Deserts are more than just endless sand and scorching heat — they’re full of unexpected beauty, cultural richness, and jaw-dropping landscapes. If you’ve never considered a desert vacation, these destinations might just change your mind. From painted canyons to luxury oases, here are 10 places that show the desert in a whole new light.
1. Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama is one of the driest places on Earth, but its otherworldly scenery is unforgettable. Think salt flats, flamingo-filled lagoons, and a night sky so clear it feels unreal. You can even spot geysers steaming at sunrise and colorful valleys that look like a Martian landscape.
2. Wadi Rum, Jordan
Also known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is all red sand, towering rock formations, and ancient petroglyphs. It’s a place where you can sleep under the stars in a Bedouin camp and feel like you’re in a sci-fi movie. The silence and vastness here are haunting in the best way.
3. White Desert, Egypt
This desert looks like a snowfield at first glance, but those are actually chalk rock formations carved by wind and time. The surreal shapes—some resembling mushrooms or animals—make this one of Egypt’s most unique natural wonders. Camping here feels like being on another planet.
4. Namib Desert, Namibia
Home to some of the world’s tallest sand dunes, the Namib is striking in its simplicity. The contrast of red-orange sand against a bright blue sky is pure photo magic. Don’t miss Deadvlei, where ancient dead trees stand on cracked white clay, frozen in time.
5. Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA
This desert park is a favorite for its quirky, twisted Joshua trees and massive rock formations. It’s a playground for hikers, climbers, and stargazers alike. Sunsets here light up the sky in deep purples and fiery oranges.
6. Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil
You won’t believe this is a desert—it’s covered in shifting white sand dunes and seasonal freshwater lagoons. After the rains, the pools between the dunes fill with water, creating a stunning oasis you can actually swim in. It’s a rare and beautiful sight found nowhere else.
7. Dubai Desert, UAE
Just outside the futuristic city of Dubai lies a sea of golden dunes perfect for adventure and indulgence. Ride camels, go dune bashing, or unwind at a luxury desert resort. It’s a glamorous escape with a wild side.
8. Pinnacles Desert, Australia
Located in Western Australia, this desert is dotted with thousands of limestone pillars rising eerily from the sand. The formations vary in size and shape, creating a mysterious, almost alien landscape. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially at sunrise or sunset.
9. Sonoran Desert, Arizona, USA
More alive than most deserts, the Sonoran bursts with color in spring when cacti bloom in pinks, reds, and yellows. It’s also home to towering saguaro cacti you won’t find anywhere else. With vibrant sunsets and diverse wildlife, it’s full of surprises.
10. Dasht-e Kavir, Iran
This salt desert in central Iran is vast, remote, and hauntingly beautiful. Cracked salt flats stretch to the horizon, broken only by rugged mountains and ancient caravanserais. It’s still under the radar for most travelers, but it leaves a lasting impression.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.