El Centro, CA

Travel Guide

Photo provided by The El Centro Chamber of Commerce and the Imperial Valley Film Commission
Photo provided by Nico Smit/The El Centro Chamber of Commerce and the Imperial Valley Film Commission
Photo provided by The El Centro Chamber of Commerce and the Imperial Valley Film Commission
Photo provided by The El Centro Chamber of Commerce and the Imperial Valley Film Commission
Photo provided by The El Centro Chamber of Commerce and the Imperial Valley Film Commission

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
$67 nightly
The price is $74 total per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
$74 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
Total includes taxes and fees
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 ...
7/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Everything goodbye"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Motel 6 El Centro, CA
Ocotillo Inn
Ocotillo Inn
2.5 out of 5
1455 Ocotillo Dr, El Centro, CA
$84 nightly
The price is $93 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$93 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in El Centro. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (598 reviews)
"Quiet and safe, staff knowledgeable and friendly."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Ocotillo Inn
Hampton Inn El Centro
Hampton Inn El Centro
2.5 out of 5
598 E. Wake Ave, El Centro, CA
$136 nightly
The price is $150 total per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
$150 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in El Centro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (574 reviews)
"Ok"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Hampton Inn El Centro
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.
New Charming 2-bedroom Casita in nice El Centro with WiFi, AC
New Charming 2-bedroom Casita in nice El Centro with WiFi, AC
El Centro
Stay at this property in El Centro. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Broken Spoke Country Club and Imperial Valley Mall are ...
Homey!
"Clean, Cute & Cozy which made for an Amazing stay. I'll be coming back to stay at this Casita."

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

New Charming 2-bedroom Casita in nice El Centro with WiFi, AC
Charming 2-bedroom house with WiFi, AC in adorable El Centro.
Charming 2-bedroom house with WiFi, AC in adorable El Centro.
El Centro
Stay at this vacation home in El Centro. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Bucklin Park and Broken Spoke Country Club are located ...
Charming 2-bedroom house with WiFi, AC in adorable El Centro.
Steam and Rainfall showers, Chef's kitchen, king beds, 75 inch TV
Steam and Rainfall showers, Chef's kitchen, king beds, 75 inch TV
El Centro
Stay at this vacation home in El Centro. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a pool table. Popular attractions Bucklin Park and Broken Spoke Country Club ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Beautiful House
"We had a great time staying there. Everyone loved the place, it was very beautiful, up to date and very spacious. Had good communication with the owner."

Reviewed on Apr 6, 2025

Steam and Rainfall showers, Chef's kitchen, king beds, 75 inch TV
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near El Centro

Other places like El Centro