Whether you prefer a powder, piggy, or pale shade of pink, this rosy hue is undoubtedly one of the decade’s on-trend colors. From Indian palaces to Japanese blooms to Senagalese lakes, travel in shades of pink with our picks from around the world.
LessThe contrast of powder-pink sand and turquoise waters at Pink Beach on Komodo Island is nothing short of spectacular. One of several beaches in Komodo National Park, which is home to thousands of free-roaming komodo dragons, the sand gets its color from microscopic animals that produce a red pigment. Immerse yourself in the unique natural landscapes of the UNESCO-listed island on a hiking, snorkeling, or wildlife-watching tour.
Built from red and pink sandstone, the stunning Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, India is an architectural marvel. Its name means palace of the wind because it once kept royals cool, but now it keeps tourists cool. Thanks to its honeycomb-like structure, a fresh breeze blows through its five levels. Combine the palace with other colorful Jaipur attractions—such as the Amber Fort (Amer Fort) and the surreal 18th-century Jal Mahal (Water Palace).
Dating back to the 17th century, Aberdeen’s Craigievar Castle is straight from the pages of a fairy tale. It’s even said to have been the inspiration behind the Walt Disney® castle. But it's not just the castle’s rosy exterior that’s impressive. Inside, you’ll find ornate plaster ceilings depicting stories of warriors, ghosts, and royalty; outside, in the woods surrounding the castle, you can spot rare wildlife such as long-eared bats and Scottish wildcats.
Western Australia may already be known for its picturesque beaches like Reddell Beach and Shell Beach, but its most iconic body of water by far is the vibrant pink Hutt Lagoon. While scientists were once baffled as to why the lake was pink, they’ve discovered it's thanks to the presence of algae (Dunaliella salina) and microbes including halobacteria. In short—don’t take a dip in this salty lake.
During the months of March and April, Japan bursts into bloom when sakura cherry blossoms coat the country in a cotton candy–pink sheen. Some of the best places to witness this natural spectacle are Chureito Pagoda, Himeji Castle, and Mochio Park. You can also see plenty of blooms in larger cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto—discover the best city spots on a bike or go farther afield to see the powder-pink trees with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop.
The vibrant pink-hued Lake Retba (Lac Rose) is located around 18 miles (30 kilometers) from Senegal’s capital Dakar. The capital city is also home to various other noteworthy sites like Place du Souvenir Africain and Gorée so consider planning a day's itinerary. This lake’s pinkish tone varies depending on the season and the light of day. The salinity of the water is 40 percent, so you can float naturally, or opt for a boat.
With three locations across the US (in Chicago, New York City, and Austin), the Museum of Ice Cream is one of the country’s most Instagram-worthy locations. Nearly all the interactive installations—including a giant sprinkle pool, cookie carousel, and 3-story slide—are pink in this good-enough-to-eat museum. These multi-colored museums have proven a real hit with travelers from across the globe, so be sure to book your admission ticket in advance to beat the lines.
The sprawling Ahsan Manzil Palace is hailed as one of the most important pieces of architecture in Bangladesh. The pink building overlooks the Buriganga River and is separated into two sides, with an octagonal dome in the middle which locals say was designed to look like a lotus flower. When exploring its 23 rooms, you’re sure to notice even more dazzling details of this former royal residence.