Carlsbad

Travel Guide

Carlsbad Caverns National Park featuring caves
Carlsbad Caverns National Park showing caves
Carlsbad Caverns National Park which includes 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 WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,743 reviews)
"Super close ro Carlsbad Caverns and within 15 to 20 mins from Carlsbad NM. Thisbisba motel but it was clean, beds comfortable. Had microwave and refrigerator freezer combo."

Reviewed on 18 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 €102 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
€102
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Carlsbad. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 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 €118 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
€118
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Carlsbad. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
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.
The Jalapeño- Historic Adobe Home in Walkable Area

The Jalapeño- Historic Adobe Home in Walkable Area

Carlsbad
Stay at this vacation home in Carlsbad. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Lamont Street Park and Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
"The stay was fantastic!! The AC kept the entire upstairs cool and the 3 bedrooms in the basement stayed extremely cool— almost cold! But don’t worry, there are extra blankets in the hall closet! The kitchen was clean and tidy and cooking was a breeze! The ice maker did not work during our stay so ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

The Jalapeño- Historic Adobe Home in Walkable Area
Sage Cottage: Cozy & Serene/ Sleeps 6 / Huge Yard!

Sage Cottage: Cozy & Serene/ Sleeps 6 / Huge Yard!

Carlsbad
Stay at this vacation home in Carlsbad. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Carlsbad Museum & Art Center and Carlsbad Water ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (38 reviews)
"Everything was as described. Great stay at the cottage. The kids really enjoyed it!"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Sage Cottage: Cozy & Serene/ Sleeps 6 / Huge Yard!
Spacious 4-bedroom house in charming Carlsbad with WiFi and AC

Spacious 4-bedroom house in charming Carlsbad with WiFi and AC

2 out of 5
Carlsbad
Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Pecos River Flume and Eddy House are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
"Property was very clean and well stocked. We would definitely stay there again if ever in Carlsbad."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Spacious 4-bedroom house in charming Carlsbad with WiFi and AC
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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