When most people think of deserts, images of endless sand dunes and scorching sun come to mind—but deserts are so much more than that. From hidden oases to otherworldly landscapes, deserts around the world offer extraordinary adventures that go far beyond the typical camel ride. Pack your sense of wonder (and plenty of sunscreen), because I’m about to unveil some lesser-known desert experiences that will take your exploration game to the next level.

1. The Enchanting White Sands of New Mexico, USA

Forget the golden dunes you’ve seen in the movies. White Sands National Park in New Mexico is like stepping onto another planet. The fine gypsum crystals create dunes so brilliantly white that it feels like you’ve wandered into a snowfield in the middle of a desert.

What makes this spot extra special? You can go sledding down the dunes! Grab a waxed sled and relive your childhood as you zoom down these dazzling hills. Stay till sunset, when the light transforms the sands into dreamy shades of pink and purple. For something truly magical, try the Full Moon Hike, where a ranger guides you through the glowing dunes under the moonlight. It’s serene, surreal, and unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

2. Starry Encounters in the Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, but its lack of moisture makes it a haven for stargazers. Nestled high in the Andes, this desert offers some of the clearest night skies in the world. Honestly, it’s hard to overstate how awe-inspiring it is to see the Milky Way stretch across the heavens with stunning clarity.

By day, immerse yourself in the otherworldly terrain of the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) with its jagged rock formations and salt flats. By night, join a guided stargazing tour at one of the desert's observatories, like the Alma Observatory. The view of the cosmos through a powerful telescope is jaw-dropping. Add this adventure to your bucket list if you’ve got a thing for celestial wonders.

3. The Kaleidoscopic Landscapes of the Painted Desert, USA

While Arizona is more famous for the Grand Canyon, the lesser-known Painted Desert deserves just as much attention. This vibrant stretch of land is filled with layers of orange, red, lavender, and pink sediment, creating a natural chromatic masterpiece.

Start your adventure at Petrified Forest National Park, where you can explore ancient petrified wood scattered across the desert floor. Go for a hike along Blue Mesa Trail to marvel at the colorful badlands, and don’t forget your camera. The Painted Desert’s hues are even more striking as the light shifts throughout the day, leaving you in awe of Mother Nature’s artistry.

4. The Serene Silence of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast

Namibia’s Skeleton Coast may sound a bit ominous, but it’s one of the most hauntingly beautiful places you’ll ever visit. It’s remote, wild, and often shrouded in mist, giving it an almost mystical allure. Known for its shipwrecks, windswept beaches, and towering dunes, this desert isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s about connecting with one of the rawest corners of the planet.

Hop on a guided 4x4 safari and you might spot desert-adapted lions, elephants, and even seals lounging on the beach. For the adventurous, scenic flights over the coast provide stunning views of endless dunes merging with the roaring Atlantic Ocean. It’s a marriage of desert and sea you won’t find anywhere else.

5. Sandboarding Thrills in Huacachina, Peru

For thrill-seekers, Huacachina is a desert oasis that delivers adrenaline-packed fun. Just outside Ica, Peru, lies this tiny village surrounded by massive dunes that seem straight out of Aladdin. At the heart of it all is a peaceful lagoon that's perfect for daytime relaxation.

But the real draw comes once you grab a sandboard and tackle those towering dunes. It’s like snowboarding—but in the desert! If you’re not quite ready to attempt a standing ride, you can go belly-first on a board for a high-speed rush down the slopes. Top it all off with a dune buggy tour as you zip across the sands for panoramic views of the sunset.

6. Wadi Rum’s Red Sands and Bedouin Culture, Jordan

Wadi Rum, often called the Valley of the Moon, is a mesmerizing desert in Jordan. Its deep red sands and towering sandstone cliffs were made famous by movies like Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian. But being there in person? It’s even better.

Explore this awe-inspiring landscape by jeep or on camelback as you marvel at its dramatic rock formations. You’ll feel like you’re traversing an alien planet. Don’t skip an overnight stay in a Bedouin camp, where you can enjoy traditional meals under a canopy of stars. The desert life's simplicity and the local hospitality's warmth give this adventure a deeply human, unforgettable touch.

7. The Vibrant Salt Flats of Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni

Okay, technically not a desert in the classic sense, but Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is a surreal expanse of salt that takes "otherworldly" to a whole new level. During the dry season, this vast white landscape is perfect for photos that mess with your sense of scale. When the rainy season arrives, the flats become a giant mirror reflecting the sky, creating a seamless illusion of walking among the clouds.

Explore the surrounding desert-like landscapes, which include cacti-covered islands, geysers, and hot springs. A multi-day tour is the best way to uncover everything this spellbinding region has to offer.