California is one of the strangest states in America, and their off-beat tourist attractions exemplify that a trip to the Golden State can get mind-bendingly weird.
Take a look at these wildly weird and truly one-of-a-kind experiences that you’ll only find in California.
Salvation Mountain
Leonard Knight, a local citizen, built Salvation Mountain, an artistic structure measuring 150 feet in width and 50 feet in height.
The man-made mountain covered in bright, almost psychedelic-looking Christian imagery took 25 years and countless buckets of adobe clay and more than 100,000 gallons of paint to complete.
Visitors, regardless of their religious persuasion, are always moved by the unyielding devotion that went into building Salvation Mountain.
Salvation Mountain, California pic.twitter.com/UFg5xmcrwP
— joz (@jociesenses) May 18, 2021
Salvation Mountain is the pinnacle of one man’s quest for enlightenment. Even though Knight had never taken a single painting class in his life, he was convinced that God was directing his every move.
His death in 2014 was a great loss, but his legacy will live on in the works he left behind.
The Museum of Jurassic Technology
It’s not easy to give a concise description of the Museum of Jurassic Technology in Los Angeles.
It bills itself as a “educational institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and the public appreciation of the Lower Jurassic,” but it’s more of a museum of cultural curiosities and absurdist art installation.
You’re not alone if you’re scratching your head over that. In reality, visitors who ask museum workers queries like “What is this?” will not receive explanations. The museum can only be truly appreciated by those who visit it.
Hard to decide on 1 museum everyone should visit #MuseumsUnlocked. So: Museum of Jurassic Technology in Los Angeles–exhibits include Lives of Perfect Creatures: Dogs of Soviet Space Program & Decaying Dice of Ricky Jay. Why must-see? Because it challenges our museum practice pic.twitter.com/9s2bzFH5Z1
— Linda Norris (@lindabnorris) July 7, 2020
As visitors make their way through the museum’s twisting halls, the disconnect between truth and illusion only deepens.
Currently on display are such diverse collections as “Dogs of the Soviet Space Program,” “Garden of EdenOn Wheels: Collections from Los Angeles Area Mobile Home Parks,” and “Athanasius Kircher: the World Is Bound With Secret Knots.”
To what end does this serve? Only by going to the museum will you know for sure. We promise you a California vacation like no other.
Bombay Beach Ruins
The bleak, post-apocalyptic aesthetic The ruins of Bombay Beach may be seen in Imperial Valley, California, beside the Salton Sea.
Seventy years ago, only the most affluent members of society and Hollywood heavy hitters could afford to holiday at Bombay Beach.
However, as the salt content of the water rose dramatically, the bird and fish populations in the ocean quickly collapsed.
The stench and grisly sight of their bodies made it hard to advertise Bombay Beach to wealthy vacationers.
Ruins of Bombay beach 📍 pic.twitter.com/LyjvyulwOO
— Lillie ☼ ॐ ⚥ (@LillieWisdom) May 2, 2021
Visitors and locals alike have left the beach. What was abandoned was a rundown resort that has become a popular destination for explorers from all over the world.
Visiting the Bombay Beach Ruins is like walking through the remains of a thriving civilization with only yourself for company.
And if you are hungry, you can stop by the Ski Inn, one of the few remaining restaurants in town, for some tasty burgers and ice-cold beer.