Best Things To Do in Carlsbad, New Mexico

Are you looking for what to do in Carlsbad?

While attractions abound the city of Carlsbad, it is the nature that comes across as of pivotal interest in this city. For hikers, adventure and nature enthusiasts, this city and its surroundings are simply worth a visit. From enigmatic caves to high mountain trails, there is something for everyone present here. People especially visit Carlsbad to see Carlsbad Caverns, which serve as the most popular attraction owing to its beautiful caves.  If you stay in these caves till sunset, you will be able to see spectacular flight phenomena by bats. Further, there are a number of recreational parks located just a short drive from the city that abound with hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels and run through gorgeous canyons, around mountains, and over breathtaking desert terrain. Some of the most visited parks are: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Brantley Lake State Park, and Guadalupe National Park. These parks are famous for their extensive backpacking trails, campgrounds, and diverse wildlife.

For people who are interested in history, Carlsbad museum and Art Centre offers exhibits on the history of Carlsbad and the surrounding region. Tourists with families and especially children would love to visit Living Desert Zoo and Garden State Park to see an array of plants as well as animals. For those who want to beat the heat and indulge into some recreation, Lake Carlsbad Beach Park is a nice place to visit and relax. It has designated swimming area on the Pecos River. With so many things to do in Carlsbad, New Mexico, this place seems to be a complete tourist destination. 

Below we have a list of things to do in Carlsbad and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Carlsbad getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Carlsbad with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Carlsbad

Here is the list of things to do in Carlsbad and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Living Desert Zoo And Gardens State Park

    Park, Zoo

    Home to 40 native species of animals, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park is where you can have thrilling close encounters with the wildlife in Mexico.  See a variety of animals and reptiles including snakes, lizards, golden eagles, hawks, bison, black bears, deer, elk, mountain lions and Mexican wolves. The zoo also has a variety of plants with the Juniper trees seen most commonl...Read more
  2. Sitting Bull Falls

    4.6 (98 Votes)
    Sitting Bull Falls

    Park, Canyon, Nature

    Replenishing the arid canyon of the Lincoln National Forest with its striking presence, the Sitting Bull Falls covers a height of 150 meters into the canyon and disappears just as quickly into the underground water system through cracks and crevices. The falls belong to the Capitan Great Barrier Reef that dates back to the Permian period which was surrounded by sea on all sides about 250 millio...Read more
  3. Carlsbad Museum And Art Center

    Art And Culture, Art Gallery, Museum

    Learn about the culture, art, history of Carlsbad and see a vast collection of documents, artefacts and art creations when you visit the Carlsbad Museum and Art Center. The Native American art pieces take the center stage at the museum and along with contemporary creations, is the perfect place for art lovers. Don’t miss out on seeing the McAdoo Collection of "Taos Ten" paintings- a rare ...Read more
  4. Brantley Lake State Park

    Park, Lake, Nature

    The Brantley Lake State Park is the southern most lake in New Mexico and is a loved fishing and boating spot. The lake is fed by the Pecos river and named after the Brantley Lake made over the Brantley Dam in the 1980’s. With the sun shining as bright as it can, the park does provide a spot to cool off as you fish bass, catfish and bluegill or simply have an overnight camping trip here. &...Read more
  5. Lake Carlsbad Beach Park

    4.6 (25 Votes)
    Lake Carlsbad Beach Park

    Park

    Covering an area of 125 acres on the shore of the Pecos river, the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area’s lush green surroundings are apt to escape the desert climate and cool off with a dip in the water or simply to see the world go by as you find a cozy shaded corner for yourself. The 6 mile walking pathway is perfect for an evening stroll while having a picnic here after a boating trip, is id...Read more
  6. Pecos River Flume

    4.6 (34 Votes)
    Pecos River Flume

    Outdoors, Water Body, River

    The Pecos river provides water to the whole city and passes to Texas where it ends in the Rio Grande. To see a fraction of its grand structure, visit the Pecos River Flume. During the late 19th century, a number of dams were built here for irrigation purposes and soon the river was embraced by farms. The main structure of the dam was supported by a wooden flume standing at a height of 145 feet ...Read more
  7. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

    National Park, Park

    If you have adventure on your mind, a few hours exploring the majestic Spider Cave as you crawl through minute openings that make way for a stunning experience, is something you simply must not miss! The tours, even though quiet challenging, open a world of gorgeous cave formations.  The Mace Room, Medusa Room, and Cactus Spring are the popular attractions within the cave. A tour of the ca...Read more
  8. Artist Gallery

    4.7 (8 Votes)
    Artist Gallery

    Art Gallery

    The art pulse of Carlsbad, even though quiet subtle, does enlarge the view of Mexican culture and its influence in contemporary art.  The Artist Gallery is one of the few art galleries and art dealers in Carlsbad known for showcasing such creation by local artists. If you are a collector, stop by at the gallery to buy some amazing pieces while casual visitors are sure to leave the place in...Read more
  9. Cavern City Air Terminal Image
    ©
    Cavern City Air Terminal is a public airport located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, United States. It is owned by the City of Carlsbad and is located three miles (5 km) southeast of the central business district of Carlsbad. The airport covers an area of 1,000 acres (405 ha) and has two asphalt runways.The airport was originally built in the 1940s as a training base for the United States Army Air Cor...Read more
  10. Carlsbad Caverns National Park- Information Center
    Before paying a visit to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center, you can certainly go to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center to acquire right information regarding the stated spot. The visitor center can let you know in detail about the rocky canyons, ancient sea ledges along with the natural features, culture, and history of the whole place. The staff members of the vi...Read more
  11. Carlsbad Caverns National Park - Information Center

    National Park

    Everyone should visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park at least once in their life! You will feel magical and at the same time majestic when the lights are shut off and you listen only to the sound of caves without any distraction. These stunning caverns are very well kept and present beautiful natural sculptures. Don’t miss the information exhibits as that is the place where you will get a...Read more
  12. Fiesta Drive-In Theatre

    4.3 (26 Votes)
  13. Lake Carlsbad Golf Course

    4.2 (22 Votes)
  14. Pecos River

    4.4 (32 Votes)
    Park
  15. Carlsbad Koa

    4.3 (48 Votes)
    Park, Camp