Discover Cultural Hotspots: Road Trip from Indio to the Salton Sea
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Indio south along Highway 111 to the Salton Sea. This vast lake, accidentally formed by a 1905 irrigation canal breach, was once a premier vacation destination in the 1950s and 1960s, attracting more visitors than Yosemite National Park. Often depicted as desolate, the region reveals profound cultural and natural richness upon closer exploration. Pack ample water, sunscreen (SPF 50+), and a hat for this dusty desert adventure.
Shields Date Garden
A striking armored knight statue guides visitors to this historic date farm, established in 1924. Step into a 1950s time capsule at the store, sampling fresh dates and browsing retro-themed gifts. Savor legendary date shakes at the original soda fountain—ideal fuel for your journey ahead.
International Banana Museum
This quirky banana-themed museum, housed in a former bar beside a family-owned liquor store, delights with memorabilia collected by owner Fred. Admission is $1 per person (refunded with purchase). Snap photos in banana hats and enjoy puns from Fred's wife, Kym, like, “You’re appealing. Sorry to see you split.”
Salton Sea State Recreation Area Visitor Center
Framed by the Santa Rosa Mountains, the Salton Sea delivers stunning vistas, especially at dawn or dusk. From October to March, it's a birdwatcher's haven. Park rangers provide expert insights on wildlife and the sea's origin. Walk to the shore to see the 'sand'—actually tiny fish skeletons.
Bombay Beach
Bombay Beach evokes a modern ghost town, ripe for urban exploration, but it's revitalized by the annual Bombay Beach Biennale. Amid ruins, find treasures like the Bombay Beach Drive-In (Avenue E, turquoise sign with yellow arrow), The Bombay Beach Institute of Particle Physics, Metaphysics & International Relations (9535 Avenue H; museum, gallery, performance space, community garden), and Angler Grove by artist Randy Pulombo (Avenue H and Fourth Street)—a psychedelic disco tribute. Seek the elusive Banksy wall.
Ski Inn
As Neil Young noted, “Meet the losers in the best bars, meet the winners in the dives.” This unassuming dive near Bombay Beach offers cold drinks, tasty patty melts, and warm chats with friendly locals and bartenders. Ask Steve about guided tours to the Hermitage Museum and Bombay Beach Opera House.
Salvation Mountain
A vivid folk art masterpiece, Salvation Mountain is a massive adobe-hay mound painted with over 100,000 gallons of lead-free paint, proclaiming a message of love. Explore paths, art cars, and nearby Slab City—an off-grid community on a former WWII base, hosting open mic nights at The Range on Saturday evenings (fall/winter). Open daily from dawn to dusk.
For the complete nine-site tour with interactive map, visit artpatronmagazine.com.
Written and Photographed by Deanna Fainelli
