Surprisingly complete ode to the history of Imperial Valley, with both things to see inside and…read moreout. The museum is very large with two upstairs sections. Downstairs includes a history of the valley plus slices of the changing technology that helped make the west what it was. Nature and animal exhibits too, with stuffed animals. Upstairs one large section is devoted to the different ethnic groups who have settled in the valley and contributed to it, and another section includes antiques that made life easier through home improvement devices over the years. Works of well known Imperial Valley residents like author Harold Bell Wright are exhibited. Outside some farm devices and a parked few pieces of a train including its caboose. In all a very enjoyable experience with something for everyone. $10. per adult, $5. for students.

Good day for a couple laps around the park! Nice view with…read morewater area with ducks Friendly family park!

Such a great children's museum. We brought my 5 and 2 year old here when we were visiting family in…read moreImperial a few years ago, and they had a blast. It is really great for all ages.. the adults had just as much fun as the kids. Lots of fun things to do, see and learn about. Some of my kids' favorite exhibits were the bubble area, massive pin wall, art spin crafts, vertical slide, and light brite wall. They also have a separate play room geared for younger children. I would absolutely recommend taking your children here.

I'm giving this 4 stars but wish it could be 4.5 (and they could easily reach 5 stars). This…read moremuseum is very centrally located in Centro Civico, right next to Liverpool. There is plenty of free parking. It is a large lot that has both indoor and outdoor exhibits and an IMAX theater indoors. We unfortunately arrived too late in the day to check out the IMAX. It was very deserted, even on a Saturday. The outdoor exhibits focus on trains, flora/fauna and colors/shapes. There is plenty of outdoor space for eating and relaxing. There is also a large lawn area, where they were having birthday party (looked fun!) and I believe they rent the entire museum after hours for weddings, events, 15eras, etc....The inside has all kinds of science and daily living exhibits. There is also a large maker space where kids can create (there is a second art space in the dark exhibit section as well). There is a rock climbing wall, a huge lighted fountain and an orbiter ride in addition to many interactive stations (bubbles, life size chess etc...) It is fun for the whole family. There is also a very high catwalk (I don't recommend this if you are afraid of heights, It is very high and not the sturdiest but fun!). All the attendants are very enthusiastic as well. So why no five stars? 1. Many of the exhibits were broken or partially broken 2. The gift shop needs to get in items for older kids, they have a captive audience but it's mainly little kids coloring books 3. the food is horrible!!! overpriced, overcooked and didn't taste good at all. This was a great outing. Oh one final note they do NOT have A/C they have big fans and the day we went (in mid October) was moderate enough that it wasn't an issue but you may want to go early in the morning if you are going in the summer!

I have seen this place from the I-8 freeway over the years as I drove across into Arizona. While…read moreworking in the area I made the trek over and visited! They have a big gift shop with random knick-knacks. You pay $10 to explore the grounds which includes a tiny chapel on elevated mound of earth, a replica of a chapel in Brittany, France. They also have a beautiful display of granite blocks carved out like an encyclopedia of just about all kinds of things! Such an interesting place I definitely recommend you check out!

It was really a lot more than I thought it would be. Beautiful engraved granite, a maze, and the…read moreCenter of the Word Certificate. It was fun and had a lot of unique things to see. I highly recommend it for the history alone.

This is an excellent desert museum. They have a number of good interpretive displays and regularly…read morehost events such as star viewing (they have several telescopes), lectures and planned trips to Anza Borrego state park and the surrounding areas. For years, this museum sat vacant. Finally enough money was raised to build out the interior. When it opened, I just had to go see it. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. For its size, I was surprised to see the number of displays they had and the quality of them. They also have a nice bookstore with trail maps and other informative desert literature. If you've driven on interstate 8 eight between San Diego and Arizona, I'm sure you have seen this museum. It has an outdoor trail with many native plants. There's also shaded sitting areas. If you have an extra 30 minutes to an hour, drop by the Imperial Valley desert museum. I'm sure you would enjoy it.

