1. Get a Pass
Some of America's best travel benefits come from an annual or lifetime pass that you obtain before your trip and use again and again.
Before you hit the road, board a plane or buy an attraction ticket, take a few minutes to discover savings you may already qualify for.
Veterans and Seniors may have access to some of the best travel savings in America — from federal recreation passes and national parks to museums, attractions, theme parks and destination-specific offers.
The key is knowing what to check before you pay.
Knowing how the discount works can be just as important as knowing that it exists.
Some of America's best travel benefits come from an annual or lifetime pass that you obtain before your trip and use again and again.
Some military and Veteran attraction discounts require advance purchase, verification or use of an authorized ticket program.
Museums, attractions and other destinations may offer discounts at the ticket window. Ask before paying and have appropriate identification ready.
The America the Beautiful interagency pass program can provide entrance or standard day-use access at more than 2,000 participating federal recreation sites.
Participating federal lands include sites managed by agencies such as the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Depending on the site, a pass may cover entrance for one private vehicle or the passholder and accompanying passengers under applicable program rules.
Important: passes do not necessarily cover lodging, concession-operated tours, private outfitters, transportation, parking or other additional charges.
| Pass | Who It Is For | Cost | Entry | Some Amenity Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Military Lifetime | Veterans and Gold Star families | Free | Yes | Generally no expanded amenity discount |
| Military Annual | Current military and eligible dependents | Free | Yes | Generally no expanded amenity discount |
| Senior Lifetime | U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62+ | $80 | Yes | Yes — discounts may apply to certain expanded amenity fees |
| Senior Annual | U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62+ | $20 | Yes | Yes — discounts may apply to certain expanded amenity fees |
| Access Pass | U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a permanent disability | Free | Yes | Yes — discounts may apply to certain expanded amenity fees |
The free Military Lifetime Pass may already provide the federal recreation entry benefit you need.
However, the Senior Pass or Access Pass may provide discounts on certain expanded amenity fees such as qualifying camping or other recreation charges.
That means the question isn't only: "Which pass gets me through the gate?"
Also ask: "Which pass gives me the benefits I actually use?"
Veterans with a permanent disability may qualify for the free America the Beautiful Access Pass.
This is important because the Access Pass may offer more than federal recreation entry. It may also provide discounts on certain expanded amenity fees, including qualifying camping and other recreation services.
Eligibility is based on a medically determined permanent disability and is not limited to Veterans. Proof requirements apply.
If you have a service-connected disability, check the Access Pass requirements before purchasing another recreation pass.
One pass can open the door to destinations throughout the United States.
Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion, Acadia, Everglades and many other federal recreation destinations participate in the interagency pass program.
The interagency pass can also apply at participating national forests, wildlife refuges, BLM lands and other federal recreation areas.
Senior and Access passholders may receive discounts on certain expanded amenity fees. Always verify the campground and operator before booking.
Don't assume the advertised ticket price is the only price available.
Some museums, historic sites and cultural attractions offer military, Veteran or Senior admission programs.
Ask about eligibility and have appropriate identification ready.
Military and Veteran theme-park savings may require advance purchase or eligibility verification.
Check before arriving at the ticket window.
Many local attractions establish their own Veteran, military and Senior admission policies.
Programs can vary significantly by location and time of year.
Five minutes before booking could be worth real money during your trip.
America is too big for one discount page. Explore our growing collection of destination guides for Veteran and Senior travelers.
Explore potential savings around Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, San Diego attractions, Yosemite, Death Valley and other California destinations.
Explore the Smithsonian, National Mall, Statue of Liberty, Cooperstown, Niagara and other destinations.
Discover potential savings at Texas parks, San Antonio attractions, Space Center Houston and other destinations across the Lone Star State.
Grand Canyon, Zion and an incredible collection of national parks make this one of the best regions in America for putting a federal recreation pass to work.
Explore the Smokies, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, Branson, Silver Dollar City and other popular regional destinations.
Senior Vet Discounts already includes Florida and Orlando attraction information inside the app.
Use the app to explore potential savings and travel information for popular Florida destinations.
You can still use Senior Vet Discounts.
Search for businesses that support Veterans and Seniors and choose to support those businesses with your own purchases.
Support the businesses that support them.
Travel discounts, admission programs, eligibility requirements, prices and restrictions can change without notice.
Offers may also differ for active-duty military, Veterans, retirees, disabled Veterans, spouses, dependents and Seniors.
Senior Vet Discounts provides information to help you discover potential savings. The individual business, attraction, agency or program determines eligibility and current terms.
Verify the current offer directly with the provider before making travel plans or purchases.
Page reviewed: September 2026.