Miramar MCAS

1South East side - overview

Coming from San Diego on the I-15, take the exit to the 52 West. Actually, you will not enter the 52 immediately but drive parallel until the exit to Kearny road, take that and go North (left). Alternatively, drive further North on I-15 and take exit 13, and work your way back starting at spot 3. From the I-15 Southbound, coming from the North, you can either take exit 13 or drive further South and take the exit to 52 West, that one leads directly to Kearny Rd. Spots 1 to 3 are along/around Kearny road.

After passing the bridge, from the South drive about 2 km on this road, you can exit to the Harris Plant Rd. When you arrive on top of the ramp, you can park your car to the East. From here you will have a distant overview of the ramps, still between 2 to 3.5 kilometres away. The Herks are easily read, modexes of the Hornets and a good bunch of CH-53's can be read off here. The F-35s are blocked, either by the sheds' roof or each other and the Osprey's are too far away.

2East side approach

The first stint of Kearny road has a high embankment obscuring your view. Luckily, there is a bicycle lane and together with the hard shoulder you should be able to park your car near one of the trees just before the approach.

3East side ramp view - A.M.

Driving a bit further North, the road climbs and you can dare one or two short stops to pole off aircraft, mainly the Herks. Only with minimal heatwaves, best in the morning. If you chance a lober stop and walk a bit up and down, modexes of some of the F-35s should be possible to read. Beware of the traffic.

Alternatively if you dare not stop at all at spts 1 to 3, drive North and South down Kearny road a couple of times an take photographs, that should take care of the Herks at least.

4Northeast side view - A.M.

Continuing North on Kearny Rd take the Miramar exit and make a right. After over passing the I-15 there is a dead end straight on. Park here and walk back crossing the ramp to the I-15. You will have some views of the nearest part of the ramp.

5Northwest side industrial estate

Take the Miramar Road exit, road number 56, either from I-805 or I-5. Enter the parallel road, the entrance is opposite the Carls Jr, after passing the railroad, go left. Drive all the way until the road ends and make a right, this leads to a parking lot servicing the various companies here. Drive all the way to the back. Some glimpses of the Westernnmost part of the Osprey ramp can be had. Small part of the second ramp can be seen as well, if there is a MEU a coupkle of Huey/Cobra-types may be pottab;le from here.

Also, distant backlit views of the Western approach are possible, but you are still over 1 km from the centreline here. And you will probably attract attention from the businesses here if you linger too long on their parking lot.

6West side approach

The Western side is even more difficult, although used far less. The only feasible spots we are aware of are around the Governor Dr exit. Possibly around the entrance of the Everde Growers plantation. The threshold, when this side is used, is very distant so the aircraft will be much higher.

Entering the plantation mentioned above will alleviate that problem somewhat. But of course, that is private property, with barriers, so you have to seek permission first and chances are very slim that they let you stand on their terrain.

7West side view - P.M.

The other side of the I-805 may offer some options and views. Directly after underpassing the I-805 there is a carpool parking lot. From there walk to the North on the embankment along the I-805 off ramp all the way to the beginning og that. The embankment is quite high and may offer reading opportunities in the P.M.

8Miramar military cemetary

In the Northwest corner of the base, the military cemetery is currently expanding more to the Southeast. Still, even very far onto the cemetary you will have to cope with the sun in your face for landings. You can see the Osprey ramp from the large flag, that is guarded by two marines in ceremonial attire.

9Former Flying Leathernecks museum collection

Sadly, the Flying leathernecks museum has closed down for many years now. Some plans exist to transport the collection to Irvine, the former MCAS El Toro site, in 2023. Meanwhile, most aicraft are parked in a compound visible from Miramar Road.