Carlsbad, New Mexico is a hidden gem that we had the pleasure of discovering on a recent Rambling Russell Road Trip. Located near the Texas border, this city offers some of the best fun things to do in North America. From exploring the Carlsbad Caverns National Park to enjoying outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in the Carlsbad area. Here are some of the best things to do in Carlsbad.
Carlsbad Caverns
If you love natural beauty, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the best place to visit. The park offers guided tours, as well as self-guided tours, so you can explore at your own pace. During the trip, we opted for a self-guided tour and it was a great decision. The Natural Entrance Trail was breathtaking, and it felt like walking into another world. As Leah and I made way through the mile-long trail, I couldn’t help but marvel at the gorgeous canyons and beautiful caves. The highlight of our trip was watching the bat flight at the amphitheater. Seeing thousands of bats fly out of the cave at sunset was truly a sight to behold.
Pecos Attractions Near Carlsbad
If you’re looking for a short drive, visit the Pearl of the Pecos or Pecos River Antique Mall. The Pecos River Flume and Gardens State Park are other nearby attractions. For a more adventurous trip, head to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Lincoln National Forest. Here you can explore miles of trails and back-country camping. Brantley Lake State Park is also a great place to spend the day on the shores of the lake.
Inside Carlsbad, New Mexico
The city of Carlsbad itself is full of fun things to do, too. The downtown area has a variety of shops, restaurants, and flea markets to explore. You can catch a show at the Carlsbad Community Theatre or visit the Carlsbad Water Park, which has water slides for all ages and difficulty levels. Heritage Park and Guadalupe Park are perfect for picnics. Plus, you can float down the lazy river while enjoying delicious food at Yellow Brix restaurant. The Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company and Trinity Hotel Restaurant are great places to grab a drink or a bite to eat.
If you’re looking for other outdoor activities, the Living Desert Zoo is a great option. During the visit, we were fascinated by the native animal species, including Golden Eagles, and local flora and plant species. The zoo is also home to a beautiful desert garden where we both relaxed and took in the natural beauty. By the way, we also visited the Lake Carlsbad Beach Park, Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area, and Sitting Bull Falls for some water sports and relaxation. Before we kayaked the lake, we took a refreshing swim. Sitting Bull Falls offered a refreshing dip in the waterfall.
Life in Carlsbad, New Mexico
For those interested in history and culture, the Carlsbad Museum is a must-visit. The outdoor museum has exhibits about the city’s heritage and local events. We found out a lot of fascinating details about the history of Carlsbad and the famous Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The Canal Shooting Sports intrigued us. The place offers a rifle range, and the artist gallery at the Art Center. The center has a variety of exhibitions from local artists, which made me appreciate the talent and creativity of the Carlsbad community.
The city of Carlsbad itself is full of fun things to do, too. The downtown area has a variety of shops, restaurants, and flea markets to explore. Leah found some unique souvenirs at the Pearl of the Pecos and Pecos River Antique Mall. For a more adventurous trip, we went to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Lincoln National Forest, where Leah and I explored miles of trails and next visit we will go back-country camping. We even had the chance to go on a horseback riding tour, which was a thrilling experience.
Finally, no trip to Carlsbad is complete without visiting the Carlsbad Water Park. The water park has a lazy river and water slides for all ages and difficulty levels. Leah and I had a blast floating down the lazy river and trying out the water slides. We also enjoyed a delicious meal at the Yellow Brix restaurant, which overlooks the lazy river. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, and the food was some of the best ever.
Make Plans to Visit
No matter what you decide to do in Carlsbad, you’re sure to have a long time full of quality time and fun. So pack your bags and head to Carlsbad, New Mexico, the perfect place to make lasting memories. The city offers a range of activities, from exploring natural wonders to enjoying water sports and cultural experiences. The jaunt to Carlsbad was a memorable one, and neither of us can wait to go back and explore more of the area. Whether you’re a nature lover or a history buff, Carlsbad has something for everyone.
