Backyard Adventures: Palm Springs and the Salton Sea
The desert has its holiness of silence, the crowd its holiness of conversation.
Walter Elliot
My friend Mike was here for a little less than a week, and I wanted to show him around the other side of California. Not the pretty beaches (although we did end up there at some point) nor the Hollywood glamour, but the desert life that even I abhorred the first few years of living there. If you are ever in the Los Angeles or San Diego metropolitan areas, Palm Springs is an easy one-day trip. Of course, overnight stays on weekends work best!
If you thought the sun was bright in Los Angeles and San Diego, well, the desert sun is sure to burn your retinas off! Right before the exit to Palm Springs, you’ll see the famous Cabezon Dinosaurs. Yes, the ones from Pee Wee’s Big Adventure. The restaurant is long gone, but you can check out this roadside attraction for free. There is Mr. Rex's Dinosaur Adventure on the other side, but to be honest, it didn’t look like much. If you must purchase a souvenir, there is a gift shop available. The best memory: pictures. We took our snapshots and then went on our merry way.
GRAB THIS BEFORE YOU GO ON A ROAD TRIP CAR MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
Start your road trip the RIGHT way.
Grab this TWO-WEEK PLAN to keep your chariot running smoothly!
Cabezon Dinosaurs from Pee-Wee's Big Adventure
Palm Springs
There are many attractions in Palm Springs that you should probably check out. We were passing through. Besides, I don’t think I could have gotten anyone to go hiking. May weather is relatively mild, and you’re just asking for trouble if you decide to take a trip here during the summer. Even so, walking around Palm Springs in the heat is not what I’m trying to do.
It’s Saturday, and everyone and their dog are out! Finding the right place to eat isn’t hard, it’s finding an empty table that proved to be a challenge. Please check the store hours. The place where we wanted to dine closed for a few hours during the afternoon to prep for dinner service. We opted for Mexican food at Maracas because you can never go wrong with Mexican food.
Beneath some patio umbrellas, we enjoyed a meal together and then sat to take in the bright colors and chatter. Although we were ready to hoof around the city, we made it only two blocks before having to cool off with smoothies at Tutti Frutti. On our way out of Palm Springs, we did see plenty of that iconic architecture. I’m hitting up that casino next time!
The Salton Sea and Bombay Beach
Whose idea was it to come to this fly-infested post-apocalyptic dump?! Listen. My 4th-grade self wanted to go here. As a kid, all I knew about the Salton Sea was that it was the most significant body of water in California. What they omitted was that it was set to become a place lined with resorts rivaling Palm Springs, until a few engineers turned it into one of the largest ecological disasters in history.
Seeing it for what it is now is depressing; however, at the same time, it’s a humbling experience. Situated on the San Andreas Fault between the Imperial and Coachella Valleys, the Salton Sea appears only as a sliver of water from afar. To truly appreciate it, you must find one of the many recreational park areas, get out of your vehicle, and get as close as your nose will handle.
I could only manage about 15 minutes of salt-crusted ‘beach sand’ on my shoes, as I kept swatting flies away from my face while trying not to hurl. The mountains on the opposite side stand majestically in the background as the sun kisses the water surface, and the beauty of the Salton Sea is in full bloom despite all of the ugliness around it. That’s probably the best way I could explain it.
Bombay Beach is one of the communities along the Salton Sea. The name is quite deceiving. While we certainly weren’t expecting beach cabanas and pool boys, we also weren’t expecting it to look like the land that time forgot. Soft dirt roads sprinkled with some paved ones, we made our way in search of a dock to take pictures and get a better look at the Salton Sea. Instead, we found old trailers, abandoned homes, and little signs of life.
Had that “the hills have eyes” vibe going. We did see a makeshift photoshoot in one of the old homes. Frankly, I wasn’t trying to touch anything! My friend and I took a moment to snap a picture before we left. I didn’t want to give up, and I even attempted to see Salvation Mountain, a few miles away. After going down another soft dirt road, I had a bad feeling and decided not to press my luck. Later that evening, we conducted some research and even watched a documentary film called “Breaking Point.”
If we hadn’t experienced it for ourselves, we probably would have dismissed the option on the screen. Pretty interesting stuff, and more importantly, a closer look into California’s history. Before his death, Sonny Bono, the former mayor of Palm Springs and congressman for California's 44th District, attempted to fix the Salton Sea. There is a wildlife refuge in Calipatria named after him.
Other Films About The Salton Sea That Are Currently On My Watchlist.
John Waters narrates the first, titled “Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea,” and the second is a documentary called “Bombay Beach,” which, as the name suggests, focuses on the residents of Bombay Beach.
So What's Next?
I've got to go back!
Here's the thing. Having only a day to show a friend around was cutting it pretty close. I felt terrible for not being able to plan a weekend trip together. Still, given that it's just a 2-hour drive, it's easier for me to go back and stay the weekend. On my part two itinerary:
- Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium – what is not to love? Huell Howser from ‘California's Gold' went there on one of the episodes, and I instantly knew I had to be there.
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – The world's largest rotating tramcar! Yes, I want to go hiking. Look at the views! You can check out the tram cam here.
- Palm Springs Art Museum – hooray for contemporary art!
- Tahquitz Canyon – The hike ends with a series of waterfalls. I mean, how could you not? Maybe camping is in order, too.
- Toucan's Tiki Lounge – I love a good drag queen show! WERQ.
*Hey, this page contains affiliate links. There’s no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission when you decide to use them. They help me keep this party going.
PIN ME!
