TIPS
Local know-how for San Diego — where to go, what it costs, what trips people up — checked against the agency, the dataset or the law that decides it, and dated so you can see how fresh it is.
21 tips · showing 1–15
USS Midway Museum tips: 2026 tickets, parking and how long to allow
The Midway is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 910 N. Harbor Dr. Adults pay $39 online, veterans $26, active duty free. Allow 4 to 5 hours, arrive early for the $20 Navy Pier lot or take the trolley.
Adult ticket$39 online
Fleet Week San Diego 2026: dates, free ship tours and what to know
Fleet Week runs November 6-15, 2026, at Broadway Pier downtown. When the Navy sends ships, tours are free and first come, first served: bring photo ID and closed-toe shoes. A 2025 shutdown canceled them, so check first.
DatesNov 6-15, 2026
MCRD San Diego graduation guide: Family Day, Gate 5, ID rules and the schedule
Enter at Gate 5, 2200 W Washington St, from 6:30 a.m. Thursday's Family Day starts with the 8:15 a.m. Motivational Run, then liberty on the depot until 5:30 p.m. Friday's ceremony runs 10 to 11:30 a.m. Adults need REAL ID.
Visitor gateGate 5
Military discounts at San Diego attractions in 2026: what is actually confirmed
Active-duty troops get in free at SeaWorld (through Dec 31, 2026), the Zoo, Safari Park and USS Midway. LEGOLAND, Birch Aquarium, the Padres and Cabrillo offer discounts or free passes. Base ITT offices sell the rest.
SeaWorld free visitThru Dec 31, 2026
Things to do after Marine graduation in San Diego, and what new Marines can and can't do
Family Day liberty stays on the depot. After Friday's ceremony, Marines start 10 days of leave on their orders. Nearby: Liberty Station, Old Town, Shelter Island, Cabrillo, the USS Midway (free for active duty), Seaport Village and OB.
Family Day libertyOn depot
Navy homecoming in San Diego: which pier, who gets on base, and where to watch
Surface ships return to Naval Base San Diego, carriers to NAS North Island, subs to Naval Base Point Loma. Families need command sponsorship and base access. No pass? Watch from Shelter Island, Cabrillo or the Midway.
CarriersNAS North Island
Hotels near MCRD San Diego for graduation: 12 picks by area
Closest: Liberty Station's Homewood Suites, Courtyard, Hampton Inn and TownePlace; Harbor Island's Sheraton and Hilton; Old Town Inn and Western Inn for budget and Marine-family rates; Shelter Island for a splurge.
Closest listed0.7 mi
California taxes for military in San Diego: who pays, who doesn't
Stationed here but legally a resident of another state? California doesn't tax your military pay, and your spouse can usually keep your state too. California residents pay on military pay earned here. Retirees can exclude up to $20,000.
Nonresident military payNot taxed
Jet noise from MCAS Miramar: which neighborhoods hear it, and what a buyer is told
Miramar's jets land from the east and mostly take off west toward the ocean, so Mira Mesa, Sorrento Valley and University City hear the most departures. The 65 dB contour reaches about 2 miles northwest of the base.
Flight directionWestbound, almost always
Living near Camp Pendleton: which gate, which town, and what rent costs in 2026
Oceanside and Carlsbad are closest to the Main Gate, Vista and Fallbrook sit inland, San Clemente uses the north gates, and Temecula and Murrieta rent for less but sit about 32 to 37 miles from the Main Gate.
Main Gate24/7
Living near MCAS Miramar: neighborhoods, gates and 2026 rents compared
Mira Mesa, Kearny Mesa and Tierrasanta are the shortest drives to Miramar's 24-hour Main Gate off I-15. Scripps Ranch, University City and Clairemont cost more or drive farther, and Santee and Poway trade distance for space.
Main Gate24/7
Living near NAS North Island and Naval Amphibious Base Coronado
Coronado is closest but has the county's top rents. Imperial Beach is cheaper via the Silver Strand. Chula Vista, Point Loma, OB and downtown mean crossing the Coronado bridge. No Navy ferry; a public one runs free commuter trips.
Coronado 2BR FMR$4,230
Living near Naval Base Point Loma: gates, neighborhoods and 2026 rents
Point Loma, Liberty Station and Ocean Beach put you 3 to 5 miles from Gate 6 on Rosecrans. Old Town and Mission Hills suit the NAVWAR Old Town Campus, and Clairemont trades a longer drive for lower rent.
Gate 6 (Main Gate)24/7
Living near Naval Base San Diego (32nd Street): 6 neighborhoods compared
National City is closest and cheapest, Chula Vista and Bonita trade distance for space, Barrio Logan and downtown are close but costly or industrial, La Mesa and Spring Valley go inland, Imperial Beach is coastal.
Main gateGate 6
Military clause in a California lease: how to break a lease with PCS orders
Under the SCRA you can end a lease for PCS orders or a 90+ day deployment by giving written notice and a copy of your orders. A monthly lease ends 30 days after the next rent due date, with no early termination fee.
Orders threshold90+ days
