Memorial Day weekend in San Diego offers a variety of complimentary admissions, discounts, and special events designed to honor active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. The city’s deep connection to the military community is reflected in numerous offers spanning museums, state parks, dining, entertainment, and retail. These opportunities allow service members to enjoy cultural attractions, recreational activities, and local hospitality at reduced or no cost during the holiday period.
Museum and Cultural Attractions
Several museums and memorials in San Diego provide free or discounted admission to military members and veterans. The Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in Balboa Park honors all men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Active-duty military personnel receive free admission, while veterans receive a $1 discount. The museum houses historical artifacts, documents, memorabilia, and artwork from the Civil War era through Desert Storm in Iraq. Additionally, the museum is free to all San Diego County residents on the second Tuesday of each month as part of Balboa Park’s Resident Free Tuesdays.
The Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial, located at 6905 La Jolla Scenic Dr S in La Jolla, features a 43-foot cross originally dedicated to veterans of the Korean War and black granite plaques dedicated to individual veterans. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of San Diego County. The memorial is generally free and open to the public.
The Port of San Diego showcases the “Greatest Generation Collection” of military heritage artworks along its Embarcadero, offering an outdoor cultural experience accessible to all.
The San Diego Air and Space Museum, described as a treasure trove of aviation and exploration exhibits, is another attraction that participates in military appreciation efforts, though specific admission details for Memorial Day are not fully outlined in the provided data.
California State Park Discounts
California State Parks offers free admission to veterans, active-duty, and reserve military members every May for Memorial Day. Participating parks in the San Diego area include: - South Carlsbad State Beach - Torrey Pines State Beach - Torrey Pines State Reserve - Silver Strand State Beach - Palomar Mountain State Park - Cardiff State Beach - Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Honorably discharged California resident veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater, former prisoners of war, or Medal of Honor recipients are eligible for the California State Parks Distinguished Veteran Pass. This pass provides free use of all basic facilities, including day use, camping, and boating, at California State Parks.
Dining and Restaurant Specials
Local restaurants and national chains offer Memorial Day deals, including military discounts, special menus, and freebies.
Local Establishments: - The Smoking Gun (555 Market Street, San Diego) offers a Memorial Day-only special: burger, fries, and a glass of Pepsi for $16.99. The venue opens at noon on Memorial Day and provides half-price game play in its retro arcade, $6 select draft beers, $8 Mai Tais, and $30 Disco Punch Bowls. - Cloak & Petal features limited-time specials including BBQ Spare Ribs with chili crisp hot honey and BBQ potato salad, and the Patriot Roll (salmon, panko shrimp, chipotle spicy tuna, torched poblano crème).
National Chains: - Applebee’s: Spend $25 or more to receive a free movie ticket to "Top Gun: Maverick" (dine-in or takeout). Spend $50 or more for two free tickets. - Long John Silver’s: Offers a 20% military discount on Memorial Day with valid ID. On other days, a 10% discount is available. Additional deals include $2 off any variety platter or $5 off any family meal of 8 pieces or more (coupons required, available online). - Marco’s Pizza: 20% off any pizza using code MEM20 via app or online (May 26-29). - Morton’s The Steakhouse: Memorial Day prix-fixe menu (May 27-31) at $65 per person, including starter, entree choice (filet mignon, pork chop, shrimp scampi, salmon, chicken, or lobster ravioli), and dessert. “Chef’s Table” grill kits available for takeout. - Outback Steakhouse: 10% “Heroes Discount” for veterans and active-duty military with valid ID, available year-round. Also extends to nurses, doctors, medical staff, police, firefighters, and first responders with valid ID.
Entertainment and Recreation
Theme Parks: A San Diego theme park (name not specified in data) will offer veterans free admission for themselves and three guests during Memorial Day weekend (May 24-27). Veterans may also purchase up to six additional tickets at 50% off and four All-Day Dining Deals for $150 (25% off regular adult price).
Movie Theaters: AMC, AMC Dine-In, and AMC Classic theaters nationwide offer 25% off matinee tickets purchased before 4 p.m., including on Memorial Day.
Hardware Stores: Participating Ace Hardware locations will give a free 8" x 12" American flag to the first 240 customers, while supplies last (one per customer, no purchase necessary).
Retail and Home Improvement Discounts
Several retailers offer Memorial Day savings: - Walmart: Memorial Day rollbacks on furniture, appliances, and tech. Specific deals include 15% off the Lasko 20" Classic Box Fan (B20200) from now until May 31, and additional deals from May 25-31. - Brooklyn Bedding: 30% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL30 through May 27. - McGee & Co.: Up to 25% off sitewide through May 28. - RoomMates Decor: Up to 20% off sitewide through May 27. - WallPops: Up to 25% off sitewide through May 27.
Blue Star Museums Program
The Blue Star Museums program offers free admission to more than 2,000 museums across the U.S. for active-duty military personnel, including the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Civilians are not included. While not specific to San Diego, this national program may include local institutions.
Memorial Day Ceremonies and Events
San Diego County hosts numerous free Memorial Day ceremonies and events to honor service members who died for the country. These events are generally free and take place throughout the weekend and on Memorial Day, May 26. Specific event locations include the Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial and the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in Balboa Park.
Conclusion
San Diego offers a wide range of free and discounted opportunities for military members and veterans during Memorial Day weekend. These include complimentary museum admissions, state park entry, special dining menus, entertainment discounts, and retail deals. Eligibility typically requires valid military identification, and some offers are limited to specific dates or locations. Service members and their families are encouraged to verify details and availability directly with participating establishments before visiting.