Bioluminescence Southern California 2024 Conference. Video sent to ktla by orange county outdoors showed what appeared to be a typical night at the beach, but once the waves rose, a distinct glow was visible. People watching for bioluminescence had some advance warning, as red algae was spotted off the coast of newport on saturday morning.

From amazing waterfalls to swimming holes, deserts, and snowy mountains, this area has it all—including glowing beaches caused by the phenomenon of bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is to california as the aurora borealis is to the arctic—an ephemeral natural display that’s positively mesmerizing.