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.
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).
'''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.
El Centro is served by Greyhound Bus from San Diego, Los Angeles, and Yuma/Phoenix.
[http://www.ivtransit.com 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.
'''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.
El Centro is relatively safe. It's best to avoid areas east of 4th Street and north of Adams Avenue after dark. These areas are shady and there's nothing to see there, anyway. Main Street near 4th Street and North 5th Street are also best avoided after dark. Drug-related crime in these areas is on the rise. In most other areas, it is safe to walk around at any hour of the night.
Car doors should always be locked. Theft is common.
Summers in El Centro are notoriously hot. It's common for temperatures to reach over 120 degrees in July and August. If you're not used to this sort of heat, it's best to stay indoors, avoid being outside, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Even some locals still get heatstroke. The heat can be deadly. If you're going to rent a car, make sure it has a fully-functioning AC.
Like other areas in Southern California, El Centro commonly experiences earthquakes. Most of these are so minor, you won't even feel them. Because of strict building regulations, most buildings are built to withstand major earthquakes. Major earthquakes are not common so it should not be a concern.
Avoid bringing up the topic of illegal immigration. El Centro is overwhelmingly Hispanic and most people are either immigrants or the children of immigrants. Illegal immigration and immigration in general can be a sensitive subject.
Because El Centro isn't exactly a popular tourist destination, good hotel rooms are cheap and easy to find. Reservations are not necessary. Rates range from $50-$60 a night. Some hotels around Adams Avenue are even cheaper, but these hotels are rather seedy and not located in the most desirable parts of town.
'''The Brawley Cattle Call Rodeo''' (One weekend in November)
'''Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area'''
'''Mt Signal''' desert recreational area
'''Mexicali''' gateway to Baja California
'''San Felipe (Mexico)'''