Our 8 interesting stops on the way to Salvation Mountain.
This day trip was hands down one of our trips that my teen enjoyed the most. We are both really into photography, and this trip was fulled with photo opportunities. We hit the road around 8:00 am leaving from Lake Forest. We made sure to have a lot of water, lunch , snacks, sunscreen and cash for donations at all the different stops.
1. Cabazon Dinosaurs
( 50800 Seminole Dr )
I recommend you full your car up here, because I didn't see any other gas stations out on the way to the mountain.
2. Oasis Date Gardens
( 59-111 Grapefruit Blvd, Thermal)
Try one of their date milkshakes and the all the different date samples they have. The milkshakes are really thick so we only got one and grabbed some extra spoons and shared. Make sure you don't forget to take a photo with Mrs. Date.
2. International Banana Museum
( 98775 CA-111, Mecca )
You may have to stop here on the way back because they are only open from 1 - 5 pm.
4. Salton Sea
( 100225 State Park Rd, Mecca )
We pulled over at Salton Sea State Recreation Area, when we went we didn't have to pay any admission price, but I don't know if that's always the case. Just watch out there was some spots on the beach where you started to sink into the ground, I recommend wearing old shoes.
5. Bombay Beach Ruins
( 9524 Ave E, Niland )
The kids had a blast here going around everywhere taking photos of everything. Most of what you want to see are between 3th St and 5th St on Ave E. Make sure your kids have closed toe shoes on there's a lot of broken glass around.
6. Salvation Mountain
( East Beal Rd, Niland )
The mountain was not very big more like a hill than a mountain. You get to park right by it so no need to hike far to get to the mountain. It's free to enter, but they do have a donation box where you can leave a donation to help with the upkeep of the mountain. They do have porta potties out there, that were really clean when we were there.
7. East Jesus in Slab City
( E Jesus Rd, Niland )
Slab City was a real eye opener for the kids, sometimes it's good for them to step outside the cofferdams of Orange County. We were welcomed by a very interesting bearded gentlemen, with lots of wonderful facts and information about East Jesus. Make sure to get your camera out because there was lots of photo opportunities all around. It's free to enter but they do have donation boxes all around, that's how they make their income. So make sure you leave a little something to say thank you.
8. Whitewater Preserve
( 9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd, Whitewater )
This was a nice stop to eat our packed lunch and use the restroom before taking on the traffic back to Orange County. Just make sure to check if they are open before you head out there.
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