CAMP PENDLETON CALIFORNIA: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER
By Tracy Fuga
Introduction
Welcome to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California - the West Coast’s premier Fleet Marine Force Training Base! Moving is never easy, but when you are PCSing to an area known for its sunny weather, near the ocean, and with plenty to do, no matter your interests? It doesn’t seem so bad at all. Camp Pendleton spans more than 125,000 acres, making it the Marine Corps’ largest West Coast training facility. The base supports nearly 70,000 active and reserve Marine, Army, and Navy units, as well as some national, state, and local agencies. So it’s no surprise that Camp Pendleton is one of the Department of Defense’s busiest installations. The base is home to the I Marine Expeditionary Force, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Logistics Group and numerous tenant units, including Marine Corps Installations-West, Wounded Warrior Battalion-West, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Marine Aircraft Group 39, Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego's Weapons & Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps and Army Reserve Forces, and a Naval Hospital. Camp Pendleton’s mix of coastal and mountainous terrain is ideal for a variety of military training exercises. That same terrain makes the surrounding area perfect for hiking, birding, and surfing. It’s no wonder that people are clamoring to be stationed there. Continue reading for our in-depth guide on Camp Pendleton to help aid you in your transition to your new base home. 1. Where Is Camp Pendleton? 2. Google Map View 3. Getting There - Directions to the Base 4. Entering Camp Pendleton and Base Amenities- Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
- Camp Pendleton Visitor Center
- Camp Pendleton DEERS Office
- Camp Pendleton Gate Hours
- Camp Pendleton Commissary
- Camp Pendleton Barber Shops
- Camp Pendleton Post Office
- Camp Pendleton Finance Office
- Camp Pendleton Legal Office
- Camp Pendleton Library
- Camp Pendleton Hotels
Where Is Camp Pendleton?
Camp Pendleton Visitor Center Building 20255T Oceanside, CA 92058Phone:
1 (760) 763-8435 Camp Pendleton is situated right along the Pacific Ocean in Southern California. The installation is roughly 40 miles north of downtown San Diego, in San Diego County’s North County, and 82 miles south of Los Angeles. Camp Pendleton has been the largest employer in North County for the last 60-plus years.Camp Pendleton Area Map
Camp Pendleton Directions
If it’s your first time on base, or you don’t yet have a valid military ID or tags for your car, you may have to stop at the Visitor Center to check in before you’re allowed in the base. Click here to learn more about where to go.Driving Directions to Camp Pendleton
From San Diego (south of Camp Pendleton):
- Take Interstate 5 North toward Los Angeles.
- Once you reach Oceanside, take the Camp Pendleton exit (Exit 54B), which will lead you right to the main gate.
From Los Angeles or Orange County (north of Camp Pendleton):
- Take Interstate 5 South toward San Diego.
- Once you reach Oceanside, take the Oceanside Harbor Drive exit (Exit54C) and make a left to reach the main gate.
Public Transit Near Camp Pendleton
Oceanside and North County have a fairly extensive public transit system, with buses, commuter and hybrid rails, paratransit, and flex, on-demand services. At present, there is limited bus service and no train service on the base but the North County Transit Department is looking into expanding in the near future. Driving is the best way to get on base currently.Amtrak Station Near Camp Pendleton
The nearest Amtrak stop is in Oceanside, CA. The transit center in Oceanside connects travelers to the commuter and hybrid rails, making it easy to travel east to Vista, San Marcos and Escondido, and south to Carlsbad, Encinitas, and downtown San Diego.Flights to Camp Pendleton, CA
There are a number of small and regional airports near Camp Pendleton, but the nearest major hub is the San Diego International Airport in San Diego, California. It’s about an hour drive from the San Diego airport to Camp Pendleton, depending on the time of day. The Los Angeles International Airport is just under 100 miles from the base. It takes about two hours to drive from the airport to Camp Pendleton, and the time of day or day of the week plays a huge factor in how much traffic there is on the route.San Diego International Airport
