Things to do in Carlsbad, New Mexico
If you’re looking for things to do in Carlsbad, New Mexico for an upcoming visit, look no further! There’s something for everyone in Carlsbad, whether you’re visiting with young children or are an avid outdoorsman eager to crawl through caves and hike treacherous mountain trails.
See the Bats Fly at Carlsbad Caverns
Your visit wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, the most popular area attraction due to its immensely beautiful caves. After spending the day touring the caves, make sure to stick around until sunset for Carlsbad Caverns National Park’s Bat Flight Program. Each evening from mid-April to late October, visitors gather at the Bat Flight Amphitheater to learn all about the fascinating bat species that live inside the cavern from a park ranger before watching thousands of them fly out of the cavern in search of insects to eat. It is a memorable experience that should not be missed. Learn More about the Bat Flight at Carlsbad CavernsExplore the Wilderness on a Hiking Trail
New Mexico is known for its stunning natural beauty, and the area surrounding Carlsbad is no exception. Several nearby recreation areas located just a short drive from the city feature hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels that take hikers through gorgeous canyons, around mountains, and over breathtaking desert terrain. Carlsbad Caverns National Park has eight different hiking trails that will introduce you to the Chihuahuan Desert backcountry, while Brantley Lake State Park features lakeside trails and Lincoln National Forest features dozens of mountain trails with scenic vistas. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, just across the Texas border, is also known for its extensive backpacking trails, campgrounds, and diverse wildlife. Explore the Hiking Trails near CarlsbadSightseeing around Carlsbad
There’s more to the city than Carlsbad Caverns; in fact there’s plenty to see in this thriving New Mexico city. One of the most informative attractions in the city is the Carlsbad Museum and Art Center, which features exhibits on the history of Carlsbad and the surrounding region as well as an extensive art collection. Families will also love Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park due to its wide variety of native plants and animals, as well as exploring the Pecos River that flows through the city. Once you’ve seen the Pecos River Flume, an old aqueduct that carries water over the river, you can enjoy the river first-hand on a river cruise or in a rented paddle boat. There are also several great parks such as Guadalupe Mountains National Park outside the city for those who can’t resist the call of nature. Check out the Sights around CarlsbadPlaces to Visit
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
400 Pine Canyon Dr, Salt Flat, TX 79847
Lake Carlsbad Golf Course
901 N. Muscatel Avenue, Carlsbad, NM
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
727 Carlsbad Caverns Highway, Carlsbad, NM
Black River Recreation Area
County Road 418, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
1504 Miehls Drive, Carlsbad, NM
Lake Carlsbad
Lake Carlsbad, Carlsbad, NM
Sitting Bull Falls
Eddy County Rd 409, Carlsbad, NM
Lincoln National Forest
Eddy County Rd 409, Carlsbad, NM
Brantley Lake State Park
Brantley Lake, Carlsbad, NM
Riverwalk Recreation Complex
400 River Walk Drive, Carlsbad, NM
Carlsbad Water Park
708 Park Drive, Carlsbad, NM 88220