Bombay Beach, on the eastern shore of California’s Salton Sea, is one of the strangest and most fascinating places in the state. Once a booming resort town in the 1950s and 60s, it is now semi-abandoned, with rusting trailers, crumbling houses, and surreal art installations scattered through the desert.
Today, Bombay Beach has found a second life. While much of it still feels like a ghost town, artists and free spirits have transformed parts of it into an open-air gallery. For travelers drawn to unusual landscapes, abandoned places, and offbeat communities, Bombay Beach is a must-visit.
This guide covers the history of Bombay Beach, what to see today, and tips for planning a trip to this unforgettable spot on the Salton Sea.
A Brief History of Bombay Beach
The Salton Sea was accidentally created in 1905 when irrigation canals from the Colorado River overflowed. Over the decades, the lake became a resort destination, attracting boaters, celebrities, and tourists.
Bombay Beach was one of the main resort towns along the shore. In its heyday, it had marinas, restaurants, and vacation homes. But as the Salton Sea became saltier and polluted from agricultural runoff, fish died in massive numbers, beaches reeked of decay, and tourism collapsed.
By the 1980s, most residents had left. Flooding damaged homes and businesses, and the town became a shadow of its former self.
What Bombay Beach Looks Like Today
Bombay Beach is part ghost town, part living community, and part outdoor art installation.
- Abandoned homes and trailers: Many structures sit half-collapsed, covered in graffiti or slowly sinking into the salty mud.
- Art everywhere: Murals, sculptures, and experimental projects line the streets and shore. Some pieces are large-scale, like a rusted airplane frame planted in the sand.
- Bombay Beach Biennale: An annual art festival that brings artists, musicians, and performers from around the world. Though the event is unofficial and often secretive, its impact can be seen year-round in the town’s art scene.
- Small community: A few hundred people still live here, including artists, retirees, and those seeking a quiet desert life.
Walking through Bombay Beach feels like stepping into a post-apocalyptic movie set.
Things to See in Bombay Beach
The Shoreline
The beach itself is eerie and fascinating. The water is receding, leaving behind salt-encrusted objects, old foundations, and fish skeletons. Sunsets here are dramatic, with golden light reflecting over the strange landscape.
Street Art and Installations
Art is the heart of modern Bombay Beach. You will find:
- Murals: Painted on old trailers, walls, and fences
- Sculptures: From whimsical figures to industrial-style metal works
- Surreal projects: A drive-in theater with old cars facing a blank screen, or a rusted swing set standing in the middle of the lakebed
Exploring the town is like visiting an open-air art museum where every corner hides a surprise.
Bombay Beach Opera House
One of the town’s art spaces, the Opera House hosts performances, events, and installations. It is a cultural hub that reflects the quirky creativity of the community.
Local Bars and Cafés
Despite its size, Bombay Beach has a couple of small bars and gathering spots. These serve as social centers for both residents and visitors.
Bombay Beach Biennale
If you time your visit with this underground festival, you will see the town come alive with performances, temporary art pieces, and crowds of artists. Dates are irregular and often announced by word of mouth.
Photography at Bombay Beach
Bombay Beach is a dream for photographers. The decaying structures, salt-crusted objects, and strange art installations create unique compositions.
- Best time of day: Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic light and cooler temperatures.
- Subjects: Abandoned homes, colorful murals, and the shoreline’s eerie beauty.
- Tips: Respect private property and residents. Many abandoned-looking homes are still occupied.
Practical Information
- Location: Bombay Beach is on the eastern side of the Salton Sea, off Highway 111 in Imperial County.
- Getting there: About 1 hour from Palm Springs, 2.5 hours from San Diego, and 3 hours from Los Angeles.
- Facilities: Minimal. Bring water, food, and fuel before arriving.
- Weather: Summers are extremely hot, with temperatures often over 110°F. Winter and spring are more comfortable.
Why Visit Bombay Beach?
Bombay Beach is not glamorous. It does not have luxury hotels or pristine beaches. But it offers something few places can: a mix of history, decay, creativity, and resilience.
Visiting here is about curiosity and discovery. It is about seeing how a forgotten place has been reimagined by artists and dreamers.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Bombay Beach
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique blend of ghost town and art scene | Very limited services (food, fuel, lodging) |
| Fascinating history tied to Salton Sea | Extreme summer heat |
| Great for photography and exploration | Some areas unsafe due to debris or unstable buildings |
| Active art community keeps the town alive | Remote and requires planning to visit |
Suggested Itinerary
Morning: Drive from Palm Springs or San Diego, arriving mid-morning
Late Morning: Explore the shoreline and photograph abandoned structures
Afternoon: Wander through town to see murals, installations, and the Opera House
Evening: Watch the sunset over the Salton Sea before heading back or staying nearby
Conclusion
Bombay Beach is a place of contrasts — part ghost town, part art colony, and part desert community. It tells the story of the Salton Sea’s rise and fall while offering a glimpse of how creativity can revive even the most forgotten places.
Visiting is not about comfort but about experiencing something truly unusual. For travelers who seek out the strange and the beautiful in equal measure, Bombay Beach is one of California’s most unforgettable destinations.
FAQs
Is Bombay Beach safe to visit?
Yes, but caution is needed around abandoned buildings and debris. Respect residents and stick to public areas.
Can you swim in the Salton Sea at Bombay Beach?
Swimming is not recommended due to high salinity and pollution. Most visitors come for photography and exploration instead.
What is the Bombay Beach Biennale?
It is an underground art festival that brings artists and performers to the town each year, leaving behind installations that can be seen year-round.
Are there places to stay in Bombay Beach?
Accommodation is very limited. Most visitors stay in Palm Springs, Indio, or Brawley and make a day trip.
Why did Bombay Beach become a ghost town?
As the Salton Sea became polluted and salty, tourism collapsed. Flooding and fish die-offs drove most residents away by the 1980s.
