The Ultimate Parris Island Marine Corps Graduation Guide

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

Booking flights

Booking hotels

Family Day and Graduation Schedule Aboard 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.

During your Marine’s liberty, we strongly encourage a visit to the Parris Island Museum. It’s a great opportunity to spend meaningful time together while exploring the proud history, traditions, and legacy of the Marine Corps. Walking through the exhibits with your new Marine is a memorable and inspiring experience you won’t want to miss.

WEDNESDAY – FAMILY ORIENTATION DAY AT PARRIS ISLAND

TIME | EVENT​

6 AM – 8 PM
6 AM – 3 PM

​MARINE CORPS EXCHANGE (MCX) OPEN
FOOD COURT OPEN

7:30 AM – 4 PM

THE DOUGLAS VISITORS’ CENTER
​JAVA CAFÉ OPEN (8 AM – 2:30 PM)
VISITORS’ CENTER GIFT SHOP OPEN (8 AM – 4 PM)

10 AM | DEPOT MUSEUM OPENS
10 AM – 1300 PM | ​MARINE CORPS 101, INCLUDING A “BEHIND THE SCENES” TOUR AT DOUGLAS VISITOR’S CENTER*
1:30 – 2:30 PM | FAMILY ORIENTATION BRIEF AT THE DOUGLAS VISTOR 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.

THURSDAY — FAMILY LIBERTY DAY AT PARRIS ISLAND

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
3 PM | LIBERTY ENDS

4 PM – 6:30 PM

​MEET & GREET WITH DEPOT COMMAND AT THE LYCEUM.
THIS IS A REGISTERED EVENT

| ​

FRIDAY — GRADUATION DAY AT PARRIS ISLAND

TIME | EVENT​

6 AM – 12 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.

*ALL TIMES/LOCATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Traveling to MCRD Parris Island for Graduation

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.

Booking Flights to and from Parris Island Graduation

What airport should you fly into?

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.

When should I book my flights?

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.

When should we fly home?

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.

MCRD Parris Island Graduation Dress Code

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.

Parris Island Hotels

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.

Hotels near Parris Island to book 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.

Hampton Inn Beaufort by Hilton

Hilton Garden Inn Beaufort

Home2 Suites by Hilton Beaufort

Tru by Hilton Breaufort

Best Western Sea Island Inn

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!

Other helpful resources for your trip

MARINE CORPS BOOT CAMP: GRADUATION PACKING LIST

10 WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR RECRUIT IN BASIC TRAINING

MARINE CORPS BOOT CAMP AT PARRIS ISLAND