Area Attractions
The Carlsbad Caverns National Park is usually what comes to mind when people hear “Carlsbad, New Mexico.” Although The Caverns are less than 30 minutes from Carlsbad, there are many more things to enjoy in the Carlsbad area. If you are coming to the area, you can plan on spending a few days to enjoy outdoor adventures, museums, and the zoo.
The Pecos River
The Pecos River is one of the gems of Carlsbad. Water skiing, tubing, and fishing can all be enjoyed on the river. There is also a beach area to enjoy during the summer months. The Pecos River winds its way through town and boasts numerous parks along its banks. With picnic areas, playgrounds, open spaces, and river walks appropriately placed, there is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the Pecos. Two major events occur on the Pecos every year. The 4th of July fireworks is the biggest fireworks display in the state of New Mexico. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, Christmas On The Pecos boat tours draw thousands of visitors to enjoy the beautiful Christmas light displays on 100 plus houses along the river. Carlsbad Cruise Lines offers tours on the scenic Pecos, as well as paddle boat and kayak rentals spring through fall.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardnes State Park has more than 40 native animal species and hundresds of succulent plants from around the world. Maggie, The Painting Bear lives here. She is one of the most popular animals to view and her paintings are sold to help support the zoo. The zoo has indoor displays as well as a very pleasant outdoor walking tour where you will see Mexican Gray Wolves, bison, pronghorn, elk, mountain lion, and a walk-through aviary. The zoo is located on the NW edge of Carlsbad off of Highway 285.
Brantley Lake State Park
Brantley Lake State Park is a great place to enjoy water sports, camping year-round, or a beautiful picnic. Brantley Lake has 51 developed sites with electricity, restrooms, showers, a dump station, and a playground. Enjoy fishing, boating, water-skiing, sailing, trails, and wildlife viewing.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
The Carlsbad Caverns National Park contains 113 of more than 300 caves in the area. They are some of the largest caves in North America. They were formed when sulfuric acid dissolved teh surrounding limestone. You can take self-guided tours through the big caves, go crawling through narrow passageways, or enjoy hiking or camping in the park. Mexican Free-Tail Bats are incredible to watch as they exit and enter the cave during the summer months.
The Carlsbad Museum & Art Center
The Carlsbad Museum & Art Center is adjacent to the Carlsbad Municipal Library in Halagueno Park. The museum is a cultural and educational center housing documents, art and artifacts from the City of Carlsbad and surrounding areas. Its collection reaches beyond Carlsbad to Southeast New Mexico and the Greater Southwest area. Several permanent collections are on display including the McAdoo Collection of “Taos Ten” paintings. The Museum also hosts several events throughout the year featuring local artists, artisans, and the artwork of our Elementary Schools. The museum gift shop is open during museum hours. Admission is free and donations are accepted.
The Guadalupe Mountains and Sitting Bull Falls are also close by. These two areas feature numerous ways to enjoy the beautiful surrounding areas of Carlsbad with outdoor activities and landmarks of historical importance. For more information, please visit the BLM site.
For more information about area attractions, please visit the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce site.