Salton Sea

Located on the San Andreas fault and positioned to receive agricultural drainage from valleys in southern California, the Salton Sea was originally formed in 1905 when a massive flood sent water surging from the upland Colorado River into the Salton Basin. Today, the towns surrounding the man-made lake are quieter than they were in earlier years, but the area is popular with campers, boaters, and daytrippers.

Visit the arid region on a day tour, or explore the area (at the meeting of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts) by bike. For a more relaxing experience, book a tour in an all-terrain vehicle and learn about the area’s geology, native plants and wildlife, and local history.

• There is an entrance fee for Salton Sea state park and recreation area.

• Gas stations can be difficult to find in some areas around the lake, so make sure to fuel up when you get the chance.

• The area is great for birdwatchers and stargazers. Nearby attractions include the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge—an important stop for migratory birds—and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, a designated International Dark Sky Park.

• Restaurants, stores, museums, and other accommodations have unusual hours in the Salton Sea area. Be sure to check hours before visiting.

The Salton Sea is located between the city of Coachella and Imperial County, in southern California, 60 miles (97 km) outside of Palm Springs. It's about a three-hour drive from Los Angeles and can be accessed on Hwy 111 from Indio.

Due to extreme summer heat, the best time to visit the Salton Sea is between October and May. Each spring, the lakeside census-designated place of Bombay Beach hosts the Bombay Beach Biennale, a modest festival that welcomes artists, musicians, and philosophers and raises awareness of Salton Sea environmental issues.

There are several census-designated places on the shores of Salton Sea—towns that you can’t really even call towns—and an even larger number of single-structure unincorporated communities. Artists have turned the area’s dilapidated, tin-roof homes and the sides of RVs into canvases. Visit sites like Bombay Beach, the filming location for post-apocalyptic films; the International Banana Museum; and Salvation Mountain, a religious landmark made Instagram-famous by its bright colors, detailed patterns, and bold message.