The United Service Organization (USO) is in Terminal 2 of the airport and is open 0600 to 2400, 365 days a year. The facility offers active-duty members, their family members, and retirees referrals for shuttle service to Camp Pendleton, directions to base, and hospitality services. For more information, call 1 (619) 296-3192.Los Angeles International Airport
The USO is across from terminals 1 and 2 at Bob Hope Hollywood USO at LAX, 203 World Way, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90045. For more information, call 1 (310) 645-3716.Camp Pendleton Transportation Office
When PCS time comes, the Camp Pendleton Distribution Management Office (DMO) is here to make sure your travel plans go properly and your personal goods get shipped right.Camp Pendleton Transportation Office
Vandegrift Blvd. & 9th Street Building 2263 Camp Pendleton, CA 92055Phone:
1 (760) 725-8177Camp Pendleton Transportation Office Hours
- Monday through Friday 0730-1630
Entering Camp Pendleton and Base Amenities
If it’s your first time on base, or you don’t yet have a valid military ID or tags for your car, you may have to stop at the Visitor Center to check in before you’re allowed in the base. Click here to learn more about where to go.Check-in Procedures For Incoming Personal
All Marines checking into Marine Corps Base, I Marine Expeditionary Force, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Logistics Group, Marine Corps Air Station, Marine Aircraft Group 39 or Weapons, and Field Training Battalion need to report to the Installation Personnel Administration Center Inbound Center. The IPAC Inbound Center is open from 0730 to 1630. Monday through Friday. If you are arriving after hours, including weekends and holidays, check in with the duty located on the first deck of Building 13107 IPAC Inbound Center Building 13107 (directly across from the 13 Area Mess Hall) Oceanside, CA 92058Phone:
1 (760) 725-3730 or after hours at 1 (760) 725-6271Camp Pendleton Visitor Center
The Camp Pendleton Visitor Center is in Building 20255T, adjacent to the Main Gate. The Visitor Center processes visitors who have been pre-sponsored by base personnel. Those who haven’t been pre-sponsored should expect lengthy delays or should arrange to have their sponsor meet them at the gate. The center is open from 0730 to 1530 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 0745 to 1530 Wednesday. If you have any specific questions about visiting, you can reach the center at 1 (760) 763-8435Camp Pendleton Visitor Center
Building 20255T Oceanside, CA 92058Phone:
1 (760) 763-8435DEERS Camp Pendleton
If you’re looking for a new CAC card or ID, Camp Pendleton has not one but two separate DEERS offices for your convenience. And you can set up an online appointment to skip the waiting room.Mainside DEERS Office
Bldg 130132 Camp Pendleton, CA 92058Phone:
1 (760) 725-2442/2106Mainside DEERS Office Hours
Monday and Tuesday -
0730-1530Wednesday -
0745-1530Thursday and Friday -
0730-1530
Wire Mountain DEERS Office
Bldg 201017 Camp Pendleton, CA 92058Phone:
1 (760) 725-2768/6424Wire Mountain DEERS Office Hours
Monday and Tuesday -
0730-1530Wednesday -
0745-1530Thursday and Friday -
0730-1530
Camp Pendleton Gate Hours
The Camp Pendleton Main Gate, on Vandegrift Boulevard, is open 24/7. Hours for the other base entrances are as follows:San Luis Rey -
24/7Del Mar -
0600 to 2000Las Pulgas -
CLOSEDSan Onofre -
24/7Cristianitos -
0500 to 2400
Camp Pendleton Commissary
Keep your kitchen, pantry, cabinets, etc filled at low, low prices when you shop at the Camp Pendleton Commissary.Camp Pendleton Commissary
Bldg 20850, Vandegrift Blvd Camp Pendleton North, CA 92055Phone:
1 (760) 430-1701Camp Pendleton Commissary Hours
7 days a week 0900-2000Camp Pendleton Exchange
Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) at Camp Pendleton
Bldg 2010 Camp Pendleton, CAPhone:
1 (760) 763-6979Camp Pendleton MCX Hours
- Sunday through Saturday - 0800-2100
Camp Pendleton Barber Shops
Whether you’re looking to trim up your low-reg or get a crisp high-and-tight, there are over a dozen barber shops for you to choose from on Camp Pendleton.Barber Shop Locations & Hours
Mainside Barbershop, Building # 15102Phone:
1 (760) 725-5773Hours:
- Monday - 0700-1500
- Tuesday through Sunday - 0900-1700
Phone:
1 (760) 725-4495Hours:
Monday & Tuesday -
0700-1700Wednesday through Friday -
0800-1600Saturday -
1000-1700Sunday -
0900-1700
Phone:
1 (760) 725-2161Hours:
Sunday & Monday -
ClosedTuesday through Saturday -
Open to recruits only
