25+ Best & Fun Things To Do In Carlsbad, NM | 2024
Carlsbad
Are you planning a trip to Carlsbad, New Mexico, and want to discover exciting things to do? Don’t look any further! You’re in the right place. We’re going to talk about the 30 best and most fun things to do in Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Carlsbad, New Mexico, is in southeast New Mexico in Eddy County. It is famous as the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which has huge caves full of bats. The main city of the Carlsbad-Artesia Micropolitan Statistical Area is also Carlsbad.
The city is on the eastern edge of the Guadalupe Mountains and straddles the Pecos River. It has a lot of fun things to do for people of all kinds. The Living Desert Zoo and Garden, Sitting Bull Falls, and Lake Carlsbad Beach Park are all places that people can visit.
30 Fun and Great Things To Do In Carlsbad, New Mexico (2024)
1. The national park Carlsbad Caverns
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful cave formations. It’s a great place to start your trip to Carlsbad.
The 19,000-hectare park is in the southern Rocky Mountains and has climbing trails and amazing natural features in caves. The park also has a wide range of animals, plants, and natural wonders.
People can explore the Big Room, which is North America’s biggest single cave chamber, and see mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites inside the huge rooms.
A park guide can teach you about astronomy and folklore, and you can take a walk along a desert trail at full moon. In the summer, you can also see many types of bats fly at dusk and dawn.
There are some interesting things to do in Carlsbad, New Mexico. One is to explore Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
This is the address: Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
2. The National Park of the Guadalupe Mountains
The Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a must-see place close to Carlsbad, NM. It’s only a short drive away.
Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas. It has hiking trails with stunning views through quiet woods, interesting local history, and the largest Permian fossil reef in the world.
As one of the fun things to do outside near Carlsbad, walkers can follow one of the park’s beautiful trails, like the difficult Guadalupe Peak Trail, which leads to the highest point in Texas and offers stunning views.
For experienced trekkers and hikers, the rougher parts of the park can be reached by steep switchbacks that go up and around the mountains. These areas offer amazing picture opportunities that you will never forget.
Dell City, TX 79847, USA is the address.
You can learn about the history and culture of the area at the Carlsbad Museum and Art Center, which is another fun thing to do in Carlsbad today.
The Carlsbad Museum and Art Center is the oldest city museum in New Mexico. It opened in 1931. The museum has great permanent displays about local and regional history, Native American art and items, as well as modern, contemporary, and Western art.
While you’re there, look around the art shops that show work by local and regional artists and get to know Carlsbad’s thriving arts community.
The address is 418 W Fox Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
4. Wild Animal Park and Zoo in the Living Desert
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park is a family-friendly place to visit in Carlsbad, New Mexico. It is right next to the famous Pecos River Valley.
This one-of-a-kind zoo and park has many displays and exhibits with different kinds of plants and animals from the Chihuahuan desert.
This park covers 1,100 acres and has both an indoor and outdoor museum. It is home to over 40 kinds of animals and many plants from around the world.
Learn about the rocks, plants, and animals that live in the desert during your trip. You can walk around the zoo and park and see different kinds of animals and birds, such as bears, elk, bison, and more.
This is the address: 1504 Skyline Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
5. Lake Carlsbad Park and Recreation Area
One fun thing to do outside in Carlsbad, New Mexico is to go to the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area, which is on the Pecos River.
This waterfront leisure area covers 125.6 acres and has playgrounds, picnic areas, places to fish and boat, and water sports. You can also spend a relaxing day at the place with your family and friends.
At the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area, you can have fun on the tennis and badminton courts, the sand volleyball courts, the pickleball courts, the sandy beaches, and the boat launch.
Also, there is a swimming place that anyone can use from Memorial Day weekend to Work Day weekend.
The address is 708 Park Drive, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
6. The state park of Brantley Lake
Today in Carlsbad, NM, another fun thing to do is to get away from the city and relax on the quiet shores of Brantley Lake State Park.
The park covers more than 4,000 acres and has many outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating, camping, hikes, and watching birds.
As part of your Carlsbad adventure, you can fish from the pier and catch bass or catfish, or you can rent a kayak and paddle along the calm waters while taking in the beautiful desert scenery.
33 E. The address is Brantley Lake Road, Carlsbad, NM 87045, USA.
The Sitting Bull Falls are only an hour’s drive from the center of Carlsbad, New Mexico. They are a unique place to visit.
