
Center of the World Felicity
Discover the 'Official Center of the World' in Felicity, CA! A unique roadside attraction with a pyramid, granite history museum, and quirky charm.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the desert heat

Center of the World Felicity
Best Time
Escape the desert heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the 'Official Center of the World' in Felicity, CA! A unique roadside attraction with a pyramid, granite history museum, and quirky charm.
"A perfect, quirky pit stop on your road trip through the desert!"

🚗 Road Trip Essential
Perfect pit stop on AZ to CA drives. Plan for a quick, quirky visit!
💰 Admission Fee
Expect a small admission fee for entry to the main attractions.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Pyramid
Center of the World Plaza
Stand at the designated spot within this unique pyramid, claimed to be the Earth's center.

Granite Encyclopedia
Museum
Explore over 700 engraved panels detailing human history, art, and science.

The Official Marker
Center of the World Plaza
Take a photo at the exact spot declared the 'Center of the World' by its founder.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Prepare for the Unexpected
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Road Trip Essential
Perfect pit stop on AZ to CA drives. Plan for a quick, quirky visit!
💰 Admission Fee
Expect a small admission fee for entry to the main attractions.
☀️ Desert Heat
Visit during cooler months or early/late in the day to avoid extreme heat.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Plenty of unique spots for memorable photos, especially around the pyramid.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Road Trip Essential
Perfect pit stop on AZ to CA drives. Plan for a quick, quirky visit!
💰 Admission Fee
Expect a small admission fee for entry to the main attractions.
☀️ Desert Heat
Visit during cooler months or early/late in the day to avoid extreme heat.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Plenty of unique spots for memorable photos, especially around the pyramid.
🗺️ Unique History
Learn about the town's founding and its 'Center of the World' claim.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often describe the Center of the World as a quirky, unique, and memorable roadside attraction. While some find the 'center of the world' claim amusing and the granite museum impressive, others note it's a brief stop. It's a popular and convenient pit stop for road trippers looking for something unusual.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Center of the World is located in Felicity, California, near the border of Arizona and Mexico. It's a popular stop for those driving between Arizona and Southern California, often mentioned as being on the way to San Diego. It's accessible via Interstate 8. Be prepared for a desert landscape as you approach.
Felicity is a small, privately founded town, so it's more of a unique roadside attraction than a bustling city. It's situated in the Sonoran Desert, west of Yuma, Arizona. Look for signs as you travel along I-8.
Most visitors arrive by car, as it's a common stop on road trips through the desert Southwest. It's a convenient place to stretch your legs and experience something unusual.
Public transportation to such a remote, privately owned location is highly unlikely. Driving is the most practical and recommended method of reaching the Center of the World.
Yuma, Arizona, is the closest major city, located just east of Felicity. Many travelers pass through Yuma on their way to or from the Center of the World.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an admission fee to enter the main attractions at the Center of the World, which is approximately $10 per person. This fee helps maintain the unique historical exhibits and the town itself.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Center of the World. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival.
Operating hours can vary, especially depending on the season. It's always best to check the official website or recent visitor information before your trip to confirm current hours.
While the desert climate can be extreme, the Center of the World is generally open year-round. However, visiting during the cooler months (fall through spring) is highly recommended due to the desert heat.
The admission fee is for access to the main attractions, including the pyramid and the granite encyclopedia museum. While you might be able to see some exterior elements from the road, the full experience requires purchasing a ticket.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At the Center of the World, you can stand at the designated 'center' spot within a pyramid, explore a museum with a vast granite encyclopedia detailing human history, and see various monuments. It's a quirky and unique roadside attraction.
The town of Felicity was founded in 1986 by Jacques-André Istel, who declared it the official 'Center of the World.' This claim is based on a unique geographical designation and historical context.
Yes, many visitors find the Center of the World to be a fun and memorable pit stop for families. The unique exhibits and the novelty of the 'center of the world' concept can be engaging for children.
A visit to the Center of the World is typically brief, often taking around 30 minutes to an hour. It's ideal for a quick stop on a longer road trip.
The site features around 20 monuments, including the pyramid and the museum dedicated to engraving human history in granite. These monuments contribute to the town's unique historical and geographical claims.
📸 📸 Photography
The pyramid itself is a prime photo spot, especially when standing on the designated 'center' marker. The granite panels of the museum also offer unique photographic opportunities. The desert landscape surrounding the town provides a dramatic backdrop.
Photography is generally allowed within the museum, but it's always a good idea to be respectful of the exhibits and other visitors. Capturing the intricate details of the granite engravings can make for stunning photos.
Late afternoons, during the 'golden hour,' offer beautiful lighting for photography, casting a warm glow on the desert landscape and the structures. Early mornings can also provide soft light and fewer crowds.
Absolutely! The main draw is the marker within the pyramid where you can stand and claim to be at the center of the world. Many visitors take photos here to commemorate their visit.
Drone usage regulations can vary for private properties. It's advisable to check with the management of the Center of the World before flying a drone to ensure compliance with their policies and local airspace regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers
🧐 Curious Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Founding of Felicity
The town's claim to be the 'Center of the World' is based on a unique geographical designation and the historical context provided by Istel. It's a testament to his vision of creating a place that holds both personal and global significance. The town's unique status has garnered attention from various media outlets, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
The Granite Encyclopedia and Museum
The museum serves as a permanent record, preserving knowledge and achievements for posterity. Visitors can spend time exploring these detailed engravings, making it a surprisingly educational stop amidst the desert landscape. The sheer scale and permanence of the granite inscriptions make it a truly distinctive attraction.
The Pyramid and the 'Center' Claim
This concept, while whimsical, is a core part of the Felicity experience. It taps into a sense of wonder and provides a memorable photo opportunity. The idea of a 'center' has fascinated cultures for centuries, and Felicity offers a modern, albeit quirky, interpretation of this ancient concept.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit