Salton Sea Things to Do and Photography (I’ve Got Friends in Low Places)

There are many things to do at the Salton Sea in California.  It’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever visited in the USA… from scenic to quirky, to surreal, there is no other place like it.  The Salton Sea is the biggest lake in California and one of the lowest spots in the world, with lake level around 227 feet below sea level.  The lake was created when agricultural canals directed from the Colorado River over flowed in the early 1900’s.  In the 1950s-60s, the lake was a vacation hotspot – at one point the Salton Sea got more visitors than Yosemite National Park and was frequented by Hollywood celebrities!  But the water started to dry up and run off from the fields caused pollution in the lake.  The abundant, tasty fish died, occasional algae blooms made the area stink, dust storms caused health problems.  Despite the problems, most of the time, the Salton Sea is an incredible place to visit.

The following is a list of the best Salton Sea Attractions – from South to North along California Highway 111.  Salton Sea is great for photography.  These places are some of the best places to get some interesting photographs.

Salton Sea Attractions Map

Although the driving time is only a little over 2 hours for this Salton Sea Itinerary, I recommend you take two days to do all of the activities. 

Salton Sea Things to Do, South End

Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge

Sonny Bono fought hard for the health of the Salton Sea in his time as a politician.  Sadly, he passed away before finding a solution to it’s ails.   Now this National Wildlife Refuge spread over a couple spots on the far south of the lake is home to many migrating birds.   Visit the main office to get great info from the park rangers and watch some videos.  Walk the Rock Hill trail from the visitor center parking lot.  This 2 mile round trip walk is flat except the last bit which climbs a volcanic hill that overlooks the sea.  There are many water birds in the ponds below the hill.  Birds seen here include Burrowing Owls and if you visit in winter you may see 1000’s of Snow Geese.  Entrance to Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge is free. 

Red Hill Marina

If you want to see how far the Salton Sea has receded, it’s worth a stop to Red Hill Marina.  It’s appropriately called Red Hill Marina because there’s a red hill behind a marina.  Of all the attractions on the Salton Sea that I visited, this was the place where the lake was the farthest beyond the broken marina and parking lot – gives you an interesting view of how much the lake has evaporated.  Entrance to Red Hill Marina is free.  There are a few paid camping sites behind the hill.     

Salton Sea Mud Volcanoes

Heading from the Red Hill Marina you will go to what’s called the Davis-Schrimpf Seep Field which is also called the Salton Sea Mud Volcanoes and Salton Sea Mud Pots.  These formations are miniature “volcanoes” of mud seeping out of the earth.  The mud really does look like lava.  Read more about the Salton Sea Mud Volcanoes here.   

Slab City – Salvation Mountain and East Jesus

The hottest spot on Instagram is Salvation Mountain, a shrine in the desert made out of sand, straw, and lots of colorful paint.  Salvation Mountain is at the entrance of Slab City, the “Last Free Place in America”, a “town” of people living off the grid.  Venture a little further into town and you can visit East Jesus, a collection of art at a compound.  Lots of creative art made out of other people’s trash.   If you’re a camper, you can stay a few days.  Chat with some locals.  See what activities are going on –like open mic night at The Range, or joining a drum circle, or sharing a meal.   Entrance to both Salvation Mountain and East Jesus are free, but they would really appreciate if you left a couple dollars in the donation box. 

Salton Sea Things to Do, Mid-lake

Niland Marina

My secret location for some of the best sunsets on the Salton Sea is the abandoned Niland Marina County Park.  The entrance is just north of the inland border control checkpoint.  You might find a few boondocker campers out here, maybe even a guy who’s referred to as “the preacher.”  He will find you and give you bible verses. 

Fountain of Youth Spa

There are 4 natural hot springs a few miles south and east of Bombay Beach, off Hot Mineral Spa Road or Frink Road.  Each have their own vibe.   If you’re staying overnight, it’s best to stay at the Fountain of Youth Spa.  They have the best amenities of the four spas.   I will never forget all the nice people I met at “FOY” in my month-long stay.  From early morning water aerobics to playing duplicate bridge, to riding around in the desert in Jeep Cherokees with 80 year olds! If you aren’t prepared for camping, they also have some villas you can rent for a night or longer.

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Bombay Beach

Bombay Beach might be one of the quirkiest towns in America.  Located on the shores of the lake, this ghost town is seeing a revitalization due to artists moving in and throwing a festival each year.   Read more about Bombay Beach here.

Salton Sea State Recreation Area

The Salton Sea State Recreation consists of a few campgrounds and day use sites along the sea.  There are great sunsets here.   Take a good look at the beach – this is not made of sand or stones like a typical beach.  Instead, you walk thru the spine bones of dead fish to access the lakeshore.  Fees are collected for day use and camping.  No swimming is recommended, but there is a kayak launch from the beach.  Great sunsets!

Salton Sea Things to Do, North End

North Beach Marina and Yacht Club

One of the last few clues of opulence along the Salton Sea is the North Beach Marina and Yacht Club.  The docks and building look as though a lot of money was invested in this club.  In recent years there are no boats, and it’s hosted a community center and failed museum.  There are nice views of the sea if take the sidewalk around the building.

International Banana Museum

You would likely miss this place if you didn’t know it was here – I drove right by it the first time.  The sign says Liquor Store and Bait Shop, but the International Banana Museum takes up about half of a free standing liquor store.  Look for the giant metal yellow banana shape by highway 111.  This Guinness book awarded largest Banana collection was purchased a few years ago and is now shown in this quirky museum. It costs $1 to look around the museum and another $3 for a handmade banana shake.  Try the bananas foster flavor – it was so yummy!    They don’t post hours because they don’t always keep regular hours, but your best chance to visit is Friday to Monday from 12:30 to 5:30. 

Oasis Date Farm

There are many date palms in the area, with dates brought over from the Middle East many years ago.  If you want to visit one, Oasis Date Farm is a great choice.  You can watch a video about date production in the Coachella Valley and sample about 20 varieties of dates.  If you don’t get a belly full of dates, the also have a nice café serving sandwiches and big date shakes.  They also have a wide selection of dates for purchase, some at great prices.  I picked up 10 pounds of Barhi dates for $30. 

Best Time to Visit the Salton Sea

The best time to visit the Salton Sea is December to February.  Temperatures are great, 70s in the day and 40s in the night, great camping weather.  Shoulder months of October-November and March-April are also nice, although the closer to summer, the more insects are present.   Travel in the summer is not advised because daytime temps are well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hotels Near Salton Sea California

There are very few hotels along the stretch of highway 111 along the Salton Sea.  Your best selection is about 20 miles either north or south of the sea – Brawley to the south or Coachella or Indio to the north

Salton Sea – Where to Eat

These are a few of my favorite places to eat along highway 111 of the Salton Sea, from South to North:

• Calipatria –Donut Avenue – a mixture of Donuts, Burgers, Mexican food, and Pizzas!  If you’re really hungry, they have some reasonably priced combo meals.  Each comes with a free donut!
• Calipatria – Market Square Grocery Store – some of the best burgers on the Salton Sea can be purchased at the deli of this moderately expensive grocery story. 
• Niland – Buckshot Café – This is a place for burgers and Mexican food.   I can recommend the breakfast burritos.  They have yummy salsa.
• Bombay Beach – Ski Inn – There is typical bar food plus a few dinner choices at the bar, the lowest bar in the western hemisphere. Several beers on tap.  Great prices.

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