PCSing to coastal California is a dream assignment to some: beautiful weather, an abundance of things to see and do, and the Pacific ocean! And yes… there is also a higher cost of living than many areas you may have lived before. It means being stationed at the home of the 1st Marine Division, the oldest, largest and most decorated division in the United States Marine Corps. It’s a large installation, spanning more than one county, and can be a different experience for many military families. So let’s dive in and explore your new duty station, then head over to PCSgrades.com to for reviews for base housing, neighborhoods, and more!
WHERE IS CAMP PENDLETON
Camp Pendleton is nestled up against the Pacific Ocean, in between Los Angeles and San Diego, and sandwiched between Oceanside to the south, San Clemente to the north, and Fallbrook to the east. It boasts a coastal climate, with average low temps dipping into the 40s and highs reaching into the 80s.
Interstate 5 runs the entire length of Camp Pendleton against the Pacific, and Interstate 15 runs alongside the base to the east. I5 and I15 are connected south of the base by highways 76 and 78.
The Coaster is a commuter train that runs from Oceanside straight through San Diego and travels right next to the water. The Sprinter is a commuter train that runs from Oceanside inland to Escondido.
ON BASE AMENITIES
Naval Hospital – NHCP is a new facility, completed around 2012, and located on the south side of the installation.
Balboa – Balboa is another Naval Hospital located in San Diego, and houses some of the most advanced Naval medicine clinics on the west coast. It is the Bethesda equivalent, but with a more updated facility.
Post Exchange – the PX aboard Camp Pendleton is also new, located near NHCP, and boasts a Dunkin Donuts, among several smaller niche shops.
Commissary – there are two commissaries aboard Camp Pendleton, one on the south side of base and one on the north side of base. The commissary on the north side of base is significantly smaller but less busy. The cost of living in California can be high, so many families exclusively shop for groceries on base to save money.
Beaches – there are two beaches aboard Camp Pendleton: San Onofre and Del Mar. San Onofre offers beach rentals – cottages, RV sites, and camp sites. Del Mar offers Del Mar Resort, a brand new facility that advertises villas, campsites, cabanas, palapas and surf gear available for rent. They also provide services for weddings and other events.
Gyms – there are 13 fitness centers aboard Camp Pendleton. They are located in the 14, 21, 22, 23, 31, 33, 41, 44, 52, 53, and 62 areas, as well as the O’Neill Fitness Center and Paige Fieldhouse located on the main side. Hours vary by facility.
CAMP PENDLETON HOUSING
ON BASE
There are several housing choices aboard Camp Pendleton through Lincoln Military Housing: Wire Mountain, South Mesa, San Onofre, Del Mar, Forster Hills, O’Neill Heights, Pacific View, San Luis Rey, San Mateo, Santa Margarita, Serra Mesa and Stuart Mesa. Eligibility is determined by rank or GS level.
OFF BASE
Families who choose not to live in base housing often opt to live in the San Clemente, Oceanside or Fallbrook areas. CheckPCSgrades.com for photos and reviews from fellow military and veteran families on off-base housing/neighborhood options.
SCHOOLS
Inside Camp Pendleton, you will find what is referred to as 80/20 schools. This means that 80% of the student population is military or DoD related. Twenty percent are civilians from the surrounding area. The schools are held to DoD standards, which often more than exceed the state standards. There are five such elementary schools aboard Camp Pendleton. Middle school and high school students attend schools off base. Off base schools on the south and east sides of base generally, have a lower school rating from Great Schools than those on base and on the north side.
BAH AND COST OF LIVING
The median home cost in San Diego is $575,000 which is well above the national average making it a rather expensive place to buy.
CAMP PENDLETON WEATHER
The “rainy season” is winter, with the average annual rainfall a mere 13 inches. Don’t let the lack of rain fool you, though. Due to lack of rain, roads are often incredibly slick when it rains, mostly as a result of oil from vehicles not being sufficiently washed away as would happen in an area with more rainfall. It is not uncommon for experienced drivers to be prone to accidents on roads that are well traveled, including the several interstates and major highways in the area.
CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS
Camp Pendleton has all the same rules that other military installations have. Don’t walk on the grass. Stop your car for the lowering of the flag. Don’t use your phone while driving on base. Wear proper civilian attire – though the rule on close-toed shoes is generally waved at this installation due to the proximity of the beach.
Celebrities often visit the installation, where they generally enjoy some of the most respectful receptions around. Once, I walked out my back door to find Matthew McConaughy standing by my car chatting with my neighbors. Our family was cordially invited to participate in filming a commercial with him, and his crew was awesome. I’ve yet to run into a celebrity or crew on base who wasn’t polite and gracious.
While the installation feels laid back because of its closeness to the beach (and its lack of closeness to Marine Corps Headquarters), the business aboard Camp Pendleton is incredibly and the. Don’t off-road on the many dirt roads you’ll find in seemingly random places, or you might find yourself in the middle of a hot range.
THE CROSSES
Atop a 1st Sgt’s Hill near Camp Horno, stands the crosses that were, at one point, heroically saved by a group of Marines from 3/5 during one of the many wildfires in recent years. The crosses are memorials erected by Marines in honor of their fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan.
5TH MARINES MEMORIAL GARDEN
Every infantry Marine aboard Camp Pendleton will, at some point, visit the 5th Marines Memorial Garden. It is open to everyone who finds themselves stationed aboard the installation, whether active duty or family. It is located on the north side of Camp Pendleton, at Camp San Mateo.
LOCAL CUISINE
Californians are all about delicious food. You’ll find that In-n-Out has die-hard fans. Beach Break Cafe is famed as the best breakfast in town. And Chronic Taco is a local favorite. Ruby’s Diner serves amazing fish tacos. The Jolly Roger has a great view of the harbor. And Harbor Fish and Chips has delicious fresh food.
There are hundreds of little independent eateries dotting the beach from Camp Pendleton down to San Diego. If you love food, you should make it your mission to hit as many of them as possible.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
THE SUNSET MARKET
This market is a weekly occurrence year round. People travel from all over to take part in the festivities that include food, entertainment, shopping, and even a family-friendly KidZone.
OCEANSIDE PIER
The famed pier is a busy location and a tourist hotspot. It is located in the heart of Oceanside.
PENDLETON PAINTBALL PARK
Located aboard the installation on Vandergrift Blvd, this paintball park is open to ages 10 and up, with hours Friday to Sunday, from 0830 – 1700. They take private reservations 7 days a week for groups of 15 or more.
CAMP PENDLETON PLAYLAND
Located next to the paintball park. Camp Pendleton Playland features a zip line, laser tag, several bounce houses and more. It’s only open on weekends from 1000 – 1700.
MARINE MEMORIAL GOLF COURSE
Near the paintball park, the course is open from 0630 – 1630 during the winter and 0600 – 1800 during the summer. Rates depend on rank.
OTHER IDEAS
There are a lot of other things to do around Camp Pendleton, as SoCal is rich in perfect weather. Other places to visit while stationed aboard Camp Pendleton are Knott’s Berry Farm (which converts to Knott’s Scary Farm for Halloween), Lego Land, and Universal Studios. Of course, Disneyland is always a favorite. The weather is nearly always perfect for whatever plans you have.
If you need more info about the area, go to PCSgrades.com where you can see what other military families think about Camp Pendleton and the entire area. Enjoy your time aboard the installation!
This post sponsored by PCSgrades.