The Land of Enchantment is full of lakes, rivers, and natural wonders to bestow upon, but you often have to get wet to experience them fully. During the summer, most people like to visit a beach and dip their toes in the sand, however, the murky water might keep away those who want a beach without the mess. This national wonder in Otero County is an endless sea of white gypsum sand for you to dip your toes in, explore about, and even sled down the magnificent dunes. Get your beach clothes ready, because although there’s no water, it’s as hot as can be. You’ll be forever mesmerized at this unique beach without water in the Land of Enchantment.
White Sands National Monument is located in Otero County just outside of Alamogordo.
Mark J/TripAdvisor
This beautiful “beach” without water is actually a gypsum dune field.
Pete Z/TripAdvisor
White Sands is the largest gypsum dune field on the planet and covers 275 square miles.
Sara K/TripAdvisor The endless sea of white “beach” is absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset.
While you won’t have the fun of the water, the dunes are exciting and fun to sled down.
sgearty910/TripAdvisor White Sands National Monument is also home to quite a few hiking trails. Please be sure to bring lots of water as it gets extremely hot at White Sands.
The fine, white sand is rarely found on our planet because it dissolves in water. However, it hardly ever rains in this desert.
Lakesidemn/TripAdvisor
When we say there’s no water at this “beach”, we mean it. You must bring in your own drinking water - and you’ll want plenty.
Steve5863/TripAdvisor
Even though you’re not at an actual beach, you’ll want to wear your beach clothes. There is no shade at White Sands and it can get very hot, so take all precautions.
GoneOnTravel/TripAdvisor
This might not be your ordinary beach, but this unique national treasure is worth a visit any time of year.
Steve5863/TripAdvisor Address: 19955 Highway 70, White Sands, NM, 88310
For more information, you can visit the National Park Service website right here.
Have you ever visited this unique beach without sand? Was it full of beautiful views? We’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments, and don’t forget to then go share photos from your New Mexico adventures with us in our New Mexico Nature Lovers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinnewmexico for a chance to be featured.
Mark J/TripAdvisor
Pete Z/TripAdvisor
Sara K/TripAdvisor
The endless sea of white “beach” is absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset.
sgearty910/TripAdvisor
White Sands National Monument is also home to quite a few hiking trails. Please be sure to bring lots of water as it gets extremely hot at White Sands.
Lakesidemn/TripAdvisor
Steve5863/TripAdvisor
GoneOnTravel/TripAdvisor
Address: 19955 Highway 70, White Sands, NM, 88310
For more information, you can visit the National Park Service website right here.
While you’re at White Sands, take this easygoing boardwalk trail for an accessible hike through the dunes.
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