Slab City: A Tourist Spot in America
Slab City, located in California’s Sonoran Desert, is a unique and offbeat tourist spot famous for its freedom and raw lifestyle. This place is also known as “The Last Free Place in America” because there are no official rules or government regulations of any kind. Formerly a military base, it is today home to artists, wanderers, and alternative lifestyle people.
The biggest attractions here include Salvation Mountain, a colorful and spiritual art installation, and East Jesus, an eco-friendly art commune. Slab City is a must-visit place for travellers who love adventure and unique experiences, where they get to see a raw and unconventional world different from traditional tourist destinations. This article gives you a summary of the economic, social, and political lifestyles of Slabbies.
What Is Slab City?
Students are often doubtful about “what is slab city?” They need to read more books and gather knowledge about this unforgettable city for slabbies. It is a separate tourist spot away from the heart of the metropolitan city of California. It is known for its off-the-track vintage lifestyle which takes you to the Old Western culture and heritage. Neighbors in this small slab city take the responsibility of managing water, electricity, and food. They are self-reliant without depending on others. They appear peculiar and romantic to dominate this region.
Historical Background of Slab City
Before the start of the Second World War, the American Marine Corps built up a base camp in Slab City to control the artillery units. They constructed a small airbase to fly their fighter planes and jets for surveillance. Military personnel cut the ribbon to use this powerful mini Dunlap base camp officially in 1942 till 1949. Over three years, they operated all lightweight aircraft and cargo planes to transport essential commodities of the American artillery force. With the cessation of the Second World War, Americans planned to leave this place. Well-maintained buildings, sewerage systems, and other facilities became useless.
Restoration Process
Gradually, few veterans and car owners started residing in this skeleton shape place which had lost its luster and popularity before. Then, outsiders who wanted to spend their days like Nomads, visited this far-flung area for permanent settlement. The restoration of Slab City took place inviting foreigners to expand their slab community. It has now become a tourist spot for domestic and international tourists.
Geographic Location of Slab City

The total land of this City is around 260 hectares. It is situated near the Salton Sea. It is also located 100 miles northeast of San Diego. The Coachella Canal, located in the eastern part of the city, is also a landmark for visitors who want to go on outdoor adventures to reach this scenic tourist destination in California. To learn more about this tourist hub, you can check reviews entitled “Where is Slab City?”
Type of Climate
Due to the closeness to the desert, the climate is hot in Slab City California. Therefore, the sudden rainfall brings a spell of comfort and happiness to local folks. You can also decide to visit Slab City during the winter season to have a new experience with your family members and friends.
Economic Development
Economic development in Slab City is based on tourist and hospitality service. International visitors choose this beautiful place for an off-the-beat vacation. Besides many unemployed youths try to repair and sell vintage vehicles at auctions. They collected outdated wrecked transport vehicles that belonged to forefathers of the new generation.
Energy Recycling System
The alternative to electricity is solar grids to generate power to illuminate residential houses. They use the natural resources to activate mini generators for electricity to do their regular jobs. Investors have the least interest in opening new factories to remove unemployment. If you like to shop, you should go to Niland -100 miles away from this Slab City.
Slab City Murders
People in this City depend on charities and crowdfunding to earn their livelihoods. They are jobless and unemployed. There is no administration in the tiny city. Many critics express their grievances against the frequent Slab City murders. Maybe, the lawlessness in this town is another reason for the violence. However, still American administrative machinery is active to patrol and keep the city under surveillance. With the improvement of the tourism and leisure industry, the financial growth of local citizens carries on to make them financially independent.
Why Is Slab City Popular?

It is famous among modern people who need relaxation, escaping from the dirty, monotonous city life. They will get a different ambience, which is odd with much difference from the mainstream of human life. You will have to prepare food, run the generator to have the electricity and do shopping alone. You will need financial aid and charity funds to sustain your life. There is no specific police station to receive complaints from the victims. You can’t expect the A-grade amenities in this solitary defunct city.
Future Prospect of Slab City
This city is adventurous for explorers and tourists. If you like to go back to live your life as a Nomad in the Old Western period, you can emulate the lifestyle of local slabbers. They do their household work alone. They do not want to hire manpower to have support during an emergency. So you have the opportunity to mix with these Slabbers. However, in the future, technology and advanced systems must transform Slabbers to cope with the rest of the world. They need education, training, and moral support to survive.
Conclusion
Slab City has stored adventure and thrill for you to have the taste of freedom. You should have an amazing experience of being alone and working without anybody’s assistance. It is one of the best tourist spots for those who like to refine themselves by knowing deeply about the culture of Slabbies. For an off-stream archaic lifestyle, it is the best time for you to pay a quick visit to Slab City.
FAQ
A: This is the tiny town where people are found self-reliant without depending on modern invention.
A: This City attracts outsiders to have the fun by selecting a different off-the-grid lifestyle.
A: This City is a historical spot where American soldiers lived for operating their air bases.
A: Slabbers do not have any job to do visiting merchant offices. They depend on government charities and tourism sectors.
A: There is no industry as people are happy to earn money by doing manual works. They apply for grants and charity funds for life care.
A: There is no standard administration. However, it is not out of control as well.
A: Slabbies are local citizens to reside in this town.