Veterans honored at the City of Pasadena’s 2022 Veterans Day Observances, November 11, 2022. [Photo by Paul Takizawa / Pasadena Now]
County records show at least a dozen participating locations offering free or discounted admission to qualifying military personnel who present valid military identification, providing veterans access to attractions that typically charge $15 to $50 per person.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County offers free daily admission for active or retired United States military with valid ID at its 900 Exposition Boulevard location. Veterans can visit from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, with access to the Age of Mammals, Dinosaur Hall, and Gem and Mineral Hall exhibitions, though parking costs $12.
Similarly, the La Brea Tar Pits Museum at 5801 Wilshire Boulevard provides free admission for veterans with military ID from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., allowing access to the active Ice Age excavation site and fossil specimens from the last 50,000 years.
The Autry Museum of the American West extends free admission for active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Located at 4700 Western Heritage Way in Griffith Park, the museum operates Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum features world-class galleries with Native American art, film memorabilia, historic firearms, and interactive areas.
Three major botanical facilities offer free summer admission for military veterans with valid ID from Memorial Day through Labor Day through the County’s Botanic Garden Access Programs: the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia (301 N Baldwin Ave.), Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge (1418 Descanso Dr.), and South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes Estates (26300 Crenshaw Blvd.).
Six Flags Magic Mountain provides free admission for military personnel during Memorial Day Weekend with valid US Military ID presented at the front gate, while family and friends can save 64% online for up to six tickets through today. The theme park requires registration with ID.me for online discounts but accepts military ID directly at the gate for free admission.
Perkins American Food Co. locations countywide offer free Magnificent Seven Breakfast — two eggs, two strips of Applewood smoked bacon, and three buttermilk pancakes — for military personnel presenting valid military ID all day at participating locations, limited to one meal per qualifying guest.
California State Parks waive admission fees today for veterans, active duty, and reserve military members who show valid military ID or proof of discharge other than dishonorable or bad conduct at participating locations throughout the region.
Veterans with California State Parks Distinguished Veteran Pass receive free vehicle entrance, camping, and boating at Castaic Lake and Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. The County operates eight regional parks total, with vehicles displaying Veterans Special Plates issued by California exempt from entry fees on Veterans Day and weekdays at six regional parks including Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area, and Peter F. Schabarum Regional County Park.
Veterans should bring valid military identification to access these benefits and may want to call ahead to confirm participation at specific locations, as program details can change without notice.
