Parents had a lot/home in Bombay Beach in the 60's/70's. Most of the town is still there. Google it and you'll see some of the
pictures. The big tourist infrastructure is pretty much gone (marinas, waterfront restaurants, etc. Couple of dive bars, and a market.
If you decide on a tour around the "sea", do it counter-clockwise (north on 111, south on 86). The USBP checkpoint on NB 86 can get you into LONG waits, with people coming back from the desert. There is a checkpoint on NB 111, but there's hardly anyone waiting there.