Get ready for an adventure-filled road trip to Padres spring training! San Diegans, it's time to embark on a journey to Peoria, Arizona, and make some unforgettable memories along the way.
While you could simply drive the five-and-a-half-hour stretch, where's the fun in that? The southern route, via Interstate 8 and AZ-85, offers a unique and relaxed driving experience, with quirky desert landmarks that will leave you wondering and wanting more.
So, take a break from the usual fast-food pit stops and explore these hidden gems before the desert heat kicks in.
Desert View Tower: A Bird's-Eye Perspective
Perched atop the San Diego County mountains, the Desert View Tower offers a breathtaking view of the vast desert floor. Once a popular roadside attraction on Old Highway 80, this four-story tower has an intriguing history. Built by Bert Vaughn of Jacumba around 1922, the tower was initially intended to honor pioneers and road builders. However, some speculate that it was also a clever marketing ploy for Vaughn's neighboring bar.
Today, the bar is long gone, but the tower remains a captivating stop. On the ground floor, you'll find a gift shop offering cold drinks, crystals, and unique souvenirs, alongside a collection of dusty Americana memorabilia. For a small fee, you can climb to the top and take in the stunning view of the Anza-Borrego Desert, 3,000 feet below. The fee also grants access to the adjacent Boulder Park caves, featuring carvings of large animals and faces by artist W.T. Ratcliffe in the 1930s. It's a short, enjoyable hike, perfect for families with kids who need to stretch their legs.
Location: 01 In-Ko-Pah Park Road, Jacumba Hot Springs
Contact: 619-971-2845
Hours: Open daily during daylight hours
Admission: Adults - $9.50, Children (8-17) - $3.50, Free for children under 8
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Website: desertviewtower.website
But here's where it gets controversial... Should we consider this tower more of a monument or a clever marketing tactic? What do you think?
Old Fogey Hot Springs: A Hidden Desert Oasis
Just a short drive from I-8, amidst the farmland outside Holtville, lies a hidden natural hot spring. Most travelers would never suspect this oasis exists, surrounded by a cluster of palm trees. For those seeking a soothing soak, there are two well-maintained bathrooms for changing. This rustic facility is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and offers mineral water in two small concrete pools - one for standing and one for sitting - as well as a trough-style tub. Bathers can rinse off with a warm spring water spray.
The pools are especially popular with campers staying in the neighboring Hot Springs Long-Term Visitor Area, also on BLM land.
Location: 3700 Evan Hewes Highway, Holtville
Contact: 760-337-4400
Hours: Open daily 5 a.m. to midnight
Admission: Free
Food, Drinks, and Pets: Not permitted
Felicity: The Center of the World?
This tiny town near the Arizona state line proudly proclaims itself as the "center of the world," marked by a pyramid. In 1985, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors officially recognized this claim at the request of Felicity's mayor, skydiver Jacques-André Istel. While it may seem strange, Felicity is worth a visit. Not only will you receive a certificate commemorating your trip to the "center of the world," but you'll also discover an impressive granite museum.
Artfully etched onto over 700 granite panels, the museum covers an extensive range of topics, from folk music to world wars, marine mammals, aviation history, space exploration, Renaissance masters, timekeeping, and even Mickey Mouse. It's an imaginative and overwhelming display, offering a unique perspective on human history.
Visitors can also watch a short film about the town, climb a hill to a charming church, and explore the Maze of Honor. The town operates on Mountain Standard Time and offers a gift shop and bathrooms.
Location: 1 Center of the World Drive, Felicity
Contact: 760-572-0100
Hours: Open daily 10 a.m. MST to 5 p.m. MST
Admission: Adults - $10, Children (5-10) - $5, Children under 5 - Free
Website: historyingranite.org
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park: A Dark Past
Perched above the Colorado River, the Yuma Territorial Prison held the region's outlaws. The first inmates were made to build their own cells in 1876, during Yuma's military post and Gold Rush boom. One notorious inmate, Pearl Hart, a stagecoach robber, enjoyed her notoriety as the only female prisoner, entertaining reporters from a special cell.
