Seniors living in San Diego and the surrounding areas have access to a wide range of senior discounts at world-famous attractions, local and nationally owned restaurants, and national retail chains throughout the region, including senior citizen discounts in San Diego county. For older adults, these senior discounts in San Diego can make outings with friends and family, entertainment attractions, and everyday purchases more affordable. At La Jolla Nurses Homecare, we support seniors through our medical and non-medical home care services, keeping them active, social, and engaged in their community. Part of that includes helping families and clients find the best senior discounts in San Diego.
To better help those in our care, we have gathered some of the most sought-after and beneficial senior discounts near you.
What Age Is Senior Citizen in San Diego?
There is no universal age used to describe senior citizens across San Diego County, because each attraction, store, and restaurant has the ability to set its own policies pertaining to senior discount eligibility, which often leads people to ask what age is senior citizen in San Diego. However, most eligible ages for senior discounts fall into these categories:
- 55+ for many national chain restaurants and retail stores offer senior discounts
- 60+ for some grocery and department stores in San Diego
- 62+ or 65+ for major attractions such as museums or theme parks
- 50+ for AARP membership discounts that apply nationwide
Most San Diego businesses that offer senior discounts have their own rules for eligibility. Therefore, we recommend that you contact them before arriving at an establishment to inquire about their specific policies.
Do Seniors Get a Discount at San Diego Zoo?
Yes, there are several senior discounts available at the San Diego Zoo, including:
Senior Wildlife Protector Membership (65+)
The Zoo and Safari Park offer seniors who are 65 and older a discounted membership. There are two memberships to choose from:
- Wildlife Protector Premium – $156.60
- Wildlife Protector 65+ (with Blockout Days) – 134.10
These two membership options for seniors provide unlimited admission, as well as free parking at the Safari Park, guest passes, and other perks that seniors won’t want to miss out on.
Seniors Free Month (Safari Park)
Every February, seniors who are 65 and older will receive free admission to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for the entire month. This discount does not include covering the cost of parking.
The San Diego Zoo does not offer single-day discounted senior tickets throughout the year. Still, the membership discount and free entry for the month of February at the Safari Park are included in some of the best senior discounts in San Diego.
Are There Senior Discounts at SeaWorld in San Diego?
SeaWorld San Diego has historically offered a senior discount on one-day tickets for adults 65+ at the gate, typically a $3 discount off regular-priced tickets.
SeaWorld does not advertise senior pricing for memberships or its passes on its main ticketing page, and discounts have been known to change. However, you can always call and inquire about other senior discounts at SeaWorld San Diego by calling ahead.
Balboa Park Senior Discounts Near You
Balboa Park Cultural District is home to multiple museums and cultural institutions that offer senior discounts in San Diego.
Balboa Park Explorer Pass Senior Discount
If you visit the museums and cultural attractions offered in the Balboa Park Cultural District frequently, or want to visit multiple museums throughout Balboa Park, the Balboa Park Explorer Pass is one of the best senior discounts near you. The standard annual adult pass costs $149, but adults who are 65 and older can purchase it for just $109. This senior discount in San Diego offers significant savings for anyone who enjoys returning to the park’s world-class cultural institutions throughout the year.
The Balboa Park Explorer Pass gives seniors unlimited admission to the following participating Balboa Park museums:
- Centro Cultural de la Raza
- Fleet Science Center
- ICA San Diego – Central Campus
- Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
- Mingei International Museum
- Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art
- Museum of Us
- San Diego Air & Space Museum
- San Diego Automotive Museum
- San Diego History Center
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- San Diego Natural History Museum
- The San Diego Museum of Art
- Timken Museum of Art
- The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park
- WorldBeat Center
For seniors who love art, culture, science, and history, this is one of the most valuable senior discounts in San Diego and can easily pay for itself in just a few museum visits.
Fleet Science Center
On the first Monday of every month, the Fleet Science Center offers discounted admission and special programming for adults who are 65+.
