Carlsbad

Travel Guide

Carlsbad Caverns National Park showing 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 vacation 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 kilometers) 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 kilometers) 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-kilometer) 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 Center. Study the work of early 20th-century New Mexican artists at the Carlsbad Museum and Arts Center. 

Carlsbad is an easy city to get to by car. If you are traveling by plane, the nearest major airport is El Paso International Airport, 158 miles (254 kilometers) 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! (1,737 reviews)
"The young man didn’t have anything but 3 packages of cereal available for breakfast. He did stock it when I asked. A lady came in a bit later and also stocked it with fruit. There was no maid service"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 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 P6,081 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P6,081
P6,835 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,002 reviews)
"It was very enjoyable."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad
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 P7,276 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P7,276
P8,178 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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 breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (991 reviews)
"Always our go to"

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

Sleep Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area
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.
Lakefront Unit w/ Dock in Carlsbad!

Lakefront Unit w/ Dock in Carlsbad!

3.5 out of 5
Carlsbad
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Carlsbad. Enjoy free parking, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Lamont Street Park and Lake Carlsbad ...
Lakefront Unit w/ Dock in Carlsbad!
9 Mi to Lake Carlsbad: Pet-friendly Apt

9 Mi to Lake Carlsbad: Pet-friendly Apt

3 out of 5
Carlsbad
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
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!
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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