Tasked with training new military recruits, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego is adjacent to San Diego International Airport. It’s home to the Marine Corps’ Recruiter School and the Western Recruiting Region's Drill Instructors School, as well as the MCRD San Diego Command Museum.
Join a guided tour to learn about the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture of the depot’s historic buildings, many of which were designed by architect Bertram Goodhue. The base and its original buildings are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and have been depicted in numerous TV shows and films.
Walk along the parade deck, which serves a prominent role in the training of recruits and doubles as a memorial to the veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Visit the Day Hall, which is now home to the MCRD San Diego Command Museum, where historical artefacts and uniforms relating to the United States Marine Corps are on display.
Getting there
The Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego is a 15-minute walk from the Washington St Station, which has frequent trams from central San Diego. San Diego International Airport is a 10-minute drive away.