Yuma

Yuma is the largest city and county seat of Yuma County, Arizona. It is in the southwest corner of the state, across the Colorado River from California and near two Mexican states of Baja California and Sonora.

Understand

Yuma Visitor Center, 265 S Main St, 32.727265°, -114.623345°, +1 928-783-0071, info@visityuma.com. Oct 1 - April 30: daily 9AM-5PM; May 1 - Sep 30: Tu-Sat 9AM-5PM.

Yuma bills itself as the "Sunniest City on Earth", with weather (and weather records) to match: of any populated place in the contiguous United States, Yuma is the driest, the sunniest, and the least humid, has the lowest frequency of precipitation, and has the highest number of days per year – 175 – with a daily high temperature of or above. Within the U.S., perhaps only Death Valley rivals it for extreme weather. Mix in tropical storm (Hurricane Nora, 1997), rare dusting of snow (Dec 1932, Jan 1937, Dec 1967) and along a fault zone (the Algodones fault zone in the Yuma Desert; record magnitude 7.1 in 1915), and it's not much of a stretch to claim that Yuma is a place of extremes.

The weather makes it a draw for out-of-state visitors and temporary winter residents (called "snow birds") and a year-round agricultural center. The Yuma area grows over 175 types of crops, ranging from citrus, alfalfa, cotton, wheat and other grains, dates - and the largest of which is lettuce. Yuma County grows 90% of all leafy vegetables in the U.S.

Aside from agriculture and tourism, there also is a large military presence, rounding out the top three industries for Yuma.

A number of movies have been shot in the area, most utilizing the desert landscapes.

Get in

By car

Yuma is at the mid-point of Interstate 8, half way between San Diego and Casa Grande, each about , about a 2 hour 45 minute drive from Yuma. Interstate 8 terminates at the junction with Interstate 10 at Casa Grande, between Phoenix and Tucson.
U.S. Route 95 (US 95) runs from the Arizona-Sonora border in San Luis south of Yuma, and north to Quartzsite, Kingman, crossing over the Colorado River by Hoover Dam and into Nevada, to Las Vegas and beyond.

By plane

Yuma International Airport (IATA: YUM), 32.663951°, -114.599257°. It is regional airport served by American Eagle, providing service with Phoenix Sky Harbor and Dallas-Fort Worth airports. 2020-04-18

The nearest full service airports are in:

Phoenix and San Diego, in the U.S.
Mexicali and Tijuana, in Mexico.

By train

Yuma is served by Amtrak via its triweekly Sunset Limited route between New Orleans and Los Angeles. Additionally, the Texas Eagle provides services to and from Chicago. Westbound trains arrive around 3AM, while eastbound ones arrives late evening around 11:30PM. Delays are quite common. Yuma station 📍, at 281 Gila Street, is an unmanned platform with no shelters or restrooms. It is a block from downtown.

By bus

Greyhound, (bus stop) 1245 S Castle Dome Ave (Next Target Parking Lot along S Castle Dome Ave), 32.704226°, -114.607267°, +1 928-783-4403. As this just a pick-up and drop-off point, tickets should be purchased beforehand online or over the phone. Tickets can also be purchased from the YCAT office at 2715 E 14th St. They also have an additional downtown stop at the YCAT transit center on E 3rd & S Gila. Check your tickets to confirm pick-up location.
YCAT 'Turquoise Rt #10', (bus stop) E 3rd & S Gila (YCAT bus stop at E 3rd St & Gila). M W F 8:30AM & 2:30PM; check schedules. Operates buses to El Centro, California via Fort Yuma and Winterhaven 2020-03-05

Get around

Yuma County Area Transit (YCAT), (Central Bus stop) E 3rd & S Gila St (across S Gila St from Amtrak station at corner of 3rd & Gila next to a boarded up hotel building; Greyhound & Imperial Valley Transit also have a stop here), 32.72277°, -114.61624°. The public bus network in Yuma county, local services usually operate M-F 5:50AM-7:30PM, and Sa 9AM-6:30PM. Buses serve border crossings at both Andrade and San Luis. There is limited evening service to local colleges and universities until 11PM on weeknights. Also, an inter-city service linking Yuma with El Centro, California, is available three times a week. A good system map can be found on YCAT's website. 2021-06-16

See

Yuma Territorial Prison Park, 1 Prison Hill Rd, 32.72731°, -114.614827°, +1 928-783-4771. Th-M 9AM-5PM; closed August. This park keeps intact much of the history of Arizona's first prison. From 1876 to 1909, this was the primary detaining facility for many of Arizona's convicted. Due to state budget constraints, the park was scheduled to close in 2010. Private donations totaling more than $70,000 were raised and the park is now open and leased to a local agency. New exhibits have since been added, and work has begun on deferred maintenance. One memorable feature of the park is the set of Old West-style inhumane prison cells in a dark spooky cave. $6 adult 14+, $3 youth 7-13, free child 0-6
Colorado River State Historic Park (Yuma Quartermaster Depot), 201 N 4th Ave, 32.727364°, -114.622643°, +1 928-783-0071. Tu-Su 9AM-4:30PM. Also known as the Yuma Crossing Historic Park, these grounds were the primary storing and distribution center for Army supplies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Depot distributed goods to all Army posts in Arizona, Southern California, New Mexico, Utah, and Western Texas. There are five original buildings still standing with many exhibits inside detailing the life of the early supply post. The site is also home to the Yuma Visitors' Information Center. $4 (adult 14+), $3 (youth 7-13), free (child 0-6)
Sanguinetti House Museum and Gardens, 240 S Madison Ave, 32.723379°, -114.619837°, +1 928-782-1841, ahsyuma@azhs.gov. Tu-Sa 10AM-3PM. This historic adobe house dates from the 1870s, and has exhibits chronicling the history of the lower Colorado River region from the 1540s to the present. Adult $7-8, senior 65+ $1 discount, youth 7-13 $3, children 0-12 free 2020-03-26
Yuma Proving Ground Heritage Center, Main Post, Yuma Proving Ground, +1 928-328-3394. A small museum with exhibits relating to the history of the post. Visitors will have to go through security at the main gate, and show ID and proof of auto insurance.
Castle Dome Mine Museum, 27550 E County 15th Street North Sr4 (NE of Yuma on Hwy 95), 33.04017°, -114.175421°, +1 928-920-3062, castledomemuseum01@gmail.com. Oct 1 - Apr 15: daily 10AM-5PM; Apr 16 - Sep: Th-Tu 10AM-5PM, closed W. A collection of original and reproduced old west buildings. $10 (adults), $5 (children 7-11), free (children under 7) 2017-02-03

Do

Paradise Casino, 450 Quechan Dr, 32.735°, -114.615°. 2019-08-18

Events

Silver Spur Rodeo, 2520 E 32nd St (Yuma County Fairgrounds), 32.671171°, -114.591161°, +1 928-344-5451. A three-day event held annually in early February.
Yuma Crossing Day & Redondo Fiesta, 200 block of Madison Ave, 32.725962°, -114.619689°, +1 928-782-1841. Third weekend of February. An annual reenactment of the historic Yuma Crossing, accompanied with a fiesta featuring folklorico dancing, mariachi music, food, and other entertainment.
Quechan Indian Day, Quechan Dr to Indian Hill (Fort Yuma), 32.73379°, -114.61485°, +1 760-572-0213. September/October. An annual parade with Quechan dancers and musicians from the nearby Fort Yuma Indian Reservation. Free
Midnight at the Oasis, 1280 W Desert Hills Dr (Ray Kroc Baseball Complex), 32.663819°, -114.635437°, +1 928-343-1715, info@caballeros.org. A three-day event held annually in March, this is one of the southwest's largest classic car shows. Features live music and food.
Tina's Cocina, 645 S 2nd Ave (St Paul's Cultural Center), 32.715323°, -114.621805°, +1 928-210-3328, events@stpaulsculturalcenter.com. Regional heritage cooking classes hosted by chef Tina Clark in a restored 1909 Gothic church.