Sitting Bull Falls is in the rough Lincoln National Forest. It gets its water from springs above the canyon. A 150-foot waterfall drops from a steep rock cliff into a clear pool below. This makes for a peaceful place to swim, picnic, and take pictures.
The Sitting Bull Falls ground is one of the best places in Carlsbad to enjoy fun outdoor activities. It has nature walks that wind through lots of plants.
This is the address: Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
Five artists from the Carlsbad Area Art Association opened the Artist Gallery to promote the arts and sell the work of artists in the Carlsbad area.
The art gallery has a big display area where the works of producing artists are shown. These artists are carefully chosen to be members of the gallery by a jury. Artworks like watercolors, textiles, photographs, pottery, acrylic paintings, and more are on show at the gallery.
Artists will love the Artist Gallery. It’s one of the best things to do in Carlsbad.
The address is 120 S Canyon Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
In Carlsbad, New Mexico, you can go back in time for free by walking through the streets of the Carlsbad Historic District.
There are beautiful adobe houses and historic sites in the Carlsbad Historic District that tell the story of the city’s past.
As you walk through the neighborhood, look at the details of buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s and learn about the pioneers, ranchers, and business owners who helped shape the area.
Carmel, New Mexico, USA is the address.
Are you planning to visit other places close to Carlsbad? There are fun things to do in Cloudcroft, NM, and Alamogordo, NM.
One of the important sites in Carlsbad, New Mexico, is the Pecos River Flume. The flume was first built out of wood in 1890. It was destroyed by floods in 1902, but it was rebuilt out of concrete to provide water for farming in the Pecos Valley.
The 497-foot tower was the world’s biggest concrete building at the time. This building is one of the most popular in Carlsbad. It is said to be the only river that crosses itself.
People can paddle through an old irrigation ditch that was built in the early 1900s. You can take a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and go through the narrow waterway, which goes by beautiful scenery and important historical sites.
For fun things to do in Carlsbad, NM, on a rainy day, go to the Pecos River Flume and watch the water still flow through the waterway above and along the rocks below.
The address is 2309 Westridge Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
To cool off in Carlsbad, NM, during the summer, the Carlsbad Water Park is a fun thing for the whole family to do.
The Carlsbad Water Park is right on the Pecos River and has fun water slides, a lazy river, a play area for kids, clean change rooms, and free WiFi.
As part of summer things to do in Carlsbad, you can go down the exciting slides, float along the lazy river, splash around in the wave pool, and have a great time in the water for hours on end.
The address is 708 Park Drive, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
12. Farmers Market in Downtown Carlsbad
In Carlsbad, New Mexico, the Carlsbad Downtown Farmers Market is one of the best places to find fresh food, handmade goods, and tasty treats.
The Carlsbad Downtown Farmers Market is open every Wednesday from June to mid-October. One of the interesting things to do in Carlsbad is to check it out.
At the farmers market, you can talk to friendly sellers and other shoppers while trying fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, local honey, pasture-raised meats, vinegars, handmade goods, soaps, and delicious local food.
The address is 102 S Canyon Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
13. The Veterans Memorial and Baish Park
The Baish Park and Veterans Memorial, which opened in 2009, is one of the best places to see in Carlsbad. There are statues and memorials in the park that honor people who served their country in different wars.
Veterans of North Eddy County have a park dedicated to them. This is the best place to honor those who served and died for our country.
You can find them at Riverwalk Drive, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
14. The golf course at Lake Carlsbad
You can have fun this weekend in Carlsbad, NM, by making a tee time at the Lake Carlsbad Golf Course.
The Lake Carlsbad Golf Course has been around since 1968 and is a good task for both new and experienced golfers. The well-kept 18-hole golf course is spread out over an acre and is 6,512 yards from the back tees, making it a par-72 course.
There is a pro shop on site where you can rent golf gear in addition to the course.
This is the address: 901 Muscatel Avenue, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
15. The Carlsbad Community Theater
One fun thing to do at night in Carlsbad, New Mexico, is to go to the Carlsbad Community Theatre, which has been around since 1960. This famous spot supports a lively arts scene and shows off local talent.
The theater is a lovely place that hosts many productions of classic plays, musicals, and new works sung and played by skilled actors and artists.
At the Carlsbad Community Theatre, you can see live plays ranging from tragedies to comedies. There’s always something new and fun to see there.
You can find them at 4713 National Parks Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
Are you planning to visit other places close to Carlsbad? Check out some fun things to do in Ruidoso, NM, and Las Cruces, NM.
16. Black River Park and Recreation Area
One fun thing to do outside in Carlsbad is to explore the Black River Recreation Area, which is in the Lincoln National Forest and is a pure wilderness area.
The Black River Recreation Area is 1200 acres big and is home to rare plants, fish, animals, and birds, like shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl.
The Cottonwood Day Use Area, which has a platform for watching animals, picnic tables, and a toilet, is the most popular part of the site.
People can also go hiking on beautiful trails that go through tall pine woods, cross clear streams, and lead to hidden waterfalls and scenic lookouts.
You can find them at 222 Washington Ranch Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
17. An antique mall in Pecos River
The Pecos River Antique Mall is near Canyon Street. It has a lot of antiques, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind things for you to look through.
This antique mall has items from the 1960s to the 1990s, including memorabilia, antiques, and other gems.
The mall is one of the best places to shop in Carlsbad, New Mexico because it has lots of nice things.
110 S Canyon Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA is the address.
18. Center for the Performing Arts at Walter Gerrell
Another fun thing to do in Carlsbad is to go to the Water Gerrells Performing Arts Center for a night of entertainment. It’s one of the biggest places for entertainment in Southeast New Mexico.
This center can hold up to 2,000 people and is used for concerts, plays, and dance events, among other things. The show hall, banquet hall, and lobby area are also in the center. Together they cover 14,000 square feet and can seat 699 people.
A parking lot can be found at 4012 National Parks Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
Carlsbad’s Skate Park is one of the best places to entertain yourself outside. People can show off their skating skills at this park, or they can just enjoy watching the locals do it.
This brand-new building is also good for riders of all levels of skill. You can try out your tricks on ramps, rails, and other obstacles that are meant to challenge and inspire you, or you can just enjoy the thrill of riding your bike around the big concrete park.
Carlsbad Skate Park is a popular place for skaters in the area to hang out and show off their skills. It has features for both street skating and professional skating.
This is the address: 2560 Orion Way, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA.
20. Apple orchard and pumpkin patch owned by the Balzano family
One fun thing for kids to do in Carlsbad, New Mexico is to check out the Balzano Family Vineyard and Pumpkin Patch. You can enjoy drinks, beers, and a variety of tasty foods at this place.
The Balzano Family Pumpkin Patch is open every weekend in October and has a bounce pad, houses, a fairy garden, fishing ponds, hayrides, a farming zoo, pumpkin fun, a bamboo maze, and gerbil races.
Take your family to this place and try some of their wines while the kids have fun at the pumpkin patch.
The address is 5230 7 Rivers Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
The Carlsbad Public Library is a great place to learn and escape into the world of books. It is right in the middle of downtown Carlsbad.
There are a lot of books, e-books, audiobooks, newspapers, magazines, multimedia tools, and Spanish language collections for both kids and adults in this library.
The Carlsbad Public Library also has events that are good for families, like storytimes, fun English language classes, and book clubs for people of all ages. This makes it a great place for everyone to visit.
The address is 101 S. Halagueno Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
22. Top Nock Archery And Gear, LLC
Today, one of the best things to do in Carlsbad, NM is to shoot at Top Nock Archery and Supplies, LLC. This archery was created so that people of all ages could do something healthy.
People who want to learn how to shoot a bow can get the tools they need and be supervised at Top Nock Archery and Supplies LLC. Anyone can go to Top Nock Archery and Supplies LLC because there are many targets for them to choose from.
There are also several indoor shot lanes at the archery for practice. If you want to learn more ways to play the violin, you can rent different sticks.
The address is 2101 S Canal St, Ste. C, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
The most exciting thing to do in Carlsbad is to go on a trip through Slaughter Canyon Cave, which is one of the best things to see in Carlsbad Cavern National Park.
When compared to the main caves, the Slaughter Canyon Cave is rougher and less developed. The tour takes people into a wild area underground that doesn’t have any power, paved walkways, or other modern comforts.
