Salton Sea State Recreation Area Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Salvation Mountain is a colorful artificial mountain north of Calipatria, California, near Slab City. It is made from adobe, straw, and thousands of gallons of paint.; Shutterstock ID 82139752

The Salton Sea. A massive inland sea sitting directly on the San Andreas Fault about 240 feet below sea level. Not pictured is the putrid smell that pervades this whole area. It has salt levels higher than the Pacific Ocean, with levels increasing every year.
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The beach is made of skeletons of millions of fish that died off as the water increased in salinity. Its also loaded with massive salt deposits that make this place look otherwordly. Completely empty and for good reason, this lake, the largest in California is receding dramatically, leaving something of a toxic mix of chemicals and the air in Imperial county is some of the worst in all of California.
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I think the Salton Sea still has a lot to offer... #beautiful #saltonsea

Visit Salton Sea State Recreation Area

Activities

Heated Pool Getaway with Cozy Vibes

Coachella CA

Stay at this holiday home in Coachella. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a garden. Popular attractions Empire Polo Club and PGA West Golf Course are located ...

9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)

The house was immaculate. We truly enjoyed our stay, and the house manager made everything convenient and welcoming.

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Get rates

Margaritaville by VARE | Pool+Spa, GameRoom, BBQ, FirePits!

Coachella CA

AU$1,317

18 Mar - 19 Mar

includes taxes & fees

Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Coachella. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a water park. Popular attractions Empire Polo Club and PGA West Golf ...

10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)

Amazing stay! Very well appointed with everything you nedd!

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

9 Bedroom/Sleeps 21/Pickleball/Theater

Coachella CA

Stay at this holiday home in Coachella. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Empire Polo Club and PGA West Golf Course ...

Get rates

See all 47 properties in Salton Sea State Recreation Area

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Heated Pool Getaway with Cozy Vibes

Coachella CA

Stay at this holiday home in Coachella. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a garden. Popular attractions Empire Polo Club and PGA West Golf Course are located ...

9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)

The house was immaculate. We truly enjoyed our stay, and the house manager made everything convenient and welcoming.

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Margaritaville by VARE | Pool+Spa, GameRoom, BBQ, FirePits!

Coachella CA

Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Coachella. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a water park. Popular attractions Empire Polo Club and PGA West Golf ...

10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)

Amazing stay! Very well appointed with everything you nedd!

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

9 Bedroom/Sleeps 21/Pickleball/Theater

Coachella CA

Stay at this holiday home in Coachella. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Empire Polo Club and PGA West Golf Course ...

See all properties in Salton Sea State Recreation Area

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

International Banana Museum

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at International Banana Museum during your travels in Mecca. Wander the parks or discover the area's mountain views.