when purchased directly at the ticket office. Contact the park’s membership department for details.

https://www.sdbgarden.org/specials.htm