El Centro Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in and county seat of Imperial County, California, United States
About El Centro
El Centro is the largest American city to lie entirely below sea level. In fact, at an average of 50 feet below sea level, it boasts one of the lowest elevations in the continental United States. From the I-8 freeway, passers-by can spot a line painted on a water tower proudly marking the negative elevation. Founded in 1906, El Centro holds the county seat for the Imperial County. Primarily a farming community, the area produces much of the state's winter vegetables including lettuce, onions, carrots, and tomatoes; in addition to cotton, alfalfa, and other produce. El Centro also has numerous cattle feed lots. The residing community of slightly over 40,000 people is primarily Hispanic and is significantly comprised of an agricultural migrant labor force. Apart from agriculture, two ne
Top Attractions in El Centro
Explore the best things to see and do in El Centro:
- ★Bowling
- ★Fishing
- ★Friday Night High School Football
- ★Frog-Gigging
- ★Imperial County Midwinter Fair
- ★Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area
- ★Le Tour de Manure Bike Ride
- ★Mount Signal
Where to Eat in El Centro
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Antojitos Como En Casa
- 🍴Celia's Restaurant
- 🍴China Palace Steak House
- 🍴Fortune House
- 🍴Grasso's Italian Restaurant
- 🍴Junior's Cafe
Where to Stay in El Centro
- 🏨Best Western John Jay Inn
- 🏨Fairfield Inn & Suites El Centro
- 🏨Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
- 🏨Motel 6
El Centro Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: