Some of our posts contain affiliate links and we may earn a commission through them.
If you’re lucky enough to be stationed in California, you have a ton of amazing attractions and destinations at your finger tips.
Although COVID restrictions are loosening up, many travelers may still be more interested in road trips then hopping on a plane.
And, because Summer travel can be pricey, here are 8 fun places (some with military discounts) in or around “the Golden State” that you can get to within just a few hours—making for a fun weekend road trip.
Buena Park California
The city of Buena Park is known as the entertainment capital of “Southern California”, and for good reason. It is home to the famous Knottsberry Farm theme park, Porto’s bakery, a local popular Cuban bakery chain and many attractions like Medieval Times and a Pirate themed Dinner show.
Currently Medieval Times and the Pirates Dinner Adventure are closed, but you can still go visit Knottsberry Farms, indulge in lots of shopping, eateries, and make a weekend of it by booking one of their many hotel rooms.
In November and December Buena Parks offers a number of military discounts as a way of thanking our military.
Disneyland
Speaking of Buena Park, just a few minutes down the road is Disneyland. We don’t need to tell you what Disney has to offer! We do want to remind you Disneyland normally offers savings for military on 3 and 4 day park hopper tickets. While it looks like that deal may not be available at the moment due to the park just reopening, we hope it will be available again shortly.
If you purchased a 2020 Military Salute Ticket, the expiration date will be extended through December 16, 2021. Tickets may be used on non-consecutive days.
Great Wolf Lodge Anaheim
Not to far from Disneyland, is Great Wolf Lodge in Anaheim. Let the family enjoy a weekend in this large indoor resort/water park that is heated to 84 degrees year round. Room rates include admission to the water park. Military save 30% off rates.
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo is the most visited zoo in the United States and houses over 12,000 animals. Active Duty military personnel with valid ID receive one FREE day pass to the zoo that includes use of the Africa Tram and guided bus tours. Additionally, dependents and military spouses receive 10% off their one day pass with valid ID.
By the way did you know you can hold your reenlistment ceremony at the zoo at no cost? Read how under the FAQ’s here.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Enjoying thrilling rights and taking backlot tours from your favorite movies and tv shows. Universal Studios Hollywoods offers a range of military discounts to military personnel and their families. This includes retirees, reservists and 100% disabled veterans.
These military discounts are only available at travel offices on military installations and cannot be purchased at the park box office window.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Presidential libraries are full of artifacts from historical moments in history like former POTUS Reagan’s Air-force One plane and a piece of the Berlin Wall. There are thousands of more documents and historical treasures to see as well gifts from former world leaders and replicas of the Oval Office.
Military receive complimentary admission and retirees receive $3 off with valid ID.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Take pictures with very lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities. Madame Tussauds Hollywood offers a military discount of $5 off the price of admission for military members.
Legoland California
Military families that are Lego fans can head on over to Legoland California and receive 10% off their room rate at the Legoland Resort, and receive a free breakfast.
