After visiting Parris Island, you’ll experience an overwhelming sense of patriotism and appreciation for our marines. The island is home to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, which is one of the two marine training facilities in all of the United States. Every Friday for 40 weeks out of the year, graduation ceremonies are held to acknowledge the completion of the recruits’ intensive 3-month training, after which they are reunited with family members. If you’re planning on attending this honorable event, we encourage you to use our graduation special for a discount on your stay during this monumental occasion.
Use the MCRD Graduation Special
The Best Things to Do When Visiting Parris Island
Start at the Douglas Visitors’ Center
The Douglas Visitors’ Center is a great place to learn more details about the boot camp and recruit training that the soon-to-be-marines endure. To get a better idea, their final test includes a 48-mile hike riddled with obstacle courses in a simulated war scenario. Before the exam begins, participants are only allowed 4-hours of sleep and are given just three ready-to-eat meals to last through the 54-hour physical test.
View the Parris Island Museum
At the Parris Island Museum, you’ll learn about the history of the United States Marine Corp. The two-story building is filled with memorabilia from both World Wars and the Gulf Wars. Gaze at the old uniforms, weapons, and pictures from marines of the past. Then, watch it come to life at one of the two films the museum displays.
Another nearby museum, located in Beaufort, South Carolina, is the Beaufort History Museum. Here, you can also learn about the details of Beaufort’s involvement in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, as well as the rise of the Reconstruction Era that spurred from the Civil War.
Take a Driving Tour
Take a closer look at the military base on a self-guided driving tour of the area. Along the 15-miles of paved road, you’ll pass by the iconic site where the 1500s colonies of Charlesfort and Santa Elena once stood. You’ll also get a glimpse of historical monuments and where the recruit training takes place. There are shaded picnic tables scattered along the way so that families can enjoy their time together.
If you seek to learn more about the history of not only Parris Island but the surrounding area, we recommend spending some time at the Robert Smalls House. It contains a rich history that also stems from the Civil War.
Celebrate at Cuthbert House Inn
Whether you’re visiting Parris Island for a graduation ceremony or simply because you appreciate our marines, we welcome you to stay with us at Cuthbert House Inn. We’re only a 21-minute drive from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot and are happy to provide graduates and their families’ a discounted rate on our rooms for graduation. We will also waive our regular Extra Person Fee for any graduate who stays in the room with his/her family after the ceremony. Celebrate in one our Bay Front Suites, like the Federal Suite, which boasts a large, king-size bed and gorgeous views of the bay. Join us to complete your special trip.
