At the southern edge of California, straddling Riverside and Imperial counties, lies the Salton Sea—a shimmering, shallow, highly-saline lake that has fascinated geologists, historians, and travelers alike. Set within the Salton Trough along the San Andreas Fault, this body of water tells a story written over millions of years by the Colorado River. The river’s shifting course has alternately filled the basin with water, creating ancient Lake Cahuilla, or left it barren as a desert floor. Archaeological evidence of Native American villages and campsites along its shores speaks to the long human connection to this unique landscape.
The modern Salton Sea was born in 1905, when floodwaters from the Colorado River broke through irrigation canals and poured into the dry basin for two years before engineers could contain it. What might have been a temporary lake endured thanks to farming in the Imperial Valley, where excess irrigation water continued to replenish the basin. By the mid-20th century, the Salton Sea had transformed into a glamorous resort destination. Marinas, hotels, and vacation homes sprang up, drawing visitors eager to fish, boat, and bask in the desert sun. Birdwatchers flocked to the wetlands, a critical stopover on the Pacific Flyway, where migratory species found refuge amid the salty waters.
Today, the Salton Sea is experiencing a new wave of tourism—one fueled by California’s thriving cannabis culture. With the state’s legalization of recreational cannabis, the region has become a magnet for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Cannabis-friendly resorts, boutique dispensaries, and wellness retreats are emerging around the lake, offering visitors curated experiences that blend the natural beauty of the desert with the modern appeal of cannabis tourism. Travelers can spend mornings birdwatching or exploring the stark, photogenic landscapes, and evenings unwinding with cannabis-infused dining or spa treatments designed to highlight the plant’s therapeutic qualities.
The Salton Sea’s proximity to fertile farmland also plays a role in this new identity. The Imperial Valley, long known for its agricultural abundance, now supports cannabis cultivation, adding another layer to the region’s economic and cultural revival. For cannabis travelers, the area offers a rare combination: a destination steeped in geological wonder and historical intrigue, paired with a progressive, welcoming atmosphere for cannabis exploration.
Why Beard Bros Travel Features The Salton Sea
At Beard Bros Travel, we believe cannabis culture extends to travel and tourism. These spotlights invite our readers—especially cannabis enthusiasts —to think differently about travel. Whether you’re blazing new trails or just looking for places that spark conversation and wonder, the Salton Sea is a trip worth taking.
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