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Style & Wanderlust

Popular SoCal Travel Bloggers, Pacific Globetrotters, share affordable family travel and local SoCal spots for family fun.

January 16, 2018

36 Hours in Imperial County

Over winter break we took a two day road trip and made a big loop from San Diego County to Imperial County to Riverside County.  It was such a fun family adventure.  Today, I am sharing everything that we did on our road trip and our 36 hours in Imperial County.

We made a big loop down to the 8 freeway, across to the 111, and into Palm Springs.  Then, on our drive home, we took the 10 to the 60 to the 215 to home.  We stayed at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs, which was a new hotel in a great little new developed corner.  Here is our little family travel guide to Imperial County.

The ultimate travel guide to Imperial County everything from Palm Springs to Salvation Mountain. - 36 Hours in Imperial CA County by popular Los Angeles lifestyle blogger The Fashionista Momma

Imperial County – Desert Tower


 The ultimate travel guide to Imperial County everything from Palm Springs to Salvation Mountain.- 36 Hours in Imperial CA County by popular Los Angeles lifestyle blogger The Fashionista Momma

Oh the desert tower.  First off, on your way to the tower…. There will be UFO’s.  Yes, I said UFO’s and a whole lot of strange vehicles.  We couldn’t help but laugh.  We decided to pay for the desert tower which allows you to go up to the top of the tower and to also venture through the Boulder Park Mystery Caves.  The girls loved the caves and the tower.  It’s definitely a trek and I’m not going to say it’s totally worth the drive, if that’s your only destination.  However, if it’s on your route, you should stop and check it out.

Imperial County – Salvation Mountain


The ultimate travel guide to Imperial County everything from Palm Springs to Salvation Mountain. - 36 Hours in Imperial CA County by popular Los Angeles lifestyle blogger The Fashionista Momma

This was so cool and worth the drive.  We loved Salvation Mountain.  It’s a beautiful work of art in the middle of the desert.  I do recommend visiting in the cooler months, because there is no real shade to speak of.  You have one tiny section along a yellow brick road that is covered and built into the side of the mountain.  It’s an Instagrammer’s dream.  We will definitely be going back because my husband was totally sick and he wanted no part of being an Instagram husband. LOL.

Imperial County – East Jesus & Slab City


The ultimate travel guide to Imperial County everything from Palm Springs to Salvation Mountain. - 36 Hours in Imperial CA County by popular Los Angeles lifestyle blogger The Fashionista Momma

36 Hours in Imperial CA County by popular Los Angeles lifestyle blogger The Fashionista Momma

If you make the trip to Salvation Mountain and feel brave enough to venture into Slab City and East Jesus, it is pretty cool.  I would like to point out they do have a very interesting set of rules and you may want to read them.  The art garden was amazing and open to the public.  The girls absolutely loved it, but I must warn you, you enter at your own risk.

 

Imperial County – Eateries


The ultimate travel guide to Imperial County everything from Palm Springs to Salvation Mountain. - 36 Hours in Imperial CA County by popular Los Angeles lifestyle blogger The Fashionista Momma

Lulu’s – We ate at Lulu’s for dinner.  This was such a cool restaurant.  The cherry margarita was pretty tasty.  It was a little sweet but still tasty.  Everyone loved their dinner and the service was good.  I got the vegetarian asian salad and the hubs got the Chicken Piccata.  The girls got pizza and butter noodles. One recommendation would be to have your little ones share a kids meal, if they are small eaters. Both kids dishes were huge (and a little on the pricey side)!

Elmer’s –  They are known for their german pancakes and they were seriously amazing.  If you don’t know about german pancakes, listen to your waiter, use the lemon and no syrup. Service was also amazing here, great atmosphere, you can tell it’s a local favorite.

