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    Salton Sea

    4.0 (130 reviews)

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    05.28.23
    May A.

    Water not safe. Air not safe We had a little history lesson from the park rangers at the Visitor Center. There are efforts to clean up the area including the US Government spending millions to help control environmental health issues from the toxicity of the lake. The first time we were here in July 2017 there were dead fishes washed ashore and bird carcasses along the shore. We returned in September 2019, they have somewhat cleaned up the area and the dead fishies were gone. When we visited last weekend the beach was cleaned up and even the Visitor Center was open. Salton Sea used to be a popular residential and vacation spot for families. "Regular" folks were not allowed to go and enjoy the same beaches as where the celebrities hung out at the hoity-toity Bombay Beach. So how was the Salton Sea created... this is what the Ranger at the Visitor Center shared... the Salton Sea was created when in the early 20th century an irrigation canal off the Colorado River burst and flooded the Salton Basin. Whoowee! Who wants to live near a beach!! New homes and other properties were built around this area and it became the go-to location for people in LA looking for more space and a coastal environment. Even though its sandy area is cleaned up the water is in no way safe. Review #1533 updated

    Jo S.

    Only in California! That's how I would describe the Salton Sea: unique, strange, bizarre, one of a kind! It is not for everyone, it has a certain kind of poetry that might not be for some people. It's a man made sea, not the healthiest water, not meant for dipping. The place is huge with many parts, entrances, stopping points so do look into it ahead of time. I checked it out a few times, various areas. Great place for artists, inspiring enviroment to take photos around, explore, enjoy a less crowded area of our state! Be in nature, a different kind of nature. One of a kind spot, worth visiting if you love the desert, water, cool decay!

    Kislev A.

    Better than expected. I was expecting a boring lake with nothing around it, but it was bigger and more interesting than I expected. We first turned into the Visitor's Center which was closed, but still had a lot of the educational plaques / interpretive signs / informational signs placed outside to read. The visitor center has a large free parking lot and a brand new bathroom facility that was open though the center was locked. Also, you can walk all the way to SALTON SEA's edge and it was beautiful. A fighter jet flew over our heads which is, apparently, a common occurrence since the base is just on the other side of the mountain. We hopped back in the car and drove further south until we hit Bombay Beach. It's still part Salton Sea but is its own destination. I'm not sure how it came to be, but it's become a giant art installation and is also a must see. Make sure you set aside 90-150 minutes exploring SALTON SEA.

    Angela G.

    Beautiful place and sad to see it so abandoned. It's really cool to see all the other abandoned architecture that surrounds it. My bf and I drove out about an hour from where we were staying at the time to visit this place and everyone warned us about the terrible smell. It's really not that bad or maybe the day we went, didn't have such a strong odor. It had a very faint sulfur smell for miles but VERY faint. Again, might've been a breezy day and I'm sure it gets worse on those hot days. Definitely a nice drive out to see this place if you don't mind the smell. It's quiet and relaxing. Not much out there but you can't get too close to the sea or the smell gets stronger and you also start to sink into the sand which isn't good. Would've loved to check out more abandoned areas but a frequent visitor we bumped into told us about how dangerous some areas are such as gangs at night and just a bunch of homeless living in the abandoned buildings and areas. Come check it out during the daytime with company! IG: @ammysalamii

    Adriana B.

    A sea or lake in the middle of the desert. In the 50s the nearby communities that had hotels would offer sailing, water skiing, etc; nowadays it is toxic, the smell is horrible! The view is beautiful. It's unfortunate that people polluted it. It's worth seeing if you're in the area.

    David C.

    I don't get it. How is this a tourist destination. There is nothing scenic about it, unless there is one place somewhere around it that is the place to go. It was a giant dead lake that smelled like methane gas mixed with sulphur (a men's bathroom at a heavy metal show about three bands in - if you've been there, you know that gross smell). You can't get right up to the water because you sink into the packed, wet salt - and I mean up to your knees in a second. There are tires that have been abandoned up and down the beach. Otherwise, nothing. Seriously wondered why we drove 90 minutes from Palm Desert to see this nothing burger. Skip it.

    Marta H.

    What an amazing 5 days we had here! I have heard & read SO many negative things about the Salton Sea, I was a bit trepidatious, but KNEW I had to see this place before the sea eroded any further. We stayed at Mecca Beach, water side, full hook ups - it was a perfect site, partially shaded, and we loved the fact you didn't have to back your rig in....you could park parallel to the water to take in the view. The campground, although in need of a little overhaul, was clean & camp host Bill was super friendly. The park rangers also drove through everyday. For the first 2 days we had the place, virtually, to ourselves. By Friday the lower campground was pretty full, but campers were respectful and quiet. We took a bunch of day trips over the course of our stay: Bombay Beach, Slab City, Bautista Date Farm & across the sea to Salton Sea Beach & Salton City. We actually found out, that all the reports of the sea being unswimmable were false. Park Rangers told us we could ABSOLUTELY swim in the water (next time we will). As for the smell you may hear or read about, it was hardly noticeable. At times when the wind blew across, you could smell something, but was no worse than the smell of the ocean. Salton Sea gets a bad rap.....and I think that rap needs to be changed!

    Handmade Walking Stick
    Elle N.

    You can't put down the Salton Sea, it's not its fault that it isn't what is used to be! Mother Nature destroys and people do too. On my big birthday last year, all I wanted to do it go to Joshua Tree, try a stay in a tiny house, listen to U2 on vinyl, visit my favorite roadhouse in the country, experience a sound healing bath and visit the Salton Sea! All of this with my husband and my fur babe in tow. Did I mention hitting up one of my favorite boutiques nearby or eating some good food we found on Yelp too? An adventure of sorts... Yes, the Salton Sea was eerie in a way, but yes it is beautiful too. Some things living, some things dead. Good photos, bad smells. It's all here. The visitors center is one of the best in the state system, with much historical information on what happened to this glorious body of water. Many souvineers to be had. I picked up a beach walking stick made locally which I think is pretty special. If you get a chance, go, learn and explore. It's a natural wonder. #SaltonSea #Eerie #Beautiful #Adventure

    Nick G.

    Very different experience. Middle of the dessert with nothing around but the sea and a small town which looks like something in a horror film. Lot of unique and quirky art installations that you must drive thru the streets to find them. Very cool and unique thing to do if you are on a weekend trip in Palm Springs

    Memorial Day 2020
    Franklin M.

    This place isn't on everyone's bucket list but it was on mine. I love looking at maps and just seeing all the hidden beautiful and eccentric treasures out there. We were driving back from Yuma AZ and I made sure to go through this area on our way back to Los Angeles. We are in the COVID-19 pandemic and it's nice to walk around without having to put on your mask. If you love odd ball out of the ordinary places then make sure to put this one on your bucket list.

    Marie-Angeline F.

    I've always wanted to see this huge lake, the largest lake in Cali, made by accident in 1905. Now, it's toxic, unsafe for swimming, boating, and living. O'my, how beautiful the lake is off the freeway as you're traveling through; but, when you stop, park, and venture to the beach, you'll be overcome by the smell of sulfur and death. It's an unbearable smell! How can that be? The mountains look like they're hand painted oil on canvas; so, so beautiful. But, the crunch of the white sand, well, we thought it was sand, but, as we soon figured out, it was crushed fish bones and the like, just makes that painted picture fall apart. I'm so glad I went to see it and the remnants of the past. I would've given it 5 stars but, every breath you take, really is toxic.

    Joshua C.

    A wonderful and peaceful place to stop by for the day or even to spend a few nights while on a road trip. You cannot get into the water but it's a serene view and a great place to rest.

    Fish carcasses
    Rus M.

