With our strong military history here in San Diego, you probably shouldn’t be surprised at all the ways you can celebrate during a Veterans Day getaway to California, but you may be. Visitors often underestimate our coastal town, unaware that we offer more than fantastic weather, views, and the oceans that has drawn people to our shores for centuries, and today, we at Vacation Rentals by Kimberly want to share the secrets of Veterans Day in San Diego, CA. We also want to share the secrets that aren’t secrets of why our homes are some of the most rented escapes in the state, offering a peek into their comfort, luxury, and style.
Free Admission Is a Good Thing
We love how local businesses, restaurants, and museums offer free entry to all veterans and although the list is a lot longer than you could dream possible, the ones below are some of our favorite places to visit for free on Veterans Day.
Whaley House Museum, 2476 San Diego Avenue
The Whaley House, built in 1857, is Southern California’s oldest brick structure and is also known to be one of the more haunted spots in town. Offering both day and evening tours, veterans can get in free on the holiday, while all others must pay $13 to $18, or $94 if you want to join in on an after-hours paranormal investigation.
Old Town Trolley Tours, 4010 Twiggs Street
The best way to get to know the town or city you are visiting is by taking local tours, learning about the area, and deciding which areas you are interested in enough to return to and explore in more depth. First-time visitors may want to sign up for an Old Town Trolley Tour, offering hop on/hop off tours, and again, if you are a veteran, it won’t cost you a thing on Veterans Day!
SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive
Their Red, White, & Blue Salute offers a day filled with events and activities created to pay homage to our heroes in uniform, and not only will veterans be admitted free, up to two guests can join in on this fantastic deal!
Meaningful Ceremonies
Free things are always great, but you may want to celebrate veterans by attending the meaningful, moving, and fun ceremonies we have listed below.
Salute to Service Veterans Day Celebration on the USS Midway, 910 N Harbor Drive
A former World War II aircraft has been reimagined into a museum offering a variety of exhibits that are sure to thrill all who climb aboard. The USS Midway also offers its Salute to Service Veterans Day Celebration as well as free admittance for veterans. The celebration will include kid’s activities, live music, games, and free food & drink.
Veterans Day Ceremony on Mt. Soledad
The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is the location of this moving ceremony that pays homage to veterans of the Korean War, their families, and those reported missing in action.
Annual Veterans Day Parade and Vet Fest, North County
Oh, how we love a parade, and the Annual Veterans Day Parade and Vet Fest in North County adds luster to the holiday. Offering a ceremony, lunch, kids’ zone, and military exhibits and services, lunch is free for veterans.
Veterans Day Boat Parade, Viewable from Multiple Locations
As much as we already love a parade, in San Diego a boat parade is even better, and the Veterans Day Boat Parade viewable from multiple locations including Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Seaport Village, and Coronado’s Tideland Park. Everyone is invited to watch the procession of boats decorated to pay homage to the veterans glide by.
Military Family Day at Broadway Pier
Offering kids’ activities, robots, military vehicle, live music, armaments, and food, this day long festival may be your favorite, celebrating our military heroes and their families that support them!
Celebrating Comfortably with Vacation Rentals by Kimberly
Whether you choose to explore all the fun San Diego CA Veterans Day activities or decide to stay home and relax, savoring this bonus day off while reveling in the luxuries that surround you, your California celebrations will be ones you remember for a lifetime. All roads lead home to our holiday hideaways where some of your most comfortable adventures will take place. Maybe the space you choose to make your own will offer a close proximity to the beaches you have always dreamed about and you will spend your days frolicking in the surf, building sandcastles, or relaxing under a colorful umbrella as the sun smiles down on your adventures. Maybe you will rent a home with a private pool, honoring veterans with a family barbecue/pool party that will carry on under the night sky.
No matter how you choose to celebrate at home in our holiday havens, your Veterans Day getaway will be one you never forget. Reserve your favorite retreat today!