Hotels in White Sands

Drifting across the otherworldly landscape of White Sands National Park feels like walking on another planet. Rent a plastic sled at the visitor center to zoom down the pristine gypsum dunes that stretch for miles. The park offers ranger-led sunset strolls when the white sand takes on pink and orange hues. Nearby Alamogordo houses the New Mexico Museum of Space History, where exhibits chronicle the state's surprising role in the space race. Take a detour to Dripping Springs Natural Area for desert hiking trails that reveal hidden oases. The missile range museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Cold War history, with actual rockets on display. Remember to bring extra water – the blinding white landscape is deceptively hot.