MCRD San Diego Command Museum — Attraction in San Diego

I just visited the MCRD Command Museum after having been here about 15 years ago. Alot has changed and some is not for the better.

The museum displays about recruit training and some brief histories of past wars are very well done, succinct and nicely presented. They have been improved over what I recall from the past.

However, entry to the museum now requires going through a bit of bureaucracy that did not exist in the past. To access the museum, all visitors must first obtain a Temporary pass from a Pass and ID Office on Washington Ave - a drive from the museum itself. Here, the visitors must all present a valid government ID and must complete a somewhat intrusive form with personal information required such as SSN, race, body metrics and the like. After about 5 minutes of waiting in a sterile governmental waiting room that fulfills multiple purposes, applicants may be issued a temporary pass and be allowed to drive from the "Pass and ID Office" to the Museum. This all seems like a bit of bureaucratic overkill if one only intends to visit the museum. It may explain why there wasn't even one other visitor during our two hour stay around noon on a weekday.

When I first visited this museum about 15 years ago, access was very easy and welcoming through a different gate entry. That old gate is just about 50 yards from the museum making it easy walking distance for visitors wanting to comy by Uber, taxi or public transportation. Unfortunately this convenient gate is now closed.

As a Vietnam-era Marine, I find it unfortunate that public access to this fine museum of Marine Corps history has been diminished by bureaucracy and security measures of minimal or questionable value. The museum is now almost entirely visited by individuals coming to the MCRD for graduation ceremonies. While family members may consider these "security measures" a minimal inconvenience, most casual visitors to the museum will likely see it as just too much trouble for uncertain benefit, education or enjoyment.

This place, the MCRD, is a valued community amenity as well as an essential part of US force readiness. In my opinion, Marine Corps leadership should explore measures that could be implemented to facilitate greater attendance and improve access to the museum by the general public. Re-opening the gate by the Museum should be prioritized for it's public value and to highlight the exemplary history of the Marine Corps and this historic base. Creating a minimally-intrusive, secure area for public entry to the museum should be a relatively easy mission to accomplish if my beloved Corps decides to take it...

The MCRD Command Museum is definitely worth a visit, even if you're not affiliated with a graduating Marine. Before visiting San Diego, I was under the impression that it was reserved for Marines and their families, but it is actually open to the public and I'm glad I checked it out! Aside from the beautiful location on base (which is on the National Register of Historic Places), the museum has exhibits on two levels with rich history, artifacts, videos and photographs of the USMC, including rooms dedicated to the wars in Vietnam and Korea. There's a separate hall showing what recruits go through during basic training. If you appreciate military history and are planning to visit San Diego, I think this place, although not as big, deserves your attention, along with USS Midway and the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum. A few things to keep in mind: Make sure to verify the opening hours well in advance. To access the base, you must bring your driver's license and registration (or car rental agreement, if applicable). If you're not a US citizen, bring your passport just in case. Specify to the gate sentry that you're here to visit the Command Museum. There is plenty of parking available. And admission is free. Keep in mind that this is a Marine Corps Recruit Depot with training and graduations happening year-round. During Graduation (but mostly) on Family Days, the museum may get crowded. If you're keen on avoiding such crowds, check the schedule by Googling 'MCRD San Diego graduation schedule'. On most days, you may enter the base via Gate 4 (Witherby St & Barnett Ave) which is closest to the museum, or Gate 5 (W Washington St). During Graduation Days however, entrance may be restricted to Gate 5 with vehicle search in the morning. The museum is located in James L. Day Hall. If you have a GPS, the nearest intersection is Cuba Ave & Tripoli Ave, immediately...

The MCRD San Diego Command Museum is a hidden gem that offers a deeply immersive look into Marine Corps history. Located on the active Marine Corps Recruit Depot, this museum provides a unique perspective on the evolution of the Corps, from its founding in 1775 to modern-day operations. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, blending artifacts, historical documents, and interactive displays that bring the Marine experience to life.

One of the highlights is the boot camp section, which walks visitors through the rigorous training process recruits endure. It’s both enlightening and humbling, especially with authentic gear, personal letters, and videos from past and present Marines. The aircraft and vehicle displays outside add a dramatic, tangible layer to the museum’s storytelling.

What makes the Command Museum stand out is the emotional depth—it’s more than military hardware. It honors sacrifice, discipline, and the enduring spirit of the Marines. The staff, many of whom are veterans, are passionate and knowledgeable, adding personal anecdotes that enrich the visit.

Admission is free, and parking is easy, making it an accessible stop for both history buffs and casual visitors. Whether you’re military-affiliated or just curious, the MCRD Command Museum is well...