: The pink salt ponds of Alviso Marina County Park look straight out of another planet 😍 These former industrial salt ponds in the Bay Area turn pink and red because of algae and microorganisms that thrive in high-salinity water. As the salt concentration rises, these tiny organisms release pigments that shift the water from orange → red → blush pink. By October, most of the water evaporates and what’s left behind is a surreal landscape of white salt flats, almost like a frozen desert made of salt. If you visit during sunset, the sky reflects on the ponds and the colors get even more dramatic. 📍 Location — Alviso Marina County Park, South Bay / San Jose ⏰ Best Time — Late summer for pink tones, October for white salt flats 🌅 Best Light — Golden hour / sunset for insane reflective tones ⚠️ Important: The salt ponds are part of a protected wildlife refuge — walking on the pink ponds or stepping off the official trail is strictly prohibited to protect nesting birds and fragile ecology. Enjoy the view from the levee trail only. I did that mistake on my first visit, but never again. #sfbayarea #bayarea #alviso #alvisomarinacountypark #sunset #bayareasunset #thingstodoinbayarea