All Articles 6 pink-colored places to visit in the US

6 pink-colored places to visit in the US

From a blush hotel to a rose-hued lake.

By Sarah EtinasMar 20, 2023 2 minutes read
Exterior view of The Royal Hawaiian in Honolulu, Hawaii
The Royal Hawaiian in Honolulu, Hawaii
Image: Management/Tripadvisor

Spring is practically defined by the color pink. With cherry blossoms starting to bloom and dusky sunsets occurring later and later in the day, it’s the perfect time to take in shades of blush, coral, and magenta all over the country. Below, we’ve rounded up stunning pink-colored places in the U.S., from a historic hotel to a natural wonder, to help you see the season through rose-colored glasses.

Tidal Basin

Washington, D.C.

Cherry Blossoms and the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Cherry Blossoms and the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Image: dszc/Getty Images

D.C.’s famous Tidal Basin is surrounded by 3,800 cherry blossom trees, most of which were a gift from Japan in 1912 and are still thriving today. Each spring, they burst into bloom, surrounding the basin with pops of pale pink. To celebrate, the city puts on an annual National Cherry Blossom Festival (running from March 18 to April 16 this year), complete with an opening ceremony featuring musical performances by Japanese artists; a parade with larger-than-life floats; and Petalpalooza, a massive, blossom-themed block party with interactive art installations, family-friendly activities, and a fireworks show.

The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort

Honolulu, Hawaii

Nicknamed the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” the sprawling, 500-room Royal Hawaiian has been a local landmark since opening back in 1927. Over the years, it’s played host to a number of celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and, more recently, Dwayne Johnson. While its pink facade may be what catches your attention, it’s the island-inspired rooms, enticing food and beverage options (sip a tropical cocktail at Mai Tai Bar or dig into a stack of pink-colored pancakes at Surf Lanai), and direct beach access that will have you planning a repeat stay.

The Olde Pink House

Savannah, GA

The Olde Pink House in Savannah, Georgia
The Olde Pink House in Savannah, GA
Image: Edwelsh/Tripadvisor

Situated in the heart of Savannah’s historic district, The Olde Pink House was built in 1771 as a private home, but now functions as one of the most popular Southern restaurants in town. It was originally built with red bricks covered in white plaster, but took on a pinkish tint over time. Various owners tried to repaint it white, until a buyer in the 1920s decided to embrace the persistent hue and paint the entire house pink. The building’s facade is a treat for the eyes, but the food offered inside will delight your taste buds. Can’t miss dishes include pecan-crusted chicken breast, grilled pork tenderloin with bourbon molasses, and crispy flounder with apricot-shallot sauce.

M Tea

New York City

You’re in for a treat at the hidden gem that is M Tea—once you find it. Tucked between a bank and an appliance store in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, this boba tea shop is a cotton candy–colored wonderland, with pink velvet banquettes, walls painted with pink clouds, and pink hot air balloons hanging from the ceiling. To stay deliciously on theme, order a blush-colored drink like peach or oolong tea.

Great Salt Lake

Utah

Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island in Utah
Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island in Utah
Image: Scott Smith /Getty Images

The North Arm of Great Salt Lake has a pink hue all year, but turns a stunning shade of raspberry in late summer and fall. The color is a result of the bacteria and algae that live in the water, which thrive in the extra-salty environment created when the weather is warmer and more lake water evaporates. During a visit to the pink phenomenon, check out Spiral Jetty, a 1,500-foot-tall coil of mud, salt, and basalt rock built by sculptor Robert Smithson that juts out from the lake’s northeastern shore.

Museum Garage

Miami

The whimsical Museum Garage in Miami’s Design District is not your average parking garage. Created by five different design teams, the playful, puzzle-like building, which does indeed have space for 800 vehicles, also houses art installations, a library, and an eye-popping playground, where you can race up bright pink stairs, climb on bright pink rope courses, and even slide down a bright pink slide.

Sarah Etinas
Sarah Etinas is a Hawaii local and full-time travel writer. Her pieces have been published in Honolulu Magazine, Time Out, and USA Today, among others. When she's not writing, she practices what she preaches by traveling to new destinations, hiking to beautiful waterfalls, and exploring her home. Follow along on her adventures through her Hawaii travel website, Borders & Bucket Lists, and find out more about her writing through her portfolio.