Salton Sea State Recreation Area
A vast, accidental desert lake with a hauntingly beautiful, post-apocalyptic landscape and vibrant art communities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Salton Sea State Recreation Area
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, accidental desert lake with a hauntingly beautiful, post-apocalyptic landscape and vibrant art communities.
"It is hauntingly beautiful down the road that holds the most astounding sights of a desperate place."
🚗 Be Prepared for the Drive
The Salton Sea is a detour; consider Anza Borrego for a potentially more rewarding diversion.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Ground near the water can be very soft and muddy.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bombay Beach Art Scene
Bombay Beach
Discover a surreal, artistic ghost town with unique sculptures and abandoned structures, offering a Mad Max-like aesthetic.
Salvation Mountain
Near Niland
A vibrant, man-made mountain covered in religious messages and art, a truly unique and colorful roadside attraction.
Salton Sea Mud Pots
Near geothermal plants
Witness bubbling mud pots and geothermal activity, a fascinating natural phenomenon showcasing the area's unique geology.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Eerie Beauty
Safety and Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Be Prepared for the Drive
The Salton Sea is a detour; consider Anza Borrego for a potentially more rewarding diversion.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Ground near the water can be very soft and muddy.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Essential for exploring this desert environment.
🌬️ Wind & Air Quality
Expect strong winds and be mindful of air quality, especially with salt and dust. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Be Prepared for the Drive
The Salton Sea is a detour; consider Anza Borrego for a potentially more rewarding diversion.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Ground near the water can be very soft and muddy.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Essential for exploring this desert environment.
🌬️ Wind & Air Quality
Expect strong winds and be mindful of air quality, especially with salt and dust. +1
📸 Capture the Art
Bombay Beach is a hub for unique art installations and photo opportunities. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Salton Sea hauntingly beautiful and historically significant, with unique art scenes in places like Bombay Beach. While the landscape is captivating, many note the strong odors, potential air quality issues, and the desolate, almost apocalyptic atmosphere. It's a place that offers a stark, memorable experience, but visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings and prioritize safety. +1
"It is hauntingly beautiful down the road that holds the most astounding sights of a desperate place and the people that choose to remain there. The Salton Sea is a dead place but the beaches are alive. The beaches and sights of the homes in the Bombay Beach area are truly something to behold. It looks like Mad Max, apocalyptic! Be warned tho, be weary of your surroundings. This is a decimated, desolate place, surrounded by squatters and slab towns, as well as the air is not healthy. Especially the closer you get to Imperial city. It's worth the stop, but be smart, stay safe, understand where you are at all times. Enjoy the beauty but know it's come from agony and that remains."
Mary “Western Wanderer” S
"Attended a local night life tour. We arrived before sunset and got some great pics. I can’t recommend as a destination but there is history at the Salton Sea and this was a great way to explore and learn with a knowledgeable group of volunteers. If you visit bring water, good shoes and be ready to explore. The Salton Sea is what it is and you can enjoy it but be ready."
Albert Perez
"The officers were very nice in giving my family and I tips on how to navigate the area. Very cool spot. CA never gets old with new things to see! The ground starts to get very soft when you walk towards the water. There is a fresh water lagoon on the tip of the sea where birds nest and swim."
Stephen Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is accessible by car. It's located in Southern California's Imperial Valley. Major nearby cities include Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and San Diego, making it a potential stop on a road trip. +1
While some find it a fascinating, unique destination, others suggest Anza Borrego State Park might be a more rewarding diversion if you have extra time.
Driving is essential. Consider visiting key spots like Bombay Beach for art, Salvation Mountain, and the mud pots.
Public transportation is very limited in this remote desert region. Driving your own vehicle or a rental car is highly recommended.
The Salton Sea is approximately a 2.5 to 3.5-hour drive from Los Angeles and a 2 to 3-hour drive from San Diego, depending on traffic and your specific starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is typically an entrance fee for the Salton Sea State Recreation Area. Check the official California State Parks website for current fees and hours.
The park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities and visitor centers may have limited hours. It's best to check the official CA State Parks website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, camping is available at campgrounds like Mecca Campground, which is open year-round. Tent sites cost around $20/night.
Local nightlife tours and volunteer-led historical explorations are sometimes available, offering insights into the area's past and present.
Yes, there is a visitor center that can provide helpful information about the park, its history, and the surrounding area.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking on easy trails, and exploring the unique art scene in Bombay Beach.
Swimming is generally not recommended due to the high salinity and potential water quality issues. The area is more for viewing and exploring the shoreline.
The air quality can be poor due to dust, salt, and agricultural runoff. Be mindful of this, especially if you have respiratory sensitivities. +1
Yes, there are easy hiking trails suitable for families and pets, offering stunning, otherworldly views of the sea.
The area is a habitat for various bird species, especially in the freshwater lagoon, making it a good spot for birdwatching.
📸 📸 Photography
Bombay Beach offers a unique, apocalyptic aesthetic with its abandoned structures and art. Salvation Mountain is also a colorful and iconic photo spot. +2
Late afternoons during the golden hour provide beautiful lighting for the stark landscapes. Sunrises can also be dramatic.
Be prepared for strong winds that can affect camera stability and image quality. The unique, desolate atmosphere is a key photographic element. +1
The area is known for its 'ghost town' feel, unique desert art, and the stark beauty of the sea itself, often evoking an apocalyptic or surreal mood. +1
Yes, the geothermal mud pots are a fascinating subject for photography, showcasing the area's unique geological activity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While swimming isn't recommended, kids can enjoy exploring the shoreline, observing birdlife near the freshwater lagoon, and experiencing the unique, almost otherworldly landscape. 📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
🚗 Road Trippers & Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Accidental Lake: History of the Salton Sea
However, the lack of an outlet for the Salton Sea meant that agricultural runoff and dissolved salts accumulated over time, leading to increasingly high salinity levels and water pollution. This environmental degradation caused fish die-offs and made the water unsuitable for swimming and many recreational activities. The once-popular tourist destination began to decline, leaving behind a landscape of abandoned resorts and a hauntingly beautiful, yet ecologically challenged, environment.
Art and Community in Bombay Beach
The community in Bombay Beach is a mix of long-time residents and artists drawn to the area's affordability and unique atmosphere. It's a place where creativity flourishes amidst the remnants of a bygone era. Visitors often describe the sights as surreal and reminiscent of a Mad Max movie, highlighting the stark beauty and the resilience of the people who call it home.
Exploring Slab City and Salvation Mountain
Nearby, Salvation Mountain stands as a vibrant testament to faith and art. Created by Leonard Knight, this colorful mountain is covered in religious messages and intricate designs, serving as a beacon of hope and a popular roadside attraction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit