Where to stop

Best places to stop between Phoenix and San Diego

The I-8 drive runs about 355 miles and 5.5 hours. These are the towns worth pulling off for, in the order you reach them, with how far into the drive each one sits.

1. Mile 183 of 355

   1. Yuma, AZ

   This is the halfway mark and the best overnight on the route, with 172 miles left to San Diego.

   Hotels in YumaWhere to stay in Yuma

2. Mile 247 of 355

   2. El Centro, CA

   The last big stop before San Diego, 108 miles to go. Top off the tank here.

   Hotels in El CentroWhere to stay in El Centro

Sights worth the detour

• Imperial Sand Dunes
• Yuma Territorial Prison
• Climb over the Laguna Mountains

Gas, food and rest areas by mile

Open the route in XCRSN to see every gas station, EV charger, rest area and restaurant listed by mile, with live fuel prices.

More on this drive

• Full drive guide
• Can you drive it in one day?
• Halfway point
• Gas cost