Calexico

Calexico can be explored through a range of interests: architectural history, cultural offerings, and information about the local airport. If you’re looking for a hotel in Calexico, first consider what will shape your trip: a historical focus, an event date, or your travel arrangements.

Border History and Architecture

The Border Station Old Customs Building is listed as nationally significant in the National Register of Historic Places. It is considered a notable example of regional Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and was built as part of the federal construction program during the Depression. “Revival” refers to a style that draws on earlier traditions; the building’s context also places it within a government construction program of its time. The building served its original purpose until 1974, when it was replaced by a nearby border station. The history of the building is thus connected with the history of the former border station.

The Gateway Monument is located where State Route 7 meets Nina Lee Road, near the U.S.–Mexico border. It is another named landmark for those interested in Calexico’s border history. Caltrans announced the Gateway Monument as an intended welcome for visitors entering California through Calexico.

Getting There and Road Travel

The Calexico International Airport is designated by the International Civil Aviation Organization for international general aviation and is authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as an international airport of entry. At the same time, it is classified as a general aviation airport; it has no scheduled commercial airline service. If your trip requires a scheduled flight, keep this distinction in mind when planning your journey.

Cycling is also a feature: improvements to State Route 98 in Calexico included new bike lanes.

Culture and Events

The Annual Mariachi Festival includes a salsa tasting competition. If you’d like to plan your trip around the festival, check the event dates in advance. An event date creates a different focus for your trip than a stay centered mainly on the area’s architectural history.

In summer, the Cultural Arts Center offered children’s classes in guitar, acrylic painting, jewelry making, singing, and watercolor painting. The range spans music and visual arts to jewelry design. These topics offer a glimpse of the variety of classes offered there, but do not indicate that any classes are currently scheduled.

Choosing Calexico for Your Trip

If you’re visiting for the festival, it’s important to check the specific dates; for a history-focused stay, the architecture and former function of the Old Customs Building take center stage. The airport’s status is a separate consideration for getting there. These different questions can help you decide whether Calexico suits your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Seeley, El Centro, Heber, Niland, Calipatria, Brawley, Imperial, Holtville

Go to the main travel overview: Imperial.