In the 1952 Warner Bros. short cartoon, "Bully for Bugs," the famous cartoon rabbit inquires about a carrot festival in California's Coachella Valley. Perhaps Bugs shouldn't have taken that wrong turn, because the real-world carrot festival is in Holtville.
Holtville is a town of nearly 6,000 people located in California's Imperial County, one of the two southernmost counties in the state and a historical point for international travelers entering the United States from Mexico
In the 1952 Warner Bros. short cartoon, "Bully for Bugs," the famous cartoon rabbit inquires about a carrot festival in California's Coachella Valley. Perhaps Bugs shouldn't have taken that wrong turn, because the real-world carrot festival is in Holtville.
Holtville is a town of nearly 6,000 people located in California's Imperial County, one of the two southernmost counties in the state and a historical point for international travelers entering the United States from Mexico. Today, it's a mix of desert and flood plain green, beautifully manicured parks and small-town charm on the banks of the Alamo River.
Holtville is self-contained and small enough to get around in a golf cart. In fact, the City of Holtville began mulling over a plan in 2012 to create a network of paths for bikes, personal electric vehicles (like Segways), and, you guessed it, golf carts that would knit together the entire town. This doesn't mean you won't want a car, though. The city of El Centro is nearby, as is the Arizona border and the city of Yuma.
In addition to your license, car registration, Social Security card and proof of employment, you'll also want to have a deposit ready when you search for rental housing in Holtville. Showing up prepared can win points with landlords. You'll need them if you want an all bills paid rental.
The majority of Holtville is a simple grid of houses, apartment rental complexes and businesses running seven blocks by approximately 13 blocks. This central area has been slowly developing since the early 1900s, and the population remains steady. With the exception of the hot summer months, most of the town is quite walkable, though the amenities and entertainment options are limited thanks to the town's close proximity to other cities.
There is also a newer planned community on Holtville's eastern edge that includes houses and condos of a slightly more modern design. This area also has access to Mack Park, a small green space with a baseball diamond and other facilities. For several miles in any direction, the rest of the land around Holtville is rural with some small farm houses and roads to other cities.
Most businesses and eateries around town are along 5th Avenue and its side streets. You'll be hard pressed to find something fancy along this stretch, but for no-fuss bites, it can't be beat. The Hot Rods and Beer bar and grill delivers on the promise in its name by being the go-to neighborhood watering hole while Nana's Cafe has all-American diner written all over it. You can also grab a slice at George's Golden Pizza or get an authentic experience at Mexico Lindo.
Holtville also takes advantage of its sunny, never-really-winter weather by having a robust farmers market and a huge recreational park at the center of town. It shares sports fields, a swimming pool and tennis courts with Cornerstone Community Church. Those who crave dune sports will want to drive south to the Heber Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, just a stone's throw from the border.
Simple living in the California oasis is what Holtville is all about. It's basic, affordable and a close drive to several cities in two countries.
