This White Sands National Park travel guide covers the best time to visit, where to stay near the park, packing tips and more!
If you don’t immediately recognize White Sands National Park, you may have seen photos without even realizing it — or mistaken them for being taken at a far-away overseas location! Known by its sprawling, snow-white sand dunes, the landscape of this New Mexico national park is other-worldly and unrivaled by anything else in the region.
Get ready to see the coolest park in New Mexico — we’re here to give you all the tips to make sure it’s next on your bucket list!
While White Sands has unfortunately closed campsites within the park indefinitely, backcountry camping in the dunes is a no-brainer and is an experience like no other! There’s also plenty other camping spots in neighboring areas that offer great alternatives with desert views and close proximity.
Camping spots within a reasonable range of the park and close to amenities are plentiful, though there are a few popular “favorites” that keep campers happy.
Oliver Lee State Park is only 30-minutes east and a popular camping spot for its closeness to the national park, while Aguirre Spring campground is 45-minutes southwest of the park and has great views — though at only $7/night this place fills up quick on weekends, so be sure to get there early as it’s first-come first-serve.
Cactus Patch campground is situated on the Rio Grande river in Leasburg Dam State Park, and offers online reservations at $14/night.
Read more: The Ultimate Packing List for Campers (Must-Have Essentials!)
There are plenty of unique stays in the White Sand’s town of Alamogordo and the surrounding area, including listings for a cutie of a tiny home and an amazingly cool desert dome home on Hipcamp (Get $10 off when signing up through our link!).
If glamping is more your style, you’ll also find Hipcamp has a host offering enclosed fully-furnished canvas tents just an hour east in the Lincoln National Forest!
Read more: Camping Southern Utah (When To Go, Where To Camp, & Packing Tips)
Prefer luxe accommodations? White Sands might not be for you — but you can stay at the wonderful, local Hampton Inn! Not only will you get to curb the New Mexico heat at their indoor pool, but they’ll also provide a decent breakfast and pack you one to-go in the morning if you’re in a hurry to sightsee.
I stayed in Las Cruces, which is only 50-minutes away and has plenty of accommodation options. A few options (for location and stellar reviews) include:
The fine sand is packed tight enough that you can drive and bike on Dunes Drive, an 8-mile scenic route that offers restrooms and picnic stops along the way. This is an awesome, unique way to see the park and explore the dunes!
Assuming you’ve seen the sights during the day, take advantage of the once-a-month opportunity to do a fully guided hike in the dunes under the full moon! Tickets for these hikes are limited and sell out fast, so be sure to check the website and purchase tickets the day they’re released (two months before the hike day).
Take a short, easy half-mile walk-on the boardwalk — it’s completely flat, so it’s a great kid-and wheelchair-friendly way to see the park!
You’re likely visiting for the dunes (of course!), but be sure to explore the small beach area reachable by Playa Trail and discover native species on Dune Life Nature Trail.
Sledding the soft sand dunes might sound irresistible, and thankfully, you can! Waxed plastic sleds are available at the park’s gift shop for purchase, or you can bring your own (check the local Walmart or Big 5 in Alamogordo for sleds as cheap as $5). Many say this is the highlight of their trip to White Sands!
Read more: Zion National Park Travel & Hiking Guide
Late fall — from late October to early November — is an optimal time to visit the park as you’ll see MUCH less crowds of tourists while curbing freezing winter temperatures and sweltering summer heat. Note that less tourism means shorter distance hikes to find dunes untouched by footprints (we know you want those Instagram pictures!). You may also catch the cottonwoods changing color in this window of time!
April and May are more populous but prime time for blooming cottonwoods and yuccas, a beautiful sight in an otherwise barren landscape. If you want to ensure you time your trip right, you can call ahead to the visitor center and they’ll advise if the plants have bloomed or are still yet to!
Read more: Visiting Antelope Canyon (Must-Know Tips, Tour Costs, Where To Stay)
Long Hiking Pants – These are nice to wear regardless of the weather, and are actually recommended by the park itself!
Sun Protection – Sunscreen (especially my favorite face sunscreen), SPF lip balm, sunglasses and a hat are all absolute essentials at the sand dunes. The white sand reflects the sun, making its impact two-fold.
Waterproof Windbreaker – Being prepared with a lightweight jacket for all-seasons weather protection is important for very windy spring months and sudden monsoons and thunderstorms in summer months.
Change Of Shoes – Tevas or Chacos are best for the fine sand, and you really don’t want to wear hiking boots or sneakers for this adventure or you’ll be finding sand in the crevices of your shoes for months! However, if you plan to explore neighboring areas or parks, I would recommend bringing secure closed-toe shoes for your other adventures.
Water Bottle – A large water bottle is important to stay hydrated, as you aren’t likely to find reprieve from the sun as there isn’t any shade!
Read more: Packing Tips Every Traveler Needs To Know – How to Pack Like a Pro and Best Carry-On Luggage (For Every Budget)
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While France is full of charming places, my favorite has to be the mountain town of Annecy. From lake cruising to farmer’s markets — here are the best things to do in Annecy, France!
Annecy is a beautiful lake town in the Haute-Savoie region of France surrounded by mountains on the edge of the Swiss border. The lake, Lac d’Annecy, boasts some of the freshest water in Europe, replenished each year from the snow melt.
The town isn’t too big — or too small either. With a very walk-able and bike friendly atmosphere, you can spend many lazy afternoons exploring local shops, snacking at fresh food markets, or take a picnic in one of the many parks.
We spent 2-months living in Annecy as digital nomads with our two kids and cat, and absolutely loved it! So here are some of our best tips for activities and great things to do in Annecy, France.
My Annecy itinerary is completely free! I’ve worked hard putting it together for you. If you find it useful, please use my affiliate links when you book hotels, rental cars or activities. I’ll get paid a small commission, at no extra cost to you! Thanks.
France is open to most travelers again, including American tourists. However you do need proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.
Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines.
You can find the latest updates on traveling to France here.
Protect yourself from injury, illness, or theft. SafetyWing offers affordable travel insurance that covers COVID-19 too!
One of the reasons Annecy is so picturesque is the network of canals that make their way through the old town. It’s sometimes called the “Venice of France”. Annecy’s canals are shallow, and not really used for boating, but it still gives the town a charming feel.
Combined with the colorful old buildings, cobblestone streets, and flower boxes, a walk through the Old Town neighborhood of Annecy is always a treat.
You’ll catch glimpses of the mountains and lake in the distance, while enjoying the town’s many street-side restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops.
Arguably Annecy’s top highlight is Lac d’Annecy, a stunning large blue lake located right on the edge of town. Lake Annecy is France’s 3rd largest lake and regularly receives accolades for being the freshest lake in Europe (due to snow melt from the Alps).
The lake is surrounded by mountains, and while cold, is a perfect place to cool off in the summer heat. There are biking paths around it, plenty of beaches, and many opportunities to go boating!
Pont des Amours is an extra pretty and famous bridge on the edge of Lac d’Annecy that spans the Vassé canal and connects the Jardins de l’Europe with the Jacquet Promenade.
Local legend says that lovers who kiss on the bridge will stay together for life.
The bridge has two great views. One looking at the lake itself with mountains in the background, and if you turn around, you’ll enjoy a tree-lined canal with wooden boats moored on each side.
When the weather is nice, walking or biking down to Jardins de l’Europe is a wonderful family friendly activity. This massive park sits on the edge of the lake, with large green fields, boardwalks, and playgrounds.
There’s even an old wooden Carousel, originally built in 1871, for kids to ride.
The park is popular for late afternoon picnics — just bring down some wine, cheese, and bread from the markets and a blanket to enjoy the mountain views. A French experience you just can’t miss!
Château d’Annecy is a castle in the heart of Annecy, located on a hill above the town. Originally built as a residence for the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours from the 13th to 16th centuries.
These days the Chateau houses a museum (Musée-Château d’Annecy), featuring local sculpture, art, and a nature exhibit of animals and fish that are found around the lake. The castle also has some good views of the lake and town from the edge of its walls.
Entry tickets cost about €5 EURO for adults, and are free for kids under 12.
The Promenade du Thiou is a nice easy walk through the old town of Annecy along the crystal blue Thiou River, that progressively gets more wooded and secluded as you move out of town. There are paths on both sides of the river.
