3 day itinerary for White Sand National Park

Itinerary

A road trip from San Antonio to White Sands National Park sounds like an amazing adventure! Let’s make the most of your three days there. Buckle up, and let’s hit the road!

## Day 1: San Antonio to White Sands National Park

Morning:

• Departure from San Antonio: Start your day early, around 7 AM, to make the most of your travel time. The drive to White Sands is about 600 miles and will take roughly 8-9 hours, so pack some snacks and your favorite road trip playlist!
• Stop for Breakfast: Consider stopping in Fredericksburg for a hearty breakfast. There are some lovely cafes where you can enjoy a Texas-style breakfast.

Afternoon:

• Lunch Break: Plan a lunch stop in either Fort Stockton or Pecos. Both towns have some local diners where you can refuel before hitting the road again.
• Arrival at White Sands: Aim to arrive at White Sands National Park by late afternoon. Check into your accommodation nearby—there are some great options in Alamogordo.

Evening:

• Sunset at White Sands: Head to the park for a late afternoon visit. The sunset over the white gypsum dunes is absolutely breathtaking! Bring your camera and take a stroll on the trails.
• Dinner: After your sunset adventure, grab dinner in Alamogordo. There are some great local spots to try, like the Big D’s Downtown Dive for a casual vibe.

## Day 2: Exploring White Sands National Park

Morning:

• Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
• Dune Exploration: Head back to White Sands early to beat the heat. Spend the morning hiking the Dune Life Nature Trail or the Interdune Boardwalk. Keep an eye out for unique wildlife and plants that thrive in this unique environment!

Afternoon:

• Picnic Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the designated picnic areas in the park. There’s nothing like a meal surrounded by stunning scenery!
• Sledding Fun: After lunch, rent a sled from the visitor center and have some fun sliding down the dunes! It’s a must-do activity and a great way to enjoy the soft sand.

Evening:

• Stargazing: After a day of adventure, grab some dinner in Alamogordo. Then, head back to the park for some stargazing. The night sky here is incredible, and you might even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way!

## Day 3: More Adventures and Return to San Antonio

Morning:

• Breakfast: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Alamogordo. If you have time, check out the New Mexico Museum of Space History before you leave.
• Last Dune Hike: Head back to White Sands for one last hike. The Alkali Flat Trail is a bit longer and offers a different perspective of the dunes.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Have lunch in Alamogordo before hitting the road. You might want to try some local New Mexican cuisine!
• Drive Back to San Antonio: Start your journey back to San Antonio. You can take a different route if you’d like to explore more of Texas.

Evening:

• Dinner on the Road: Stop for dinner along the way, perhaps in a town you didn’t visit on the way there. Enjoy some Texas BBQ or a classic diner meal.
• Arrival in San Antonio: You should arrive back in San Antonio in the evening, filled with memories of your incredible trip!

Tips:

• Stay Hydrated: The desert can be hot, so make sure to drink plenty of water.
• Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses!
• Check Park Conditions: Before you go, check the park’s website for any alerts or conditions that might affect your visit.

I hope this itinerary helps you have an unforgettable trip to White Sands National Park! Enjoy every moment of your adventure! 🌞🏜️