El Centro Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
El Centro which includes jet skiing and a sunset as well as an individual male
This city in California's Imperial County fascinates with its desert, outdoor activities, fossils and geological phenomena.

With canyons, mountains, mud volcanoes and vast tracts of desert, El Centro is known for its natural attractions. Once you have explored the spectacular scenery and wildlife, relax in the city’s downtown area.

Take advantage of El Centro’s position in a desert region to pursue a range of outdoor activities. Embark on an off-road adventure across the long dune system at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. Go hiking or backpacking through 600,000 acres (242,811 hectares) of Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Study the rock carvings of skulls and animals near Desert View Tower, a rock tower overlooking the Imperial River. Head to Fossil Canyon and Painted Gorge, where you can see fossils embedded into the canyon walls. Marvel at the mud volcanoes and pots of bubbling mud at the Salton Sea Mud Pots and Geothermal Mud Volcanoes.

Drive 14 miles (23 kilometers) west of El Centro to Yuha Desert for the Native American geoglyphs. These images made from rocks stretch for hundreds of yards across the desert floor. Drive an off-road vehicle through the desert on designated routes. During your desert trip you may see 6-million-year-old fossils of barnacles and oysters.

For bird watching, visit Imperial Valley’s lagoons, lakes and canals. Finney Lake,Ramer Lake and Fig Lagoon also support many different bird species.

Escape to the Colorado River for fishing, boating and other water-based activities. Jet Ski across Senator Wash Reservoir, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) from El Centro.

In the evening, head into town for dinner at a local Mexican restaurant find several options along Imperial Avenue, the city’s main street. Then catch a show at the Southwest Performing Arts Theater.

The nearest major airport to El Centro is San Diego International Airport, 116 miles (187 kilometers) away. From there you can take a bus or rent a car. A rental car is a good option to explore the wild scenery surrounding El Centro.

Motel 6 El Centro, CA
Motel 6 El Centro, CA
2 out of 5
395 Smoketree Dr, El Centro, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$122 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
AU$122
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this motel in El Centro. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a snack bar/deli. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
6.8/10 (858 reviews)
"Easy access and parking, friendly and helful staff."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Motel 6 El Centro, CA
Days Inn by Wyndham El Centro
Days Inn by Wyndham El Centro
2 out of 5
611 N Imperial Avenue, El Centro, CA
The price is AU$177 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$177
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in El Centro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (687 reviews)
"Great value on a sold out weekend"

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2024

Days Inn by Wyndham El Centro
Ocotillo Inn
Ocotillo Inn
2.5 out of 5
1455 Ocotillo Dr, El Centro, CA
The price is AU$143 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$143
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in El Centro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (281 reviews)
"Good value for the money"

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2024

Ocotillo Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Home on Yucca
Home on Yucca
El Centro
Stay at this vacation home in El Centro. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions El Centro Chamber of Commerce and Bucklin Park are located ...
Home on Yucca
Super 8 by Wyndham El Centro
Super 8 by Wyndham El Centro
3.5 out of 5
1575 Ocotillo Drive, El Centro, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in El Centro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions Bucklin Park and El Centro Chamber of ...
7/10 Good! (339 reviews)
"Helpful gal at the front desk. Enjoyed the fresh start breakfast. Hotel was easy to find"

Reviewed on 11 Mar. 2020

Super 8 by Wyndham El Centro
Adorable Charming home, next to Sunbeam Lake Park
Adorable Charming home, next to Sunbeam Lake Park
El Centro
Stay at this vacation home in El Centro. Enjoy onsite parking, a kitchen, and 1 bedroom. Popular attraction Lakeview Golf Course is located nearby. Discover ...
Adorable Charming home, next to Sunbeam Lake Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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