VISITING THE MCRD MUSEUM - INFORMATION FOR ALL VISITORS – PLEASE READ COMPLETELY
The public may visit the MCRD Museum subject to base access procedures. Gate days and hours of operation are subject to change, especially around holiday weekends. For information on gate hours and for questions about base access, please contact the Provost Marshal's Office (PMO) at (619) 524-4200 or (619) 524-4202.
All visitors aged 18 years of age and over must show valid government-issued identification that is REAL ID compliant. The MCRD Museum is located on a federal installation; all federal laws apply on MCRD, including laws against the possession of marijuana. Weapons and illegal substances of any kind are prohibited. Your person, your possessions, and your vehicle are subject to search.
All drivers may be asked to show a valid driver's license, proof of vehicle insurance, and proof of vehicle registration at the gates or at the Pass and ID Center.
The Base Visitor Center (Pass and ID) issues day passes to visitors who wish to visit the Museum and do not possess an Active Duty, Reserve, or Dependent ID card, 100% Disabled ID card, or Retired Military/Retired Military Dependent ID card. Visitors with a VA Health ID Card that says 'service connected' on it may register their card at the Pass and ID Center for access to MCRD (cards registered at other bases will not automatically give the user access to MCRD). Days and hours of the Pass and ID Center are subject to change. For questions about base access and ID types, please contact the base's Visitor Center (Pass & ID) at (619) 524-4200, Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM (3:00 PM on Fridays; closed on Federal Holidays). On Saturdays, please call (619) 524-4202 for information on base access.
Visitors should enter through Gate 5, the Washington Street gate, and if visiting Monday - Friday, stop first at the base's Visitor Center (Pass & ID) to request a visitor pass. Visitors 18 years of age and older must have REAL ID-compliant, government-issued identification.
INFORMATION FOR VISITING GROUPS
All visiting groups must pre-register with the G-3 Operations Office aboard MCRD, at least 30 days prior to visiting. Call (619) 524-8828 or email rdsd_g3_requests@usmc.mil to register. NOTE: A family or group of friends is not considered a 'visiting group.' Visiting groups refer to reunion groups, schools, youth organizations (such as Boy and Girl Scouts), non-profit organizations, private companies, military units, etc. Please read the ‘Tours’ page for additional information.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE BASE VISITOR CENTER AND GATE 5
Exit the Interstate 5 Freeway at the Washington Street exit. Head west, crossing Pacific Coast Highway. Just past the railroad tracks, on your right-hand side, is the Visitor Center, a one-story yellow building with a gated parking lot around it. After you receive your pass, exit the parking lot, and turn right, which puts you straight into Gate 5 of MCRD.
DIRECTIONS TO THE MUSEUM FROM GATE 5
Once through Gate 5, curve right onto Belleau Wood Ave. The road then straightens out. You will see many one-story warehouses on your right. Approximately ¾ of a mile down the road, make a left at the stop sign, onto to Cuba Ave (just past the gas station).
Building 26 will be on your left; a red 'Command Museum' sign will be on the grass in front of the building (Gate 4 will be on your right). Parking is available in front of the Museum or behind the Museum. Enter the building through the double doors underneath the American and Marine Corps flags.
DIRECTIONS TO THE MUSEUM FROM GATE 4
Once through Gate 4, stay on the right-hand curve. At the stop sign at the top of the hill, turn right, then take an immediate right down the curve (you are essentially making a loop around the gate). This puts you onto Cuba Ave., which is the road in front of the Museum.
Once on Cuba Ave., take an immediate left into a one-way drive, then another immediate right into the Museum parking lot. You will see a red 'Command Museum’ sign in the grass. If you miss the turn into the one-way drive, continue on Cuba Ave. for about 50 feet and then turn left into the driveway, and make an immediate left into the Museum parking lot. Enter the building through the double doors underneath the American and Marine Corps flags.
INFORMATION FOR TAKING PUBLIC TRANSIT TO THE MUSEUM
MCRD is located between the Old Town Transit Center and the Washington Street Trolley stop. At the Old Town Transit Center, visitors can take the city bus (#10) to Pacific Coast Highway, which stops in front of Gate 4 of MCRD San Diego.
Visitors needing a pass to enter MCRD should take the trolley to the Washington Street Trolley Stop, and then walk west on Washington Street (downhill) to the Visitor Center in front Gate 5.
INFORMATION FOR WALKING OR CYCLING TO THE MUSEUM
Pedestrians or cyclists may enter MCRD on foot or on a bicycle. Electric scooters are prohibited. Visitors needing a pass to enter MCRD should proceed to Washington Street to the Visitor Center in front of Gate 5.