As the summer crowds thin and the perfect San Diego weather settles into its autumn rhythm, there’s no better time to explore the military heritage that has shaped America’s Finest City for over a century. This fall, as we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversaries of both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, these five destinations offer the perfect blend of history, honor, and the stunning scenery that makes San Diego special.
The hallowed grounds of MCRD San Diego have been transforming civilians into Marines since 1921, making it one of the oldest military installations on the West Coast. While access is limited, the MCRD Command Museum offers fascinating glimpses into Marine Corps history and the unique role San Diego has played in training America’s finest. Fall visitors can often catch sight of recruits in training during the cooler morning hours, a powerful reminder that this isn’t just a historic site, it’s a living, breathing institution that continues the legacy begun over a century ago. The museum showcases artifacts from the early days under General Joseph Pendleton, the installation’s first commanding officer, whose vision helped establish San Diego as a Marine Corps stronghold.
Perfect for: Understanding the living history of Marine Corps training and San Diego’s military heritage.
The USS Midway isn’t just a museum, it’s a floating city that once called San Diego home for 47 years. This aircraft carrier represents the evolution of naval aviation that began right here in San Diego Bay when Theodore “Spuds” Ellyson, the Navy’s first aviator, took to the skies from nearby North Island. Fall weather makes the flight deck particularly enjoyable for exploring, with comfortable temperatures perfect for listening to the audio tour narrated by Midway veterans themselves. The restored aircraft on deck tell the story of how San Diego became the birthplace of naval aviation, a legacy that continues today with active carrier operations just across the bay.
Perfect for: Interactive history experiences and stunning views of San Diego’s active naval operations.
While the base itself requires authorized access, the public areas around Naval Air Station North Island offer incredible views of where naval aviation was born. Coronado Beach provides the perfect vantage point to watch modern aircraft operations at the same location where Ellyson made his historic flights over a century ago. The fall season brings some of the clearest viewing conditions, making it easier to spot the various aircraft that call North Island home. From the Coronado Bridge or nearby Tidelands Park, visitors can appreciate the scale of operations that began with a handful of pioneering aviators and has grown into one of the Navy’s most important installations.
Perfect for: Photography enthusiasts and aviation lovers wanting to connect past and present.
Often overlooked among Balboa Park’s many attractions, the Veterans Museum offers an intimate look at San Diego’s military story through personal artifacts and compelling exhibits. The museum’s strength lies in its local focus, many displays feature San Diego-based units and the personal stories of veterans who chose to make this city their home after service. Fall is an ideal time to visit Balboa Park, with perfect weather for combining your museum visit with a stroll through the park’s gardens and other cultural attractions. The Veterans Museum provides crucial context for understanding why so many service members have deep roots in San Diego, creating the multigenerational military families that define much of the city’s character.
Perfect for: Personal stories and understanding the human side of San Diego’s military heritage.
The summit of Mt. Soledad offers one of San Diego’s most complete military heritage experiences. Located within the City of San Diego’s Mt. Soledad Natural Park, this elevated vantage point provides breathtaking 360-degree views that encompass the full scope of the region’s military presence. From 822 feet above sea level, visitors can take in panoramic views that stretch from the naval installations of San Diego Bay to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to the east, and on clear days, even glimpse Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton to the north. The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, situated within this natural park setting, honors over 5,000 veterans from all conflicts and branches of service with stories etched in black granite walls.
Fall is the ideal time to visit, the morning marine layer clears earlier, revealing crystal-clear views of the naval installations below that have been defending our nation since 1916. Walk among the memorial walls and you’ll discover stories of sailors who trained at Naval Air Station North Island and Marines who earned their title at MCRD San Diego, all while taking in views of the active installations that continue this legacy today.
Perfect for: Sweeping views of San Diego’s military landscape and quiet reflection among the memorial walls with stunning photography opportunities as the autumn light illuminates both the granite memorials and the military installations beyond.
As we approach Veterans Day 2025 and the historic 250th anniversaries of the Navy and Marine Corps, these locations take on added significance. They represent not just tourist destinations, but touchstones to the enduring relationship between San Diego and the military services that have called it home for generations. Whether you’re a veteran, a military family member, or simply someone who appreciates the rich history that has shaped Southern California, these five destinations offer meaningful ways to connect with the legacy that continues to define America’s Finest City.
Plan your visits for weekday mornings when possible, you’ll find smaller crowds, better parking, and often clearer views of the harbor and installations that remain active parts of our nation’s defense. This fall, take time to explore the places where history was made and continues to unfold every day.
Ready to explore San Diego’s military heritage? Start your journey at Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, where the stories of all who served are honored against the backdrop of the installations that have defended our nation for over a century.
