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! (1,720 reviews)
Good place, some improvements possible
"We came to see the caverns, and realized it was literally at the entrance of the park. Upon check-in, the desk clerk was helpful and gave us some tips. The room was surprisingly nice. The beds were comfortable. The towels were a bit thin, and our room was not serviced, but that may have been a misunderstanding. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 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 P5,803 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P5,803
P6,523 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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! (1,017 reviews)
"We recently stayed at La Quinta Inn & Suites in Carlsbad and had a great experience overall. Our room was clean and comfortable, with everything we needed for a short stay. We did have a bit of trouble with the TV, but the front desk staff was courteous and quick to help—excellent service that really ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 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 P6,902 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P6,902
P7,758 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (970 reviews)
Beautiful
"This is a beautiful hotel! Updated, clean, and quiet. Front desk young lady gave us an incredible recommendation for restaurant that evening."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 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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