The Best Military Discounts in San Diego

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Operations Specialist 3rd Class Cody Wood looks on from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the ship passes the USS Midway Museum during its arrival in San Diego, Calif., May 8, 2018. (U.S. Navy photo/Zachary DiPadova)
Operations Specialist 3rd Class Cody Wood looks on from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the ship passes the USS Midway Museum during its arrival in San Diego, Calif., May 8, 2018. (U.S. Navy photo/Zachary DiPadova)

San Diego, California is home to several military bases including Naval Base San Diego, Naval Base Coronado, Marine Corps Recruiting Depot San Diego, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

Whether you’re stationed at one of the military installations in San Diego or you and your family are just visiting, you can find plenty of fun things to do while using military discounts.

Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium, which offers active-duty military, reservists and veterans $3 off each admission ticket, is the exploration center for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. It overlooks the Pacific Ocean and features more than 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates. Be aware that tickets must be purchased online in advance.

Japanese Friendship Garden

Learn more about Japanese culture at the Japanese Friendship Garden's exhibits, educational programs, festivals, stone arrangements and koi ponds. The garden offers active-duty military a $2 discount on admission.

San Diego Air and Space Museum

Learn about aviation history at the San Diego Air and Space Museum through aircraft, artifacts and exhibits. Active-duty service members get free admission to the museum, and retired service members get $5 off admission.

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo, located just north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park, offers complimentary entry to active-duty military personnel with a valid ID. Active-duty military spouses and eligible immediate dependents receive a 10% discount off the 1-Day Pass. The 100-acre zoo houses over 3,700 rare and endangered animals and has a botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants.

Sea World

The SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment salutes those who serve with free admission through their "Waves of Honor" program. Sea World is filled with amazing animals, shows, rides and exhibits.

USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum offers active-duty military free admission and veterans a discount off admission. Admission to the museum includes 60 exhibits throughout the historic aircraft carrier and 29 restored aircraft. There are also family activities for all ages.

Veterans Museum at Balboa Park

At the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, visitors can view exhibits with military memorabilia, artifacts, photographs, and other artwork. Active-duty military get free admission to the museum, and veterans get a $1 discount.

Del Mar Racetrack

The Del Mar Racetrack is in the city of Del Mar, 20 miles north of downtown San Diego. Active-duty and retired military personnel and their dependents receive free general admission every day with valid military ID.

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