MCAS MIRAMAR: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

Introduction

Welcome to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, just outside of beautiful San Diego, California! Formerly known as “Fighter town USA” MCAS Miramar was previously the site of the US Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, more commonly known as Top Gun. The base itself has roots back to 1918. In WWII the base was used by the 2d Marine Division as a Fleet Marine Force Training Center. In 1947 the Marines moved to MCAS El Toro in Orange County, CA while the Navy moved in and renamed it Naval Air Station Miramar. Half of the base was used by the Air Force for Project Orion and later by NASA for several space launches. In 1993, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission closed MCAS El Toro and MCAS Tustin and the base reverted back to the Marine Corps and the 3d Marine Air Wing returned. The Miramar marine base covers 23,116 acres just North of San Diego. It is home to over 15,000 service members and their families comprising every branch of the service and civilian contractors. Continue reading for our in-depth guide on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to help aid you in your transition to your new home.

1. Where Is MCAS Miramar?
2. Google Map View
3. Getting There – Directions to the Base
4. Entering MCAS Miramar and Base Amenities
   • Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
   • MCAS Miramar Visitor Center
   • MCAS Miramar DEERS Office
   • MCAS Miramar Gate Hours
   • MCAS Miramar Commissary
   • MCAS Miramar Exchange
   • MCAS Miramar Barber Shops
   • MCAS Miramar Post Office
   • MCAS Miramar Finance Office
   • MCAS Miramar Legal Office
   • MCAS Miramar Library
   • MCAS Miramar Hotels
5. Where Should I Live Near MCAS Miramar?
6. What Schools are Near MCAS Miramar?
7. What’s the Weather Like in MCAS Miramar?
8. Things to Do Near MCAS Miramar

Where Is MCAS Miramar?

The base is located just North of San Diego, just east of the coastal town of La Jolla.

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

2258 Mitscher Way San Diego, CA 92145

Phone:

1 (858) 307-1463

MCAS Miramar Map

Flights to MCAS Miramar

San Diego International Airport is the closest airport to the base. Located just northwest of San Diego’s downtown, the airport is about 20 miles south of the Marine Air Station. The next closest major airports are John Wayne Airport, about 80 miles north in Orange County, and Los Angeles International Airport, about 120 miles north in Los Angeles.

MCAS Miramar Directions

Driving Directions to MCAS Miramar

From San Diego International Lindbergh Field Airport

1. Start going towards the AIRPORT EXIT on TERMINAL 2
2. Continue on AIRPORT EXIT towards AIRPORT EXIT/COMMUTER TERMINAL/HARBOR ISLAND/POINT LOMA
3. Turn Left on N HARBOR DR
4. Turn Left on W GRAPE ST
5. Turn Right to take I-5 SOUTH
6. Take the 10TH AVE/CA-163 NORTH exit towards ESCONDIDO
7. Take the CA-163 NORTH exit towards ESCONDIDO
8. Take the I-15 NORTH exit
9. Take the MIRAMAR RD/POMERADO RD exit -
10. Turn Left on POMERADO RD - go 0.1 mi
11. POMERADO RD becomes MIRAMAR RD/POMERADO RD
12. MIRAMAR RD/POMERADO RD becomes MIRAMAR RD
13. Arrive at MIRAMAR WAY AT I-15, SAN DIEGO

From John Wayne Airport (SNA)

1. Get on the I-405 SOUTH in Irvine from JWA Roadway, N Airport Way and MacArthur Blvd
2. Merge onto I-5 SOUTH
3. Keep left at the fork to continue on I-805 SOUTH, follow signs for Interstate 805 SOUTH/CHULA VISTA
4. Take Exit 25 for MIRAMAR ROAD/LA JOLLA VILLAGE DRIVE
5. Turn left onto MIRAMAR ROAD
6. Turn right onto MITSCHER WAY

From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

1. Take I-95 N to Route 138 East (Exit 3)
2. Take a right off Exit 3. Drive 12 miles until the intersection of Route 138 and Route 1.
3. Take a left onto Route 1 North then take Jamestown/Miramar exit
4. Cross the Jamestown-Verrazano Bridge and continue on the cross-island highway to Claiborne Pell (Miramar) Bridge. (There is a $4 toll).
5. Proceed to the last exit and follow signs for Admiral Kalbfus Rd/US Navy Base.
6. Turn right onto Admiral Kalfbus Rd, turn right at the rotary and proceed to Gate 1.