    I remember coming here about 10 years ago when we could actually get in the water, albeit on a raft. The water was not as bad as is now. Now the water just looks dark, murky and polluted. Like a place out of a 1980's B rated movie flick, where a swamp monster drudges out, covered in seaweed and mud with a decaying animal stuck between it's teeth. Now I'm not saying you shouldn't come here; you should, in my opinion. You should come here to see how unique the place is. Take in the sights and sounds of dead fish carcasses and variety of birds chillin' on the water to picking at them for food. Makes sure you wear shoes when you come to avoid getting dead fish scales in your sandals.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Salton Sea

    How's the fishing activity do still catch a tilapia or any other fish?

    It's too salty. No fish

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Salton Sea

    You can see the rotten remains of this fleeing civilization in Bombay Beach, Desert Shores, and Salton Sea Beach.

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    Lake Hemet - Lake Hemet, Ca. 1-16-26

    Lake Hemet

    4.4(1.1k reviews)
    45.2 mi

    We went from the 10th of May to the 12th we just went out there to just relax and get away…read more So we got there and got everything unpacked. And found out that the bottom of the refrigerator did not get very cold so I was actually worried about all of our food going bad so we called the front and let them know that the refrigerator was not working. The freezer worked fine so they sent somebody down to check it out. And he brought us a small refrigerator that he put on a table outside. So we could put some of our food in it so we did that, but notice that the refrigerator did not work very well. Either. But anyways, we just kind of dealt with it.. Then the maintenance guy came back and told us that they are giving us a free 2 hours on a pontoon boat for the inconvenience. I truly highly recommend this place, they truly make sure that you are comfortable. And they do try their best.I give these guys five stars.. A few things in their trailer should actually be updated. But we made things work. We will all definitely be going back there.Hopefully, they can get that trailer updated on the mattresses. The refrigerator. And just overall, the cleanliness of the trailer actually was not up to my standards, maybe they could do better, but other than that, it was awesome, very relaxing, enjoyed the nature and most definitely enjoyed the pontoon. Thank you again so much , and we definitely will be returning

    I just completed My second year of fishing and camping here with my grandson. I love this place…read moresimply because of the staff. its camping, so things sometimes dont go as planned but the staff are always extremely helpful! Ed is the person who stands out for me. That guy goes out of his way to do what ever he can to make my visit enjoy for me and my grand-dude. The residents of the lake are also very helpful, welcoming to guest. There was a 8 yr old kid name Tauren who with his father's ok, walked up and down the shore to assist visitors in catching fish by offering his extensive knowledge of the lake and fish habits. Im already scheduling another trip. The water was low for the 2nd year in a row but I cant blame the lake for that! My one complaint is really trivial but the pillows and beds in the cottage were too hard and very difficult to sleep on. Also, the cottage I was in had two uncovered windows in the kitchen and the neighbors can look directly into the cottage at any hour.

    Photos
    Lake Hemet - Our campsite from another campground, across the lake

    Our campsite from another campground, across the lake

    Lake Hemet - Sunset from the shoreline

    Sunset from the shoreline

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    Lake Cuyamaca

    Lake Cuyamaca

    3.7(152 reviews)
    52.6 mi

    It's a challenge to find serenity in San Diego county. And even harder within driving distance of…read moredowntown. But then there's Lake Cuyamaca, a hidden gem. I went on a 6 mile hike with my wife around the lake and also through a couple of spurs off the main trail. There's one spot where you can look down into a valley and see where all the water collects. In those moments I try to use my mind's eye to see all sorts of animals running around thousands of years ago.

    I didn't realize how much you could do at Lake Cuyamaca. Look no further if you want a great…read morecampsite with fishing spots and trails scattered around the area! If you're just visiting for the day like us, you'll need to pay for day use which is $10 per car. This fee is waived for campers or if you purchase a fishing permit (which is separate from the California fishing license). We started off at the Tackle Shop where we figured out our day passes and fishing logistics. The worker gave some great recommendations for fishing spots and this is where our group split, with several people fishing and the rest hiking. The Lake Cuyamaca Loop Trail is fairly easy and straightforward. It's about 3 miles total with little to no elevation gain. The trail mostly wraps around the edge of the lake but there was a section through an open field...the lake probably at one point stretched all the way out there but has dried up now. There's only a small section that had shade so for the most part, you'll be exposed to the sun (I got extremely sunburnt). You can use AllTrails if you're worried about getting lost but I thought the trail was pretty clear. We finished the hike in about an hour and just hung out with the rest of our friends fishing. We got lucky and it was such a beautiful day, with clear blue skies. Will definitely be back because I heard you could rent boats to fish off of! Oh and dogs are allowed as long as they're on a leash!