The cave paths are rough, narrow, and very slippery. People can also see amazing formations like the 89-foot-tall Monarch, which is one of the world’s largest columns; the sparkling Christmas Tree, which is a column covered in crystals; and the Chinese Wall, which is a thin, ankle-high rimstone dam.
The Slaughter Canyon Cave is a fun and exciting place to visit in Carlsbad.
This is the address: Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
24. The disc golf course in Carlsbad
Carlsbad, New Mexico has a lot of fun things to do. One of them is to play disc golf with friends at the Carlsbad Disc Golf Course.
Some of Carlsbad’s most beautiful spots are on this one-hole disc golf course. The disc golf course opened in 2009 and has concrete spots and holes for catching discs.
One of the holes on the course is over the water. It runs along both sides of the train track near Lower Tansil Dam on the Pecos River.
This is the address: Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
25. Bob Forrest Sports Complex for Young People
Going to the Bob Forrest Youth Sports Complex in Carlsbad for fun is another interesting thing to do there. The complex, which was built in 2003, has a modern building that can fit people of all ages and skill levels.
There are softball fields, basketball courts, soccer fields, football fields, and parks for kids at the Bob Forrest Youth Sports Complex. There is also a water play area at the building that is open all year.
Take a look around this sports center and play some sports.
The address is 3213 W Lea Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
26. The state park with Bottomless Lakes
Bottomless Lakes State Park is one of the best places to visit near Carlsbad. It is in Roswell, NM, which is about an hour’s drive away.
This park is along the Pecos River and has beautiful cliffs and bright rock formations that make it a great place to swim, boat, fish, and have a picnic.
You can hike along the trails that wind around the lakes during your visit, or you can just relax and enjoy the natural beauty of this secret gem. One more fun thing to do in Roswell, New Mexico is to visit Bottomless Lakes State Park.
The address is 545A Bottomless Lakes Road, Roswell, NM 88201, USA.
27. Meeting Place at Pecos River Village
One of the best things to do in Carlsbad Village is to go to an event at the Pecos River Village Conference Center, which is right next to the Pecos River.
This modern conference center, which is run by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, is a great place for meetings, vacations, family reunions, and other fun events.
There are five meeting rooms, a big colonnade, and the Carousel House banquet hall in the Village. The center also has a big commercial kitchen, courtyards, covered dock areas, beautiful grounds for outdoor events, and more.
This is the address: 711 Muscatel Avenue, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
28. YellowBrix Restaurant
Couples looking for a sweet thing to do in Carlsbad, NM should go to YellowBrix Restaurant for dinner. This restaurant is a hidden gem that serves Southwest-style food with a modern twist.
There are original foods like sizzling steaks and fresh seafood, as well as creative cocktails and good desserts, served at this restaurant.
You can enjoy your meal with your partner in the elegant dining room or on the patio while watching the world go by. The food is made with locally found ingredients and is made by skilled chefs.
This is the address: Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
29. Rattlesnake Springs
Things to Do in Carlsbad, New Mexico
One fun thing to do in Carlsbad is to go to Rattlesnake waters in the Carlsbad Caverns National Park to get away from the heat of the desert and enjoy a natural oasis with lush plants and clear waters.
There is a natural spring and a big grove of cottonwood trees in this beautiful ecosystem that were planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps. A picnic spot with shady tables, grills, trash cans, and pit toilets can be found in the spring.
Rattlesnake Springs is a great place for a picnic, birding, and taking pictures because it is quiet and has beautiful scenery.
This is the address: Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
30. Lechuguilla Cave
One more unique thing to do in Carlsbad is to go on a journey to Lechuguilla Cave, which is one of the world’s most beautiful and scientifically important caves.
As of now, 150.4 miles of Lechuguilla Cave have been explored. It is the second deepest cave in the United States and the eighth longest cave ever discovered.
Lechuguilla Cave is a maze of tunnels, chambers, and formations that have fascinated both explorers and scientists. Only experienced cavers and researchers can get inside.
Even though the public isn’t allowed to go inside, the tourist center has exhibits that explain the cave’s unique geology and biology.
This is the address: Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA.
Get ready for your trip to Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Visitors to Carlsbad, New Mexico, can enjoy a wide range of activities, from exploring the caves below to taking in the views from above. If you want to come, this wonderful town will give you memories that will last a long time after the trip is over. We hope this guide gives you all the information you need to begin your trip of discovery and wonder. Have a safe trip!