Fleet week: San Diego's annual Fleet Week honors the men and women of the military through public events from August through October (www.fleetweeksandiego.org), but a highlight are the Navy ship tours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 26-27 at Naval Air Station, North Island, Coronado.

The Miramar Air Show is the first weekend in October. The rest of the year, there are twice-a-month tours of the base, including a military dog demonstration and a stop at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum. 858-577-6000 or http://miramar.usmc.mil.

USS Midway: The Navy's longest-serving floating airfield, now retired, has become a naval aviation museum. There are 25 restored aircraft, mostly on the flight deck, with a gift shop and cafe amid the cavernous hangars below deck. 619-544-9600 or www.Midway.org

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego: See basic training, Marine style, at this depot near San Diego's airport. Visitors enter through the main gate and, because of security, there are limits on outsiders allowed into the graduation ceremonies. Inquire at the depot's public affairs office, call 619-524-8727 or visit http://mcrdsd.usmc.mil.

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery: High up on the spine of Point Loma is the final resting place for veterans of more than a century of American wars. The white crosses include those killed in action and veterans who died after returning home and living full lives. Open from 8 a.m. until an hour before sunset. 619-553-2084.