The Salton Sea is one of California’s most unusual destinations. Once a booming resort area in the 1950s and 60s, it is now more famous for its eerie landscapes, abandoned buildings, and artistic communities that thrive along its shores. Located in the Colorado Desert, about 150 miles southeast of Los Angeles, the Salton Sea is a place where nature, history, and creativity collide.
It is not your typical California getaway. The lake itself is shrinking and has high salinity, making it unsuitable for swimming. Yet the Salton Sea still draws visitors who want to see its surreal scenery, wildlife refuges, and offbeat attractions. Whether you are into photography, birdwatching, or just road tripping through strange places, the Salton Sea is worth a stop.
Here are the best things to do when visiting the Salton Sea.
Visit the Salton Sea State Recreation Area
Located along the northeastern shore, the Salton Sea State Recreation Area is one of the easiest ways to experience the lake. It offers campgrounds, picnic areas, and access to the shoreline. Visitors can walk the beaches, which are made up of crushed fish bones and shells rather than sand.
- Best for: Camping, photography, and walking along the eerie shoreline
- Tip: Sunsets here are dramatic, with reflections over the water framed by desert mountains
Explore Bombay Beach
Bombay Beach is perhaps the most famous stop along the Salton Sea. Once a popular resort town, it is now semi-abandoned, with a mix of derelict homes, art installations, and a small community of year-round residents.
- Street art: Murals and sculptures are scattered around the town, created by artists drawn to the area’s post-apocalyptic vibe.
- The beach: The shoreline is filled with abandoned structures partly buried in mud and salt. It makes for hauntingly beautiful photographs.
- Bombay Beach Biennale: An annual art event that brings artists and performers to this tiny desert town.
See Salvation Mountain
Just east of the Salton Sea lies Salvation Mountain, one of California’s most famous outsider art projects. Created by Leonard Knight, it is a colorful hill covered in biblical messages, murals, and bright paint. Built from adobe clay, straw, and donated paint, it has become a symbol of artistic devotion and creativity.
- Admission: Free, though donations of paint or money are welcome.
- Photography: The bright colors stand out against the desert backdrop, making it one of the most photographed spots near the Salton Sea.
Stop at Slab City
Near Salvation Mountain is Slab City, often called “the last free place in America.” It is an off-grid community of RV dwellers, artists, and outsiders who live on abandoned military land. While facilities are nonexistent, it is known for its unusual art projects and alternative lifestyle.
- East Jesus Art Garden: A must-see within Slab City, featuring large-scale sculptures made from recycled materials.
- Community vibe: Visitors are welcome, but respect the residents’ privacy and property.
Visit Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
The Salton Sea is an important stopover for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway. The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, on the southern shore, is one of the best places to see them.
- Birdwatching: Depending on the season, you may see pelicans, egrets, herons, and thousands of snow geese.
- Trails and observation decks: Offer great views for birders and photographers.
- Best time: Winter months are the peak season for birdwatching.
Walk Through Desert Shores and Salton City
These small communities on the western shore show another side of the Salton Sea’s story. Once planned as resort towns, they now have a mix of abandoned lots, faded signs, and small neighborhoods where people still live.
- What to expect: Crumbling marinas, empty streets, and a few functioning businesses.
- Why go: To understand the history of the Salton Sea boom and bust, and to see the contrast between past dreams and present reality.
Go Off the Beaten Path
Beyond the main attractions, the Salton Sea area has plenty of lesser-known spots.
- International Banana Museum: A quirky roadside museum with thousands of banana-themed items. Located in North Shore.
- Mud volcanoes: Small geothermal mud pots bubble and gurgle south of the lake, creating strange landscapes.
- Hot springs: Some primitive hot springs exist in the surrounding desert, though many are undeveloped.
Photography Opportunities
The Salton Sea is a dream for photographers. Its mix of stark desert, reflective water, decaying structures, and colorful art creates unique compositions. Sunrise and sunset are particularly dramatic, while the eerie remains of piers and buildings make excellent subjects.
Practical Information
- Best time to visit: November through March, when temperatures are cooler. Summer can be unbearably hot.
- Getting there: The Salton Sea is about 1 hour from Palm Springs, 2.5 hours from San Diego, and 3 hours from Los Angeles by car.
- Food and supplies: Limited options near the lake. Stock up in larger towns like Indio or Brawley before visiting.
- Swimming: Not recommended. The water is highly saline and has pollution concerns.
Pros and Cons of Visiting the Salton Sea
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique blend of art, history, and nature | Shrinking, polluted lake with strong odors in summer |
| Great for photography and birdwatching | Many abandoned or rundown areas |
| Quirky attractions like Salvation Mountain | Limited facilities for food and lodging |
| Easy to combine with Joshua Tree or Palm Springs trips | Extreme heat in summer |
Suggested Itinerary for a Day Trip
- Morning: Start at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area and Bombay Beach
- Midday: Head to Salvation Mountain and Slab City
- Afternoon: Explore Sonny Bono Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching
- Evening: Return to Bombay Beach or North Shore for sunset photography
This loop covers the highlights and gives you a good feel for the area in one full day.
Conclusion
The Salton Sea is unlike any other place in California. Once imagined as a glamorous resort, it is now a surreal mix of decay and creativity. For travelers willing to look beyond the surface, it offers art, wildlife, and unforgettable photo opportunities.
A visit here is not about luxury or relaxation. It is about witnessing a landscape in transition, seeing how communities adapt, and appreciating the stark beauty of the desert. If you are road-tripping through Southern California, the Salton Sea deserves a spot on your itinerary.
FAQs
Is the Salton Sea safe to visit?
Yes, it is safe to visit, though swimming in the water is not recommended due to high salinity and pollution.
Can you swim in the Salton Sea?
No. The water quality is poor, and most visitors stick to sightseeing, photography, and birdwatching.
What is the best time of year to go?
Winter and early spring are best. Summer temperatures often exceed 110°F.
Are there places to stay near the Salton Sea?
Accommodation is limited. Most visitors stay in Palm Springs, Indio, or Brawley and make a day trip.
What makes the Salton Sea worth visiting?
Its combination of ghost-town vibes, outsider art, and unique desert landscapes make it one of California’s most unusual destinations.
