Convenient and Affordable MCRD San Diego Lodging

Heading to graduation at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego? Reserve modern and always affordable MCRD San Diego lodging at Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay. We're conveniently located only 3 miles from the MCRD, and we provide complimentary shuttle service to the Depot to eliminate your transportation hassles.

As the preferred choice among hotels near MCRD San Diego, we offer a wide array of thoughtful amenities for our military guests and their families, including:

Complimentary shuttle to/from the MCRD San Diego*
Free upgrade to Bay View room (view our guest rooms and suites)
Three on-site restaurants, from casual meals to fine dining
Heated outdoor pool
Poolside gym
Free high-speed Internet access
Kid Eat Free program for children ages 12 and under with paying adult

View all amenities at our hotel near the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

*Free shuttle to MCRD only when booking MCRD Rate. Must present MCRD invitation and sign-up for shuttle service upon check-in. Not valid with other discounts or 3rd party offers.

Family Day:

Breakfast Buffet
6:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
An optional breakfast to start your day on the Depot. The buffet is affordably priced and offers a terrific opportunity to meet other recruit parents and families.
Drill Instructors Brief
9:30 a.m.
An active MCRD Drill Instructor will describe the do's and don'ts of your time on base.
Motivational Run
10:30 a.m.
Get your camera ready for this traditional Motivational Run. The recruits will run right to left and left to right, affording you the best opportunity to take a picture.
Liberty Formation
12:00 p.m.
A younger tradition at the MCRD. This is the final ceremony before you can finally meet your recruit up close for a big hug!
Depot Liberty
12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
After the Liberty Formation, recruits have free time to spend with their family and friends. While new marines cannot leave the Depot, there are plenty of activities around the base to enjoy.
Liberty Lunch Buffet
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Parents have the opportunity to meet their recruit's Drill Instructor at lunch. Say hello, take pictures or offer a heartfelt thanks for a job well done.

Graduation Day:

Breakfast Buffet
6:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
An optional breakfast to start your day on the Depot. The buffet is affordably priced and offers a terrific opportunity to meet other recruit parents and families.
Color Ceremony
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Finish your breakfast early and head to the Commanding General's Headquarters for this special Color Ceremony. Along with the raising of the flags, enjoy performances by the Marine Band San Diego and the Color Guard.
Graduation Seating
9:30 a.m.
Be in your seats at Shepherd Memorial Drill Field no later than 9:45 a.m.
Graduation Ceremony
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The big event! After this stirring ceremony, your recruit will be an official U.S. Marine. Present personnel include the Commanding General, the recruits and their Drill Instructors, and the Marine Band San Diego who will perform.
Hot Lunch Buffet
11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
You can finally meet up with your newly graduated U.S. Marine and enjoy a hot buffet lunch at the Bay View Restaurant on base. New marines enjoy a free lunch when joined by at least one paying guest.

Upcoming MCRD Graduations:
Graduations at MCRD are typically held on Fridays, with Family Days the Thursday before, but dates may be shifted around Federal holidays. Here is a list of upcoming graduations at MCRD San Diego:

Additional Information:

Address: 3800 Chosin Avenue, San Diego, CA 92140
All visitor vehicles MUST enter through Gate #5 (Washington Street); have your Drivers License, registration and insurance ready to show
Military personnel are encouraged to wear their uniforms; civilians should dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes
There is a free on-site shuttle service running a 20 minute rotation between the Recreation Center, Museum Flag Pole (Parade Deck), the Mall and the Bay View Restaurant

Book convenient and affordable MCRD San Diego lodging at Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay.