Located on the Southern California coast, Camp Pendleton is the major West Coast base of the United States Marine Corps. Founded in 1942 to train U.S. Marines for service in World War II, it’s now the home of various Operating Force units, including the I Marine Expeditionary Force and various training commands.

The 50,000-hectare expeditionary training base boasts 7,300 family housing units and more than 2,600 building and structures. You can visit on a group tour or the Sponsored Visitor Program to discover more than 230 years of Marine Corps history. You also have the chance to explore the on-site Marine Corps Mechanized Museum with working Marine Corps transport and battle vehicles.

See the Ranch House Complex, a National Historic Site, which showcases a Bunkhouse Museum dating back to the 1800s. Inside, you can see historic artefacts, early ranch equipment and photographs of President Roosevelt’s visit. You can also browse exhibits in the World War II and Korea LVT Exhibit.

Getting there

Camp Pendleton is an hour’s drive from San Diego and San Diego International Airport. Alternatively, you can fly into Los Angeles International Airport and rent a car for the 1.5-hour drive.