Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego is an active United States Marine Corps installation in San Diego, California. It is northwest of downtown San Diego and north of San Diego International Airport. This guide covers directions, access rules, lodging, services, medical limits, and museum information.

Base Overview

Official name Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
Military branch United States Marine Corps
Base status Active
Street address 38990 Midway Ave, San Diego, CA 92140
Visitor Center phone 619-524-4200
Official website Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

Location and Directions

The depot is northwest of downtown San Diego and north of San Diego International Airport. The main visitor entrance is Gate 5 at Washington Street and Pacific Highway. From Interstate 5, take the Washington Street exit and follow West Washington Street to the gate. From the east, use Interstate 8 West to Interstate 5 South. From the west, use Rosecrans Street, Lytton Street, Barnett Avenue, and Pacific Highway. Navigation apps may send visitors to the wrong gate, so search for MCRD Gate 5 or MCRD Visitor Center.

Visitor Information

The Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a 3 p.m. closing time on Fridays. It is closed on federal holidays. For Saturday access questions, call 619-524-4202. Visitors age 18 and older need a REAL ID-compliant license or state ID, a United States passport, or another federally approved credential. Drivers should bring a valid license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Vehicles and people may be inspected, and visitors should expect delays. Confirm current access rules before traveling.

Housing and Lodging

Marine Lodge San Diego is located on the depot. It accepts military and civilian personnel traveling on official TAD or TDY orders, people in PCS status and their dependents, retirees, and official command guests.

Lodging detail Verified information
TAD or TDY reservations May be made up to one year before arrival
Other authorized patrons May reserve up to 45 days before arrival
Check-in 3:00 p.m.
Checkout 11:00 a.m.

Facilities and Services

The Pass and ID Center issues day passes to eligible visitors who do not have qualifying military identification, subject to current access rules and hours. The installation also links visitors to Marine Corps Community Services for programs and services that support Marines and their families.

The MCRD San Diego Command Museum is in Building 26 at 1600 Henderson Ave. It is free for visitors, but access is subject to installation security rules. General-public passes to the museum are currently suspended because of heightened security. Museum questions can be directed to 619-524-8431.

Medical Services

The medical treatment facility aboard MCRD San Diego provides care to recruits only. It does not provide services to civilians or refill prescription medications. Visitors and other civilians should not plan to use this facility for medical care.

Recreation and Amenities

The MCRD San Diego Command Museum has exhibits about Marine Corps history and recruit training. Access is subject to current installation restrictions. Marine Lodge San Diego provides official lodging for authorized military personnel, civilian personnel, retirees, dependents, and command guests under its priority rules.

Things to Know

  • Use Gate 5 unless official event instructions say otherwise.
  • Visitors age 18 and older should bring a REAL ID-compliant credential, a United States passport, or another federally approved ID.
  • Vehicles and people may be searched, so allow extra time.
  • Firearms, ammunition, weapons, and other prohibited items are not allowed on the installation.
  • The Trusted Traveler Program is suspended until further notice.
  • General-public museum passes are currently suspended because of heightened security.
  • Access rules and operating information can change. Confirm details before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What gate should visitors use?
Visitors should use Gate 5 at Washington Street and Pacific Highway unless official instructions say otherwise.
What phone number can visitors call?
Call the Visitor Center at 619-524-4200. For Saturday access questions, call 619-524-4202.
What identification is accepted?
Adults age 18 and older need a REAL ID-compliant credential, a United States passport, or another federally approved form of identification.
Can civilians use the medical treatment facility?
No. The facility provides services to recruits only and does not serve civilians.
Can the public visit the museum?
General-public passes are currently suspended because of heightened security. Confirm the current policy before traveling.