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.
- FreeHenry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
- EatLowcountry Produce
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island graduation: family guide to Beaufort and Parris Island
Every Friday, all yearBeaufort and Parris Island, United States
Every week, families fly to Beaufort and Parris Island for Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, 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 on Thursday, with on-base liberty, and graduation on Friday morning.
- New Marines usually leave with family after graduation on 10 days of leave.
- 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 Parris Island Peatross Parade Deck
Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV) is 1 hour away; Charleston (CHS) is 1 hour 15 minutes.
The depot is 15 minutes south of Beaufort; follow the signs to the main gate on SC-802.
Public transport directions to MCRD Parris Island Peatross Parade Deck
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Port Royal and Boundary Street chains | Closest to the depot gate. |
| Mid-range | Downtown Beaufort | Walk the waterfront. |
| Splurge | Hilton Head Island | Beach resorts 45 minutes away. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hampton Inn Beaufort
- Mid-range: Beaufort Inn
- Splurge: The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa
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.
The day after
SaturdayIf your graduate has leave, take a full day out. If not, see the area on your own.
- Half-dayHunting Island lighthouse
- Family pickSavannah day trip
Arriving early
Flights and hotels near bases fill up. Arriving a day early gives you a free day.
- Full dayCharleston day trip
- Rain or heat backupParris Island Museum.
Family-friendly picks
- Hunting Island State Park.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Bay Street.
5 tours worth booking for Parris Island
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Savannah day trip | Full day | Families |
| Charleston day trip | Full day | Food lovers |
| Hunting Island lighthouse | Half day | Families |
| Beaufort horse-drawn carriage tour | Half day | Tired legs, Families |
| Dolphin and kayak tour | Half day | Families |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Parris Island Museum.
- Beaufort History Museum.
Getting around on event days
- You need a car; base access requires ID checks. Family Day is Thursday, graduation Friday.
Day trips from Beaufort and Parris Island
- Savannah: 1 hour
- Hilton Head: 45 minutes
- Charleston: 1 hour 15 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 Parris Island.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island?
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island takes place every friday throughout the year.
How do I get from the airport to MCRD Parris Island Peatross Parade Deck?
Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV) is 1 hour away; Charleston (CHS) is 1 hour 15 minutes. The depot is 15 minutes south of Beaufort; follow the signs to the main gate on SC-802.
Where should I stay for Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island?
For most visitors the best base is Downtown Beaufort: Walk the waterfront.
What else can we do around Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island?
Good short outings in Beaufort and Parris Island include Beaufort horse-drawn carriage tour, Dolphin and kayak tour, Hunting Island lighthouse. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island?
Family-friendly picks: Beaufort horse-drawn carriage tour, Dolphin and kayak tour, Savannah day trip. Hunting Island State Park.
How far is MCRD Parris Island Peatross Parade Deck from Beaufort and Parris Island centre?
About 11 km in a straight line. The depot is 15 minutes south of Beaufort; follow the signs to the main gate on SC-802.
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