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    Lake Cuyamaca
    Lake Cuyamaca
    Lake Cuyamaca

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    Adventures Croatia

    Adventures Croatia

    4.6(11 reviews)
    26.4 mi

    My husband and I had the most wonderful experience with Adventure Croatia! Ines is a phenomenal…read moretravel planner who took the best care of us. It was a long time in the making due to the pandemic. Our trip was cancelled in 2020 due to the obvious. My husband started planning the trip in 2019 and we were finally able to go in September of 2021 when restrictions were released in the US. Ines was amazing the entire time. She worked tirelessly to hook us up with the trip of a lifetime. My husband is half Croatian so this was a first time bucket list visit and we hope to return again someday soon. Inez is Croatian and spends her time there and in LA. She really had her finger of the pulse of everything Croatian and asked all the right questions of what we were looking for in this long awaited adventure. The attention to detail was flawless. Seriously flawless. We are fairly well traveled and I can honestly say this trip came off without a hitch. We were so incredibly fortunate that nothing went wrong and everything was perfect. When does this ever happen? Especially when traveling abroad! Everyone we dealt with provided exceptional service. We visited several different cities, Zadar, Zagreb, Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik. We had personal drivers to take us to each city and private tour guides who showed us some amazing sites. Both the drivers and guides were awesome. So warm and engaging and super professional. They were all about making us feel completely taken care of. It really comes across as so sincere that the Croatians want you to have the best time ever. We had a long drive one night after and day of sightseeing in the sun so we were very tired. When we got to Split, in my fatigue, I accidentally left my hat in the car. My new handmade $400 hat my husband just bought for me and this amazing hat shop in Zadar. I was crushed. When I called the company to see if they could send it to me in the US, they did one better, they jumped through serious hoops to hook up with another driver going to the next town we were in to rendezvous a pickup. We were beyond impressed! The level of service was absolutely outstanding! These people really care that you're having the time of your life and want to make it a truly memorable experience. All the hotels and restaurants we experienced were wonderful. We are very fortunate we were able to spend $$$$ on the trip, but they have all sorts of packages they can put together for all budgets. We went first class all the way to celebrate my husband's 60 birthday there. It was a very luxurious adventure with 5 star hotels and all the cars we traveled in were Mercedes Benz. The people of Croatian are so lovely and inviting. It's an extraordinarily beautiful country so rich in culture and history. It's also super inexpensive once you arrive! We had a glass of wine and a beer at a gorgeous restaurant with an epic view and the bill was $4 in US currency! Of course there are numerous fine dining establishments that Adventure Croatia can facilitate for you. They have all the hookups and make excellent recommendations. When we go back again, we may not go super high end like we did on this trip, but we will absolutely use them again to plan another trip. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Thank you many times over to Ines and her amazing team of people for a seriously epic adventure!!

    My husband and I just got back from an AMAZING 16 day vacation, that Mimi at Adventures Croatia…read morehelped to put together for us. We visited Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, and Montenegro. At each stop along the way, we were met by wonderful guides, who had grown up in the area and just LOVED to share their cultural heritage with us. Our drivers were impeccable and delivered us each day, exactly where we needed to be. I cannot recommend Adventures Croatia highly enough; there are no stars available beyond 5! This was truly a perfect vacation, that we will treasure for a lifetime!!! Thank you Mimi and your amazing ground team!!! Kudos! Kudos! Kudos!

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    Adventures Croatia - Snacks in Split

    Snacks in Split

    Adventures Croatia
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    Zagreb sites

    Salton Sea - boating - Updated May 2026

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