El Centro

El Centro is a city in Imperial Valley, California, serving as the seat of Imperial County. Highways lead west toward San Diego and south to the Mexican border, while downtown consists of low-rise commercial buildings and wide streets.

The founding occurred in 1905 when W.F. Holt laid out the site as a trading center for farmers. Irrigation projects brought water from the Colorado River and turned dry land into cropland that produced vegetables and wheat.

Training flights bring the Blue Angels to the desert during winter months when pilots practice their formations overhead. Residents hear the low roar of jets regularly and see the blue aircraft running test patterns across the valley.

Summer brings very high temperatures, so visiting between November and March is worth considering. Local shops and services stay open during the day, with many residents running errands early in the morning or late afternoon.

The city sits about 50 feet (15 meters) below sea level, making it one of the lowest inhabited places in North America. Despite this elevation, visitors notice no difference in breathing or walking through the streets.

Location: Imperial County

Inception: 1905

Elevation above the sea: 12 m

Website: http://cityofelcentro.org

GPS coordinates: 32.79200,-115.56305

Latest update: December 13, 2025 20:31