Public Bus Transportation to MCAS Miramar

From San Diego International Lindbergh Field Airport

1. Take Metropolitan Transit System Bus Route 992 to Downtown San Diego
2. From Broadway and Sixth Avenue, take Bus Route 110 to Miramar College Transit Station in Miramar
3. Take Bus Route 31 to Miramar Road and Clayton Drive
4. Cross Miramar Road to MCAS Miramar

Flights to MCAS Miramar

San Diego International Airport is the nearest airport to MCAS Miramar. You can visit their website for flights to MCAS Miramar, and find driving directions here.

San Diego International Airport

3225 N Harbor Dr. San Diego, CA 92101

Greyhound Bus

Visit their website for up to date ticket and travel information.

San Diego Bus Station

1313 National Ave. San Diego, CA 92101

Phone:

1 (619) 515-1100

Miramar Amtrak

There is no direct train service from airports in San Diego, Orange County or Los Angeles to MCAS Miramar.

MCAS Miramar Transportation Office

When moving, the DMO will arrange for the delivery of your household goods. Whether you are doing a Do it yourself (DITY) or government move with a moving company, DMO will organize all aspects of your move and is where you will submit your claim for reimbursement for the move.

MCAS Miramar DMO

2258 Delta Rd San Diego, CA, 92145

Phone:

1 (858) 577-1276 or 1 (858) 577-1671

MCAS Miramar Transportation Office Hours

• Monday through Friday:

  0730-1630

Entering MCAS Miramar and Base Amenities

Guards will conduct a 100% ID check at all gates. All visitors must have a valid military ID or proceed to the visitor control center for a pass. Due to current COVID measures, be sure to show your IDs with the barcodes facing the guard so that they may scan them without touching them. Pass information and entry requirements can be found here.

MCAS Miramar Welcome Center

2258 Mitscher Way San Diego, CA 92145

Phone:

1 (858) 307-1463

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

All personnel checking in will report to the Joint Reception Center (JRC) which is located in Building 2258. Marines must report in their Service Alpha uniform. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 0730 through 1630. Personnel checking in after hours, on holidays, or weekends should report to the Command Duty Officer (CDO) located in Building 8630. The CDO phone number is 1 (858) 307-1141. You will then report to the JRC at 0730 on the next business day. You will be directed to the IPAC inbound section and should bring:

• Copies of your orders
• Medical and dental record
• Military ID and driver's license
• Dependent information (marriage certificate if you got married in transit, childrens’ birth certificates, etc.)

MCAS Miramar Visitor Center

Mitscher Way Building #2258 San Diego, CA, 92145

Phone:

1 (858) 307-1463

MCAS Miramar DEERS Office

In order to schedule an appointment with the ID Card or DEERS office, use this link. Walk-ins are welcomed, however, appointments are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and are mandatory for promotions of E-5 and below. Walk-in wait times can exceed one to two hours.

MCAS Miramar ID Card Section/DEERS

Mitscher Way Building 2258 San Diego, CA 92145

Phone:

1 (858) 307-3021

MCAS Miramar DEERS Office Hours

• Monday through Friday:

  0730-1600

MCAS Miramar Gate Hours

Call 1 (858) 307-4068 for the most up to date information on gate hours and status. For regular access, you must register your vehicle by reporting to Building 6200. You must have a valid driver’s license, valid insurance, paper registration, smog check for any vehicle registered outside of California. Motorcycles require a valid motorcycle license and BRC/ARC certification.

• Gate 1 - Main Gate/East Gate (Miramar Way)

  - Inbound/outbound 0600 through 2200 daily.

• Gate 2 - North Gate (Miramar Way)

  - 24/7

• Gate 10 - West Gate (Miramar Road)

  - Monday through Friday 0600 to 0800 and 1600 to 1800.

Miramar Commissary

Pick up groceries, dine, and shop in the department store-style exchanges located conveniently on base.

