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El Centro is the county seat of Imperial County in the far southeast corner of California, about 10 miles north of the Mexican border. Founded in 1906 by W. F. Holt and incorporated in 1908, it sits roughly 40 feet below sea level and is often called the largest American city entirely below sea level.
The city grew as the commercial center of the Imperial Valley, where canals fed by the Colorado River turned desert into one of the country's most productive farming regions for winter vegetables, alfalfa and dates. Its population of about 44,000 is largely bilingual, and its downtown, parks and shopping reflect a close connection to Mexicali across the border.
El Centro is best visited in the mild winter months, when the Blue Angels train at Naval Air Facility El Centro and the California Mid-Winter Fair takes place in nearby Imperial. It is also the main gateway to the Imperial Sand Dunes, the Salton Sea and the desert parks of eastern San Diego County.
Naval Air Facility El Centro is the winter training home of the Navy's Blue Angels, who practice here from January to March. The base usually opens to the public once a year for an air show featuring the team, with static aircraft displays. Check dates and security rules before you go.
Held each late winter at the Imperial Valley Expo grounds in nearby Imperial, this county fair has livestock shows, carnival rides, concerts, local food and agricultural exhibits celebrating the valley's harvest. It is the region's biggest annual event; buy tickets online to skip the lines.
El Centro's largest park has a small lake with ducks, shaded lawns, walking paths, playgrounds and picnic areas, and it hosts community events through the year. It is a pleasant spot for an evening walk once the desert heat fades. Bring water and sun protection on warm days.
West of El Centro near Seeley, this county park surrounds a small lake used for fishing, paddling and picnics, with shaded areas and lawns. It is a quiet escape popular with local families on winter weekends. Facilities are basic, so bring food, water and shade for the afternoon.
Just north in Imperial, this museum tells the story of the Imperial Valley through galleries devoted to its many immigrant communities, early irrigation and farming, and Native peoples. Exhibits include historic photographs, tools and family artifacts. Allow one to two hours and check open days first.
The main regional mall for the Imperial Valley and northern Mexicali shoppers, with department stores, chain shops, a food court and a cinema. It is a welcome air-conditioned break on hot days. The mall sits off I-8 on the east side of town, with plenty of free parking.
About 45 minutes east of El Centro, the Algodones Dunes rise up to 300 feet and stretch for more than 40 miles, making them the largest dune system in California. They are famous for off-road riding near Glamis, and there is a scenic overlook off I-8. Visit in winter and carry plenty of water.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
Photo: [2], Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: JacobSA2019, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: JacobSA2019, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: JacobSA2019, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Chief Petty Officer Michael Russell, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: JacobSA2019, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: blmcalifornia, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain