If you’ve ever wondered what a post-apocalyptic USA might look like, look no further than the Salton Sea Ghost Town of Bombay Beach, California. The sign on your drive into Bombay Beach, CA says “Population 295, Elevation – 223 feet.” That’s right – negative 223 feet. This town is probably the lowest town in America. This quirky town is a place you either love or hate. It’s a place where it’s easy to get sucked in and befriend the locals in the local watering holes. Bombay Beach is a Salton Sea Ghost Town that just keeps on ticking.
A Little Bombay Beach History
The Salton Sea was created by accident in 1905, but it was eventually developed for tourism with it’s heydays in the 1950’s and 60’s when Hollywood celebrities made their way to resorts in newly developed towns like Bombay Beach, where swimming and waterskiing were popular activities. Eventually the water of the sea started to rise, and Bombay Beach built a levee to protect itself from the rising water. But then the sea levels started to fall without replenishment. The tasty Orange Mouth Corvina fish and others started dying. The levee was now causing water to pool on the wrong side of the levee – bogging the town down with mud every time they received significant rain. Bombay Beach could easily be a Salton Sea ghost town, but it has some year-round and snowbird residents as well as visitors coming to see the unusual town.
The Beach and Former Dock Area
You can drive up the levee (believe me, it’s safe to drive up and in the parking area but don’t try to drive down on the beach – see the photo later in this post to find out why). There are various art installations and dusty boats in the sand. Take a good look at the sand – you will discover the white sand is actually crushed fish bones ☹. If it’s been raining, the beach is especially soft and quick-sand like, so walk with caution.
The Town & Structures
The town is primarily made up of mobile homes and RVs, but there are a few permanent homes. One of the locals approximated 50% are occupied, even if it doesn’t look that way.
Bombay Beach Art Scene
It’s fun to explore the streets of Bombay Beach and look for hidden and not hidden art. Try to find the house made of mirror balls. Some of the art may be an eyesore to some, but I think it’s brilliant. The beach is especially full or interesting structures. In March, there’s a newly formed arts festival called the Bombay Beach Biennale that features music, dance, and visual arts. It’s high on my bucket list to come back for this festival someday. The locals speak highly of the Biennale.
The Bombay Beach Drive In
The coolest art installation in Bombay Beach is the “Drive-in” Movie Theater. Except these cars can’t exactly drive-in. Classic cars, trucks, and boats make up the vehicles pointed at the movie screen (the back of a semi-truck, painted white). From time to time there are movies, even premiers, shown at this funky movie theater, with bonfires ablaze in the hollowed out engines of the parked cars.
Bombay Beach Sunsets
The sunsets in Bombay Beach are to die for. Bombay Beach can surprisingly be one of the most Romantic Getaways In California.
Friendly Locals
You can meet the locals at either of the town watering holes. I met one guy out walking his adorable bulldog named “Humphrey Bogart”. This dog was a movie star, literally. The film “Tyger Tyger” was being filmed during my visit to Bombay Beach and his dog was an extra!
Ski Inn Bombay Beach
The Ski Inn is the lowest bar in the western hemisphere. It’s the kind of bar you walk in and all the locals say hello. My favorite sign on the bar says “Please don’t talk about yourself. We’ll do it when you leave.” Great prices – a pint of domestic beer at $2.50 and cheeseburger and a side for $6.50. A great selection of classic hits on the jukebox. Can it get more appropriate than playing Garth Brooks “I’ve Got Friends in Low Places.”?
Bombay Beach American Legion
Not to be undone by the Ski Inn, the American Legion is a place where you can get a cold drink and a meal. The Legion has a different meal available most days of the week including Taco Tuesdays and other times dedicated to burgers, spaghetti, and steak.
Inspiration for Grand Theft Auto V?
I gave a fellow traveler a tour of Bombay Beach and he exclaimed how eerily similar it was to the setting for a character named Trevor, a meth-head that lives in a trailer in a dusty desert town. Trevor’s neighborhood contains deserted trailer homes, a cell tower, a couple shops, levee, and a lake – nearly identical to Bombay Beach. It wasn’t until later when my fellow traveler drove me around in the Grand Theft Auto V game that we discovered the windmill house… this exact house is in the game.
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A Little Salton Sea Ghost Town Advice
Don’t drive on the “beach”. It’s really mud. You only need to look at this picture to understand why:
Bombay Beach California – Where to Stay
There are a few Airbnb’s in Bombay Beach, but I didn’t see any of them. However, I can highly recommend the Fountain of Youth RV Spa, which is only a 10 minute drive away. You can pitch a tent, van, or RV camp at this all ages resort with 2 pools, 4 hot tubs, steam room, private mineral baths, great showers, and loads of activities from playing Pinochle to Pickle Ball. (Check Rates and Availability)
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1 comments
Very interesting tidbits about a bizarre little town created because of a human made disaster. Good to hear that people are making a living out of creating art and slinging cheap beer! Nice to meet you at FOY!