MCAS Miramar Commissary

2661 Moore Ave San Diego, CA 92126

Phone:

1 (858) 307-4516

Miramar Commissary Hours

• Monday through Friday:

  1000-2000

• Saturday:

  0800-2000

• Sunday:

  0900-1900

Miramar Exchange

Bldg 2260 San Diego, CA 92145

Phone:

1 (858) 698-7288

MCAS Miramar Exchange Hours

• Monday through Saturday:

  0900-1900

• Sunday:

  0900-1800

MCAS Miramar Barber Shops

Flight Line Barbershop

Bldg 8675 San Diego, CA 92145

Phone:

1 (858) 307-2563

Hours:

• Monday through Friday:

  0630-1600

• Saturday:

  Closed

• Sunday:

  0900-1500

Main Exchange Barbershop

Bldg 2660 San Diego, CA 92145

Phone:

1 (858) 307-4387

Hours:

• Monday:

  0700-1800

• Tuesday through Saturday:

  0800-1800

• Sunday:

  0900-1800

MCAS Miramar Post Office

Get your letters and packages delivered where they need to go properly and on time with the help of the MCAS Miramar Post Office.

MCAS Miramar Post Office

Bldg 2257 San Diego, CA 92145

Phone:

1 (858) 307-4578

Hours:

• Monday through Friday:

  0830-1500

• Saturday:

  0830-1200

• PO Boxes accessible

  24/7

MCAS Miramar Finance Office

The Finance Office offers financial help to all service members and their families. Due to COVID restrictions, all hours are virtual. Please call ahead to make an appointment.

MCAS Miramar Personal Financial Management

Bldg 5305 San Diego, CA 92145

Phone:

1 (858) 307-9802

Hours:

Monday through Friday: 0800-1630

MCAS Miramar Legal Assistance Office

Active duty, dependents, and retirees are eligible for legal assistance in most areas. For a full list of what services the office can perform and which services on which they can only provide legal advice, check their website here.

Legal Services Office

Bauer Rd, Bldg 6275 San Diego, CA 92145

Phone:

1 (858) 307-1656

MCAS Miramar Legal Office Walk In Hours

• Tuesday and Thursday

  - 0730 to 1100.

MCAS Miramar Library

MCAS Miramar has a full library with a learning center and education programs. Testing centers offer GED, SAT, GRE, GMAT, CLEP, ASVAC, and DSST tests prep courses. There is also a huge online database of e-books and publications that can be accessed online.

MCAS Miramar Library

Miramar Way, Bldg 5305 San Diego, CA 92145

Phone:

1 (858) 577-1261

Hours:

• Monday, Tuesday:

  0800-1300,

• Wednesday:

  1300-1800

• Thursday:

  Closed

• Friday:

  1200-1700

• Saturday:

  0800-1300

• Sunday:

  Closed

Hotels Near NAS Oceana, Virginia

The Inns of the Corps Miramar Bldg 2515 San Diego, CA 92145

Phone:

1 (858) 271-7111

Hours:

24/7

Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide’s MCAS Miramar Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels nearby.

Where Should I Live Near MCAS Miramar?

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 Near MCAS Miramar

MCAS Miramar is located just North of Downtown San Diego. It sits up against the communities of La Jolla, University City, Kearny Mesa, and Mira Mesa. It is a very short commute from San Diego. The base is surrounded by the major freeways the 805 and the 15 as well as Highway 52 making the commute quick from any direction.

Best Places to Live Near MCAS Miramar

San Diego is wonderful no matter where you live. Remember that the closer to the coast you live, the more expensive things will be. There are significant price jumps based solely on whether looking East or West of the I-5 freeway. The coastal community of La Jolla is like the Beverly Hills of San Diego. It is very expensive. Solana Beach and Del Mar are good for renters, especially with military BAH. For those looking to buy, it is much more reasonable to look in Mira Mesa and the Sorrento Valley areas. La Mesa and El Cajon areas.

Mission Hills

This area is one of the only suburbs with its own business and restaurant district. It is centrally located, a short commute, safe and clean, and close to shopping and restaurants.

Del Cerro

A very nice suburb, Del Cerro is safe, has the best schools, has beautiful views, and is still close to base.

City Heights

A highly diverse and densely populated area, this is a good place for reasonably priced houses. It is close to lots of social amenities, has good public transportation, and affordable housing costs.

Otay Ranch

This is a very kid-friendly neighborhood with large homes and yards. It is highly recommended for military personnel looking for large houses and yards at decent prices for the area.

