Let's face it, Southern California is the opposite of affordable. Cost-of-living expenses sit over 40% higher than the national average. Thankfully, with military discounts available all over, you can enjoy this city on any budget.
Whether looking for fun outings to entertain the kids or creating a duty station bucket list before your PCS, there are endless adventures to take advantage of in San Diego!
To get you offline and start the fun, here's a list to get you started exploring the area. Events, attractions, beaches—they're all here.
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San Diego Attractions
If hitting all the major attractions is your ideal way to explore the area, but you’re working with a tight budget—don’t worry. While there are plenty of expensive theme parks and attractions to spend money on, there are a handful of free ones for military families, too.
1) SeaWorld
Take the kids somewhere you know they’ll love, and join in the oceanic fun at SeaWorld. The park allows service members and three of their direct dependents one free day a year. They also offer discounted rates to become a Pass Member.
*Parking is not included in the free admission.
Photo from San Diego Zoo Safari Park Facebook Page
2) San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo offers active duty military free admission to the zoo and Safari Park with an ID. Spouses and other dependents are not eligible for free admission. However, they qualify for a discounted rate.
Visit an Information, Travel, and Tickets (ITT) office on base or a ticket box at the zoo.
3) Del Mar Racetrack
Head out for a little fun at the Del Mar Racetrack where the whole family enjoys free admission to Stretch Run with a valid military ID.
4) San Diego Air and Space Museum
Explore the San Diego Air and Space Museum to learn more about the history of space technology. To make things more interesting, hop in a max flight simulator and see what it’s like to fly an aircraft yourself.
Admission is always free for active duty military and children two and under. Kids ages three to eleven are $17.
The museum also participates in Balboa Resident Free Days. Each Tuesday of the month, specific museums offer free admission (with some exceptions) with proof of residency.
First Tuesday:
- Fleet Science Center
- San Diego Natural History Museum
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Second Tuesday:
- San Diego Air and Space Museum
- The Veterans Museum
- Comic-Con Museum
Third Tuesday:
- San Diego Museum of Art
- Japanese Friendship Garden
- Mingei International Museum
- The Old Globe
Fourth Tuesday:
- San Diego Automotive Museum
- Museum of Us
Photo from Canva
5) USS Midway Museum
Get up close and personal with the Navy’s longest-serving aircraft carrier, the USS Midway, and over thirty restored naval aircraft. Grab a coffee at the cafe and explore this incredible piece of history. Admission is free for active-duty service members, reservists, and children under three. Discounted tickets are available for dependents and veterans.
Although they aren’t free, it's worth mentioning a handful of attractions that offer a military discount in the San Diego area:
- Legoland
- Disneyland
- Birch Aquarium
San Diego Outdoor Adventures
Southern California is a beautiful area with fun hikes and scenic views you have to see while you’re here.
Photo from Canva
6) Potato Chip Rock
They say you can’t get too many pictures of Potato Chip Rock—"they’re" probably right! Hike up Mt. Woodson to see this incredibly shaped rock. This scenic spot is free, but you might have to wait a while for your turn behind a camera.
7) Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Escape the city bustle and explore the San Diego terrain in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Hike the trails, have a picnic lunch, and then head down to the beach for a relaxing finish to your fun day.
Photo from Canva
8) Balboa Park
This historic San Diego park is home to a handful of museums, restaurants, and local shops. But it’s also home to beautiful gardens and hiking trails that are a must for your outdoor-loving family.
9) Botanic Garden
Admission is free for active-duty service members and their families, so check out the San Diego Botanic Garden and enjoy the gorgeous themed gardens year round.
10) Old Town San Diego
Discover the birthplace of California and join in the festive culture through authentic food, shops, and costumes.
San Diego Events
Coming together for local events is one of the best ways to feel part of the community. Whether you’re participating in them or want to enjoy the show, become part of the San Diego fun and take advantage of these free events.
11) Big Bay Boom
If you’re in the San Diego area during the 4th of July, don’t miss the Big Bay Boom celebration. Watch the fireworks from:
- Shelter Island
- Harbor Island
- North Embarcadero
- Marina District
- Coronado Ferry Landing
12) Supergirl Surf Pro
Photo from Super Girl Surf Pro Facebook
This event is the largest all-female surfing competition in the world, with over 100 top female surfers show competing in the Super Girl Surf Pro. It’s a three-day event in September filled with incredible entertainment, food, and vendors. If you’re around for it, head up to Oceanside and catch the excitement.
13) 42nd Annual World Bodysurfing Championships in Oceanside
Head a few miles north of San Diego to see 350-400 bodysurfers from around the world compete in Oceanside in the Annual World Bodysurfing Championships. This event usually takes place in August.
For more events in San Diego, check out the city’s official event calendar.
San Diego Beaches
A visit to the beach might be what you’re most looking forward to in San Diego. Lucky for you, the stretches of sand overlooking the glistening water are free to all!
14) La Jolla Shores Beach
Photo from Canva
La Jolla Shores Beach is a mile-long stretch of sandy beach in La Jolla, “the jewel” of San Diego. What makes it even better is that it parallels Kellogg Park, a beautiful grassy area with a playground for kids to run and play.
15) Mission Bay
Covering over 4,600 acres of land and water, Mission Bay Park is the largest park of its kind, with over nineteen miles of sandy beaches.
Families come here to water ski, sail, row, kayak, and swim because the water is much calmer than the open ocean. Beyond the water, you'll find ample spots to picnic and playgrounds for kids to burn energy.
16) Hotel Del Coronado
Photo from Hotel Del Coronado Facebook
Although an overnight stay at the Del is expensive, a walk around Coronado Beach isn't. And it's here that you'll witness some of the most elaborate sand castles.
If you’re looking for fewer crowds and ample parking, be sure to check out a few military beaches in San Diego:
- Breakers Beach
Coronado Naval Amphibious Base:
- Coronado Beach
- MCCS Del Mar Beach
- MCCS San Onofre Beach
San Diego is playful and filled with opportunities to make family memories. Don't waste time working through your San Diego bucket list. And, if you're looking for expert tips for the area, click below to download MilitaryByOwner's free guide to San Diego!
