When you visit Parris Island you will encounter Marines, retirees, recruits, families, and civilian employees and others. Many of them are out and about driving to work in the morning, going to lunch in the afternoon or running errands throughout the day. Make your experience better by following these tips:
1. Pay attention to signs. Many times especially for family day, a sign at the front gate will read “proceed through gate, do not stop.” that means keep going. You can ask questions later on down the road. If you stop, traffic backs up. Other signs along the way will guide you to your destination or let you know if an area is off limits.
2. As you proceed through the front gate, two lanes merge into a single causeway. Be courteous and allow traffic to merge.
3. Obey all speed signs. If the sign reads 45 MPH, try to maintain a safe speed. There are few things more frustrating while driving to work than being behind someone going 25 MPH in a 45 MPH zone! If you are lost or would like to stop and observe a monument, troops marching etc…, please pull over and allow traffic to pass. Never stop in the middle of the road to enjoy the view, take a picture, or talk with someone.
4. Do not use your cell phone while driving and certainly don’t text! It’s dangerous and distracting. There are lots of visitors and permanent personnel on the base running around during the day. If you are not paying attention while driving you could hit someone or another vehicle. If you get a call, pull over and then answer it.
5. When walking around the base please use crosswalks and don’t step out into the road until you are ready to cross. Vehicles aboard the depot stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. When I see someone step off the curb, I stop my car and wait for them. Sometimes they wait for other people to catch up and I am stopped for no good reason.
By following these courtesies you will minimize driving accidents, avoid frustrated drivers, and I’ll be able to enjoy lunch before my time is up. 🙂
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Trying to pick a day that is NOT as busy as grad day or family visitation day. Available 4/18 -4/22/2016. I Graduated 11/23/’63, 2nd Battalion Platoon 269. Hope to be able to take some pics and drive around or take a tour if available. Also, looking for a good place to sit down and eat a nice luncheon meal. Looking forward to my return to the Island. Any info would be a great help.
Thanks, Rusty Ball
Hi Rusty,
Here is the number to call to get more information 843-228-3349. Check the restaurants tab and eating on base for lunch options.
If I wish to visit Parris Island, where I graduated about 50 yrs. Ago, do I have to arrange for any special days or times, or can I just arrive on a random day? I will be visiting locally in May.
Hi James. Yes, you certainly can visit the base. Parris Island is currently open from 6 AM to 6 PM every day. According to the Official USMC website, a vehicle pass is no longer needed to get onto the base or attend a graduation for “typical daily visitors…” however they check ID’s and you should have the following information on hand:
1) A valid driver’s license
2) Vehicle registration
3) Proof of auto insurance
If you are driving a rental car: make sure you have a valid driver’s license, proof of liability insurance, and a copy of your rental agreement with you in case they are needed.