A land of unforgiving arid temperatures, Yuma, AZ might not be the first vacation destination on anyone’s list but if you happen to find yourself headed in that direction, particularly from the Los Angeles area, then I’m here to tell you that you can turn the trip into something interesting. I admit, I have a knack for turning any trip into something fun, even if it’s to or from a not-very-popular city or place. Hint: research some oddities and unique sites along the way!

I had a commercial job booked out in Yuma and I decided to drive since it’s only 4 hours from Los Angeles. A portion of that drive is up the I-10, through the desert. The California desert is no stranger to obscure roadside stops so I decided to make a list and check them all out along the way, starting with the Cabazon Dinosaurs, a spot I’ve driven by countless times but never visited. It was the first of roadside places to visit on my list so the time was now. This is actually the outside of the entrance to what is a “dino park” – admission with a fee. I wasn’t curious enough to go in.

The Imperial Sand Dunes. This was along the way, after driving through the Salton Sea. I didn’t stop here, but I did pull over and grab a scenic shot through my car window. It was 116º (F), so…fuck that. Ha.

Also, fun fact: Star Wars: Return of the Jedi was filmed in Yuma and parts of the Imperial Sand Dunes. Makes sense!

When you reach Felicity, CA, you reach the self-proclaimed Center of the World. This place gave me the creeps. It felt like one of those places where someone, somehow is watching you, even though you’re the only one within eyesight. A pyramid was built, marking it the center of the world, and inside that pyramid is a metal disk that you can stand on to become “centered”. It’s a destination intended for visitors to “recalibrate” themselves. Read more at the link…there’s some interesting history behind this plaza. It definitely makes for a perfect obscurity to check out while on the road!

Me, in total disbelief I’m standing in 116º heat and haven’t combusted into flames yet.

Yuma is very close to the California border, so after these weird roadside scenes, you’ll arrive in Yuma very shortly after. Another must-do in town is to spend an afternoon on Main Street. There, you’ll see a handful of old antique shops, theaters, and wedding chapels that still stand.

Many storefronts and buildings along Main St. are pleasantly photogenic in this quiet town.

I may have gotten an impulse tattoo…

One place I found shelter from the blistering heat was Prison Hill Brewery, also on Main Street. Since Yuma is historically a “prison town”, this establishment is cheekily themed after that with menu items such as “The Snitch”, “The Verdict”, etc. Here I had the best pulled pork sandwich I’ve ever had – slow-cooked, in-house, with their signature BBQ sauce. I’m kicking myself for not going back the next day for another.

The next day, I decided to check out this little gem for lunch. The ridiculous amount of fun I had here! First, a brief history of Lutes Casino…it’s not a casino, but instead a historic pool and dominoes hall from the 1940’s. Currently family-owned by Bobby Lutes since 1960, it’s a beer and billiards bar featuring their own “Lutes Especial” – a cheeseburger, stuffed with a hot dog. I asked myself “What would Anthony Bourdain do?” and broke my years-long no-beef rule and tried it. Yes, I’m serious. I had a few bites of a beef patty, the first in years. I hate to admit this: I didn’t hate this burger-dog-thing.

…and then there’s the infamous, OG Bob, who I was warned has a bit of a reputation of being a shameless ladies’ man…so much so, that the bar has its own “survivor” keychains. HAHA! He’s actually sweet and very funny. The cool bartender, Wendy, assured me I had to stick around until he arrived so I can meet him and I’m glad I did. Anyone in Yuma looking for a fun experience, Lutes definitely has it!

Other sites around town include Gateway Park which serves as a place to swim in the Colorado River, which I’m sure feels fantastic in the intense desert heat.

…and if you’re driving over that bridge, it drops you to a place where you can park and take in the views of the wetlands. So much green in a place where everything is, well, brown.

Before hopping back in the car to drive home to LA, I decided to visit Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. This old prison was built in 1876 and the original cell block, infirmary, and prison yard still stand today. You can even walk into one of the cells. The tour starts off with an exhibit of what life was like as an inmate, including some of the inmates’ history while imprisoned there.

Other sights to see if you’re traveling from LA to Yuma:

Salvation Mountain – I’ve been here twice, so I decided to skip this.

Salton Sea – This would be a place you’d probably want to explore and being that it’s a whole city, I would consider this a day trip if you’re looking to explore it on-foot.

Palm Springs – A vacation destination on its own, but always cool to see the windmills along the I-10 fwy.

Valley of the Names – Tip: It’s recommended you have AWD to access the mesa with all the rocks.