Veterans Day 2026 in San Diego: the parade, ceremonies and free admission

San Diego is a Navy and Marine Corps town, and Veterans Day here is a full day rather than a single ceremony. In 2026 it falls on a Wednesday. Here's the schedule, the free admission that comes with it and the fine print.

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Events

1. 1County Administration Center (parade start) — 1600 Pacific Hwy; parade 10 a.m.
2. 4Miramar National Cemetery — 5795 Nobel Dr; ceremony 4 p.m.
3. 5Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial — Ceremony Sat Nov 7, 11 a.m.

Free entry

1. 2USS Midway Museum — Veterans + 1 guest free all November
2. 3Cabrillo National Monument — Free Nov 11 for U.S. residents

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The parade

The parade starts at the County Administration Center on Pacific Highway and runs along the downtown waterfront by the USS Midway, from 10 to about 11:30 a.m. This year's theme honors the 35th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm. It's free and family-friendly; the waterfront near the Midway is the easiest place to watch. Take the Trolley to the County Center/Little Italy or Santa Fe Depot stops rather than hunting for parking.

The ceremonies

Miramar National Cemetery's ceremony, "A Salute to Special Operations," runs from 4 to 5 p.m. on November 11 at 5795 Nobel Drive, free and open to the public, with retired Navy SEAL Capt. Brian Cunningham as keynote speaker. Mt. Soledad's ceremony is held the Saturday before, November 7, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with live music afterward.

Making a day of it? Read our USS Midway tips and the Cabrillo National Monument guide. More dates in November 2026 in San Diego.