Maps & Directions

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To Our Valued Family and Friends:

**Visitors without base access (valid military ID) must enter through Gate 5**

MCRD SD 38990 Midway Ave, San Diego, CA 92140. This is a physical address only, not a mailing address. Please go to the recruits mailing address page for more information here

MCRDSD is located just northwest of downtown San Diego and north of the San Diego International Airport, Lindbergh Field. Gate 5 (Washington St.) is the main visitor gate.

Entering and Leaving the Depot
All visitor vehicles MUST enter through Gate 5 (Washington Street, exit off of highway 5 north or south). Vehicles and personnel are subject to search upon entry. Expect delay and plan accordingly. Speed limit throughout the base is 15-20 MPH. Please drive at 5 MPH when near marching troops and obey all traffic and speed signs.

Driver’s License/Registration/Insurance: If you are driving a vehicle, ensure you have a driver’s license, vehicle registration card, and proof of insurance in your possession. Each of these items are required to be current and in a valid status. If you are unsure, contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles/Motor Vehicle Administration and they will assist you in determining the status of your driver’s license and registration.

Firearms/Weapons: All firearms and weapons are prohibited aboard MCRDSD.
Drugs:

All controlled substances are prohibited aboard MCRDSD. Any person(s) found possessing a controlled substance or associated paraphernalia (i.e. smoking devices) will be found in violation of Federal law. A medical marijuana card does not authorize possession of marijuana aboard MCRDSD. Contraband will be seized and offenders may be cited and denied entry.

REAL ID
Effective May 7, 2025, all guests and visitors 18 years and older accessing Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego should be prepared to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an approved alternate form of identification (i.e. - U.S. passport) to enter the base, in accordance with federal law, MCO 5530.13, and the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID Act.

Visitors without a REAL ID-compliant license or ID must bring:

A valid, unexpired state-issued photo ID, AND one of the following secondary forms of ID that matches the name on the primary ID:

Original birth certificate with raised seal
Social Security card
If the name is different, an official court document or marriage certificate must be presented to verify the name change.

This requirement applies to all guests attending:

Family Day
Graduation Ceremonies
Special Events hosted aboard MCRD SD (Bay View, Community Center, Boathouse, etc.)
Job interviews or onboarding events (e.g., job candidates)

From The North
To Our Valued Family and Friends:
**Visitors without base access (valid military ID) must enter through Gate 5**

From the North
To MCRDSD Gate 5: Drive south on Interstate 5. Take the Washington Street exit. At traffic light turn right onto Washington Street. Enter through Gate 5 – Washington Street.

To MCRDSD Gate 4: Take Interstate 5 South to the Old Town Avenue exit. At the stop sign, continue straight to yield sign, turn right onto Witherby Street. Follow signs to Gate 4.

To MCRDSD Gate 2: Drive south on Interstate 5. Take the Rosecrans exit. Continue on Rosecrans to Midway Drive (third light). Turn left onto Midway Drive and continue to the second traffic light (Barnett Street). Turn right onto Barnett – go to the first traffic light and turn left into Gate 2.
From The South
To Our Valued Family and Friends:
**Visitors without base access (valid military ID) must enter through Gate 5**

From the South
To MCRDSD Gate 5: Drive north on Interstate 5. Take the Washington Street exit. Turn left on Washington Street and continue straight ahead to MCRD Gate 5.

To MCRDSD Gate 4: Take I-5 North to Pacific Highway (exit 18A); stay in the right lane for 1.5 miles, exit right at MCRD sign (caution: tight circular turn), go under Pacific Highway. Follow signs to Gate 4.

To MCRDSD Gate 2: Take Pacific Highway exit; stay in the left lane. Take Barnett Street turnoff and travel west past the Midway Drive intersection. At the next traffic light, turn left to enter Gate 2.
From The East
To Our Valued Family and Friends:
**Visitors without base access (valid military ID) must enter through Gate 5**

To MCRDSD Gate 5: Drive I-8 West to I-5 South. Take the Washington Street exit. At traffic light turn right to MCRD Gate 5.

To MCRDSD Gate 4: Drive Interstate 8 to Interstate 5 South. Take the Old Town Avenue exit. At the stop sign, continue straight to yield sign, turn right onto Witherby Street. Follow signs to Gate 4.

To MCRDSD Gate 2: Drive Interstate 8 West to Rosecrans exit. Turn left at Midway Drive and continue to the second traffic light (Barnett Street). Turn right onto Barnett – go to the first traffic light and turn left into Gate 2.
From the West (Point Loma)
To Our Valued Family and Friends:
**Visitors without base access (valid military ID) must enter through Gate 5**

To MCRDSD Gate 5: From Rosecrans Street in Point Loma, turn right onto Lytton Street; Lytton Street becomes Barnett Avenue. Drive past MCRD Gate 2 and Gate 4. Continue south, stay in right lane and turn right on Washington Street which will take you to MCRDSD Gate 5.

To MCRDSD Gate 4: From Rosecrans Street in Point Loma, travel east on Lytton Street; Lytton Street becomes Barnett Avenue. Drive past Gate 2 and continue east on Barnett. Stay in right lane and watch for immediate right turn exit (caution: quick exit) which will take you to Gate 4.

To MCRDSD Gate 2: From Rosecrans Street in Point Loma, travel east on Lytton Street. At second traffic light, turn right into Gate 2.

Base Map Gate 5

Marines

BASE DIRECTIONS