Calexico, California travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Calexico is a city in Imperial County in California, located just across the U.S.-Mexican border from Mexicali.

2 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Nov–Apr. Summer highs reach about 107°F; winter lows dip to about 41°F. Very hot (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Salton Sea)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
IPL Imperial County Airport, Imperial — 12 mi away. Directions
YUM Yuma International Airport / Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Yuma — 52 mi away. Directions
SAN San Diego International Airport, San Diego — 98 mi away (major hub). Directions

Nearest airport for commercial flights by Mokulele Airlines is at Imperial Airport (IPL) located 15 mi north in El Centro. The next nearest airport for commercial flights is in San Diego International Airport (SAN) where travelers can rent a car or take a Greyhound bus to Calexico. From Mexico the nearest airport for commercial flights is in Mexicali (MXL)

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Food for you

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Get in

By car

Imperial Ave From Calexico is located at the southern end of Highway 111, 9 mi south of its junction with I-8 (Exit 120 of I-8), east of El Centro.
Birch St

By plane

Go Calexico International Airport (CXL)

For private pilots this is a common place for traveling to and from Baja to file customs and entry forms.

Maps Website

By bus

Go Greyhound/Flixbus

Calexico is served by Greyhound from Los Angeles (around 6 hours via Imperial; El Centro, Indio/Palm Springs, San Bernardino); Phoenix (via Yuma, Gila Bend); and San Diego (around 4 hours)

📍 (Bus Stop) 220 E 3rd StAlong E 3rd at SW corner of 3rd and Hefferman.⚠ Last checked Mar 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

Go Imperial Valley Transit (IV Transit)

Operates buses to El Centro via Herber (Rt #1N/1S); Brawley (Rt 32D); Inter-Calexico Service between US Ports of Entry (EXP), and Imperial Valley College (IPVC) (#21N/21S). From Brawley the #31D bus goes to Calexico. Several eastbound routes stop at the E 3rd & Pauline stop. But, not all buses may stop there so check the website or printed schedules and maps as to where they stop at and when. Bus transit center (220 E 3rd St) may still be under construction.

📍 (bus stop) E 3rd and Pauline☎ +1 760 482-2900⚠ Last checked Mar 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

Do

Most visitors to Calexico arrive on foot from the sister city Mexicali. From downtown Calexico it's a short walk to the border crossing and several tourist areas on the other side. U.S. citizens do not require a passport, only proof of citizenship, for short trips to the border area of Mexico, but you will need a passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license to reenter the U.S.