MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO
MARINES
San Diego, CA
United States
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO
MARINES
San Diego, CA
United States
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
Where Marines Are Made
Base Essentials
The Marine Corps Recruit Depot where West Coast Marines are made — a small urban installation embedded in San Diego with full access to America's Finest City.
Base Details
Type
Marine Corps Base
Branch
MARINES
Command
TECOM
Status
Active
Est.
1919
Acres
428
Active Duty
4,000
Civilian
1,500
Population
3,300,000
Economic Impact
—
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego History
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego has been making Marines since 1919. Located on a compact site along San Diego Bay, it trains all male Marine recruits from west of the Mississippi River. The depot's Iwo Jima flag-raising arch is an iconic symbol of the transformation from civilian to Marine. Recent policy changes require the depot to train both male and female recruits by 2028, driving facilities modernization and training adjustments. The Marine Corps Recruiters and Drill Instructors who shape these recruits are also trained at MCRD San Diego.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
—
—
Historic Timeline
1542
Cabrillo Explores San Diego Bay
1769
Father Serra's First Mission
1850
California Statehood and Incorporation
1867
Horton Develops Downtown San Diego
1922
Naval Base San Diego Established
2013
Naval Base Coronado Environmental Award
—
View Key Moments
(6)
1542
Cabrillo Explores San Diego Bay
Portuguese navigator Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed into San Diego harbor in September 1542, naming it San Miguel after arriving on the eve of the feast of St. Michael the archangel.
1769
Father Serra's First Mission
Father Junipero Serra established the first California mission, San Diego de Alcala, at what is now Presidio Park, marking the beginning of Spanish settlement on the West Coast.
1850
California Statehood and Incorporation
When the United States gained control of California in 1850, both San Diego and Los Angeles became incorporated cities.
1867
Horton Develops Downtown San Diego
Alonzo E. Horton arrived and purchased 1,000 acres, on which present-day downtown San Diego rests, shifting the city's center from Old Town toward the bay.
1922
Naval Base San Diego Established
Naval Base San Diego was established by Acting Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt Jr., beginning its enduring mission to support the fleet, fighter, and family.
2013
Naval Base Coronado Environmental Award
NBC won the Secretary of the Navy's environmental award for natural resources conservation for a large installation, recognizing success in supporting military readiness while sustaining natural resources.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Visitor Access
What you need to know to get on Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
REAL ID Required
How are you entering the base?
I have a DoD ID / CAC
Active duty, civilian employee, retiree, or dependent.
I'm visiting someone
Sponsored visit — a DoD ID holder will vouch for you.
I need a day pass
No sponsor — process through the Visitor Control Center.
Commercial / Delivery
Truck drivers, contractors, and vendors.
Quick summary
Visitors without military ID must enter Gate 5 with a valid driver's license, registration, and insurance. As of May 7, 2025, all guests 18+ need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport; alternatives are a state photo ID plus birth certificate, Social Security card, or court documents. All firearms, weapons, and controlled substances are prohibited.
Parking information
Parking passes are required, obtain a pass from the Vehicle Registration and ID Card Office.
Address: 4600 Belleau Avenue Bldg 230, San Diego, CA 92140
Phone: (619) 524-8740
Hours: Daily, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Latest News
Our coverage, local headlines, and upcoming events around Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
MyBaseGuide · Information
14 of the Best MCRD San Diego Restaurants
Read
Jul 7
MyBaseGuide · Information
San Diego Things To Do Near MCRD San Diego
Read
Jun 7
MyBaseGuide · Information
MCRD San Diego Housing Options
Read
Jun 6
MyBaseGuide · Information
Best Schools Near San Diego MCRD
Read
Jun 3
MyBaseGuide · Military News
Malmstrom AFB PCB Levels Raise Cancer Risk for Missileers
Read
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
Welcome Center
Coming soon
In-Processing
Marines and Sailors arriving at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego report to their gaining unit's administrative section during duty hours. MCRD San Diego is the West Coast recruit training installation and has a large permanent party of drill instructors, training cadre, and headquarters staff. Unit S1 initiates check-in and coordinates in-processing appointments.
In-processing covers Military Personnel, Finance, medical enrollment at the Branch Medical Clinic, and housing. MCFS at (619) 524-1735 coordinates the mandatory Newcomers Orientation and welcome packets. As a training installation in a major metro area (San Diego), housing costs are among the highest in the Marine Corps — begin housing research well before your report date.
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Download Full Base Guide PDF
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
CA038
MHA
The Military Housing Office provides a limited number of homes for officers ranked 06 and above directly onboard MCRD San Diego. All others seeking other community housing options should contact the San Diego Housing Services Center (HSC), located at Naval Station San Diego, which provides support for service members aboard MCRD San Diego whether they are seeking ho…
Local Market
$3,200/mo
rent
/
$900,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
Dependency Status
With Dependents
$XX,XXX per year
E-5
Location
Select a grade and location above
Data Sources
BAH rates: Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), effective January 1, 2026. Rates set annually by DoD based on rental survey data.
View Full BAH Rates
Cost of Living Around Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
160
60% Above National Average
Housing
Calculate Your Buying Power
See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
Open Calculator
Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
4
Elementary Schools
View schools
2
Middle Schools
View schools
2
High Schools
View schools
2
Colleges & Universities
View colleges
Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
MCRD San Diego is a recruit training installation with minimal permanent-party family housing. Most permanent-party personnel live off-post throughout the San Diego metro area, which encompasses one of the country's largest and most expensive housing markets. The San Diego BAH rates are among the highest in the Marine Corps system.