San Diego County Parks Discounts for Seniors
The County of San Diego offers several senior-friendly discount opportunities:
- Free Parking – Seniors who are 62 and older will receive free parking passes to day-use areas only.
- Camping Fees – Seniors who are 62 and older will receive $3 off a night on a campsite during weekdays, and $1 off on camp sites during weekends.
National Chain Senior Citizen Discounts in San Diego County
For those who want more information on senior discounts outside of SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, we have compiled information on national chain senior discounts near you that are available throughout the year. These senior citizen discounts in San Diego are offered directly by the companies listed, and availability may vary by location.
Restaurant Senior Discounts in San Diego
- Denny’s – All locations typically have a special 55+ menu that offers smaller portions at reduced prices. Seniors with AARP memberships can also receive 15% off their bill.
- IHOP – Many locations offer a senior 55+ menu that has lower prices and smaller portions.
- Jack in the Box – At participating locations, seniors who are 55 and older can receive up to 20% off.
- Arby’s – Those who are 55 and older can receive around 10% off their purchases, depending on location.
- El Pollo Loco – Participating restaurant locations offer seniors who are 60 and older 10% off.
- Chili’s – At participating locations, there may be a 10% senior discount.
Grocery & Retail Senior Discounts
San Diego does not have many local grocery stores that publicly advertise senior discounts, however, there are a few:
- Walgreens – Select locations participate in a Seniors Day once a month, which offers discounted in-store purchases for those who are over the age of 55. Senior Day is typically held on the first Tuesday of every month, and seniors can receive up to 20% off. AARP members can also receive discounts when shopping at Walgreens locations.
- Kohl’s – Every Wednesday, those who are 60 and older can get 15% off every at participating stores.
- Goodwill – Many San Diego Goodwill locations offer senior discounts of 10% off. These discounts are typically only extended to those who are 55 and older.
AARP Memberships Provide More Senior Discounts In San Diego
Even if a business does not offer a traditional senior discount, many establishments have partnered with AARP to extend savings to seniors. Anyone who is over 50 can sign up for a free AARP membership, which can include various savings, such as:
- Hilton Hotels & Resorts – AARP members can save up to 10% on Hilton Hotels & Resorts standard room rates at participating locations, including Hilton San Diego Bayfront and Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines.
- Regal Cinemas – AARP members can also get discounted movie tickets and concessions at participating Regal theater locations across San Diego.
- British Airways – AARP members who love to travel can save up to $200 on select round-trip transatlantic flights out of San Diego and surrounding airports by booking through the AARP travel portal.
- Avis Car Rental – AARP members who are visiting San Diego can receive up to 30% off base rates at Avis, plus upgrades and additional benefits.
- AT&T Wireless – AARP members can receive monthly discounts on the AT&T Unlimited Premium PL plan, along with potential savings on activation fees at San Diego AT&T stores.
An AARP card greatly increases access for seniors in San Diego to savings and can frequently be added on top of regular senior pricing.
How La Jolla Nurses Homecare Supports Seniors in San Diego
Taking advantage of senior discounts helps older adults stay socially connected, mentally stimulated, and financially supported, which are all important parts of healthy aging. Our team at La Jolla Nurses Homecare helps seniors:
- Schedule visits to utilize seniors’ discounts for local attractions such as the Zoo, Safari Park, or museums
- Arrange transportation assistance and accompany seniors on outings, to shop on senior days, and to cultural events in Balboa Park.
- Maintain independence through personalized medical and non-medical in-home care.
- Enjoy activities safely with a connected caregiver who can accompany them to the grocery or to attractions when needed.
- Stay active and engaged when on outings, while keeping costs manageable.
Our team focuses solely on helping seniors live full, meaningful lives in San Diego, whether they need nursing care, concierge care, or help finding senior citizen discounts in San Diego county. Don’t hesitate to contact our team today to learn more about our home care services.
