Things to Do in Southern California near Calipatria Inn

County Airport Ocotillo Wells Yuma Pilot Knob Air Facility

Sonny Bono Wildlife Refuge. The Sonny Bono Refuge, named in honor of one of America’s beloved entertainers as well as United State congressman, is part of the Salton Sea. It’s managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and visited by over 375 species of migrating birds each year. Located just a short drive away from the Refuge, Calipatria Inn and Suites offers visitors a comfortable resting place after a day or two spent watching the waterfowl. The hotel’s 41 guestrooms are all appointed with luxurious amenities, and guests also will enjoy the sparkling outdoor swimming pool and spa, onsite restaurant, and complimentary continental breakfast. For more information about Sonny Bono Wildlife Refuge, visit http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=11631

Imperial County Airport. Known as Boley Field or IPL, Imperial County Airport serves a commercial airline, United or Skywest, as well as private flyers. For the latest information, visit http://www.airnav.com/airport/KIPL

Imperial Valley College. Part of the Imperial Community College District, Imperial College serves the population of Imperial County. Students can take classes in a variety of disciplines, from American Sign Language to Welding. Http://www.imperial.edu/  [Top]

Ocotillo Wells. Made up of over 80,000 acres, Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area is on off-road-vehicle enthusiast’s dream come true. Camping, picnicking, and of course, riding, are available through this desert setting. Http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1217

Anza Borrego Desert. Anza Borrego Desert State Park is named for two significant contributors to California’s history: the borrego, or bighorn sheep, and the Spanish explorer, Juan Bautista de Anza. Next to beautiful cactus flowers and palm groves, visitors may get a chance to see Wile E. Coyote’s nemesis-the roadrunner. Http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638  [Top]

Yuma Pilot Knob. Part of the Bureau of Land Management, Yuma Pilot Knob has been a military training ground, perhaps most notably for General Patton during World War II. An isolated camping spot for long-term campers, those who stay in the desert must be well prepared for their stay. Http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/elcentro/recreation/ltvas/pilot_knob.html

Picacho State Recreation Area. Visiting Picacho State Recreation Area can truly be a “roughing it” experience-part of the road there is dirt and prone to flash floods in summer. Wild burros, migrating birds, and bighorn sheep call this desert landscape home. Http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=641  [Top]

Naval Air Facility El Centro. Ever wondered where the movie Top Gun was filmed? The naval Air Facility El Centro is a military airport where pilots get to practice their skills and perfect new ones. The famous Blue Angels kick off their show tours here each year. Https://www.cnic.navy.mil/elcentro/index.htm

Salvation Mountain. A work of art as well as a piece of worship, Salvation Mountain in Niland, California, is one man’s way of showing his love for a higher power. Depictions of birds, waterfalls, trees, flowers, as well as Bible scripture make up this unique work of “outsider” art. Http://www.salvationmountain.us/  [Top]