Exploring the Bombay Beach Ruins at the Salton Sea

Ever since helping my kids with a report on the Salton Sea a couple of years ago, I have been dying to visit. When planning our weekend getaway to Palm Springs, I carved time out of our schedule to visit the abandoned town – especially Bombay Beach.

Bombay Beach is just a couple of miles away from the visitors center and is a must-see for families visiting the area. When we arrived at the abandoned ghost town, our kids were amazed. There are a couple of people now living in the area, but a lot of abandoned homes from the once popular vacation destination in the 1960’s.

Along the edge of the water are multiple vacant homes that are covered in graffiti and a photographers dream. There are endless photo opportunities that I could have spent all day photographing.

The biggest excitement is visiting the fallen pier. The sand along the beach looks like sand but is actually dead fish bones. On top of the brittle bones are hundreds of dead fish that line the water. (If you come with younger children then I recommend bringing nose plugs – the dead fish smell was too intense for my younger son to handle)

We are excited to share all these fun images that we captured while exploring the Bombay Beach Ruins at the Salton Sea. When planning your next family vacation to Palm Springs, I recommend making a visit to the ruins where your family will take a trip back in time to what was once a thriving vacation destination.