This massive inland sea sits below sea level in California's desert, creating an otherworldly landscape of salt-crusted beaches and mineral deposits. The water's high salinity allows for effortless floating, while the surrounding desert mountains provide dramatic backdrops. The lake's receding waters have revealed fascinating salt formations and art installations that enhance its surreal atmosphere.

These vast salt flats stretch across high-altitude desert, where mineral-rich lagoons create natural floating pools surrounded by otherworldly white salt crusts. The landscape feels utterly alien, with distant volcanoes rising from the desert floor and flamingos wading through turquoise waters. The extreme elevation and dry climate create an almost lunar environment perfect for stargazing.

Sitting 500 feet below sea level, this crater lake contains some of the saltiest water on Earth, allowing effortless floating in its emerald-colored depths. Massive salt deposits ring the shoreline like white snow, while the surrounding volcanic landscape creates a stark, moon-like environment. The extreme heat and isolation add to its otherworldly character.

This massive inland sea offers effortless floating in waters up to eight times saltier than the ocean, surrounded by dramatic desert mountains and colorful salt flats. The lake's north arm often turns pink from algae, creating surreal photography opportunities. Antelope Island provides wildlife viewing and hiking with panoramic views of the unusual seascape.

This ancient lake's alkaline waters support effortless floating while limestone tufa towers rise from its surface like alien sculptures. The surrounding high desert landscape, framed by snow-capped peaks, creates an ethereal setting enhanced by incredible bird migration spectacles. The lake's unique chemistry and geological formations make it feel like stepping onto another planet.