Posted in Southern California Attractions September 17, 2019 by

Step Inside The Creepy, Abandoned Town Of Bombay Beach In Southern California

When it comes to all-time lows, both figuratively and literally, you just can’t get any lower than California’s Bombay Beach. For starters, it’s located at the southern end of the San Andreas Fault. So close, in fact, that this place has seen as many as 200 earthquakes in just one day. But that’s nothing in comparison to the luckless history surrounding this community on the Salton Sea. There’s a reason why people consider this the creepiest abandoned town in Southern California.

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Flickr/Chuck Coker
At 232 feet below sea level, Bombay Beach is literally the second lowest point in the continental U.S., second only to Death Valley at 282 feet below sea level. It's located on an inland sea in Southern California.

Historically, the bad luck of the Salton Sea extends perhaps millions of years back to when part of the Gulf got cut off as the Colorado River deposited a huge delta that blocked the channel. The unfortunate result was the stranding of the Salton Sea in the middle of absolutely nowhere.
Flickr/Bill Dickinson
And then in 1905, some engineers screwed up and accidentally flooded the Salton Sea with waters from the Colorado River for two solid years. By all accounts, the results were well-received at the time. Small resorts sprang up around the rim of the new lake, including popular Bombay Beach.

But no one could know at the time what lay ahead for the Salton, or for Bombay Beach.
Yelp/Mike D
People moved here, built their lives along this, the largest lake in California. And life on the "Salton Riveria" was pretty satisfying - for a while.
Yelp/Kim L
And then things went sideways. By 1970, the lake had become so polluted it was unbearable. The Salton Lake is approximately fifteen-by-thirty-five miles and the entire lake became toxic for most fish breeds. The fish population started to die off, and then wash ashore - and then smell!

But fate wasn't finished cursing the Salton Sea yet. It developed a big algae problem and then a "salt" problem.

The ill-fated resort community's fate was cast.


Flickr/Beth Wilson
If earthquakes and dead fish aren't enough to deter your visit to this dead valley along the Salton Sea, then perhaps the ruins of this once thriving resort community will.
Flickr/CEBImagery
Unless, of course, you love being overcome with deep despair and overwhelming grief.
Flickr/Beth Wilson
And unless, of course, you have a sixth sense about the lives that may still try to coexist in the rubble that remains here at Bombay Beach.
Yelp/Cynthia T
Flickr/Ryan Orr
Flickr/Jenni Konrad
For millions of years, even alongside a "sea" of water, the luck of this little corner of the world has run dry.

And while some very talented photographers have the ability to make the "Salton Riveria" look romantic and artsy...
Flickr/Alejandro C
Flickr/Steve Boland
it's still just an unlucky, has-been resort...a sordid mess in the wake of ruined lives.
Yelp/sheena k
Welcome to Bombay Beach.

In 2010, the U.S. Census-designated area known as Bombay Beach had a recorded population of 295 residents, down from 366 in the 2000 census. Most residents live in an area segregated from the ruins depicted in this article.

Have you visited Bombay Beach, which many consider to be the creepiest abandoned town in Southern California? What do you think are some of the scariest places in Southern California? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Address: Bombay Beach, CA 92257, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

creepiest abandoned town in Southern California

September 30, 2019
Elisa Regulski

What other abandoned places are there in Southern California?

There are several fascinating abandoned places in Southern California. For a spooky adventure, visit the remains of Griffith Park Zoo. This old attraction opened in 1912 and only had 15 animals. The park closed in 1966, and has been abandoned ever since. As you explore the decaying cages and rotting buildings, you’ll feel like you entered another world. This place will definitely make your imagination run wild. For another creepy adventure, visit Palos Verdes and search for the remains of a 1960s boat wreck. The rusty machinery leaves its print into the sand, and the result is absolutely eerie.

Are there any hiking trails to abandoned places in Southern California?

The Solstice Canyon Trail, located in the Santa Monica Mountains, leads to one of the most incredible abandoned places in Southern California. As you follow the idyllic trail, you’ll be met with astounding beauty. Soon, you’ll come across an old abandoned mansion. This once magnificent structure fell victim to a forest fire. All that remains are the rotting walls and decaying foundation. Want to learn more about this 3-mile hike? Read our feature article here.

What ghost towns can you find in Southern California?

There are so many unique ghost towns in Southern California. For an exciting excursion, head to the town of Darwin. This small town thrived in the 1870s and had about 3,000 residents. By 1880, most of the miners moved away, and the town’s population dwindled to about 100 people. In the 1900s, Darwin saw a small growth, but it ultimately fell again when a fire hit the mine in 1917. If you visit today, you’ll see old wooden houses standing in eerie silence. To learn more about Southern California’s ghost towns, read our article here.

Address: Bombay Beach, CA 92257, USA