We were driving from San Diego back to El Centro. We had tried stopping earlier but the wind was so…read morebad, so we drove on. We saw the sign for the Imperial Valley Desert Museum on our last trip and it sounded interesting...but I didn't really expect that much being so far away from any towns. We weren't sure we were even heading toward the museum since there was no sign and road was gravel and bumpy. But around the corner there was the terra cotta roof of the museum. No sign for the entrance either but they were glass doors so in we went. No one was at the desk but there were people looking at exhibits so we went in. The museum was not large but had areas with different exhibits and historic artifacts. The exhibits were very informative and well done. They have a beautiful collection of pottery by the Kumeyaay, a local First Nation tribe (who had bands that covered north from Escondido to near Ensenada and east from Yuma, AZ. to the Pacific Ocean. There is a movie that explains how the different bands lived that was so wonderful and informative that I would watch again. We were there about an hour and didn't see everything in detail. I really enjoyed learning about the Kumeyaay people and the desert area of Imperial County area. We will definitely come back to go through it again. I highly recommend making the stop to see the museum.

Great vibe, lots of spots to have a drink, hang out, and eat! Gets pretty lively at night.read more

This city has undergone some major and much deserved renovation and restoration in the last few…read moreyears. Its border crossing (though busy), is not as busy as the border I grew up experiencing living in San Diego. It has however, (and understandably) gotten much busier with more barriers/delays, etc. over time. It's a good idea to pay attention to the border wait times to plan the best time to return into the states. You will have to go through a checkpoint when entering into and returning from Mexico. Bags are inspected each way so if you have to question an item you're considering bringing in or out, it's likely best to leave it at home. Or you risk confiscation. Surprisingly, I did not too many refugees on my recent visit. This city is relaxed and the people are warm and welcoming. The locals/natives (Mexican and/or Chinese descent) lovingly are referred to as "Cachanillas". This a type of plant, Pluchea sericea native to Mexicali. Blending two beautiful cultures into one that makes La Chinesca so special and unique. This area is historically known for having the largest Chinese community in Mexico. There are hidden underground establishments and tunnels built by the early Chinese immigrants. I am told the underground construction was a way for the Chinese to escape the harsh heat. Which at its hottest, reached a scorching 125 degrees Fahrenheit in 1995. These tunnels have been re-opened and there are affordable tours available taking you as far and as safely as possible through an underground labyrinth where people would live and congregate. They even show you some old opium/gambling areas and more. I would highly recommend coming and respectfully embracing all the city has to offer. About a decade ago, I referred to La Chinesca as somewhat stuck in time. However, they're mixing old with new, embracing change, all while honoring and preserving deeply rooted traditions. This city also offers plenty of dining options as well and plenty sightseeing and shopping in a day.

The Desert View Tower, built in the 1920's, offers a stunning view of the Anza Borrego Desert. It's…read morealso currently available on a short-term rental website listed as "Lighthouse in Jacumba, CA"! If you're driving by, it's worth a stop. Free to look around the grounds and giftshop; but there is a fee to climb to the top for the best and most expansive view ($9.50 as of this writing). The tower is next to "Boulder Park" featuring some truly hideous sculptures created by an unemployed engineer during the depression. The boulders are much more notable for what may be cupules created by Native Americans, cups that are carved out of rock as part of ceremonies and rituals. A smattering of animals live on the grounds including chickens and peacocks. Free parking.

I've been trying to figure out what to write about this fun little stop an hour east of San Diego…read more It's a wonderful piece of history and definitely worth exploring. My husband and I enjoyed our visit quite a bit. We paid the fee to climb to the top of the tower and go exploring the boulders on the property as well. The tower interior is home to a magical shop full of antiques and second-hand treasures. The boulders next to the tower are fun to explore and have lots of animals painted onto the boulders in the shapes of various animals. As you can tell we really enjoyed our visit BUT... The one road in and out of the Desert View Tower property is absolutely littered on both sides with (maybe) abandoned motor homes, shanties, and whole collections of god-only-knows-what! And the road itself is like driving on the surface of the moon. I felt like I was driving into a scene of "The Hills Have Eyes" (kids ask your Gen X parents about that one). Seriously... I thought we might be murdered and eaten! But if you're feeling brave, come well-armed, and are willing to pop a tire and ruin your suspension, it's a GREAT place to visit!

