The algae bloom that causes parts of our coastline to glow returns just in time for the long Labor Day weekend. It's a natural phenomenon called bioluminescence, and if you plan to check it out, you've got to know where to look.
Mark Gerardo, publisher of the website Orange County Outdoors, joined L.A.'s Afternoon News and said when they first found out about it back in 2019, "We thought it was some incredible thing that rarely ever happens, but we've been watching it every year now, but each year. It varies a lot."
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So, for this weekend, where should you go? Gerardo said it's been concentrated in Laguna Beach and some San Diego County beaches, such as Scripps Pier.
And if you are concerned about swimming in it, Gerardo said as long as you don't have highly sensitive skin, you should be fine, "The type of bloom we get here off the southern California coast, I believe, is nontoxic. We know of a lot of people that have swam in it, and nobody's had issues."
Just be sure to shower soon after because you might get itchy, and of course, avoid drinking it.
But if you'd prefer to watch from shore, Gerardo said you might see it right along the beach, but it's the waves that break 20 or 30ft out that really light up.
Gerardo said the glow could be here for a few weeks, but it tends to come and go, so be patient. He also said it tends to shift around, so if you do not see it at one location, try another.
His last pro tip is to avoid looking at your phone for a few minutes, allowing your eyes to adjust to the darkness - that will give you the best chance to catch the show.
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