The trail is bike and stroller friendly too. It’s a wonderful way to spend an hour or two, enjoying nature (and getting away from the busy tourist-filled city center). There are some playgrounds, sitting areas, and bridges spread out along the tree-shaded trail.
Promenade du Thiou starts around the Quai des Cordeliers (just past the famous Le Palais de I’Île), in the center of Old Annecy and you simply walk up river from there.
Annecy le Vieux is a different part of town, a residential area raised up on a hill overlooking the rest of the lake. It features a nice park, old buildings and churches, some restaurants & bars, and is generally a more relaxed place compared to the busy old city down below.
Some highlights here include the Clocher Roman Church, Parc Gabriel Fauré, and Les Quatre Gourmets Restaurant.
One of my favorite parts of living in Annecy was the many fresh food markets that line the streets of the old town. You’ll find a variety of produce, cheese, sausage, wine, olives, bread, flowers, crafts, and more.
The Annecy street markets happen every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from 7am–1pm. Make sure to try some of the local reblochon cheese, used in many local dishes.
Chateau de Menthon is an impressive medieval castle just outside of Annecy. Home to the same family for over 100 years, it’s open to visitors from April to October on weekends.
The castle towers over Lake Annecy, the Roc de Chère National Nature Reserve, and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, with wonderful views of each.
Guided tours of the castle (in French only) are in the afternoons, and last about an hour. There’s also a small garden along with sheep, pigs, and peacocks.
Annecy is very bicycle friendly, with many dedicated bike paths and trails that will take you all around the town. There is wonderful bike path that encircles the lake too, and it’s a great way to kill a few hours while enjoying the mountain scenery.
This 35 km paved greenway follows the old route of a railroad that connected Annecy with Albertville, and stops in smaller villages along the way like Sévrier, Saint-Jorioz, Duingt, Lathuile and Doussard.
You can rent a bike from many shops in Annecy, and even get a trailer for kids (like we did).
Palais de l’Isle is probably the most postcard-famous spot in Annecy. A unique castle-like building that sits in the middle of the Thiou River, surrounded by restaurants and shops in Annecy’s old town.
Often described as a “house in the shape of a ship” — the building has been a prison, a courthouse and an administrative center. The original structure was constructed in the 12th century.
These days it is a museum (about €4 to enter), featuring an old courtroom, dungeon, prison cells and chapel that you can visit. The most famous photos are taken from the bridge out in front.
Annecy is located at the base of the French Alps, and a great place to base yourself for visiting the mountains. There are many local hikes nearby, as well as day trips to excellent skiing and trekking opportunities.
From easy walks, to extreme mountaineering, there’s something for everyone. Hikes around Annecy can include waterfalls, mountain lakes, and wildlife sightings of ibex mountain goats.
Here are some popular hiking trails around Annecy:
We visited Annecy in the Spring, primarily in April and May. The weather in this part of France can be unpredictable, and it snowed on us a couple times. In between sunny days filled with wildflowers. The mountains will still have snow on them, but the weather isn’t too hot yet in town.
This is Annecy’s high season, and while beautiful, it can get very crowded. Many tourists visit Annecy as a day trip while traveling through Switzerland, because it’s so close to the border. It’s difficult to find accommodation in the summer, unless you book months in advance.
This is probably the best time to visit Annecy. Most of the high-season tourists are gone, the weather is cool, but the snow hasn’t come yet. There’s also a great festival in October called the Return Of The Alpine Pastures Festival.
Annecy, France is located 44 km West of Geneva (Switzerland) about a 40-minute drive away. Most people get to Annecy after flying into Geneva International Airport, and then driving over the border.
However it’s also possible to fly into Paris and take a train. Search for the cheapest flights to Geneva on Skyscanner.com.
Accommodation in Annecy can range from backpacker friendly to luxurious. As we were staying there long-term, we rented a wonderful holiday apartment from My Sweet Home Annecy that was close to everything.
The best areas to stay in Annecy are near the old town for easy access to the markets and the lake.
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I hope you enjoyed my guide on what to do in Annecy, France! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:
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This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.