The prison closed after 33 years due to overcrowding. Today, visitors can explore the remains, including the original cells, guard tower, dark cell, library, sally port, and cemetery. An indoor museum showcases prison artifacts, individual inmate stories, and a video presentation.
Location: 220 N. Prison Hill Road, Yuma, AZ
Contact: 928-783-4771
Hours: Open daily 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tours daily at noon
Admission: Adults - $10, Children (7-13) - $7, Children under 7 - Free
Website: azstateparks.com/yuma-territorial
And this is the part most people miss... The story of Pearl Hart, the only female prisoner, adds an intriguing twist to the prison's history. What do you think about her notoriety and the attention she received?
Downtown Yuma: A Charming Lunch Break
Skip the fast-food options and head to downtown Yuma for a delightful lunch. The historic district offers several casual restaurants, including a brewery and a barbecue joint, as well as sandwich and coffee shops for a quick bite. Take a stroll down Main Street, pop into unique shops like Schenck and Kuffe Mercantile, and discover Desert Olive Farms for artisan olives, olive oil, and vinegar.
For a picnic option, grab a sandwich or salad from Good Habit, a downtown deli, and head to Yuma Beach at Gateway Park. Enjoy a picnic on the banks of the Colorado River, a popular swimming spot in the summer. The park has shaded picnic tables, a sandy beach, and well-maintained bathrooms. A bike path connects the park to the territorial prison.
Location: Gateway Park, 250 Prison Hill Road, Yuma, AZ
Admission: Free
Website: historicyuma.com
Dateland Travel Center: Date Shakes and More
The Dateland Travel Center, a convenience store and gas station off I-8, is a must-stop for its famous date shakes. Dateland has a rich history, from being a water stop along the railroad lines in the 1920s to hosting World War II Army training camps. Today, it's known for its palm groves and those iconic World Famous Date Shakes made from Medjool dates.
The convenience store offers a vast selection of unique snacks, including an entire aisle dedicated to hot sauces. The travel center also provides clean restrooms, a large grassy area for pets, and shaded, misted dog kennels.
Location: 1737 Ave 64 E, Dateland, AZ
Contact: 928-454-2772
Hours: Dining and store open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Website: dateland.com
Space Age Restaurant and Bar: Retro Dining
Stop for lunch at the Space Age Restaurant and Bar in Gila Bend, easily recognizable by the giant UFO on the roof of the adjoining motel. Built in the early 1960s by businessman Al Stovall, the restaurant features kitschy Space Age embellishments, adding to its charm. Unfortunately, a fire in 1998 destroyed the original restaurant (some say it was an alien attack, while others blame a faulty neon light). It was rebuilt with the same thematic elements, including space murals, silver vinyl booths, and an alien greeter at the door.
The menu offers classic diner favorites like the Jupiter burger and Spacey Melt, served with fries or onion rings. You can even take home a mug with the iconic '60s-era logo as a souvenir.
Location: 401 E. Pima St., Gila Bend, AZ
Contact: 928-683-2761
Hours: Open daily 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
M&J Artesanias: Mexican Treasures
For those who remember the vibrant Mexican pottery and metal animal sculptures sold at a gas station near Gila Bend, you'll be pleased to know that much of the inventory has moved into town at M&J Artesanias. This gift shop offers a wide range of Mexican ceramics, planters, and souvenirs, as well as home and garden decor. The metal yard sculptures are diverse, ranging from life-sized horses to various cacti.
Inside, you'll find a taco stand, El Taco Tri, and Thrifty ice cream. It's a unique stop for those seeking a taste of Mexican culture and cuisine.
Location: 404 W. Pima St., Gila Bend, AZ
Contact: 928-683-0082
Hours: Open daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Website: mjartesaniasandmore.com
So, are you ready to embark on this quirky road trip? These unique stops will make your journey to Padres spring training an unforgettable adventure. Don't forget to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments! Which stop are you most excited about, and why?
