Bombay Beach & Salvation Mountain Art Tour
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Overview
Bombay Beach Salton Sea and Salvation Mountain Guided Art Tour offers a unique adventure into the California desert. This guided tour from Palm Springs takes visitors to the quirky and captivating landscapes surrounding the Salton Sea. It's a chance to see art and nature blend in unexpected ways.
Expect to explore the offbeat art installations of Bombay Beach, where creativity thrives along the shoreline. The tour stops at the iconic Salvation Mountain, a vibrant and uplifting art piece created by Leonard Knight. Visitors will also get the chance to have lunch at the well known Ski Inn before venturing into the desert to enjoy this adventure.
This approximately 7.5-hour tour includes bottled water and snacks. The tour provides comfortable shuttle transport. It does not include lunch at the Ski Inn, allowing visitors to choose their own meal. This small-group tour offers a personal and immersive experience into the art, history, and ecology of the Salton Sea area.




Highlights
Explore Bombay Beach's Art: See cool and quirky art made by local artists at Bombay Beach.
Visit Salvation Mountain: Discover the colorful and inspiring Salvation Mountain.
Comfortable Transport: Travel in a comfy shuttle for a relaxing experience.
Stay Hydrated and Full: Enjoy complimentary bottled water and snacks.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoyed the tour, praising the unique art, knowledgeable guides, and overall organization. The strong smells at the Salton Sea and lunch break length were minor downsides.

Visitors loved the unique and quirky art installations.
Many enjoyed the historical context provided by the guides.
Customers said the experience was well-organized and engaging.
Travelers appreciated the comfortable transportation provided.
Some visitors felt that the lunch break at the Ski Inn was too short.
A few reviewers mentioned that the smell at the Salton Sea can be unpleasant.
The Journey
Bombay Beach Art Installations
Bombay Beach, once a bustling resort town, now offers a surreal canvas for artists. The shoreline is dotted with eclectic art installations crafted from salvaged materials and found objects, creating a post-apocalyptic playground for photographers and art enthusiasts. Capture striking images amidst the decaying structures and whimsical sculptures, each telling a story of resilience and creative expression against the backdrop of the shrinking Salton Sea. Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the iconic 'Bombay Beach Drive-In', a quirky assemblage of abandoned cars turned into an open-air movie screen.
Salton Sea
The Salton Sea, California's largest lake, is an environmental paradox and a stark reminder of human impact on nature. Once a thriving recreational area, it now faces ecological challenges. Learn about its history, from its accidental creation to its current state, and how artists are using their work to raise awareness about its plight. Explore the stark beauty of its shores, observing the unique birdlife and contemplating the delicate balance between environmental degradation and artistic inspiration. Discover why this place holds a powerful, yet melancholic, allure for visitors.
Salvation Mountain
Salvation Mountain is a vibrant, man-made mountain crafted by Leonard Knight as a testament to his love for God. Covered in layers of paint and adorned with biblical verses and colorful flowers, this unique art installation is a powerful expression of faith and devotion. Explore its winding pathways and discover hidden alcoves, each bursting with color and symbolism. Learn about Leonard Knight's inspiring story and the enduring legacy of his creation, a testament to the power of one person's vision and unwavering dedication. It's a must-see for those seeking inspiration and a touch of the extraordinary.
Ski Inn
The Ski Inn is a legendary diner in Bombay Beach, known as the lowest bar in the Western Hemisphere at 223 feet below sea level. Step inside this quirky establishment and enjoy a casual lunch surrounded by walls adorned with dollar bills left by travelers from around the world. Soak in the local atmosphere, chat with the friendly staff, and savor classic American diner fare. It's a perfect place to take a break, refuel, and experience the authentic, down-to-earth spirit of Bombay Beach.
Guided Tour
Experience a fully guided journey through the Salton Sea's most intriguing landmarks. Our knowledgeable guides will provide historical context, fascinating insights, and local anecdotes at each stop, ensuring you gain a deeper appreciation for the area's unique culture, history, and environment. From the art installations of Bombay Beach to the ecological stories of the Salton Sea, and the inspiring Salvation Mountain, our guided tour will uncover the hidden gems and captivating stories that make this region so special.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes bottled water and snacks to keep everyone happy and hydrated. Lunch at the Ski Inn is not included so plan accordingly. The tour starts and ends at a central meeting point in Palm Springs, where the comfortable shuttle will pick up and drop off passengers.
Hot Tip
Many reviewers suggest bringing a hat and sunglasses to protect from the desert sun. Also, be prepared for the unique smells of the Salton Sea, as it can be quite distinct. Bring extra money to buy gifts from the local artist.