Staying Fit
The world is full of beautiful beaches, there’s no doubt about that. Though we most commonly think of white sand beaches, which can vary from the whitest white to cream and even golden sands, there are in fact beaches in myriad colors. While most of us will gladly settle for a patch of sand on our favorite beach under the warm sun, let’s take a look at colorful beaches around the world, and how they got to be that way.
Red sand can be found at Argyle Shore Provincial Park on Prince Edward Island, Canada.
TourismPEI/Carrie Gregory
Argyle Shore Provincial Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
The natural beach found within Argyle Shore Provincial Park features striking red sand that’s a direct result of high concentrations of iron oxide found in the cliffs that rise from the coastline. The day-use park is open mid-June through mid-September and is perfect for a waterfront outing, complete with picnic facilities and a playground for the littlest beachgoers. It’s pet-friendly, too, so long as your four-legged friend stays on a leash. When the tide goes out, you may even spot hermit crabs and digging clams foraging for their dinners.
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The park is in the aptly named Red Sands Shore region of Prince Edward Island, Canada, where you will find plenty of options for lunch and dinner, and some shopping, too.
Iconic pink sand lures you into Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda.
Bermuda Tourism Authority
Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
A quick flight from Boston, New York or Atlanta will land you in Bermuda, an island in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Carolina, known for its distinct culture, air of mystery and, of course, pink-sand beaches. Those iconic pink sands, like those found in Horseshoe Bay, are attributed to an abundance of red foram, an invertebrate that grows on the coral reefs found just off the island’s coastline. Red foram skeletons can reach up to 3 millimeters, and when the invertebrate molts as it grows, or dies, the skeletons blend with white limestone sediment to create the pink sands. They provide a bonus: The skeletons help protect coral reefs against erosion.
About 3 miles north of Horseshoe Bay is Southlands Park, 37 acres of natural landscapes, including its own beach, steeped in 300 years of island history. Walk through the grove of banyan trees and feel like you’re in another world.
