Camp Pendleton Marine Base Historical Tour

Explore Camp Pendleton’s Historic Treasures with step-on guide, Amy Forsythe

Join us for an exclusive excursion showcasing two of Camp Pendleton’s most captivating historical sites. Your journey begins with a guided walking tour of the Santa Margarita Ranch House, a beautifully preserved example of early California ranch architecture. Built in 1827, this 8,500-square-foot residence remains a central part of Marine Corps life. Led by knowledgeable docents dressed in period attire, this immersive tour brings history to life.

Next, enjoy a relaxing lunch at Windmill Canyon Restaurant, where you can take in scenic views of the base’s rolling hills and golf course.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the 1st MEF Memorial Wall, a solemn tribute honoring the Marines and Sailors who made the ultimate sacrifice. The journey continues at Camp Pendleton’s Mechanized Museum, a fascinating collection of historic Marine Corps vehicles. Originally a railroad terminal in the 1940s, this site played a key role in preparing Marines for battle in World War II and the Korean War. Today, the museum features working transport and battle vehicles, highlighting the evolution of Marine Corps mobility from World War I to the present day.

You’ll be joined on this special tour by Amy Forsythe, an award-winning military journalist and author with over 30 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy Reserve. A Marine combat correspondent since 1993, Forsythe has completed five combat tours covering military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2022, she published Heroes Live Here: A Tribute to Camp Pendleton Marines Since 9/11, commemorating the base’s memorials and its fallen heroes.

Important Information

This excursion is not a base tour and does not include access to military operations or facilities. The sites visited are managed by the Camp Pendleton Historical Society and located within the base. Due to the base’s status as an active military installation, the coach will follow a pre-approved route with no deviations.

Guests are reminded that access to Camp Pendleton is a privilege, not a right, and respectful conduct is expected at all times. A valid government-issued ID is required at the time of booking. Registration closes 15 days before the tour date due to base security requirements.

Experience Camp Pendleton’s rich history with us on this unforgettable journey

Tour Manager:*  3/26/25 Suzanne Fuselier  -  06/18/25 Pat Brown   Both dates: step-on guide Amy Forsythe will join the tour at the main gate

Activity Level: Moderate

Visiting the Margarita Ranch Adobe and Mechanized Museum at Camp Pendleton requires a moderate level of physical activity. The tour includes walking on uneven terrain, gravel paths, and some inclines around the historic adobe grounds. While the museum exhibits are primarily indoors, accessing them may involve standing for extended periods and navigating small steps or thresholds. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended, and guests should be prepared for outdoor conditions, including potential sun exposure. The activity is suitable for those with good mobility but may be challenging for individuals with limited walking endurance or difficulty navigating uneven surfaces.

What's Included in the Tour Fare

• Round-trip luxury motor coach transportation from pickup locations throughout San Diego County

• Professional Tour Manager throughout the trip

• Complimentary bottled water and snacks on the coach

• Docent-guided tour of Santa Margarita Ranch House National Historic Site

• Visit the Mechanized Museum

• Lunch at the Windmill Canyon Restaurant

Meal Choices at Windmill Canyon

• Tee Time Tuna Melt

  - Tuna, melted Swiss cheese served on toasted wheat bread, served with a side salad

• The Broken Club

  - Turkey, ham, Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and roasted red pepper aioli, on toasted sourdough bread, served with a side salad

• Philly Cheesesteak

  - Grilled steak, bell peppers and onions with melted pepper jack cheese. Available on a lettuce wrap or a hoagie roll served with a side salad

• Par-fect Salad

  - Chopped Romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, tomatoes, red onions, croutons, and choice of dressing

All items include a side salad and non acholic beverage.

What's Not Included in the Tour Fare

• Cancellation Protection

• Gratuities for the Tour Manager and driver

• This excursion does NOT include a tour of the military base or its operations. Base access is highly restricted and is limited to the Adobe Ranch House, Windmill Canyon Restaurant, and Mechanized Museum

How to Make a Reservation

Making your reservation is easy. Simply click the Book Now button above to select your date and confirm your space online, 24/7. You can also call the DayTripper Tours reservations department at (619) 334-3394 during business hours of M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Smartphones

Although not necessary to fully enjoy your trip, a personal smartphone can greatly enhance your tour experience. Take high-quality photos, share your experience on social media in real time, search for nearby restaurants and topics of interest, set reminders, and more.

14-Day Cancellation Deadline

• If you purchased the optional Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) prior to the deadline, you can cancel your booking at any time for any reason and you'll receive a full refund of the tour fare.

• If you declined the CPP, you may cancel your reservation fourteen (14) or more days prior to the departure date to receive a refund less a $15 per person cancellation fee. Alternatively, when you cancel your booking fourteen (14) or more days prior to the departure date, you can avoid the cancellation fee by transferring the funds to another tour or a non-refundable voucher, which can be applied to any future excursion booked within one year of the original tour date. Bookings canceled within 14 days of the departure date are nonrefundable and nontransferable for any reason. Name changes on daytrips are always permitted at no additional cost.

*Tour Manager is subject to change without notice.