Salute those who have served in our armed forces by attending these Veterans Day events and attractions. Active duty and retired service members can also take advantage of special offers around San Diego.
LOCAL EVENTS
Annual Veterans Appreciation Dance. Nov. 13, 11:30 am-2:30 pm. Dance lessons: 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Live band: 12-2:30 pm. Free admission for veterans. $5 for non-veterans. First 200 participants are guaranteed lunch. Balboa Park Club Ballroom, 2150 Pan American Rd. West. www.sandiego.gov/event/veterans-day-celebration-balboa-park-club-ballroom
FREE Red, White & Blue Salute. Nov. 8-10. SeaWorld is honored to recognize the sacrifice and bravery of our armed service members with special Veterans Day entertainment and activities. The park will open each day with a flag ceremony and the national anthem, paying tribute to the service and sacrifice of our brave servicemembers. Guests will enjoy special Veterans Day entertainment and activities including a nightly patriotic fireworks show. Former military personnel and up to 3 guests receive complimentary admission to SeaWorld San Diego through Nov. 30. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. Tickets: www.seaworldsandiego.com
San Diego Automotive Museum. All U.S. veterans receive free museum admission plus free admission for up to five guests throughout the month of November. ID is required. Veteran must be present. www.sdautomuseum.org/products/admission
FREE Veterans Day Ceremony. Join Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial's special ceremony celebrating the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. Nov. 8, 11 am. Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, 6905 La Jolla Scenic Dr. S. www.soledadmemorial.org
6th Annual Veterans Day Parade and VetFest. Nov. 11. Parade, 9:30 am. VetFest at 11 am. Veterans Day Ceremony, lunch, sponsor and military displays, veteran services and more. Sign up your school, business or civic group to be in the parade or become a sponsor and help make this the premier Veterans Day event in North County. Parade starts on Broadway and Woodward at Grape Day Park. 230 E Park Ave.., Escondido www.escovetfest.org
FREE Veterans Day Ceremony. Join VFW Post 7907 and the Poway Veterans Park Committee for a special ceremony honoring those who have selflessly served our country. Veterans Park, 14134 Midland Rd., Poway. www.poway.org
FREE Veterans Day Parade. Honoring those who served past and present. 10 am. Harbor Dr., in front of the County Admin Bldg. Details: www.sdvetparade.org
RESTAURANT FREEBIES
Veterans Day Free Meals at APPLEBEE'S. For the 18th consecutive year, Applebee's is offering veterans and Active Duty Military a complimentary meal on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Available at participating locations for dine-in only. Beverage and gratuity not included. Not valid with other coupons or discounts. www.applebees.com/en/veterans-day-free-meals
CHILI'S: All veterans and active duty service members get a free meal on Nov. 11 at participating restaurants. Dine-in only with valid military ID. Beverages and gratuity not included. www.chilis.com/restaurant-events/veterans-day
CLAIM JUMPER STEAKHOUSE & BAR: Vets and active duty military are invited to dine in for a free meal from a select menu on Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day. Beverage not included. www.claimjumper.com/
GOLDEN CORRAL Military Appreciation Night: On Nov. 11, from 4 pm to close, active duty military, retirees, reservists, guardsmen and veterans will receive a free "thank you"meal and drink. Dine-in only. www.goldencorral.com/military-appreciation
RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS: On Nov. 11, veterans and active duty military can enjoy a complimentary Big Tavern Burger when dining in at participating Red Robin locations. Not valid for online or to-go orders. www.redrobin.com/veterans-day
STARBUCKS. Veterans, military service members and their spouses can get a free 12 oz hot or iced brewed coffee on Nov. 11. In addition, Starbucks is donating $200,000, shared evenly, to the USO and Wounded Warrior Project to support Veteran and military communities. https://about.starbucks.com/starbucks-commitment-to-the-military-community
OTHER FREEBIES & Discounts
Wild Wonders November Military Appreciation Tours. All current U.S. military service members and veterans can use code: MILITARY to get $30 off a behind-the-scenes tour at Wild Wonders. Offer valid through Nov. 25. www.wildwonders.org
FREE Admission to The Whaley House and Old Town Trolley Tours. All veterans, active-duty military personnel and first responders receive free admission to Old Town Trolley Tours and Whaley House Museum Daytime Self-Guided Tours from Nov. 9 to 11. For each ticket sold on Veterans Day, $1 will be donated to sponsor a puppy at Patriot Service Dogs which provides veterans with assistance dogs. *Must show current ID card at any Old Town Trolley booth. www.trolleytours.com/san-diego/coupons-promotions
Free Admission to SeaWorld San Diego. Former military personnel and up to three guests can enjoy one-time complimentary admission to SeaWorld San Diego, available for redemption through Nov. 30, 2025. Includes: One free admission for the service member and up to three guests. Veterans can also purchase up to six additional tickets at 50% off. Excludes: Separately-ticketed events. A valid military ID is required for all visits. Dependents over the age of 10 must also provide ID. www.seaworld.com/san-diego/tickets/military-discount-veteran/
Veterans Ride Free at Belmont Park. Veterans enjoy a complimentary Ride & Play wristband on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Redeemable for U.S. Active Duty military, veterans, and National Guard members. Must show valid military I.D. www.govx.com/a/abc7bffb-b14f-486a-ca44-08ddaf47580b/belmont-park
Click here to find meaningful ways that your family can support our veterans during the holidays and all year long. 
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Adrienne Sigeti is the Editorial Assistant at San Diego Family Magazine.
Updated November 2025
