Known as “Military City, USA,” San Antonio, Texas has been home to a consistent military presence for nearly 300 years and today boasts one of the nation's largest active and retired military populations. San Antonio is also home to the Department of Defense’s largest medical center at Joint Base San Antonio Fort Sam Houston.

Because of its strong ties to the military, San Antonio has many discounts available to active duty members, veterans, and their families. While you shouldn’t necessarily expect a discount at every business you frequent, you may be surprised at how many businesses will, indeed, make you a deal. You typically must present some sort of proof of service – like your military ID, VA ID, or DD Form 214 – and be prepared to (patiently) talk to a manager if the employee is not aware of the discounts. Calling ahead is also always a good idea, to confirm they do, in fact, still honor the discounts listed.

While there are numerous nation-wide eating, shopping, travel and automotive businesses that offer ongoing military discounts, we’ve also collected some additional San Antonio-specific deals that can keep a little extra money in your pockets. Whether you are planning a fun family outing or taking care of everyday errands, this discounts can add up to big savings overall.

Sea World San Antonio

The 250-acre marine mammal park, oceanarium, and animal theme park is the largest of the three parks in the nationwide SeaWorld chain. The park tweaks its military discounts each year, but does offer an ongoing “Waves of Honor” program that provides discounted tickets to active duty and veterans. Through the end of 2016, veterans and retired service members can receive a 20% discount on 1-Park and 2-Park Fun Cards. Active duty military members can receive up to four single day admissions for themselves and 3 dependents. Limit one complimentary admission per year, per person, to one park.

San Antonio Spurs Basketball

This NBA team and city favorite hosts two annual USAA Salute Nights where all military and veterans save up to 40% on tickets, as well as 15% off at the Spurs Fans shop with a Military I.D.

Schlitterbahn

Schlitterbahn offers discounted admission for all military members and their families all season. Military single-day admissions are valid at any of the Schlitterbahn Texas parks at a discounted, tax-exempt rate, along with discounted season passes to certain parks. You must obtain these tickets from your local installation, as they are not available at the gate.  For those of you that do not live within driving distance of an installation, Fort Hood and Lackland A.F.B. will process your order by mail.

San Antonio Zoo

Military discounts range from $1-$3 off general admission. The 35-acre zoo has a collection of over 3,500 animals representing 750 species, as well as the San Antonio Zoo Eagle train ride, which first opened in 1956 and inclludes three Chance Rides C.P. Huntington locomotives.

San Antonio Botanical Garden

The San Antonio Botanical Garden is a 33-acre, non-profit botanical garden that consists of the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, formal and display gardens, native gardens, an overlook tower, and the Sullivan Carriage House. Get a $6 admission with active duty or veteran ID.

A Place to Shoot

Featuring shooting ranges for pistol, rifle, shotgun, and archery, this gun shop and range offers a 20% discount on shooter fees (rifle or pistol) for all military and veterans with proper ID. This business also offers firearm classes, gunsmithing services, and more than 700 firearms in stock for purchase.

Bass Pro Shops

One of the nation’s leading retailers for hunting, fishing, camping, and outdoor recreation gear, Bass Pro Shops offers Military Discount Days that start the 15th of every month and last one week.  This discount is available to active and retired military personnel who present a valid photo-military identification card at checkout. There are several exclusions on what the discount can be applied to, however, so be sure to check their website or with customer service.

Foot Locker

Military personnel can receive a 20% military discount with a valid military ID. Veterans can enjoy 20% off during Veterans Day, or 20% every day with the Veterans Advantage's card. You can also get 20% off your online purchases (you may need to upload a picture of your military ID or other proof of service).

The Oil Exchange

The Oil Exchange is a drive-thru oil change service and state inspection station. Wait in your vehicle during the service and enjoy a complimentary water or soda. Active duty and veterans can receive a 10% discount off any services. May be combined with any other coupon offered by The Oil Exchange with the exception of half-off local deals (Groupon, Amazon Local, etc.)

National Tire and Battery

NTB provides $10 off any oil change; 10% savings on tires and mechanical services; 10% savings on wheels; and free flat repair on standard size wheels. Contact your local store for full details. All personnel must show valid ID. Veterans must have either a VA ID or DD-214.

Apple Computers

The military discount and veteran discount is under the government purchase program, so you will need to sign up online and purchase items online. Check with your nearest Phoenix location to see if you can pick up your purchase in-store.

Sports Clips

Specializing in haircuts for me, participating locations offer 15% military discount year round, as well as free haircuts for veterans on Veterans Day. These locations are individually owned franchises, so it’s good to check ahead of time to find one that offers the discount.

AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile

AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint offer active duty and veterans (and some reservists) their government employee pricing on phone service with a valid military ID or VA ID card. T-Mobile offers 15% military discount for active duty and veterans. Veterans should also bring a copy of their DD214.

Target Portrait Studios

Several of the Target stores in Phoenix have in-store portrait studios. Active duty, with military ID, can receive 50% of portrait collection, free traditional 8x10 print, free sitting fees, and $3.99 portrait sheets. You will have to check if they will also offer this to veterans.

Walgreens

A drug store plus, you can find everything from small house goods to snacks and candy to toys and office supplies here. Participating stores provide a 15% discount every Tuesday with a valid military ID or VA ID. Additionally, on Memorial Day, you can save 15% to 20% on select purchases.

The Home Depot and Lowe’s

Home improvements can get expensive fast. Take advantage of these two large stores’ 10% off, year-round discounts for active duty, active reserve, retired military, and immediate family. This discount is available in store only with a valid military ID.

For more ideas and listings on how to find and ask for military discounts, check out our blog post featuring additional tips for military discounts.

Written By Megan Hammons