Family and friends visiting recruits at Parris Island can find lodging in nearby Beaufort, South Carolina.
South Carolina's Parris Island is home to the United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot, where more than 20,000 new recruits graduate each year. By the year 2012, this number is expected to increase to 26,000 recruits a year. Often, families and loved ones come to the Parris Island area to visit recruits and attend their graduation ceremonies. Following are some tips for family members and anyone else traveling to the Parris Island area that should make planning their journey easier.
Instructions
Choosing Your Method of Travel to Parris Island
1. Drive to Parris Island. Parris Island can be reached from I-95, the major north/south route on the east coast of the United States. From the north, you would take South Carolina Exit 33 onto Route 17. Take this to Route 21 South, heading toward Beaufort. Turn right onto Route 280, which will eventually turn into Route 802. Look for a Parris Island sign.
From the south, take I-95 to Exit 8, US-278, heading towards Bluffton/Beaufort/Hilton Head Island. Turn left onto SC-141, then left on SC-170 North/Okatie Highway. When you get to Savannah Highway, SC-802, turn right. Stay on SC-802 until you see a sign for Parris Island.
2. Fly to the Parris Island area. The nearest airport is Hilton Head Airport. Currently, US Airways and Delta fly into this airport.
If you want to save money, try flying into Savannah International Airport in Georgia, which usually has more and cheaper flights to choose from than the smaller Hilton Head Airport. A third alternative, though farther away, is Charleston International Airport. Remember to book a rental car or a shuttle service to get you from the airport to the Parris Island area.
3. Take the bus to the Greater Beaufort area. Greyhound offers service to this area, which is the closest big city to Parris Island.
4. Ride the train to Yemassee, South Carolina, which is about 30 minutes from Parris Island. Amtrak offers service to this station.
Choosing Where to Stay
5. Find lodging in Greater Beaufort. Many hotels offer military-related specials especially around graduation time at Parris Island.
6. Reserve lodging at the base if you are visiting a recruit. Rooms are limited and need to be done in advance of your visit. You can call 843-228-2744 for the Osprey Inn, which is on base.
The DeTreville House at Marine Corps Air Station also offers military lodging and is about 15 minutes from Parris Island. Call 843-522-1663 for reservations.
7. Find a room in Hilton Head or Bluffton, which are a little farther than Beaufort, but may have cheaper rooms, especially during graduation times.
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