San Diego Memorial Day 2024 Complete Guide To Free Activities Military Discounts And Special Offers

Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military, and San Diego offers numerous ways to commemorate the holiday while enjoying special deals and free activities. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Memorial Day freebies, discounts, and special offers available in San Diego, with particular focus on benefits for military members and their families.

Memorial Day Ceremonials and Memorials

San Diego County hosts several Memorial Day ceremonies and memorial sites that are free to visit. These locations provide opportunities to honor and remember service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The Mt Soledad Veterans Memorial, located at 6905 La Jolla Scenic Dr S, La Jolla, CA 92037, sits atop Soledad Mountain and offers panoramic views of San Diego County. The memorial features a 43-foot cross originally dedicated to Korean War veterans and black granite plaques honoring individual veterans. Admission to this memorial is free and it serves as a meaningful place to reflect on Memorial Day.

The Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in Balboa Park, situated at 2115 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104, honors all men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The museum displays historical artifacts, documents, memorabilia, and artwork from the Civil War through Desert Storm. Active-duty military personnel receive free admission, while veterans receive a $1 discount. 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 program.

The Port of San Diego showcases an inspiring collection of military heritage artworks known as the "Greatest Generation Collection" along its Embarcadero, offering another free opportunity to appreciate military history.

Free Museum Access for Military and Veterans

San Diego's strong military presence is reflected in the numerous museums and attractions offering complimentary admission to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families.

The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park provides free admission to active-duty service personnel and their families with valid military ID. Located at 2115 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, this museum occupies the former home of the San Diego Naval Hospital's chapel, making the building itself part of the historical experience.

The San Diego Air & Space Museum offers exhibits focused on aviation and exploration. While specific military discounts aren't detailed in the provided information, the museum is part of San Diego's network of military-friendly attractions.

Beyond San Diego, the Blue Star Museums program offers free admission to active duty military personnel and their families at more than 2,000 museums across the United States, including many in California.

Restaurant Specials and Food Deals

Numerous San Diego restaurants offer Memorial Day specials, military discounts, and unique dining opportunities to celebrate the holiday weekend.

Applebee's provides a movie ticket promotion where customers spending $25 or more in one transaction receive a free ticket to "Top Gun: Maverick" in theaters, while spending $50 or more earns two free tickets. This offer is valid for both dine-in and takeout orders.

Long John Silver's offers a 20% military discount on Memorial Day to those with valid ID. On other days, the restaurant provides a 10% discount as a thank you to military service members. Additional deals through May 31 include $2 off any variety platter and $5 off any family meal of 8 pieces or more, requiring coupons available on their website.

Marco's Pizza offers a Memorial Day Weekend promotion, providing 20% off any pizza when using code MEM20. The special applies to orders via the chain's app or online, with options including All Meat, Deluxe, Garden, Hawaiian Chicken, Pepperoni Magnifico, and White Cheezy pizzas.

Morton's The Steakhouse will serve a prix-fixe menu, priced at $65 per person, which includes a starter, choice of entree (filet mignon, pork chop, shrimp scampi, salmon, chicken, or lobster ravioli), and dessert. The restaurant also offers "Chef's Table" grill kits for takeout.

Outback Steakhouse provides a 10% "Heroes Discount" for military veterans and active-duty personnel with valid ID. This year-round offer also extends to nurses, doctors, medical staff, police, firefighters, and first responders with valid identification.

Local establishments also offer unique Memorial Day specials. The Smoking Gun will open early on Memorial Day with a special offering burger, fries, and a glass of Pepsi for just $16.99. Additionally, the venue will have half-price retro arcade game play and happy hour deals including $6 select draft beers, $8 Mai Tais, and $30 Disco Punch Bowls built to share.

Cloak & Petal will feature limited-time Memorial Day specials from Chef Robert Cassidy, including BBQ Spare Ribs with chili crisp hot honey and BBQ potato salad, as well as the Patriot Roll featuring salmon, panko shrimp, chipotle spicy tuna, and torched poblano crème.

Retail and Entertainment Offers

San Diego retailers and entertainment venues provide numerous Memorial Day discounts and special promotions.

AMC, AMC Dine-In, and AMC Classic theaters nationwide offer 25% off matinee tickets before 4 p.m. every day, including Memorial Day, providing an affordable entertainment option.

A San Diego theme park will honor military veterans by offering them and three of their guests free admission during Memorial Day weekend. Veterans can also purchase up to six additional tickets at 50% off and purchase four All-Day Dining Deals for $150, representing a 25% discount from the regular adult price.

For home improvement and decor, Ace Hardware will provide free 8" x 12" American flags to the first 240 customers at each participating store, while supplies last. This offer requires no purchase and is limited to one flag per customer.

Several home brands offer Memorial Day sales: - Brooklyn Bedding: 30% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL30 - McGee & Co.: Up to 25% off sitewide - RoomMates Decor: Up to 20% off sitewide - WallPops: Up to 25% off sitewide

Walmart offers various Memorial Day rollbacks, including 15% off Lasko 20" Classic Box Fan. Amazon features deals from May 19-June 1, though specific products aren't detailed in the provided information.

Outdoor Activities and Park Access

San Diego's outdoor spaces offer numerous Memorial Day opportunities, particularly for military personnel and their families.

California State Parks provides free admission to veterans, active and reserve military members during Memorial Day. The list of participating San Diego area locations includes: - 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

California veterans who are residents with a 50% or greater service-connected disability rating, were held as prisoners of war, or are Medal of Honor recipients may be eligible for the California State Parks Distinguished Veteran Pass. This pass entitles the holder to free use of all basic facilities, including day use, camping, and boating, in California State Parks.

Conclusion

Memorial Day in San Diego offers numerous opportunities to honor service members while enjoying special deals and free activities. From free museum access for military personnel and veterans to restaurant specials, retail discounts, and complimentary park access, the city provides multiple ways to celebrate the holiday. Military families and veterans can particularly benefit from the numerous discounts and complimentary offerings available throughout the weekend. Whether attending a memorial ceremony, enjoying a meal at a participating restaurant, or taking advantage of outdoor activities, San Diego provides meaningful ways to observe Memorial Day while also enjoying special benefits.

Sources

1. San Diego Museum Council - Free and Discount Museum Admission for Veterans and Active Duty Military
2. Patch - Memorial Day Deals & Steals: San Diego-Area Restaurant Guide
3. There San Diego - Memorial Day Specials and Military Discounts from San Diego Businesses
4. Days Inn - Free Things to Do for Military Members This Memorial Weekend
5. NBC Bay Area - Memorial Day Weekend Deals and Freebies You Won't Want to Miss