Salton Sea State Recreation Area, CA

Travel 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
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. . 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. . . . . #saltonsea #saltonseabeach #california #californian #bombaybeach #socalphotographer #socaltravels #imperialcounty #exploreeverything #exploresolo #environment #ecologic #adventureenthusiast #offthegrid #wayoutthere #atlasobscura #natgeowild #natgeotravel #environmentalhealth #ontheroad #seetheworld #traveltheusa #seeyououtthere #adventure #beboundless #adventurous #adventurenthusiasts #intothewild
I think the Salton Sea still has a lot to offer... #beautiful #saltonsea
Salton Sea! #nature
Ready for a break from your busy schedule? Kick back and relax in the wide open spaces at Salton Sea State Recreation Area.

Cross this outdoor recreational space in Mecca off your sightseeing list and then make your way over to International Banana Museum. Conveniently near Salton Sea State Recreation Area, it's also a traveler favorite.

Heated Pool Getaway with Cozy Vibes

Heated Pool Getaway with Cozy Vibes

Coachella CA
Stay at this vacation home in Coachella. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Empire Polo Club and PGA West Golf Course are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
Great 6 bedroom house we rented for a golf trip. Easy check in and communication. House was very clean and very comfortable. Since we were here after Christmas we used the hot tub and it was a hit with our group. Definitely would stay here again on our next golf trip to Coachella.

Reviewed on Jan 1, 2026

Get rates
Heated Pool Getaway with Cozy Vibes
Large 7 Bdr + 9 beds, Huge GameRoom, Putting Green, Bocce, Pool & Spa, designer

Large 7 Bdr + 9 beds, Huge GameRoom, Putting Green, Bocce, Pool & Spa, designer

Coachella CA
$1,158 nightly
The price is $1,320 total per night from Jan 25 to Jan 26
$1,320 total
Jan 25 - Jan 26
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Coachella. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Empire Polo Club ...
Large 7 Bdr + 9 beds, Huge GameRoom, Putting Green, Bocce, Pool & Spa, designer
Arrive at the Sleepover - Professionally designed stunner. This luxury house won’t disappoint!

Arrive at the Sleepover - Professionally designed stunner. This luxury house won’t disappoint!

Coachella CA
Stay at this vacation home in Coachella. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Empire Polo Club and Spotlight 29 Casino ...
Excellent place
Excellent place with all the amenities! Really enjoyed our stay!!!

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2023

Get rates
Arrive at the Sleepover - Professionally designed stunner. This luxury house won’t disappoint!
See all 48 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

Heated Pool Getaway with Cozy Vibes

Coachella CA
Stay at this vacation home in Coachella. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Empire Polo Club and PGA West Golf Course are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
Great 6 bedroom house we rented for a golf trip. Easy check in and communication. House was very clean and very comfortable. Since we were here after Christmas we used the hot tub and it was a hit with our group. Definitely would stay here again on our next golf trip to Coachella.

Reviewed on Jan 1, 2026

Heated Pool Getaway with Cozy Vibes
Arrive at the Sleepover - Professionally designed stunner. This luxury house won’t disappoint!

Arrive at the Sleepover - Professionally designed stunner. This luxury house won’t disappoint!

Coachella CA
Stay at this vacation home in Coachella. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Empire Polo Club and Spotlight 29 Casino ...
Excellent place
Excellent place with all the amenities! Really enjoyed our stay!!!

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2023

Arrive at the Sleepover - Professionally designed stunner. This luxury house won’t disappoint!
Large 7 Bdr + 9 beds, Huge GameRoom, Putting Green, Bocce, Pool & Spa, designer

Large 7 Bdr + 9 beds, Huge GameRoom, Putting Green, Bocce, Pool & Spa, designer

Coachella CA
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Coachella. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Empire Polo Club ...
Large 7 Bdr + 9 beds, Huge GameRoom, Putting Green, Bocce, Pool & Spa, designer
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 exploring the galleries in International Banana Museum in Mecca. Wander the parks or discover the area's mountain views.

International Banana Museum

Cities near Salton Sea State Recreation Area

A fun colorful drive ravine through the Mecca Hills at the east end of the Coachella Valley in the southeast corner of the state, 40 miles from Palm Springs #roadtrip #hot #desert #park #hike #beautiful #peaceful #alone #hike #canyon #explore #nature #view #Mountains

Mecca

Bombay beach, Salton Sea Bombay Beach used to be a thriving tourist trap in Southern California. Now it is a reminder of just how much pollution can impact the environment. There are interesting ruins of former buildings and attractions on this area. Worth a stop if you’re in this neck of the woods. #StateParks #SaltonSea #Disaster #EnvironmentalDisaster #BombayBeach

Bombay Beach