The city of Los Angeles honors our nation's military members all year round, from special events to discounts at a variety of L.A. area attractions. In addition, there are a number of military-themed museums that delve into the history of several wars.
Members of the military can find additional information on discounts and great rates at the Los Angeles Air Force Base, Force Support Squadron, which has special military discounts to attractions, movie theaters, shows and entertainment venues. Ticket prices may vary depending on event date. Valid ID is required, whether you get your tickets from the base or go directly to the venue or attraction.
Fort MacArthur Inn is the lodging operation for Los Angeles AFB. Located in San Pedro, the inn welcomes all active military members visiting L.A. The inn has 72 non-smoking rooms and two pet-friendly units. For reservations, call 310.653.8296.
Veterans Day Events
VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY - BATTLESHIP IOWA (NOV. 11, 2018)
Co-hosted by Black Knight Patrol and Bob Hope USO, the third annual Veterans Appreciation Day is taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. aboard Battleship IOWA. Highlights include:
- Centennial Anniversary of the End of World War I (Armistice Day)
- Honoring San Pedro’s Veterans Heroes with plaque and unveiling of the memorial
- Free admission for Active, Retired and Reserve Military
- Live bands and DJ
- Free food sponsored by Black Knight Patrol
- Vintage vehicles
- Bell ringing, wreath and 5″ gun salute to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, sponsored by American Legion
LA ANIMAL SERVICES (NOV. 9-11, 2018)
The Los Angeles Department of Animal Services is one of the largest municipal shelter systems in the United States with six shelters serving approximately 60,000 animals annually and responding to 20,000 emergency calls involving an animal or person in danger. To honor our US Veterans and to commemorate Veterans Day, LA Animal Services will be reducing adoption fees from Friday through Sunday, Nov. 9-11. Adoption fees on dogs, cats, puppies and kittens will be waived for military (must show proof of service). For civilians, they’ll be waiving dog and cat adoption fees and offering half-off puppy and kitten adoption fees.
While the dog adoption fees are waived, there will be a $20 dog license fee applied for City of L.A. residents. The animal services centers are filled to the brim with hundreds of amazing dogs and cats of all sizes, ages, colors, hair length and breeds. Pets are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped before going home with you. LA City Animal Shelter locations can be found online at laanimalservices.com/shelters.
VETERANS DAY BATTING PRACTICE AT DODGER STADIUM (NOV. 12, 2018)
On Monday, November 12 the Los Angeles Dodgers will host 400 pre-selected veterans, active duty service members and their families for batting practice and lunch at Dodger Stadium from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dodger third baseman Justin Turner, whose foundation supports veterans housing and military programing, will join Dodger alumni Ron Cey, Steve Yeager, Billy Ashley and Dennis Powell at the event. Service members will have the opportunity to take batting practice on the field as well as enjoy a behind-the-scenes Dodger Stadium tour. Service members will receive family photos courtesy of Blue Prints, a Dodgers/Veterans Day t-shirt, and lunch in the Lexus Dugout Club. The Dodgers’ 2018 National League Championship trophy will be on display for photo ops.
VETERANS DAY COMMEMORATION - REAGAN LIBRARY (NOV. 12, 2018)
To honor the men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is hosting its annual Veterans Day Commemoration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 12. The day’s activities include live musical entertainment, a Civil War encampment, a military vehicle display, and a program honoring all branches of our military.
The program, which begins at 11:00 a.m., includes an honor guard, live music, and remarks by keynote speaker Hershel “Woody” Williams, who enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Battle of Iwo Jima with the 21st Marines, 3rd Marine Division. Williams’ actions, commitment to his fellow service members, and heroism were recognized on Oct. 5, 1945, when he received the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Truman at the White House. Williams is the sole surviving Marine from WWII to wear the Medal of Honor.
Outdoor events and the program and documentary screening are free to attend - reservations are recommended to attend the program. Museum admission rates apply to visit the Reagan Museum, Air Force One Pavilion, and the special exhibits, Pompeii and An American Christmas. Veterans with valid ID will receive free admission to the museum on Nov. 11-12. Active U.S. military members with valid ID are always free.
AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC (NOV. 11, 2018)
On Veterans Day, the Aquarium of the Pacific is offering free admission to veterans and military personnel with service I.D. The aquarium is open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily except on Christmas Day and the weekend of the Grand Prix of Long Beach.
NATIONAL PARKS (NOV. 11, 2018)
On Veterans Day, entrance fees to more than 100 National Parks will be waived for veterans. Fee waiver includes entrance fees, commercial tour fees and transportation entrance fees.
