Carlsbad Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Carlsbad Caverns National Park featuring caves
Carlsbad Caverns National Park showing caves
Carlsbad Caverns National Park featuring caves
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Peter Jones
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Peter Jones

Underground cave adventures, mountains, desert and a delightful cultural scene are features of this city in southeastern New Mexico.

Head to the Chihuahuan Desert in New Mexico to find Carlsbad. This city on the Pecos River is an attractive holiday spot for its stunning scenery and outdoor leisure pursuits. Search for fossils on steep mountain trails, marvel at the stalactite formations in underground caves and canoe down the river.

Carlsbad’s most popular attraction is the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, 20 miles (32 kilometres) outside the city. Descend deep underground to explore limestone caves. Join a ranger-guided tour or explore on your own. Part of the cave system is accessible to wheelchair users.

About 1 hour’s drive from Carlsbad is the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, a vast wilderness just over the state line and into Texas. More than 80 miles (129 kilometres) of trails meander through forested canyons, mountains and desert. Look for ancient marine fossils embedded in the rocks. Millions of years ago a tropical ocean and a 400-mile-long (644-kilometre) reef system covered the area.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park is a good place to see animal and plant species native to the Chihuahuan Desert.

With more than 1,400 acres (567 hectares) of parks and the Pecos River on its doorstep, Carlsbad has many outdoor attractions. Plan a day of family fun at the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area. Enjoy fishing, boating, waterskiing, tennis courts and a skateboard park.

Swim or glide across the river on a kayak or paddleboat at the Pecos River Beach and Picnic Area.

To experience Carlsbad’s cultural scene, watch a concert at the Walter Gerrells Performing Arts and Exhibition Centre. Study the work of early 20th-century New Mexican artists at the Carlsbad Museum and Arts Centre.

Carlsbad is an easy city to get to by car. If you are travelling by plane, the nearest major airport is El Paso International Airport, 158 miles (254 kilometres) away, where you can arrange a rental car. Carlsbad is a great place to come for adventures above and below ground.

White's City Cavern Inn

White's City Cavern Inn

2.5 out of 5
17 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM
Stay at this hotel in Carlsbad. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,741 reviews)
"Whites was nice and clean and the room was spacious, nothing fancy but spacious and clean. The location was close to our destination-Carlsbad Cavern. Front desk women were super friendly."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

White's City Cavern Inn
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad

3 out of 5
4020 National Parks Hwy, Carlsbad, NM
The price is Rp1.716.755 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
Rp1.716.755
Rp1.929.561 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Carlsbad. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Very nice building, access, and parking. Staff pleasant accommodating, and efficient. Room clean and comfortable. (Unable to stay for breakfast due to personal business schedule.)"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad
Comfort Suites Carlsbad

Comfort Suites Carlsbad

2.5 out of 5
2600 West Pierce St, Carlsbad, NM
The price is Rp1.922.537 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
Rp1.922.537
Rp2.160.851 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Carlsbad. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Exelent service only thing housekeeping goes realy early other than that it was perfect and desk clerk really friendly and helpful. Will definitely stay there again"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Comfort Suites Carlsbad
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
9 Mi to Lake Carlsbad: Pet-friendly Apt

9 Mi to Lake Carlsbad: Pet-friendly Apt

3 out of 5
Carlsbad, NM
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly apartment in Carlsbad. Enjoy free parking, in-room fireplaces and air conditioning.
9 Mi to Lake Carlsbad: Pet-friendly Apt
Lakefront Unit w/ Dock in Carlsbad!

Lakefront Unit w/ Dock in Carlsbad!

3.5 out of 5
Carlsbad, NM
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Carlsbad. Enjoy free parking, balconies and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Lamont Street Park and Lake Carlsbad ...
Lakefront Unit w/ Dock in Carlsbad!
Brennan House

Brennan House

3 out of 5
706 N Canyon, Carlsbad, NM
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Carlsbad. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area and Lamont Street ...
"Host was a super-host! Excellent communication and support. A rare find, well stocked, comfortable, clean, and excellent location. Sleeps 4 comfortable. Additional people have to sleep on air mattress (provided by host) or sofa (not a pull out)."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2021

Brennan House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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