Whether your recruit has just left for Parris Island or is near the end of their training, graduation will be here before you know it....
Whether your recruit has just left for Parris Island or is near the end of their training, graduation will be here before you know it. Traveling to Parris Island to attend a loved one’s graduation can be stressful, but we’ve got all the information you need to keep the travel stress at bay so you can focus on supporting the new Marine in your life.
Family Day and Graduation Schedule
Traveling to MCRD Parris Island
Preparing for Marine Corps Basic Training Graduation at MCRD PARRIS ISLAND can be very exciting! To make sure you have the most up-to-date information possible, we’ve got all you need to know about Family Day and MCRD Parris Island graduation.
Family Day and graduation take place on the last two days of recruit training. Family Day occurs on Thursday and gives new Marines a chance to see family and friends for the first time during on-base liberty. Graduation is conducted Friday in a formal ceremony attended by family and friends.
Visitors are requested to stop by the Douglas Visitors’ Center upon arrival to check in. In order to allow time to identify which recruits have family or visitors waiting to see them.
You’ll get some quality time with your new Marine during their liberty. We HIGHLY recommend taking your Marine to the Parris Island Museum so you can walk the exhibits and learn about the unique history and customs of the Marine Corps.
| TIME | EVENT |
|---|---|
| 6 AM – 8 PM 6 AM – 3 PM | MARINE CORPS EXCHANGE (MCX) OPEN FOOD COURT OPEN |
| 7:30 AM – 4 PM | FAMILY CHECK-IN AT THE DOUGLAS VISITORS’ CENTER JAVA CAFÉ OPEN (8 AM – 2:30 PM) VISITORS’ CENTER GIFT SHOP OPEN (8 AM – 4 PM) |
| 8 AM | DEPOT MUSEUM OPENS |
| 10 AM – 12 PM | FAMILY CHECK-IN AT THE DOUGLAS VISITORS’ CENTER JAVA CAFÉ OPEN (9 – 11:30 A.M.) VISITORS’ CENTER GIFT SHOP OPEN (8 A.M. – 4 P.M.) |
| 10 AM – 12:30 PM | MARINE CORPS 101, INCLUDING A “BEHIND THE SCENES” TOUR AT DOUGLAS VISITOR’S CENTER* |
| 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | FAMILY ORIENTATION BRIEF DOUGLAS VISITOR’S CENTER* |
Sandboxx Tip: To avoid accidental knife-handing by your Marine, stay on their left side so they are free to salute with their right hand when passing higher-ranking Marines on base.
| TIME | EVENT |
|---|---|
| 6 AM – 4 PM | DOUGLAS VISITORS’ CENTER OPEN. PLEASE REGISTER UPON ARRIVAL. JAVA CAFÉ (5:30 AM – 2:30 PM) VISITORS’ CENTER GIFT SHOP OPEN (6 AM – 4 PM) |
| 6 AM – 8 PM 6 AM – 3 PM | MARINE CORPS EXCHANGE (MCX) FOOD COURT OPEN |
| 7 AM | MOTIVATIONAL RUN – PEATROSS PARADE DECK AND BOULEVARD DE FRANCE. |
| 8 AM | DEPOT MUSEUM OPENS. |
| 9:30 – 10 AM | BATTALION COMMANDER’S BRIEF TO FAMILIES & LIBERTY CEREMONY PEATROSS PARADE DECK |
| 10 AM | LIBERTY BEGINS. |
| 10 AM – 2 PM | MARKSMANSHIP TRAINING UNIT OPEN HOUSE. |
| 3 PM | LIBERTY ENDS. |
| 4 PM – 6:30 PM | MEET & GREET WITH DEPOT COMMAND AT THE LYCEUM. THIS IS A REGISTERED EVENT |
| TIME | EVENT |
|---|---|
| 6 AM – 2 PM | DOUGLAS VISITORS’ CENTER OPEN. JAVA CAFÉ (6 A.M. – NOON) GRADUATION STATION (6 A.M.- NOON) |
| 6 AM – 8 PM 6 AM – 3 PM | MARINE CORPS EXCHANGE (MCX) FOOD COURT OPEN |
| 8 AM | DEPOT MUSEUM OPENS. |
| 9 AM – 10 AM | GRADUATION AT PEATROSS PARADE DECK. |
Planning your trip to Parris Island for Marine Corps boot camp graduation can be overwhelming. To make the process easier for you we’ve put together all you need to know and how to book your trip to Parris Island for Marine boot camp graduation.
When it comes to deciding what airport to fly into for Parris Island’s graduation, you have a few different options. There is not a specific Parris Island airport, but the three nearest airports are:
SAV – Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
CHS – Charleston International Airport
HHH – Hilton Head Airport
The airport you choose to fly into is entirely up to you. The Hilton Head Airport will be the nearest airport to Parris Island, but depending on flight times and your finances, Charleston International Airport (CHS) or Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) might be a better option. CHS is about an hour and a half drive to Parris Island, and SAV is just about an hour drive.
Families often wait until the 8th week of training to book travel in order to ensure their recruit is going to graduate. We would advise booking earlier; usually, by the end of the 3rd week of training, your recruit is on their way to graduating. However, you may want to invest in travel insurance or the ability to change the flight if your loved one experiences a delay during training.
We’d advise flying in on the best flight on Wednesday. The Family Meet & Greet for Parris Island is held on Thursday immediately following Family Day (4pm) and any flights arriving on Wednesday will give you plenty of time to settle into your hotel and get ready for your early start on Thursday.
Believe us when we say, “your new Marine will be ready to head home right after graduation.” Your departing flight on Friday should be after 4pm. This will give you plenty of time to travel to the airport and return your rental car if you have one.
Are you wondering what to wear to a Marine boot camp graduation? Clothing can be casual for each day and there is no dress code. A majority of families will wear custom t-shirts on graduation day that display their Marine’s name and platoon number. We recommend that you have a sweater or jacket for outside in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
There are no hotel accommodations on Parris Island for families to stay at during graduation, but there are many options to choose from in the surrounding area. One thing to keep in mind is not all of the local hotels will offer shuttle service to and from the airport, as well as to Parris Island. You may need to look into renting a car while visiting for graduation.
Beaufort, South Carolina is a hidden gem and offers great dining, shopping, and sights. The following hotels are all located minutes from both the base and historic Beaufort and are rated as “excellent” by Google.
The feeling you get when you see your New Marine for the first time will be more than you could ever imagine. It is truly a special day and time to enjoy and celebrate with your Marine and family.
Happy travels, and congrats to you and your soon-to-be new Marine!
