Salton Sea

Things to Do Near Salton Sea

Lake Activities

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Camping

Beach

Nearby Attractions

Restaurants

Campgrounds

Lodging

Tourist Attractions

Parking

Parks

Map of Salton Sea

Reviews for Salton Sea

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Sean Steinbach

a month ago

Was at Salton City near Johnson’s restaurant and campgrounds on the east side. If you are going there you already know the history of the area. My overall impressions is that is morbidly beautiful. Don’t expect to touch the water or anything water related. There are no tourist attractions or really anything to do except use your imagination of what once was a unique and beautiful playground of the stars.

Stephen Lee

3 months ago

Another cool place in CA! You will never run out of places to visit in CA. The Rangers are ultra nice here and the place is so cool! A saltwater lake that has over twice the salinity of ocean salt water!!! Cool birds all.over the place.

Nancy H

3 weeks ago

There is a LOT to see here if only once. It has a long and interesting history if you go to the museum. There are funky restaurants and hot springs. There is the famous Slab City. There are hydro plants with bubbling mud, bird sanctuaries with Sonny Bono’s name (he loved the area and wanted to preserve it) next to power plants, the salton sea is devoid of any life because of MAN but once was a haven for beach frolickers with many reminders from the past. It’s a poignant place, kids will remember it forever, and a great place for paramotorists to fly. I found it fascinating and heart breaking all at once. My dad has a place in ocotillo so this area of the world is not new to me. If you like quading you will love this area. If you like dust and isolation this is your place. Don’t let animals or children near the water.

About Salton Sea

Located in the Colorado Desert of California's Imperial and Riverside counties, the Salton Sea is one of the most intriguing and paradoxical destinations in the United States. With a history as dynamic and tumultuous as its present, this vast saltwater lake was born from an accidental engineering mishap in 1905. Today, it is a testament to the tension between nature and human industry, as reflected in its harsh beauty and the profound ecological challenges it faces. Visitors to the Salton Sea are drawn by its surreal landscape and rich historical tapestry. The area’s morbid beauty captivates the imagination, offering a glimpse into what was once a bustling resort destination in the early to mid-20th century, frequented by Hollywood stars. Now, with salinity levels twice that of the ocean, the lake's water is inhospitable to much marine life, yet it remains an essential stopover for a variety of migratory birds. While the lake itself may not be suitable for traditional water activities like swimming or boating, the surrounding area offers plenty of distinctive attractions. The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for birdwatchers, providing opportunities to observe species that have adapted to the saline environment. Adventurers and solitude seekers will appreciate the stark beauty of the landscape, which is well-suited for activities such as quad biking and paramotoring. Although human presence in the form of abandoned resorts and eerie ghost towns adds an atmospheric touch, the Salton Sea's true allure lies in its stark, captivating vistas and compelling story. A visit to this unconventional locale is bound to be a memorable experience, highlighted by the stark resonance of change and adaptation. Whether you are exploring the quirky charm of nearby Slab City or visiting the small museum to uncover more about the lake's history, the Salton Sea invites reflection on environmental conservation efforts and the impact of human decisions on natural spaces.