Waters spilled into the desert basin, forming a massive inland lake that later inspired tourism and development. In the 1950s and '60s, communities like Salton City sprang up along the lakeshores, with marinas, resorts, and vacation homes. The downfall of Salton Sea as a tourism destination began as the salinity of the waters rose and agricultural runoff brought pollution. This caused birds and marine life to die, producing an unpleasant smell that lingered around the barren beaches. By the 1980s, many businesses closed and buildings were abandoned. Today, the area has a quiet, eerie vibe, with empty lots, crumbling signs, decaying beachfront structures, and abandoned motels. But in towns like Bombay Beach, resident artists have breathed new life into the decrepit landscape through art and installations, bringing a surreal and even joyous feel to the strange, otherworldly environment.
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