Bombay Beach

Bombay Beach is a settlement on the eastern shore of the Salton Sea in Imperial County, California. The streets run parallel to the shore, leading through a landscape of weathered buildings, half-buried trailers, and abandoned lots slowly disappearing into the sand.

The settlement grew after 1905, when an accident created a lake that drew visitors from across Southern California. In the 1970s, the water level rose repeatedly and flooded homes and roads, forcing many residents to leave.

The name references the Indian city and was chosen in the 1920s when the area was first surveyed. Today, hand-painted signs and colorful murals along the dusty streets speak of a small community that has found new life among the ruins.

The nearest shops and gas stations are in other towns along the lake, so visitors should bring supplies before arriving. Walking through the streets requires sturdy footwear, as the ground is a mix of sand, gravel, and salt.

In some empty homes, televisions are stacked to the ceiling, while painted vintage cars stand on lots as silent monuments. These open-air artworks remain visible year-round and change with weather and time.