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)
"this was a good property for the cost, and the location to the caverns could not have been better. The staff was very helpful at check-in and the room is comfortable, clean and accomplishes what we need from a hotel."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

White's City Cavern Inn
Sleep Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area

Sleep Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area

2.5 out of 5
3825 National Parks Hwy, Carlsbad, NM
The price is ₹10,196 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹10,196
₹11,460 total
3 Aug - 4 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 breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (985 reviews)
"Comfy bed."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Sleep Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area
Days Inn by Wyndham Carlsbad

Days Inn by Wyndham Carlsbad

2.5 out of 5
3910 National Parks Highway, Carlsbad, NM
The price is ₹5,947 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹5,947
₹6,684 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Carlsbad. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"The staff was friendly and helpful. Anything we needed, we could ask at the front desk and they would take care of it. It was very clean. The property is undergoing a remodel so there were things around outside related to that. We had an issue with our air conditioner. We reported it to the front ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham 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.
Carlsbad Home ~ 22 Mi to Nat'l Park!

Carlsbad Home ~ 22 Mi to Nat'l Park!

3 out of 5
Carlsbad
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Carlsbad. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Eddy House and Pecos River Flume are located nearby.
Carlsbad Home ~ 22 Mi to Nat'l Park!
Near ATV Trails: Carlsbad Apt w/ Shared Fire Pit

Near ATV Trails: Carlsbad Apt w/ Shared Fire Pit

3 out of 5
Carlsbad, NM
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Carlsbad. Enjoy free parking, in-room fireplaces and housekeeping.
Near ATV Trails: Carlsbad Apt w/ Shared Fire Pit
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!
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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