Nearby places

Planning a Visit with Service and Veteran History in Mind

San Diego has been shaped by the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard for more than a century, and many of the places listed above carry that history openly. Grouping them by neighborhood makes a day out easier, whether you are a veteran showing family where you served, a newly arrived service member getting your bearings, or a visitor interested in the city's military past.

Downtown and the waterfront

The USS Midway Museum sits on the Embarcadero, where the retired aircraft carrier is open as a museum. Allow several hours, wear comfortable shoes for ladders and flight-deck walking, and check the museum's official site for current hours and ticket options. From the same stretch of waterfront, ferries cross the bay to the Coronado Ferry Landing, a relaxed way to see the harbor and the naval presence around it without driving over the bridge.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is home to both the Veterans Museum and the San Diego War Memorial Building, so it pairs well with an unhurried museum morning. Many of the park's buildings date from early twentieth-century expositions, and the park itself was used by the military during the Second World War. Parking near El Prado fills quickly on weekends, so arriving early or using public transit helps.

Point Loma and Liberty Station

Liberty Station occupies the former Naval Training Center San Diego, now converted into shops, restaurants, galleries and open green space while keeping many of its historic buildings. Further out on the Point Loma peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument offers sweeping views over the harbor entrance and the surrounding naval installations; it is run by the National Park Service, which has its own entrance policies and passes worth checking before you go.

Practical tips

• Ask about military and veteran discounts, but confirm current terms directly, as policies change.
• Bring ID such as a military, retiree or VA card if you plan to request a discount.
• Check accessibility details in advance, particularly for ships and historic buildings.

For support beyond sightseeing, browse our resources and community pages for local groups and services.