History: Originally opened in 1962, the North Shore Beach and Yacht Club was a glamorous waterfront attraction at the Salton Sea, designed by architect Albert Frey. In its prime, it attracted celebrities and visitors looking for a vibrant desert escape, with a marina bustling with boats, a yacht club hosting events, and a sunny atmosphere reminiscent of a mid-century Riviera. However, the decline of the Salton Sea due to rising salinity and ecological issues led to the abandonment of the once-thriving club by the late 1980s, leaving it to fall into disrepair.
Current: Restored in 2010 by Riverside County, the North Shore Beach and Yacht Club has transformed from a forgotten relic into a community space for locals. A historical landmark and now managed by the Desert Recreation District, this community center offers a wide range of programs and events. It hosts a state-of-the-art fitness center, serving as an essential resource to the locals who call the Salton Sea home. Though it no longer operates as a yacht club, the site is a cultural beacon, reminding travelers of the Salton Sea's complex legacy amidst the desert.