Outdoor activities

Telegraph Pass Trail, N Frontage R (trailhead) (off of I-8 exit Foothills Blvd), 32.663042°, -114.362104°. A 4.3-mile hike with rewarding views at the top. The best times of year are fall through spring; plan on spending about 3 hr. Free
Desert Hills Municipal Golf Course, 1245 W Desert Hills Dr, 32.65954°, -114.633897°, +1 928-373-5220.

Buy

Martha's Gardens Medjool Date Farm, 9747 S Avenue 9 3/4 E, 32.687121°, -114.470754°, +1 928-726-8833.
Yuma Art Center and Gift Shop, 254 S Main St, 32.723551°, -114.618181°, +1 928-373-5202, arts@yumaaz.gov. Tu-Sa 10AM-8PM. Offers unique work by local artists and craftspeople.

Eat

Yuma is a good place to get Mexican food if not accustomed to the region.

Budget

The Chili Pepper, 1030 W 24th St, 32.684234°, -114.631876°, +1 928-783-4213. M-Sa 7AM-8PM. Addicting Mexican food. Homegrown fast food, great choice for a quick lunch or early dinner.
Chretin's Restaurant & Cantina, 505 E 16th St, 32.698156°, -114.615593°, +1 928-782-1291. Very vivid taste. Mild salsa.
Mi Rancho Restaurant, 2701 S 4th Ave, 32.678341°, -114.624031°, +1 928-344-6903. Slightly soft taste as far as Mexican goes. Mild salsa.

Mid-range and splurge

Ah So Sushi & Steak, 1325 S Yuma Palms Pkwy B5, 32.704563°, -114.603006°, +1 928-329-7442. Great teppanyaki grill and sushi bar. Regular seating available.
Brownie's Restaurant, 1145 S 4th Ave, 32.706762°, -114.624471°, +1 928-783-7911, grassr1@aol.com. Home-style breakfasts are their most popular items.
The Crossing Grill & Bar, 2690 S 4th Ave, 32.678804°, -114.624943°, +1 928-726-5551, info@crossingcatering.com. Sa-Th 11AM-10PM, F 11AM-11PM.
Hunter Steakhouse, 2355 S 4th Ave, 32.685047°, -114.624187°, +1 928-783-1166. Daily 4PM-9PM. Great dinner salads and steaks.
Julieanna's Patio Cafe, 1951 W 25th St, 32.681746°, -114.643977°, +1 928-317-1961. M-Sa 11AM-2PM, 4:30PM-9PM; Su 4PM-8PM.
River City Grill, 600 W 3rd St, 32.721755°, -114.627218°, +1 928-782-7988. M-F 11AM-2PM, 5-10PM; Sa Su 5-10PM.

Drink

The Alement, 179 E 1st St, 32.725234°, -114.616973°, +1 928-782-6200.
The Dunes Bar, 711 E 32nd St (connected to the Quality Inn Airport Hotel), 32.668701°, -114.613936°, +1 928-726-4721. 4PM-2AM. This restaurant/bar has live entertainment throughout the week. Monday is Military appreciation, Wednesday Reggae band, Thursday Hip Hop band, Friday ladies night, Sunday Fun Day (drag shows, etc.)
Jimmie Dee's, 38 W 2nd St, 32.724299°, -114.618964°, +1 928-783-5647. Daily 1PM-2AM. A dance club/bar that is for a little older crowd. Normally they have both a DJ and a live band playing on weekends. During the day (happy hour) it doubles as a hang out for businessmen/women.
Platinum Cabaret, 822 E 21st St, 32.689862°, -114.612125°, +1 928-783-5000. Daily 6PM-2AM. A strip bar that provides adequate entertainment. Most fights are on big screens. Also, W nights are coin nights. Should be good for all the businessmen that are in town during the week.
Yuma Landing Company, 233 S 4th Ave, 32.72277°, -114.624348°, +1 928-782-7427. A historic bar and grill.

