While there are plenty of ways to keep busy or simply relax here in Desert Hot Springs, sometimes a little road trip is in order.
The Salton Sea is located just about an hour from the Aqua Soleil Hotel and is a unique experience for those visiting the Coachella Valley. It is one of the world’s largest inland lakes and lowest point on earth at -227 feet below sea level. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Salton Sea was dubbed “The Salton Riviera,” a miracle oasis in the desert. The shores were quickly built up with resorts, golf courses, and a yacht club. The lake was full of boats, water skiers, and sunbathers who flocked to the yacht club for dinner each night. By the 1970s the lack of rain and runoff from nearby agriculture farms increased the saline levels in the lake, and the once bustling resort was abandoned. Today, visitors will find a mix of funky spots like the International Banana Museum and relics of the Salton Sea heyday.
Bombay Beach is a unique spot to check out for its art and the only bar/grill in the area, Ski Inn. If you do plan to eat at Ski Inn (it’s pretty much your only option), be sure to have cash on hand as they do not take debit or credit cards! ????
After checking out the funky Bombay Beach, head another 25 minutes South East to Salvation Mountain, a colorful, picturesque mountain in the middle of the desert. Chances are you have seen an image of Leonard Knight’s colorful “God is Love” masterpiece, but a photo hardly does it justice! The 50 foot high and 150 long “mountain” is made entirely of adobe clay and donated paint. In addition to the “God is Love” message, the Lord’s Prayer, and biblical quotes, the mountain also features beautifully painted waterfalls, flowers, and even a yellow brick road. Recently, Salvation Mountain has been the background to fashion brand photoshoots and was featured in music videos by Kesha and Coldplay. If you plan to visit, be sure to have plenty of water and bring a snack along as there are no stores/restaurants in the area. Entrance is free however donations are appreciated for the upkeep of Salvation Mountain. ❤
Written by Nicole Bowen of The Darling Niki
Header image from The Darling Niki