Free Meals on Veterans Day
On Veterans Day, popular restaurant chains throughout L.A. are offering free and discounted meals to veterans and active military. Read More →
MILITARY DISCOUNTS
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
Universal Studios Hollywood offers discounted admission options to active and retired U.S. military personnel all year long. Eligible members include DOD personnel, National Guard, Reservists and their dependents. Tickets for these specially priced offers must be purchased in advance and can only be obtained at participating MWR/ITT offices throughout the United States. These special military rates are not available at the Universal Studios Hollywood box office. A military or U.S. Government I.D. is required for purchase. Visit your local base MWR/ITT ticket office to purchase your tickets, or order your tickets by contacting Commander, Navy Region, Southwest at 619.767.6000. Your tickets will arrive via U.S. mail within 7 business days. Overnight service is available for a nominal fee.
If you don't pre-purchase your tickets before arriving to the park, you're still eligible for a discount. Eligible members include active and retired U.S. Military, DOD personnel, National Guard, Reservists and their dependents. Present your valid Military or U.S. Government ID at the ticket booth in order to receive your discount. You will receive a $3 discount off General Admission tickets and $3 off 48” and below tickets. Blackout dates apply. For more information, visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com/military.
CITADEL OUTLETS
Located 10 minutes south of Downtown L.A., Citadel Outlets features 130 brand name stores offering 30-70% off retail prices. Several stores offer discounts on entire purchases to military personnel with proper ID, including Converse, Levi's, Nike, Old Navy and more. For the complete list, visit www.citadeloutlets.com/military-discounts.
GRAMMY MUSEUM
Located at L.A. LIVE in Downtown L.A., the GRAMMY Museum is an exciting and interactive celebration of the power of music. Four floors of cutting edge exhibits, interactive experiences and films provide a one-of-a-kind visitor experience.The GRAMMY Museum offers $2 off admission to military members who present a military ID.
LOS ANGELES ZOO
The Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens offers a discount to active and retired military personnel and their immediate family (spouse and children). Present a valid military ID at the time of ticket purchase, and receive $3 off a regular adult admission and $2 off a regular child admission (ages 2-12). This ticket discount can’t be combined with any other discount offer.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
The Los Angeles Dodgers offer specially priced tickets throughout the regular season. Tickets are available on the day of game only, and are subject to availability. Limited to 1-star, 2-star, and 3-star games. Tickets may be purchased at any ticket booth, two hours prior to game time until 60 minutes after the first pitch, with proper military ID. Valid for up to four (4) tickets per ID.
LOS ANGELES KINGS - SEATS FOR SOLDIERS (NOV. 9, 2018)
With the Seats for Soldiers program, when you buy tickets to the game at STAPLES Center on Friday, Nov. 9 the L.A. Kings will match tickets to the U.S. military.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) offers free admission to active or retired military personnel with ID all year. Free admission does not apply to specially ticketed exhibits.
SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN & HURRICANE HARBOR
Six Flags Magic Mountain (aka the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World”) and the adjacent Six Flags Hurricane Harbor offer military appreciation days where military members receive free admission. Days vary by park and season. Tickets are available at discounted prices on military bases and installations through the MWR or ITT recreation offices. Quantities are unlimited with a valid military or DoD ID. NOTE: Discounted tickets are not available at the parks.
Transportation
Metrolink offers active military a 10% discount off One-Way and Round-Trip tickets. Please present a valid Common Access Card (CAC) with “Active Duty” printed on the front to the fare inspector upon request.
All aboard Amtrak for a 10% active-duty US military personnel discount. This applies to spouses and dependents as well. The discount is valid on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains, including for travel on the Auto Train. You must present a valid, active-duty military United States Armed Forces identification card. Certain restrictions apply, for more info visit www.amtrak.com/military-discounts.
Military Museums & Monuments
Permanently docked at Berth 87 in the Port of Los Angeles, the famed Battleship IOWA is a floating museum that welcomes visitors from around the world to tour the great ship and learn about its legacy as one of the fastest and most powerful ships that ever sailed the world’s oceans.
The Wende Museum’s extensive collection of Cold War-era artworks and artifacts explores the history of East Germany and the Soviet Union from 1945–1991. Free admission.
The Fort MacArthur Museum houses displays and exhibits depicting the role of Los Angeles as a military port for the Army and Navy. Open noon – 5 p.m. Tues., Thurs. and weekends. Free admission but donations are suggested. Every summer, the museum presents Old Fort MacArthur Days, the west's largest continually running re-enactment and living history timeline event.
Docked at Berth 94 in San Pedro, the S.S. Lane Victory serves as a living museum and memorial to the service and services of all Merchant Marine sailors and Navy Armed Guardsmen. Built in 1945, the vessel served during World War II, The Korean War, and the Vietnam War. $5 adults, $2 children.
The Go for Broke National Monument in Little Tokyo honors the Japanese American soldiers who fought in Europe and the Pacific during WWII. Another monument is located at Evergreen Cemetery in Boyle Heights.