There is much to read and learn about the Salton Sea, California’s largest lake, but visiting is the best way to really know the Sea.

The Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge

Created in the 1990s thanks in part to the advocacy of late entertainer and Congressman Sonny Bono, this refuge remains one of the most important habitats at the southern end of the Salton Sea. Spanning about 2,200 acres, it includes wetlands, managed farm fields, and tree rows that provide shelter and food for wildlife. The refuge is a critical stopover along the Pacific Flyway, supporting hundreds of bird species that migrate through the region each year. Visitors can walk two nature trails and may spot desert cottontail rabbits, kangaroo rats, and a wide variety of birdlife. The refuge also plays a role in the state’s Salton Sea Management Program, which is working to protect habitat as the lake recedes and salinity rises.

The Salton Sea State Recreation Area

The State Recreation Area (SRA) is situated on the north shore of the Salton Sea and spans 14 miles of shoreline. Visitors may opt for day use, camping, picnicking, hiking, and especially bird-watching. Some highlights:

  • Birding: With more than 400 species recorded, the Sea remains one of the premier birding destinations in the West. Its position along the Pacific Flyway makes it a vital stop for migratory birds.
  • Fishing: Anglers may still catch tilapia, though populations have declined due to rising salinity. A valid California fishing license is required.
  • Boating & kayaking: Once a hub for powerboating and water skiing, opportunities are now more limited because of lower water levels. Kayaking and small watercraft are still popular ways to explore.
  • Hiking & ranger programs: Trails and ranger-led hikes highlight the area’s unique desert and shoreline ecology, offering insight into the challenges the Sea faces today.
  • Camping & day use: Multiple campgrounds and picnic areas provide easy access for overnight or day visits.

Around the Salton Sea

Coming in or going out, there are some notable stops to include on your trip to the Salton Sea.

  • The Oasis Date Farm in Thermal, one of the largest date suppliers in the country, is on the way. The 175-acre producing date farm has been certified organic since 2000. Plan on stopping for date samples and a delectable date shake made from their specialty Medjool date.

Interesting Facts

  • The Salton Sea is California’s largest lake by surface area.
  • Its surface elevation is currently about 243 feet below sea level and continues to drop as inflows decline.
  • The lake’s average depth is around 30 feet, with the deepest point near 50 feet.
  • The watershed covers about 8,000 square miles, but annual inflows have decreased significantly in recent decades.
  • Salinity has risen to nearly twice that of the ocean, putting stress on fish and bird populations.
  • About 1.3 million acre-feet of water evaporate from the lake each year.
  • Despite these challenges, the Sea remains one of the most important stopovers along the Pacific Flyway, supporting more than 400 species of migratory birds.

History

  • What a wild water-ride the Salton Sea has taken from the lake’s creation in 1905 by a flood to today’s recreational area. In the 1920s, construction of resorts, restaurants and homes began, and, by the 1950s, celebrity visits were numerous with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Jerry Lewis attending festive boat regattas. The nautically themed North Shore Beach & Yacht Club opened in 1959, with celebrities from the Marx Brothers to the Beach Boys keeping boats in the marina. A flood destroyed the jetty in 1981, closing the facility. However, the Albert Frey-designed building was restored and reopened in 2010 to serve as the current Salton Sea History Museum and Visitor Center.  To learn more about the Salton Sea’s fascinating history, visit the museum or its website.

More Information

Salton Sea State Recreation Area (SRA) Headquarters
100-225 State Park Road off Highway 111
Mecca, CA 92254
(760) 393-3059 (park)
(760) 393-3810 (visitor center)

International Banana Museum
98775 Highway 111
Mecca, CA 92254
(619) 840-1429

Oasis Date Gardens
59-111 Grapefruit Blvd.
Thermal, CA 92274
(800) 827-8017

Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge
906 W. Sinclair
Calipatra, CA 92233
(760) 348-5278