Family Day (the day before graduation)
ThursdayMost branches hold a family event the day before: a short ceremony, then time with your recruit on base. Check your unit's schedule.
- FreeLa Jolla Cove sea lions.
- EatLittle Italy Mercato
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego graduation: family guide to San Diego
Every Friday, all yearSan Diego, United States
Every week, families fly to San Diego for Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, often with two days and no plan. This guide covers base access basics, where to stay, what to do after the ceremony and the area if your recruit has to stay close.
Know before you go
- Family Day is usually Thursday and graduation Friday morning.
- The beach, Old Town and Liberty Station are all 10 to 15 minutes away.
- Bring a REAL ID-compliant photo ID and check the base visitor rules: everyone in the car is screened.
- Hotels near the base fill on graduation weeks. Book as soon as your recruit's graduation date is confirmed.
Airport to MCRD San Diego Shepherd Memorial Drill Field
San Diego International (SAN) is 10 minutes from downtown, right next to MCRD.
The depot is next to San Diego airport; enter by the Gate 4 visitor entrance.
Public transport directions to MCRD San Diego Shepherd Memorial Drill Field
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Old Town and Mission Valley | Chain hotels on the trolley. |
| Mid-range | Gaslamp and Little Italy | Walk to the Convention Center. |
| Splurge | Coronado and La Jolla | Beach resorts. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport-Old Town
- Mid-range: Hotel Republic San Diego
- Splurge: Hotel del Coronado
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual graduation weekend schedule. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Graduation day
FridayThe ceremony is in the morning. Many graduates leave the base with family right after.
- Easy outingUSS Midway Museum
- EatOscar's Mexican Seafood
The day after
SaturdayIf your graduate has leave, take a full day out. If not, see the area on your own.
- Half-dayLa Jolla kayak and snorkel
- Family pickHarbor cruise
Arriving early
Flights and hotels near bases fill up. Arriving a day early gives you a free day.
- Full dayTijuana day trip
- Rain or heat backupNatural History Museum.
Family-friendly picks
- SeaWorld San Diego.
- Legoland in Carlsbad.
- Birch Aquarium.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Gaslamp Quarter.
8 tours worth booking for MCRD San Diego
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| USS Midway Museum | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
| La Jolla kayak and snorkel | Half day | Families |
| Harbor cruise | Half day | Tired legs, Families |
| Whale watching | Half day | Families |
| Old Town food tour | Half day | Food lovers |
| Tijuana day trip | Full day | Everyone |
| San Diego Zoo | Full day | Families |
| Gaslamp brewery tour | Evening | Night owls, Food lovers |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Fleet Science Center.
- Natural History Museum.
Getting around on event days
- Trolley lines serve downtown, Old Town and the border; MTS buses and rideshare elsewhere.
Day trips from San Diego
- La Jolla: 25 minutes
- Temecula wine country: 1 hour
- Carlsbad: 40 minutes
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for MCRD San Diego.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego?
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego takes place every friday throughout the year.
How do I get from the airport to MCRD San Diego Shepherd Memorial Drill Field?
San Diego International (SAN) is 10 minutes from downtown, right next to MCRD. The depot is next to San Diego airport; enter by the Gate 4 visitor entrance.
Where should I stay for Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego?
For most visitors the best base is Gaslamp and Little Italy: Walk to the Convention Center.
What else can we do around Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego?
Good short outings in San Diego include USS Midway Museum, La Jolla kayak and snorkel, Harbor cruise. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego?
Family-friendly picks: San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, La Jolla kayak and snorkel. SeaWorld San Diego.
How far is MCRD San Diego Shepherd Memorial Drill Field from San Diego centre?
About 4 km in a straight line. The depot is next to San Diego airport; enter by the Gate 4 visitor entrance.
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