The beach at Del Mar, California.

 

By Maryann Hammers

 

Feel like a mountain vacation? Or do you prefer the beach, lakes, or wine country? Try California, where you really can have it all — with military discounts.

 

Del Mar

 

This coastal enclave near San Diego is close to ocean activities, hiking at Torrey Pines State Reserve, and galleries, cafes, and shops. Stay at the Del Mar Inn, a boutique hotel a block from the beach, and you can leisurely stroll to the sand or take a quick drive to San Diego or Legoland. Rooms offer ocean-view balconies. Military members receive per-diem government rates no more than $139 a night. Call (858) 755-9765 for information.

 

La Quinta

 

This town near Palm Springs is famous for golf, sunshine, the starkly beautiful Santa Rosa Mountains, and the grande dame of the California desert, La Quinta Resort. The area’s first golf course was built at this desert oasis in the 1930s (with $1 green fees); Frank Capra wrote It’s a Wonderful Life here; and it was President Eisenhower’s first stop when he left office. The hotel has a pleasant, relaxing Old California vibe with Saltillo tiles, colorful Mexican pottery, and cactus gardens surrounding whitewashed adobe casitas with red-tile roofs, cheerful blue doors, and private patios. Want to take a dip? Choose from more than 40 pools! Though autumn has already made its entrance, as of this writing, the resort continues to offer a Salute to Summer Military Appreciation package with weekday rates starting at $99. Call (855) 884-9315 or (760) 564-4111 and request Plan Code “OW.”

 

Lake Arrowhead

 

Just 90 minutes from the hustle and bustle of LA, this mountain village entices nature lovers, hikers, and anyone looking for a peaceful, pine-scented getaway. Lake Arrowhead Resort offers a year-round military rate of $96 for a Mountain View King or Double Queen and a rate of $188 plus a $20 resort rate for a Lakeview Room. Call (909) 336-1511 for information.

 

Ventura

 

The military discounts in this laid-back beach town are excellent, and as of this writing, all are still valid. Get 15 percent off the best available rate at the ocean-view Crowne Plaza Hotel (which sits directly on the beachfront promenade — can’t beat the views). Also enjoy discounts on dining and attractions around Ventura.

 

Vineyards surrounding Atascadero. Photo by Maryann Stansfield.

 

 

 

Atascadero

 

 

California’s Central Coast Wine Country is the home of the charming town of Atascadero. The Holiday Inn Express — one of the area’s newest hotels — is chockfull of conveniences, from free WiFi to complimentary hot breakfasts. Veterans and retired military members who are MOAA members get a 20-percent discount with MOAA ID. (Regular rates start at about $125, so that’s a $24 discount.) Active duty military members get the comparable government per-diem rate. While you’re in town, be sure to visit the Faces of Freedom War Memorial, a 70-foot wall, which honors local heroes who lost their lives in each of the U.S. conflicts since World War I. Call (805) 462-0200 for information.

 

San Francisco

 

Top the Mark Lounge on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins on Nob Hill recognizes the 75th anniversary of World War II with free pours to military personnel. It’s a longstanding tradition — since World War II, the lounge has featured a “squadron bottle” with free drinks for servicemembers. World War II veterans and current and retired servicemembers can sign their service date and name on an exclusive bottle of bourbon (Dickel 9 Year Barrel Select) and leave a note or picture in the guestbook that collects messages from military personnel from around the world. Upon signing, enjoy your a complimentary toast. For information, call (415) 616-6916.