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
FREE Red, White & Blue Salute. SeaWorld holds the service members of our armed forces in the highest regard and is honored to host them as guests. Nov. 10-12. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. Tickets: www.seaworldsandiego.com
Veterans Day Celebration on the USS Midway. Nov. 11, 10 am–3 pm. Free entry with military ID. 910 N. Harbor Dr. Details: www.midway.org
FREE Veterans Day Ceremony. Thank and honor our nation’s veterans and their families. Nov. 11, 11 am–12 noon. Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, 6905 La Jolla Scenic Dr. S. www.soledadmemorial.org
FREE Veterans Day Flag Raising at The Garden. Thank our local veterans for their bravery and service to our country. Nov. 11, 8 am. Free admission for all. The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr. W., El Cajon. www.thegargen.org
FREE Entrance Days in the National Parks: Veterans Day. All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to all on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm
FREE Veterans Day Ceremony. A ceremony to honor those who selflessly served our country. Nov. 11, 11 am. Veterans Park, 14134 Midland Rd., Poway. www.poway.org
FREE East Village SALUTES! A day of festivities, gratitude and community spirit to honor the armed forces. Nov. 12, 12:30–4:30 pm. Park 12 Luxury Apts., 100 Park Plaza. www.eastvillagesandiego.com
Veterans Day Boat Parade. View the parade from the shore of Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, Seaport Village and Coronado Tidelands Park. The public is invited to San Diego Bay to watch the procession of military-themed decorated boats. Boats of all sizes are invited to salute and honor our active duty and retired service members. Elaborate decorations are encouraged! Nov. 12, 9:30 am. www.fleetweeksandiego.org/veterans-day-boat-parade
Veterans Day Concert. See The Sully Band live in concert on Broadway Pier. More info coming soon! Nov. 12, 2 pm. Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Dr.
FREE East Village SALUTES! A day of festivities, gratitude and community spirit to honor the armed forces. Nov. 12, 12:30–4:30 pm. Park 12 Luxury Apts., 100 Park Plaza. www.eastvillagesandiego.com
RESTAURANT FREEBIES
Veterans Day Free Meals at APPLEBEE'S. For the 16th consecutive year, Applebee's is offering veterans and Active Duty Military a complimentary meal on 11/11. Select from 8 delicious entrées at select Applebee’s across the country (dine-in only). In addition, veterans will also receive a $5 "Bounce Back" card for a future visit within a 3-week redemption window. www.applebees.com/en/veterans-day-free-meals
BLACK ANGUS STEAKHOUSE invites all current and past members of the military to enjoy a free meal on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023 from 12-3 pm. Recipients are asked to bring a photo ID verifying their military service. This deal is not available to go. Visit www.blackangus.com for locations.
Veterans and active duty service members can enjoy a complimentary taco and soft drink at all CALIFORNIA FISH GRILL locations on Saturday, Nov. 11. No purchase necessary. Military ID or uniform required.
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN invites all veterans and active military to enjoy a complimentary meal from a special menu on Nov. 11. Offer good for a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage and choice of one entrée from a prix fixed menu. Plus, everyone in the party will receive a Buy one Get one free, pizza, pasta or salad special offer to come back between Nov. 12 and Nov. 21. Offer valid with military ID, uniform or other proof of service. www.cpk.com/events/veteransday
CHILI'S: Veterans and active duty 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 Mon., Nov. 13 in honor of Veterans Day. More info: www.claimjumper.com/events/veterans-day-observance
DENNY'S: A free, Original Grand Slam will be offered to all active military and veterans on Fri. Nov. 10, from 5 am-12 pm. Dine-in only and military ID or DD214 required. www.dennys.com
EL TORITO MEXICAN RESTAURANT: On Sat., Nov. 11, veterans and active military can enjoy a free, two-item combo meal. Dine-in only with valid military ID. www.eltorito.com
EUREKA!: All active and retired military can enjoy a complimentary "American Cheeseburger" on Nov. 11. No proof needed. Valid all day.
GOLDEN CORRAL: On Mon. Nov. 13, from 5 pm to close, active duty military, retirees, reservists, guardsmen and veterans will receive a free buffet meal and drink. Dine-in only. Disabled American Veterans) will also be on-site to collect donations for the charity.
IHOP: Participating locations will offer a free stack of Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes on Sat. Nov. 11 from 7 am-7 pm. Dine-in only. Military ID or proof of service required. www.ihop.com/en/veterans-day
KRISPY KREME. On Nov. 11, veterans and active military personnel can score a free donut of their choice and a small coffee (hot or iced). No purchase necessary. Valid in-store or at the drive-thru. Limited one per customer.
MENCHIE'S: On Nov. 11, veterans and active-duty military receive their first six ounces of frozen yogurt for free with valid military ID or proof of service at participating stores. www.menchies.com
ON THE BORDER. When you show a valid military ID on Nov. 11, you’ll get a free Combo 2 from their Veterans Day menu.The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations.
OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE: Active and retired military receive a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage with purchase of an adult entree. Offer is for dine-in on Nov. 11. Valid military ID or proof of service required. In addition, vets and military personnel will receive a $10 bonus card that is redeemable from Nov. 12-Dec. 17. www.outback.com/offers/military-mates
RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS: On Nov. 11, veterans and active military can dine in for a free Big Tavern Burger and endless side of steak fries. Not valid for online or to-go orders. https://ir.redrobin.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/671/red-robin-serves-up-free-burgers-and-bottomless-fries-to
SIZZLER: The annual Veterans Day dining deal returns Sat. Nov. 11 with a free lunch for active and former military. The special will be offered from opening until 4 pm with options for a free half dozen, crispy shrimp entree, Malibu chicken entree or tri-tip entree.
STARBUCKS. Veterans, military service members and their spouses can stop by participating Starbucks stores to get a free 12 oz hot or iced brewed coffee on Nov. 11.
Click here to find meaningful ways that your family can support our veterans during the holidays and all year long. 
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Updated November 2023