San Diego offers extensive off-post housing options throughout its many distinct communities. Areas with strong military communities include Chula Vista, National City, Coronado (expensive), El Cajon, Santee, and communities near Camp Pendleton to the north. The San Diego housing market is competitive — strong demand from military families, active-duty and retired, keeps prices elevated.
San Diego is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the United States: year-round mild weather, Pacific beaches, world-class food and culture, and proximity to both Los Angeles and Mexico. Military spouse employment is strong given the large civilian defense and biotech sectors. Begin housing research early — San Diego rentals move quickly year-round.
Linda Vista / Mission Valley
Urban
The communities immediately north of MCRD along I-8 — Linda Vista and Mission Valley — offer the shortest commutes with urban character. San Diego Unified serves the area. Mission Valley's Fashion Valley mall, SDSU proximity, and the Mission Bay and Pacific Beach beaches are nearby. Housing is dense but comparatively less expensive than other parts of San Diego, but for singles and couples without school-age children, the central location is hard to beat.
Commute: 10 min
Schools: San Diego Unified School District
Single service members
Dual military
Retirees
Central San Diego location, Fashion Valley and Mission Valley retail, Mission Bay access, SDSU and University of San Diego proximity
Point Loma / Ocean Beach
Urban
The communities immediately surrounding Naval Base Point Loma — Point Loma proper and neighboring Ocean Beach — are highly sought-after San Diego neighborhoods. Ocean Beach has a bohemian, surfer-community character with Sunset Cliffs, a weekly farmers market, and Dog Beach. Point Loma has more traditional residential neighborhoods with bay views. Both are expensive but offer unrivaled coastal lifestyle within a short commute.
Commute: 15 minutes
Schools: San Diego Unified School District
Retirees
Outdoorsy types
Pet owners
Sunset Cliffs, Dog Beach, OB Farmers Market, Pacific Ocean lifestyle, immediate coastal access, San Diego Bay views
Little Italy
Urban
Little Italy is a more urban neighborhood with old-world charm, great restaurants, boutique shopping, and more.
Commute: 10
Schools: San Diego Unified School District
Del Cerro
Suburban
Del Cerro is a great neighborhood that is relatively affordable. Located just outside the much more expensive Mission Hills, this neighborhood has a more suburban feel than others closer to downtown San Diego.
Commute: 20 minutes
Schools: San Diego Unified School District
City Heighs
Urban
A highly diverse and densely populated area, City Heights offers residents more affordable housing options as well as cultural influences. It is close to lots of social amenities, has good public transportation, and is the ideal place to grab food that you can’t find elsewhere in the city.
Commute: 15 minutes
Schools: San Diego Unified School District
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully taxed
Retirement Pay
Fully taxed
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
California taxes active duty military pay for California legal residents at rates up to 13.3% — among the highest margin…
Spouse Income Tax
California taxes military pay if stationed in CA. Spouses may claim domicile elsewhere under MSRRA.
Vehicle Registration
Non-resident military can keep home-state plates but may owe use tax on vehicle purchase.
Property Tax
Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax exemption. Prop 13 limits assessment increases.
Combat Zone Exclusion
A servicemember who serves, or has served, in a combat zone can exclude up to 100% of combat pay from income.
Pet Policies at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
3
Boarding & Kennels
6
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Pet-Friendly Housing
Local Pet Notes
Pet Shipping Tips
Temporary Lodging
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
Commissary
2
Naval Base San Diego Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
MCX
Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Medical
1
Naval Branch Health Clinic at MCRD San Diego — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
Youth Programs
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Gate 5 (Main Gate / Washington Street) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
Read answer
02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
Read answer
03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for MCRD San Diego.
Read answer
04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
Read answer
05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near MCRD San Diego.
Read answer
06
Is there base housing available for families?
The only housing available directly on the depot is a small number of homes designated for Officers ranked O6 and above. However, military housing communities are available throughout San Diego where other permanent personnel can apply for housing. Contact the Navy Housing Services Center at Naval Base San Diego for more information.
Read answer
07
Can I live on base if I'm not married?
A limited number of Bachelor Enlisted Quarters are available on MCRD San Diego for single service members.
Read answer
08
Is there a veterinary clinic on base?
No. The nearest military-run veterinary facility where service members can take their pets for routine care is the MCAS Miramar Veterinary Treatment Facility.
Read answer
09
I am visiting MCRD San Diego for a graduation, is there a hotel I can stay in on the depot?
Technically yes, but space at the Navy Lodge is limited and preference is generally given to service members traveling for official orders. Your best bet is likely to look for a nearby hotel off-base.
Read answer
Question
More MARINES Installations
Explore other MARINES bases and installations.
Camp Allen
Norfolk, VA
Camp H. M. Smith
Aiea, HI
Camp Lejeune
Jacksonville, NC
MCAS Beaufort
Beaufort, SC
MCAS Cherry Point
Havelock, NC
MCAS Miramar
San Diego, CA
MCAS New River
Jacksonville, NC
MCAS Yuma
Yuma, AZ
MCB Camp Pendleton
Oceanside, CA
MCB Hawaii
Kaneohe Bay, HI
MCB Hawaii/ MCAS Kaneohe Bay
Kaneohe, HI
MCB Quantico
Quantico, VA
MCLB Albany
Albany, GA
MCLB Barstow
Barstow, CA
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Port Royal, SC
Tri-Command
Colorado Springs, CO
Twentynine Palms
Twentynine Palms, CA
Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.