Magical colorful beaches under the sun make scientists headache because they can’t figure out how it formed

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In a dump, used glass soda bottles are a toxic eyesore. But when rolled and softened by the waves, then spit out onto a shore, they become something extraordinary: colored pieces of stone.

It takes about 30 years for the ocean to break down glass into sea treasure, and not all beaches are capable of creating it, which is why a good sea glass beach is hard to find. The best options are usually near former dumping grounds, where there is consistent wave movement.

But seeking these beaches out is well worth the effort. Not only are they stunning in a completely surprising way, but they are a boon for treasure hunters. (Pro tip: Clear glass is the most common, as are brown and green. The most prized, rare glass is orange and red.)

Ready for your quest? Here are the best places in the world — from Japan to Northern California — where you’ll find trash turned into extraordinary beach sea glass.

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Fort Bragg, California

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Beach: MacKerricher State Park Glass Beach

Note: Visitors aren’t technically allowed to remove the glass from this beach since it’s part of California State Parks property.

Where to stay: Ocean View Lodge

Book flights: To Fort Bragg

Rent a car: In Fort Bragg

The Fort Brag Sea Glass Story

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Fort Bragg, a charming town along California’s northern coast, is home to Glass Beach, which is adjacent to MacKerricher State Park. From 1906-1967, the site was used to dump cars, bottles, appliances and batteries.

What resulted years later was a shoreline blanketed with smooth, colored sea glass. From rags to riches, indeed.