Sleep

Lodging

Quality Inn & Suites Yuma, 1691 S Riley Ave, 32.697065°, -114.613496°, +1 928-318-6987.
Comfort Inn & Suites, 10553 S Fortuna Rd, 32.676522°, -114.443648°, +1 928-305-9000.
Holiday Inn, 1901 E 18th St, 32.694198°, -114.600375°, +1 928-782-9300. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Nice clean rooms, walking distance (5-10 min) from a few restaurants and shops (Yuma Plams). $128/night (Feb 2022)
Holiday Inn Express, 2044 S Avenue 3 East, 32.690965°, -114.58614°, +1 928-317-1400. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. $245/night (Feb 2022)
Best Western Inn & Suites Yuma Foothills (formerly Microtel Inn & Suites Yuma), 10731 S Frontage Rd (by S Frontage Rd / Country 11th St (exit 11 on I-8)), 32.669527°, -114.448069°, +1 928-345-1777. $159 (Feb 2022)
Ramada by Wyndham Yuma, 711 E 32nd St, 32.668913°, -114.614097°, +1 928-328-8693. This quiet hotel is less than a mile from the airport and the Marine Corp Airstation Base. Low rates for families of all budgets. Restaurant and bar on premise has live entertainment throughout the week. Handicap rooms, suites, single rooms with king beds and double rooms with queen beds, non-smoking and smoking rooms available. Pet friendly hotel. Nearby malls and golf courses. $98 (Feb 2022)
The Shilo Inn Hotel, 1550 S Castle Dome Ave, 32.699922°, -114.606417°, +1 928-782-9511. 134 Rooms

Camping

Fortuna Pond. A popular camping and fishing destination managed by the Bureau of Land Management, with a 14-day limit. A license is required for fishing; contact the AZ Game and Fish Dept (+1 928-342-0091 ). Free
Mittry Lake Wildlife Area, 32.86362°, -114.451751°. Managed by the BLM, with vault toilets, no drinking water, 10-day limit. Free

Stay safe

Go next

Yuma is next to the Mexican border, but getting to Mexico is not quite as easy as it seems due to the Colorado River. There is no access bridge from any part of the city. Due to a geographic oddity, Mexico is both to the west (closer) and south (further). The shortest way is to go into California on I-8, then south on Algodones Road (Exit 166/California State Route 186), and cross the border into metro Mexicali. (The first town is called Los Algodones.) You can also go south on US-95 from Yuma for just over 20 miles, and cross the border into San Luis Rio Colorado.

North – Western Arizona and Northern Arizona — for more of "Old West" Arizona, cooler temperatures, Route 66, Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon:

Quartzsite and Kingman, Arizona.
Historic Route 66.
The Grand Canyon – one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.
The bright lights of Sin City, Las Vegas.

South – Western Arizona, Northern Mexico and Baja California — for more of the Sonoran Desert, stretching to the sea in Rocky Point:

San Luis, Arizona.
San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora.
Puerto Peñasco, Sonora (also known as Rocky Point) – the beach: sun, sand and sea.

East – Western Arizona, Greater Phoenix and South Central Arizona:

Dateland and Gila Bend, Arizona – more history of southern Arizona.
Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona – if you're done with the desert or want night light more than just the stars overhead.

West – California Desert:

Algodones Dunes and Old Plank Road, California – for a different type of desert, with dunes you can play on.
El Centro, California – another agricultural desert community.
San Diego, California – the beach: sun, sand and surf.

Yuma - city in and county seat of Yuma County, Arizona, United States