A marvelous museum that all prominent professionals and dignitaries have or will visit. But it…read moreisn't just open to those few, it is open to all of humanity who wants to have an enriched experience--an absolute must to visit! It is a magnificent display of history and art that transcends academia by utilizing all of the human senses. Upon arrival, one is immediately intrigued by Michelangelo's bronze arm that points along a line that travels though a pyramid and into history etched on granite before arriving at a church on a hill that overlooks the area. As one enters the museum, a docent greets the visitor and introduces the museum by a short film. The pyramid is opened where you have an opportunity to enter and be photographed standing at the "Center of the World," to capture your own history. From within the pyramid, you can feel the cool granite stone and see the sunlight glistening off the beautiful etched granite in the history courtyard--what beauty the Pyramids of Giza must have displayed during its day! You take a fresh breathe of the outdoor air as you approach the magnificent etched granite that displays the history of humanity. Being inspired by the great artists, philosophers, scientists, leaders, and many others--you continue to walk around under the blue blanket sky studying those topics of interest. At the end, you can ascend up a series of stairs to the Church. As you approach the heavens, you can sit and look out towards the mountains, desert, and blue skies. You pause to process what you just experienced while also subconsciously reflecting upon your own story of life. This is not the end. Departing from this experience, you stop to have a cold Felicity beverage at their restaurant where you further reflect. Finally, you slowly leave this spectacular museum, while subconsciously asking yourself, "what more can I do"--leaving this place with a new sense of belonging and a desire to accomplish more in life!

This museum is like a jewel in the desert and the owners are wonderful! Jacques-André and Felicia…read moreIstel. It's fun to stop by because there's always something new to see. It's worth stopping at, especially in the cooler months when the cafe and gift shop are open.

This was a quick stop for me before heading to Bombay Beach. It's near Slab City, and as you drive…read morethrough the area and start seeing all the RVs around, you can immediately feel the energy shift a little :) After hearing about this place from the movie ases on a true story, Into the Wild and living in San Diego for so long, I finally decided to check it out. I was honestly impressed by how well maintained everything was. I technically arrived after hours around 6pm, but there was still a volunteer there who gave a short introduction about the history of the place, which I appreciated. As I walked up the mountain, I was surprised by how clean everything was and how bright and vibrant the paint still looked, so huge credit to the volunteers who keep it looking this way. I was even given a free postcard on my way out, which was a nice little touch. I probably wouldn't make a full trip out here just for this alone, but pairing it with a visit to the Salton Sea or Bombay Beach is definitely worth it. I also love that it's completely free so no tickets or entrance fee needed.

I did a long weekend trip to Palm Desert with the goal of visiting the Salton Sea. Originally, I…read moreplanned to loop the entire shoreline, but after talking with a ranger at the visitor center, I stuck to the east side and doubled back, which was definitely the right call. Our turnaround point was Salvation Mountain, right next to Slab City. Before going, I had read about Leonard Knight and the story behind the mountain, which honestly made the visit more meaningful. The dedication and message behind it are almost as interesting as the site itself. It is kind of amazing that the structure still stands today and is in such solid condition. The drive out was mostly fine, though hot and dusty, especially on a Saturday afternoon. I would recommend going earlier in the day if possible. The mountain itself looked better maintained than I expected. The colors were bright, and it was clear that ongoing work is being done to preserve it. I left a small donation since it felt like a meaningful effort to support. That said, it did not fully resonate with me. While I can appreciate the effort and story, the style of art and the surrounding environment did not quite click. If you are into outsider art or off grid communities, you will probably get more out of it than I did. The biggest downside is the immediate setting. Being next to Slab City definitely impacts the experience. The vibe felt a bit uncomfortable at times, and we did not stay long or continue on to East Jesus. Overall, I am glad I visited. It is unique, and the story behind it adds depth, but it is more of a one time stop for me than a place I would go out of my way to revisit. 3 stars.

This place is a total gem!! Highly recommend for Coachella history, Indian History, Education…read moreHistory, Date Study (the fruit), and so much more!!!

Good small yet informational museum Parking across the…read morestreet. You can choose assisted touring or solo