Bombay Beach Ruins — Attraction in Calipatria

I love exploring new places! So when my cousin hit me up about a trip to the desert and checking out some various locations out there I just couldn't say no! So I called up one of my spontaneous friends and ask her if she would join me on this adventure of course she dropped everything and we headed out. It was about two and a half or three hour drive from Orange County and in my opinion well worth it. First we stopped at the Salton Sea visitor center to learn a little bit about the area and check out the lake itself. It smells pretty funky and we were told it's twice as salty as the ocean. They said it's not polluted and you can swim in it if you want, but I'm guessing the smell is a deterrent for most. When we were there no one was swimming or boating, but then again it was a Monday. I'm not sure if people use this lake to actually do water sports or if it's just kind of a thing that people come and check out and then leave.

From there we headed to Bombay Beach. I have to say I really enjoyed Bombay Beach and it's quirkiness. From the Drive-in theater art installation to the random pieces in people's front lawns I really like the way that people got creative and just had fun with their own type of art. We drove down further to the beach and found some desert bunnies. I'm not sure if someone just abandoned them there or if they're there all the time I kind of wanted to take them and re-home them to one of the flower fields so that they have delicious flowers to eat, but they didn't seem unhealthy so I'm thinking people from the town must feed them. They were however extremely thirsty and hungry so we gave them some fresh fruit and water.

My friend walked down to the beach and took a picture as there was more art down there. It was 90 out in the middle of March so I can't imagine how hot it gets in the summer. The spot is pretty cool though! On our way out we also noticed they were making a Bombay Beach Opera house and wonder what that art installation will look like once...

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Bombay Beach – Surreal, Stirring, and Completely Unforgettable

Visiting Bombay Beach near the Salton Sea was easily one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had this year. It’s like stepping into a post-apocalyptic desert dreamscape—raw, decayed, and yet vibrantly alive with creativity. The entire area feels like an open-air art installation, where artists are free to express themselves in the boldest and most unconventional ways. Whether it’s political, spiritual, or just purely abstract, every piece has a voice.

The beauty of Bombay Beach lies in its decadence and vastness. There’s something hauntingly poetic about how the art is scattered across the dusty landscape—odd in the best way, and random in a way that keeps you exploring. I do wish there was more work to see, but maybe that’s part of its mystique—it’s always evolving, and always slightly incomplete, like a living exhibit.

It’s definitely worth noting that the air quality isn’t ideal (you’re literally right on the shores of the Salton Sea), so wearing a mask might be a good idea. But don’t let that stop you—the photo opportunities are endless, and the entire vibe is like nothing else. I drove about an hour and 20 minutes from Palm Springs, and Google Maps took me straight there with no issues.

Be sure to wander not just the beach but the village too—there’s so much “junkyard art” and unexpected brilliance tucked away in corners you’d never expect.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for a different kind of beauty. I can’t wait to return and...

Bombay Beach: A Unique and Eerie Destination

Location: Bombay Beach is located in Niland, California, on the eastern shore of the Salton Sea. Ruins and Art Installations: Bombay Beach is known for its apocalyptic yet artistic landscape. Due to the shrinking and increasing salinity of the Salton Sea, the town has become partially abandoned, leaving behind decaying buildings and infrastructure. These ruins have become a canvas for artists, resulting in numerous eclectic art installations and sculptures scattered across the beach and town. Bombay Beach Biennale: This annual art festival further contributes to the town's artistic identity, attracting artists and visitors who create and display temporary and permanent art pieces. History: Bombay Beach was once a popular resort destination in the mid-20th century, thriving due to the Salton Sea's initial popularity as a recreational area. However, as the Salton Sea became increasingly polluted, and its water level fluctuated dramatically, the town's fortunes declined, leading to its current state of partial abandonment and artistic reinvention. Today, Bombay Beach is a unique destination for those interested in offbeat travel, urban exploration, and art. Visitors can explore the ruins, view the art installations, and experience the surreal atmosphere of this desert community. Bombay Beach Ruins are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing you to visit...