Phone:
1 (760) 725-4435Hours:
Monday -
0700-1500Tuesday -
Friday - ClosedSaturday -
1000-1500Sunday -
0900-1700
Phone:
1 (760) 725-4394Hours:
Monday -
0700-1500Tuesday -
0700-1400Wednesday - Friday
-
ClosedSaturday -
1000-1700Sunday -
0900-1700
Phone:
1 (760) 725-4246Hours:
Monday -
0600-1600Tuesday through Friday -
0900-1500Sunday -
0900-1700
Phone:
1 (760) 725-7344Hours:
Monday and Tuesday -
0700-1500Wednesday and Thursday -
ClosedFriday -
0800-1600Saturday -
1000-1700Sunday -
0900-1700
Phone:
1 (760) 725-7993Hours:
Monday through Friday -
0700-1500Saturday and Sunday -
0900-1700
Phone:
1 (760) 725-2564Hours:
Monday -
0700-1500Tuesday through Thursday -
0800-1700Friday through Sunday -
0900-1700
Phone:
1 (760) 725-7295Hours:
Monday through Friday -
0730-1500Saturday & Sunday -
0800-1700
Phone:
N/AHours:
Monday -
0700-1500Tuesday -
0700-1300Wednesday through Friday -
ClosedSaturday -
1000-1700Sunday -
0900-1700
Phone:
1 (760) 763-0140Hours:
Monday -
0600-1500Tuesday -
0600-1400Wednesday and Thursday -
0700-1300Friday -
0700-1400
Phone:
1 (760) 725-7295Hours:
Saturday & Sunday 0800-1700 MCX Barbershop, Building # 2010Phone:
1 (760) 763-3118Hours:
Monday -
0700-1700Tuesday through Saturday -
0900-1700Sunday -
0900-1800
Phone:
1 (760) 763-1747Hours:
Monday through Saturday -
0900-1600Sunday -
Appointment Only
Phone:
N/AHours:
Tuesday 0800-1300Camp Pendleton Post Office
You won’t have any trouble shipping and mailing letters, packages, or anything else when you’re at Camp Pendleton because there are nine separate post offices on base. PENDLETON DEL MAR Post Office 210636 USPS RM 186 Camp Pendleton, CA 92055Phone:
1 (760) 725-5227Hours:
Monday through Friday 0900-1300 & 1400-1600 14 AREA Post Office 1482 16TH St Camp Pendleton, CA 92055Phone:
1 (760) 763-2294Hours:
Monday and Tuesday -
0900-1430Wednesday -
0900-1230Thursday and Friday -
0900-1430
Phone:
1 (760) 725-5227Hours:
Monday through Friday 0900-1300 & 1400-1600 CAMP PENDLETON Post Office 16840 USPS Bldg 16840 Camp Pendleton North, CA 92055Phone:
1 (760) 725-5029Hours:
Monday through Friday 0800-1230 & 1300-1600 16 AREA Post Office 16840 7TH ST Camp Pendleton, CA 92055Phone:
1 (760) 725-5687Hours:
Monday and Tuesday -
0900-1530Wednesday -
0900-1300Thursday and Friday -
0900-1530
Phone:
1 (760) 725-5227Hours:
Monday through Friday 0830-1300 & 1400-1600 CAMP LAS PULGAS Post Office 43507 Brown St. Camp Pendleton, CA 92055Phone:
1 (760) 725-3370Hours:
Monday and Tuesday -
0900-1400Wednesday -
1000-1200Thursday and Friday -
0900-1400
Phone:
1 (760) 763-5414Hours:
Monday and Tuesday -
0900-1400Wednesday -
1000-1200Thursday and Friday -
0900-1400
Phone:
1 (760) 763-2950Hours:
Monday and Tuesday -
0900-1400Wednesday -
0900-1200Thursday and Friday -
0900-1400
Camp Pendleton Finance Office
Need some help with money matters? The Camp Pendleton Personal Financial Management Program is all about providing service members and their families with assistance and advice on fiscal concerns of all kinds.Camp Pendleton Finance Office
Vandegrift Blvd & 15th Street, Bldg 1164 (Main side) Camp Pendleton, CA 92055Phone:
1 (760) 829-0175/0245/0105Camp Pendleton Finance Office Hours
- Monday through Friday 0700-1700
Camp Pendleton Legal Office
Paralegals and attorneys are available to help with whatever needs you have at the Camp Pendleton Legal Assistance Office. From consumer problems to immigration paperwork, they can lend a hand.Camp Pendleton Legal Office
Bldg. 22161 Camp Pendleton North, CA 92055Phone:
1 (760) 725-6558/6172Camp Pendleton Legal Office Hours
- Monday through Friday 0730-1500
Camp Pendleton Library
With three separate libraries spread out across Camp Pendleton, you’re never far from a great book worth borrowing. And digital resources like research databases and standardized test prep classes are available 24/7 through them.Patrick J. Carney Library
Bldg 1146 E Street and 14th Street Camp Pendleton North, CA 92055Phone:
1 (760) 763-4256Hours:
Monday through Thursday -
0800-2000Friday -
0800-1630Saturday and Sunday -
0900-1700
Pacific Views Library
Bldg 202860 Jacinto Rd Oceanside, CA 92058Phone:
1 (760) 725-2032Hours:
Monday through Friday 0900-1700Seaside Square Library
Vasilon Rd Bldg 51093 Camp Pendleton North, CA 92055Phone:
1 (760) 725-7325Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 0900-1700
Hotels Near Camp Pendleton
There are plenty of hotels near Camp Pendleton to fit your budget, whether money is tight or you’re looking to splurge on a beachside resort.Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms
909 N. Coast Highway Oceanside, CA 92054Phone:
1 (760) 721-1543Club Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort
333 N. Myers St. Oceanside, CA 92054Phone:
1 (800) 989-1491Comfort Suites Oceanside Camp Pendleton Area
888 N. Coast Highway Oceanside, CA 92054Phone:
1 (760) 722-8880Courtyard by Marriott Oceanside
3501 Seagate Way Oceanside, CA 92056Phone:
1 (760) 966-1000Days Inn by Wyndham Oceanside
1501 Carmelo Drive Oceanside, CA 92054Phone:
1 (760) 429-7003Southern California Beach Club
121 S. Pacific St. Oceanside, CA 92054Phone:
1 (877) 351-3854Springhill Suites by Marriott Oceanside Downtown
110 N. Myers St. Oceanside, CA 92054Phone:
1 (760) 722-1003
Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide’s Camp Pendleton Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels near Camp Pendleton.
Where Should I Live Near Camp Pendleton?
From the beautiful sandy shores of the Pacific to the rolling green hills inland, you won’t find more picturesque places to live than the cities and towns near Camp Pendleton. The hard part won’t be finding a place to call home while you’re stationed here, but leaving it behind when you PCS again. If you’re considering living on base, check out the available on-base housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off base.Cities Close to Camp Pendleton, CA
While more than 38,000 military family members call base housing their home, a large portion choose to live in nearby communities. The neighboring cities of Carlsbad, Escondido, Fallbrook, Oceanside, San Clemente, San Marcos, and Vista provide employment, housing, and services for Camp Pendleton’s military families.Best Places to Live Near Camp Pendleton
Carlsbad, CA
The coastal city of Carlsbad has so much to offer its population of roughly 118,000: surfing and sunbathing on seven miles of coastline, a 50-acre flower field, nine breweries, outlet shopping, golf, tons of restaurants and the LEGOLAND California Resort, just to name a few. The cost of living in this city is relatively high compared to the rest of the nation, but with so much to do and a 10-minute commute to the base, many military families choose to live here.Escondido, CA
Escondido is a big city (population of over 150,000) with a small-town feel. The historic downtown area regularly hosts street fairs, the annual tamale festival, farmer’s markets, and weekly car shows. The area is known for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens, and the California Center for the Arts. The 20-30 minute commute to Camp Pendleton’s main gate isn’t so bad when the cost to live in the “hidden” city of Escondido is significantly lower than in the nearby coastal cities.Fallbrook, CA
Fallbrook, the Avocado Capital of the World, is a small but affordable community of around 30,000. The town is on the east side of Camp Pendleton, tucked out of the way about 5 miles from a major highway. Access to the base is found via Ammunition Road and takes about 16 minutes. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Live Oak Park, with 27 acres of ancient oak tree forests; Los Jilgueros Preserve, a 46-acre preserve full of ponds and wetlands; and Santa Margarita River Preserve, with 221 acres of land for visitors to explore via trails on foot or horseback.Oceanside, CA
Closest to Camp Pendleton is the city of Oceanside, with a population of about 176,000. The coastal city is situated on 3 miles of sandy beaches, blessed with nearly perfect year-round weather. Multiple major highways, public transportation - both buses and commuter trains, Amtrak and Greyhound bus lines all serve the area. People flock to Oceanside to fish off the Oceanside Pier, relax on the beaches, and shop and eat in Oceanside’s Harbor Village. Other attractions include the Buena Vista Lagoon, Audubon Nature Center, Oceanside Museum of Art, and the California Surf Museum.San Clemente, CA
San Clemente is the southernmost city in Orange County and the only city in the county closer to San Diego than Los Angeles. It’s a top-notch surfing destination, with all things surfing-related found in the city, from magazines about the sport to surfboard makers. Land lovers enjoy hiking the Cristianitos Regional Trail, Forster Ranch Ridgeline Trail, and Rancho San Clemente Trail, which offer a variety of terrain as well as scenic views. The city is directly north of Camp Pendleton, a little over 20 miles away.San Marcos, CA