Great Shakes – They did not have a vegan option, but they had the most tasty lactose free blueberry lemonade shake.  It was amazing. Did I mention that every shake comes with a mini donut on the straw? It’s the little things in life…

Imperial County – Tio’s Tacos


The ultimate travel guide to Imperial County everything from Palm Springs to Salvation Mountain. - 36 Hours in Imperial CA County by popular Los Angeles lifestyle blogger The Fashionista Momma

 So, I’m putting Tio’s Tacos in it’s own category because it’s in Riverside County and it’s not just a restaurant.  It’s a destination, not just a stop.  Another great collection of art and the food was pretty tasty.  It’s a great stop on your way back to LA or San Diego.

36 Hours in Imperial CA County by popular Los Angeles lifestyle blogger The Fashionista Momma

Imperial County – Places We Missed


  There were a couple places that were on our list that we just didn’t make it to.  So, once we finally make it to them I will officially add them.  These are the places we wish we would have had a chance to see.  Cabazon Dinosaurs, International Banana Museum, and Shields Date Farm.  Have you ventured to any of these places in Imperial County? What was your favorite?

  If you are looking for another great destination in California try out Santa Barbara and use all my tips to family fun.

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Comments

  1. Kelssey Layton says

    January 17, 2018 at 9:38 am

    I lived in Temecula for 4 years & I don’t know how I missed out on some of these fun places! We are moving back to San Diego in a few months so I definitely want to add them to our list!

    Reply
    • Fashionista Momma says

      March 7, 2018 at 3:29 pm

      You have to check them out! Also, we should get together when you get out here. xo ~ Megan

      Reply
  2. Kate says

    January 17, 2018 at 12:01 pm

    So fun! Looks like a great trip!

    Reply
    • Fashionista Momma says

      March 7, 2018 at 3:29 pm

      It was a blast. xo ~ Megan

      Reply
  3. roxy says

    January 17, 2018 at 12:12 pm

    My fiance would get such a kick out of seeing the UFOs! Looks like such a fun time, Palm Springs is totally on our to-visit list and this post just confirms its must-visit status.

    Reply
  4. Maggie says

    January 17, 2018 at 12:54 pm

    How cool is this?! I’ve never heard of this place, and now I want to go!

    Reply
  5. Laura || Walking in Memphis in High Heels says

    January 17, 2018 at 6:01 pm

    I never heard of this place it looks like such a great place to go! The trek to Desert Tower seems like a trip in itself!

    Reply
    • Fashionista Momma says

      March 7, 2018 at 3:29 pm

      It’s a great place to visit with lots of cool spots. xo ~ Megan

      Reply
  6. Kelsey says

    January 18, 2018 at 1:20 pm

    Oh my gosh what a cool place!! Looks like such a fun place to visit! xo

    Reply
  7. Stephanie says

    January 18, 2018 at 4:46 pm

    My fiancé and I are hoping to honeymoon in Palm Springs and now I have some great ideas of what to do while we’re there! I’ll be bookmarking this for later. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Fashionista Momma says

      February 7, 2018 at 12:04 am

      You’re so welcome! I’m going back in a few weeks so hopefully I will have some more cool stuff to share. Enjoy your trip. You will love it. xo ~ Megan

      Reply
  8. LuxMommy says

    January 18, 2018 at 8:56 pm

    That looks like the best time. Such amazing pictures. I want to go now. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Fashionista Momma says

      February 7, 2018 at 12:04 am

      So much fun. xo ~ Megan

      Reply
  9. Hannah says

    January 20, 2018 at 9:42 pm

    Wow these pictures are stunning!! I will have to add this to my list of places I want to visit this year:)

    xoxo, Hannah

    Reply
    • Fashionista Momma says

      February 7, 2018 at 12:03 am

      You will love it. SO many cool and unique places to see. xo ~ Megan

      Reply
  10. Kristina says

    January 20, 2018 at 10:44 pm

    Palm Springs is on my must-visit list!

    xo, Kristina

    Reply
    • Fashionista Momma says

      February 7, 2018 at 12:03 am

      You will love it. xo ~ Megan

      Reply
  11. Jasmine Vargas says

    January 21, 2018 at 11:54 am

    Looks like a fun place to visit.

    Reply
    • Fashionista Momma says

      February 7, 2018 at 12:03 am

      So many cool things to do. xo ~ Megan

      Reply

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