Welcome to glowing sunsets, mountain hikes and seemingly endless summer! Sunny Southern California can be a dream duty station for those lucky enough to get assigned here.
With beaches and wineries and, let’s be honest, Disneyland so close by, you’re going to want to go everywhere and do everything. But checking items off your SoCal bucket list can get a little pricey.
Keep costs down and hit the tourist hot spots with these military discounts.
10 Military Discounts for When You’re Stationed in SoCal
1. San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo has been a leader in zoos and wildlife conservation for more than 100 years. Visit the historic zoo, located in Balboa Park or head to the Safari Park in Escondido for a day of adventure. With military discounts, service members and their families can save a little bit on their trip!
Active duty troops get complimentary access to both parks with their DoD ID. Military dependents can claim 10% off their daily admission fees too. There are no limits on how often troops and their families can use these discounted tickets.
Veterans and non-active duty reserve troops are not offered a discount at the gate. Tickets with discounted pricing are offered through ITT or MWR offices at military bases throughout Southern California.
2. SeaWorld San Diego
You’re sure to have a whale of a good time at SeaWorld San Diego! Head down to San Diego’s bay area for a fun-filled day of thrilling rides, entertaining animals shows and learning about our oceans.
Active duty troops and their dependents can spend a day at the park for free, thanks to the Waves of Honor military salute! This deal expires on December 31, 2018, but is typically renewed annually.
Through September 30, 2018, veterans and up to three guests can go to SeaWorld for free!
3. Hornblower Cruises
It’s fair winds and following seas for deploying service members with a dinner cruise package from Hornblower Cruises! They’ve included special extras to help make this often stressful time a little more enjoyable.
Military personnel and their families can enjoy discounted Hornblower cruises anytime when they purchase tickets through their base ITT or MWR office.
4. San Diego Padres
Take your family to the ballgame with discounted tickets! Attend a military salute game for cheaper. Going on a Sunday gets you a bigger discount too.
Make sure to bring a little extra for Cracker Jack and a drink. Maybe you’ll even catch a foul ball!
5. Legoland California
Get your brick on at Legoland and SeaLife Aquarium! Spend the day at Legoland with a 25% discount or hop between the theme park, water park and aquarium with a combo ticket. Combo tickets up the value with increased discounts and free days!
If you’re going spur of the moment, claim up to 10% off at the gate with your military ID. When you visit ITT or MWR, you can even grab discounted annual passes!
6. Temecula Wineries
Enjoy a staycation in Temecula with discounted hotel rates and winery tastings. Head to Old Town for a taste of the old west or stay at a winery resort for an immersive experience. Grab discounted tasting coupons to local wineries through 2018 to celebrate the valley’s 50 year anniversary.
Related: 30 Military-Friendly Wineries and Breweries You’ll Want to Sample
Many wineries are child-friendly, with open lawns and occasionally a playground! Bring a picnic and make a day of your adventure to the Inland Empire.
7. USS Midway
Check out the Navy of the past with a visit to the USS Midway on San Diego’s Embarcadero. Active duty military can board for free! Veterans can also claim a discount on tickets.
Stroll the decks and reminisce about the quality of chipped beef on toast at the cafe. Military kids will love to peek at the bunkrooms and see where the racks are on board.
8. Old Town Trolley Tours
Dip your toes into all San Diego has to offer with a fun hop-on hop-off trolley tour. From Old Town to Coronado, you’ll learn all about the history of this wonderful city. Head to ITT and MWR for discounted tickets.
In November, military personnel and veterans can hitch a ride for free!
9. Knott’s Berry Farm
Brave the big drops and loop-the-loops on some giant roller coasters at a discount! Military troops and their families can grab cheaper admission every day when you show your ID at the gate. However, military personnel need to be present to qualify for the discount.
While you’re there, say “hi” to Snoopy, Charlie Brown and friends. Grab a chicken dinner and make sure you leave room for dessert!
10. Disneyland and California Adventure
It’s not SoCal without a visit to Mickey and company! Now you can go to the Happiest Place on Earth with a sizeable discount.
Grab multi-day passes with the Military Salute ticket packages. Some packages offer options to hop between Disneyland and California Adventure! You are limited to six tickets per military family per year. This deal is also only for active duty troops and their dependents.
When you buy military tickets, you’ll also qualify for a discounted PhotoPass.
If you’ve already used your Military Salute tickets, discounted passes are available at ITT and MWR offices nationwide. Make a total vacation of it and stay at Disneyland with a military discount. Call the resort or book online to qualify.
The following statement is incorrect “Safari Park in Encinitas”. The Safari Park is in Escondido.