Located about an hour from Palm Springs along the Salton Sea is one of the strangest places we have ever been: Bombay Beach, CA.

As soon as you step foot in this town, it feels like you just missed the zombie apocalypse. It’s truly a place unlike anything else. The remnants of a once popular destination are frozen in time.

History

The Salton Sea was originally formed in 1905 after the Colorado River breached an irrigation canal. After the canal was repaired, there was no source of water to supply the Salton Sea other than agricultural runoff in the area.

In the 1950s, Bombay Beach was a thriving resort town that would welcome over 1.5 million visitors annually. Celebrities like Frank Sinatra and the Beach Boys would vacation here. You’ll be greeted by a “Welcome to Bombay Beach” sign and memories of the 50s. It’s as if everyone living here packed up and left in a hurry.

Decline

In the 1970s, the toxic agricultural runoff caused the salinity of the Salton Sea to rise which killed the fish and wildlife. The stench of dead fish and toxic water led to the downfall of this once popular attraction. Remnants of the town’s old popularity can still be seen around the neighboring community.

Fish Graveyard

Don’t be fooled by the name. Bombay Beach is definitely not the kind of beach where you will want to sink your toes in the sand. The closer you get to the water, the weirder it gets.

You’ll be hit with a strong stench of fish (it’s pretty gross - not gonna lie). As you approach the shore, the sand begins to turn into fish bones. The fish were never extracted from the Salton Sea and were simply left to decay away, allowing their bones to wash up onto the shore. The crunchy feeling beneath your feet is certainly chilling. You may even spot a full fish skeleton that hasn’t weathered away yet. Needless to say, this place isn’t for the faint of heart.

ARTWORK

Today, Bombay Beach is more of an artist’s playground. There are spots for photo opportunities such as a wrecked pirate ship, a run down church, and a lone swing in the middle of the sea (although many Instagrammers have gone out to this swing, we DO NOT recommend it as the water is TOXIC). The beach is very popular around sunset for photo and video shoots, luring in amateur and professional photographers alike. There was even a music video being shot while we were there.

As photogenic as this place is, we want to remind people to explore at your own risk. The water is TOXIC and can be harmful for your health. Additionally, the art installations are not cleaned or maintained so be mindful of any hazardous materials or sharp objects. There are glass shards all over the beach so we don’t recommend walking barefoot or with open-toed shoes.

THreat

As time has passed, the Salton Sea has been shrinking do to evaporation and climate change. This will eventually cause more of the lakebed to be exposed which will release the agricultural toxins that have been trapped in the mud. Scientists fear that toxic dust particles will be released into the air and the lungs of nearby residents. Locals are already suffering from high rates of asthma do to the poor air quality from the Salton Sea.

California is set to begin it’s first major restoration project on the Salton Sea which is aimed to be completed by 2023. The project will create flooded ponds and habitats on the exposed lakebed at the lake’s southern edge.

Conclusion

As eerie as this place is, there is a strange beauty about it. The sea seems to extend infinitely and gives off the most gorgeous pink/purple hues at sunset.

The beach is drivable allowing visitors to pull their vehicles right up to the shore. Dune buggies and ATV’s are popular here.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Bombay Beach is still home to hundreds of people. Be mindful when exploring and please be respectful of the land and property.

Would you give this ghost town a visit? Let us know in the comments.