Travel information

GeneralGet InGet AroundEat

El Centro (Spanish for "the center") is county seat of Imperial County. It boasts one of the lowest elevations in the continental United States--from the I-8 freeway one can spot a line painted on a water tower proudly marking "Sea Level." It was founded in the early 1900s as a farming community, and today the area produces much of the state's winter vegetables including lettuce, onions, carrots, and tomatoes, as well as cotton, alfalfa, and other produce. It also has numerous cattle feed lots. The community of around 40,000 people is mainly Hispanic, with a significant agricultural migrant labor force.

The motto of the El Centro Chamber of Commerce is "Where the Sun Spends The Winter" - but the sun spends the summer here as well, with temperatures regularly topping 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In the fall, winter, and spring, the climate is more moderate and pleasant. The old downtown features old-fashioned Mexican-Spanish "arcade" architecture, providing both shade and a distinct atmosphere.

While considered a "desert" community, El Centro is in fact surrounded by agricultural fields. Most tourism is stopovers on East-West Interstate 8, though there are also "snowbirds" from Canada who vacation in the area in winter. The nearby dunes and desert areas offer many recreational opportunities, and the proximity to Mexico allows easy cross-border visits to Mexicali.

The nearby Navy base is winter home to the Blue Angels air show team, as well as a dry-land practice area for Navy pilots.

By Car

Two major highway routes pass through or near El Centro. I-8 from San Diego (120 miles west) to Yuma (60 miles east, and Highway 111 from Palm Springs (90 miles northwest) to Calexico (20 miles southeast).

By plane

Imperial County Airport (IATA: IPL, ICAO: KIPL) offers regional flights from San Diego and Los Angeles and other destinations as well as general aviation.

It may be cheaper to fly into San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN, ICAO: KSAN) and then rent a car there or take a Greyhound bus to El Centro.

By Bus

El Centro is served by Greyhound Bus from San Diego, Los Angeles, and Yuma/Phoenix.

Imperial Valley Transit has routes connecting all cities in Imperial County. You may purchase punch cards at City Hall. You may be waiting a few hours at some stops. The public transport isn't too good for spur-of-the-moment outings because it may be 2 hours before a bus comes and it may be a long distance between the stop and your destination. If you don't have a punch card, have exact change ready. Route and fare information is on their website.

R&B Cyber Service1535 W. Adams, 760-353-7400 an Internet Cafe, you can browse the Internet and drink coffee, or have your computer repaired.

Camacho's Place, a few miles southwest of town, is well-known for family-style Mexican food; it originated in 1949 as a pool hall for local farmhands. 796 West Wahl Road, 760-352-5810

Grasso's Italian Restaurant 1902 West Main Street, 760-352-4635. Try the minestrone soup, the fried chicken (or chicken livers, if you're so inclined), and the tomatoes-and-sweet-onions when they're in season. Open Wednesday-Sunday in the evenings. It's a little pricey, so only go if you're willing to splurge; the "back room" is less formal and better if you're with kids. Call to make a reservation if you want to be sure you'll get a table because it's very popular and very busy.

Japanese Restaurant Kyoto 1560 Ocotillo Drive, 760-352-7469. The food is good and it's rarely ever crowded. The menu includes sushi of many varieties, seafood, tempura, sake/beer, and teriyaki chicken. Open Monday-Saturday.

Burgers & Beer There are two El Centro locations: one at 260 North Imperial Avenue (760-353-4431) and one at the Imperial Valley Mall (760-353-0007). This is a popular local place. They have mainly American food like hot dogs and burgers, but they also have some Mexican foods as well. At the Imperial Avenue location, there are actually small televisions with cable at some of the tables and you may change the channel yourself.

Lucky Chinese Restaurant 500 South 4th Street, 760-352-7680. It's best to reserve a table if you're going at noon or on Sunday because it can get very busy.

Mah's Kitchen 290 North Imperial Avenue, 760-352-8713. This is a good place to go when you're on a budget. They have good combination plates for $5. Most people order for takeout, but they have plenty of tables if you'd rather eat there.