Carlsbad, NM

Travel Guide

Carlsbad Caverns National Park which includes 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! (1,736 reviews)
"This place is convenient for visiting the Carlsbad Caverns. Its clean, quiet, and decently priced, but go into town for food, and bring your own entertainment, although there is wifi. I would likely stay there again if I were to revisit the caves. One small QOL suggestion to the inn: Get some of ..."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

White's City Cavern Inn
Comfort Suites Carlsbad

Comfort Suites Carlsbad

2.5 out of 5
2600 West Pierce St, Carlsbad, NM
The price is ¥17,390 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥17,390
¥19,546 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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 helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Experience was great overall, despite the fact we had to wait an extra almost 2 hours for our room to be ready they were so polite and accommodating. They even handed out fresh milk and hot cookies in the lobby for my children."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Comfort Suites Carlsbad
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 ¥14,513 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥14,513
¥16,312 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! (1,000 reviews)
"excellent for business I recommend it for business"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites 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.
The Jalapeño- Historic Adobe Home in Walkable Area

The Jalapeño- Historic Adobe Home in Walkable Area

Carlsbad
Stay at this vacation home in Carlsbad. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Lamont Street Park and Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
"The stay was fantastic!! The AC kept the entire upstairs cool and the 3 bedrooms in the basement stayed extremely cool— almost cold! But don’t worry, there are extra blankets in the hall closet! The kitchen was clean and tidy and cooking was a breeze! The ice maker did not work during our stay so ..."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

The Jalapeño- Historic Adobe Home in Walkable Area
Spacious 4-bedroom house in charming Carlsbad with WiFi and AC

Spacious 4-bedroom house in charming Carlsbad with WiFi and AC

2 out of 5
Carlsbad
Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Pecos River Flume and Eddy House are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
"Property was very clean and well stocked. We would definitely stay there again if ever in Carlsbad."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Spacious 4-bedroom house in charming Carlsbad with WiFi and AC
Lakefront Unit w/ Dock in Carlsbad!

Lakefront Unit w/ Dock in Carlsbad!

Carlsbad
Stay at this vacation home in Carlsbad. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Lamont Street Park and Lake Carlsbad ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Great Property
"We loved our stay. The location and property was so great. We enjoyed the outdoor space a lot, we all agreed that our favorite was the patio. I really appreciated the additional touches."

Reviewed on May 12, 2025

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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