8. White Sands National Park

New Mexico

There are a couple of differences between the sands of Virgin Islands National Park and those of White Sands National Park: one is white Caribbean sand while the other is a mineral called gypsum, like in drywall. So it’s a good thing that all that water isn’t there. It’s the desert that makes the park the way it is.

And the way it is is awesome! You can hike or go sand sledding. Try early morning and late afternoon to see how the lighting affects the dunes.

9. Biscayne National Park

Homestead, Florida

Biscayne is mainly a water-based park. You’ll enjoy it most by being in a boat, fishing park waters, or under the water snorkeling or scuba diving. There are incredible reefs and marine life for viewing in crystal-clear waters.

For those who don’t want to spend all their time on the water, take to the sand for camping on Elliott and Coca Chita Keys, or hiking on Elliott Key. You’ll need a boat to get there.

For the boatless, there’s a lot of cultural and natural history to take in, as presented in the Dante Fascell Visitor Center.