7 unique colorful beaches to enjoy around the world

POʻIPŪ BEACH, KAUAʻI Snorkeling, swimming, surfing, bodysurfing, bodyboarding and fishing are all popular activities at Poʻipū Beach on the south shore of Kauaʻi. Add to that a natural

wading pool, on-duty lifeguards and picnic facilities and it’s the perfect destination for a day at the beach. It’s not only people who enjoy Poʻipū’s golden sands that are a result of coral

and seashells broken down by ocean waves — Hawaiian monk seals find it a perfect place to rest, too. And during whale season, December through April, you may just spot humpbacks frolicking

offshore. Near Poʻipū is another natural phenomenon: Spouting Horn blowhole, through which crashing waves soar as high as 50 feet into the air. All visitors to Kauaʻi are asked to take the

Aloha Pledge, making a commitment to protect the island during their stay. Bright streaks of blue can be seen in the water in the San Diego area thanks to bioluminescence, a natural

phenomenon involving a kind of phytoplankton. Erik Jepson for UC San Diego LA JOLLA SHORES, CALIFORNIA It may seem counterintuitive, but it’s after nightfall when beaches in San Diego

occasionally become more colorful. In this part of California, it’s not the sand but the water that takes on a different hue. If you’re lucky, you may glimpse streaks of bright blue in the

water, almost as if submerged lights have been turned on to illuminate the waves. It’s not underwater lights that shine, though, but rather bioluminescence, a natural phenomenon involving a

type of phytoplankton. Bioluminescence has recently been seen at several beaches in the San Diego area, including Ponto Beach and Torrey Pines State Beach, and other beaches up the Southern

California coastline. Before you catch the bioluminescence after nightfall, spend time exploring the undersea world during the day, while staying dry, at Birch Aquarium. The purple sand at

Pfeiffer Beach in California is a result of manganese garnet that has eroded from the nearby hillsides to the beach. Getty Images PFEIFFER BEACH, CALIFORNIA In central California, beachgoers

can find patches of purple sand at the north end of the mile-long Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. The purple sand is a result of manganese garnet that has eroded from the nearby hillsides to the

beach. It’s not only the purple sand that the beach is known for — there’s also Keyhole Rock, which makes for fantastic photos. During low tide, peek into the tide pools to see the small

sea creatures that make their home there. The best time to visit Pfeiffer Beach is in the spring, summer or fall; winter rains may temporarily close access to the beach. North of Pfeiffer

Beach is Old Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey. Here you’ll find plenty of dining and shopping options, along with whale watching tours, day cruises and more.