Torrey Highlands

A residential area in northern San Diego that’s a relatively new and very nice up and coming community. It’s also very pet and child friendly, having the best schools in San Diego. It is also regarded as one of the safest places in all of San Diego County, though it is a bit of a commute from base.

Hot Tip: Look for MCAS Miramar homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.

Miramar Schools

Students on base will attend school in either the San Diego Unified School District or the Poway Unified School District. Be aware that there is no bus service for the San Diego Unified School district except for special education and magnet schools. Poway offers busing for students. The Lincoln Public School System just outside base serves preschool through 8th grade. High school students are transported to Bedford High School or Shawsheen Valley Tech High School.

San Diego Unified School District

4100 Normal St San Diego, CA 92103

Phone:

1 (619) 725-8000

Poway Unified School District

15250 Avenue of Science San Diego, CA 92128

Phone:

1 (858) 521-2800 Find more local school information at The Best MCAS Miramar Schools: Daycare - High School.

Miramar Weather

What is the weather like in San Diego? In a word? Nice. That about sums it up. The weather is usually sunny with a short exception in the months of April in May when it is generally overcast. San Diegans call it “Gray May.” Other than that, expect summers that can reach into the 90’s and possibly the low 100’s especially further inland. The weather is dry, hot, and desert-like. Mornings in the springs are foggy but the marine layer will burn off by midday. Winters rarely get below the high 50s so you’ll be comfortable in flip-flops pretty much year-round. Rain is infrequent in San Diego but beware; the drivers are not used to any rain so the roads can become quite dangerous when it comes.

Things to Do in Miramar

Outdoor Activities

There is an abundance of water based activities in San Diego including boating, surfing, scuba diving in the kelp forests in La Jolla, and hiking in the hills. When stationed in Southern California, one can experience three seasons of outdoor activities over a three day weekend by surfing one day, going hiking in Joshua Tree Desert National Park or mountain biking in the hills of Hemet the next, and snow-skiing or snowboarding in Bear Mountain (just three hours away) the next.

Sports and Special Events

PetCo Park is home to the San Diego Padres and a beautiful, modern stadium right in the heart of the downtown Gaslamp District. Military tickets are steeply discounted San Diego ComicCon is a world-famous event that takes place at the San Diego Convention Center right near base. Though tickets are hard to come by, the entire Gaslamp district becomes a haven for the weird and wonderful for an entire week.

Shopping and Entertainment

Mission Valley is a huge shopping district with upscale malls and retail centers. For local artists, thrift and vintage shopping, check out the Old Town and Mission Hills areas for lots of local businesses. Balboa Park is a gorgeous area at the top of the hills which is home to beautiful botanical gardens, lots of museums, art galleries, scenic walks, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo! SeaWorld San Diego is just north of the city in the Ocean Beach area and offers military discounts. The USS Midway Museum is a central iconic figure of San Diego and is a beautiful tour and museum. The area surrounding it in the harbor is full of lovely waterfront restaurants and shopping.

Suggested Read:

18 Of the Best MCAS Miramar Things to Do

Restaurants Near MCAS Miramar

Here are three top restaurants located near the base recommended by TripAdvisor. 1.

Ballast Point Miramar,

American, Brew, Pub 9045 Carroll Way San Diego, CA 92121

Phone:

1 (858) 790-6901 A great brewery especially if you enjoy Ballast Point beer. Offering a brewery tour and staple pub food with seafood options, this a great spot for a Sunday-funday. 2.

Supernatural Sandwiches,

American, Seafood 7094 Miramar Rd, Ste 105 San Diego, CA 92121

Phone:

1 (858) 831-7835 A good lunch or takeout spot for a quick bite, seafood appetizers, lobster rolls, and thick-cut fries. 3.

Royal India,

Indian 8990 Miramar Rd, Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92126

Phone:

1 (858) 457-9999 Staple Indian cuisine with a huge lunch buffet and plenty of vegetarian options. Looking to explore more options? Check out our blog, 25 of the Best MCAS Miramar Restaurants.

Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for MCAS Miramar at MyBaseGuide.

Conclusion

Congratulations on getting stationed in San Diego. This is a fantastic place to live and explore and a good place to raise a family. There is no shortage of things to do year-round and the people are friendly. There are plenty of resources to help get you settled quickly when moving to a new duty station. Be sure to check all the ones listed above and also reach out to the other families in your new unit for local knowledge. Enjoy your new home!  

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.