San Marcos is situated between Vista and Escondido. The area has grown steadily in the past 10 years with many master-planned communities being built, such as the sought-after San Elijo Hills. There is much to do here, from parks, trails, and golf to shopping, community theater, and mead tasting. The city of 97,000 also boasts a major university, California State University San Marcos, and Old California Restaurant Row.Vista, CA
Vista’s weather benefits from its proximity to Oceanside; the city experiences cool ocean breezes in the summer but escapes the coastal fog. It’s a booming place that has grown from 19,000 residents back in 1963 to its current population of nearly 102,000 residents. Vista has golf courses, the Wave Waterpark, the Moonlight Amphitheatre, and the AVO Playhouse, as well as annual events like Winterfest, the Vista Viking Festival, and the Strawberry Festival. Housing is fairly affordable and not hard to come by here.
Hot Tip: Look for Camp Pendleton homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.
Best Camp Pendleton Schools
Living in a densely populated area like San Diego County, and being stationed at Camp Pendleton, means you have plenty of education options for your children, from elementary, intermediate, and high schools to public and private schools in the surrounding area. Not to mention preschools and daycare facilities for the younger kids. Whether you decide to enroll your kids in one of the schools in the Camp Pendleton area or one of the other schools nearby, rest assured that they’ll have access to the finest education possible and the on-base school liaison officer will help make the transition easier. Find more local school information at The Best Camp Pendleton Schools: Daycare - High School (2020 Edition).
Camp Pendleton Weather
It’s (almost) always sunny in San Diego County so there isn’t much difference between the seasons. However, some months are known for sunnier, hotter days and others are known for a bit of rain.Spring
The wettest season in San Diego County is spring with about half of all rainfall coming in these months, most of it falling in April. Although the average rainfall in the area is still well below the national average as Camp Pendleton is one of the driest places in the state.Summer
It can get really hot in the summer, with highs in the 90s and up to 100 when you go further inland away from the ocean. The hottest and driest month of summer is July. Tourism is usually at an all-time high during the summer months and beaches are crowded.Fall
The highs can range from moderately cool (in the 60s) to fairly high (in the 80s) during the fall months. Rain is occasional during this season, with roughly three rainy days a month. September is the hottest month and tourism is low at this time so it’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities.Winter
As you would expect, the lowest temperatures of the year are during the winter months. Lows are found just above freezing levels and the highs are usually in the 60s. February is the wettest month of the year. Luckily for everyone stationed at Camp Pendleton, it never snows in this part of Southern California. To find out more in-depth information on the weather in the area, visit Camp Pendleton Weather: What To Expect When Moving Here.
Things to Do Near Camp Pendleton, CA
A true Southern California town, there is so much to do in O’side, as the locals affectionately call it. The area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream with everything from fishing, swimming, and surfing in the ocean to biking, hiking, golfing, and sightseeing. If being active isn’t your thing, there are great restaurants and the craft beer, cocktail, and coffee scenes are huge in San Diego. Not to mention the recreation and entertainment options available on base thanks to MCCS Camp Pendleton.Suggested Reads:
37 Of the Best Things to Do on Camp Pendleton (2020 Edition) and 25 of the Best Camp Pendleton Restaurants (2020 Edition).Conclusion
Moving might not be easy but there’s so much to like about being stationed at Camp Pendleton we know you’ll be happy once you’re here. It’s a world-class installation with access to unique training facilities. And the abundance of sunny days and access to beaches and the great outdoors makes it the ideal place to be. Whether you’re here on your own, with your family, or just here for a short time for training, you’re bound to find something to do that interests you.The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
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