California is known for its sunny beaches, glamorous Hollywood, and stunning national parks. But there is a hidden side of the Golden State that most people have forgotten about: the abandoned resorts that once attracted tourists and celebrities alike. One of these forgotten places is the Salton Sea Beach Resort, a former oasis in the desert that now lies in ruins.
The Rise and Fall of the Salton Sea Beach Resort
The Salton Sea Beach Resort was built in the 1950s, when the Salton Sea was a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. The resort boasted a hotel, a restaurant, a marina, and a golf course, and attracted visitors from all over the country, including famous stars like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and the Beach Boys. The resort was a symbol of luxury and leisure, and a place where people could escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
However, the resort’s glory days were short-lived. In the 1960s, the Salton Sea began to suffer from environmental problems, such as pollution, salinity, and algae blooms. The water became toxic and foul-smelling, killing the fish and driving away the wildlife. The resort’s guests and residents soon followed, leaving behind their homes and belongings. The resort became a ghost town, abandoned and decaying, and a stark contrast to its former splendor.
The Current State of the Salton Sea Beach Resort
Today, the Salton Sea Beach Resort is a haunting sight, a reminder of what once was and what could have been. The hotel is boarded up and crumbling, the restaurant is empty and vandalized, the marina is dry and rusted, and the golf course is overgrown and littered.
The resort is a magnet for urban explorers, photographers, and graffiti artists, who come to document and admire the eerie beauty of the place. The resort is also a testament to the resilience and hope of the few people who still live in the area, who dream of restoring the Salton Sea and reviving the resort.
Conclusion
The Salton Sea Beach Resort is one of the many abandoned resorts hiding in California, a forgotten gem that once shone brightly in the desert. The resort’s story is a tragic one, a tale of boom and bust, of paradise lost and found. The resort is a place of mystery and wonder, of nostalgia and regret, of decay and renewal. The resort is a place that most people have forgotten about, but one that deserves to be remembered.
