What to do in Carlsbad, NM

Activities, attractions and tours

Carlsbad Caverns National Park which includes caves
Hall of Giants, Carlsbad Caverns, NM
Carlsbad Cavern National Park, New Mexico, USA
Carlsbad Caverns is an historic US national park. We went on a tour of the King's Room. Be sure to get your tours done early so you can really explore all the cavern entrances open to the public. During certain times of the year, you can watch thousands of bats climbing out of the narrow cave entrances (although not in early April when we were there). #caverns #geology #nationalpark #rocks #cave #bats
My Bucket list is to explore all 59 national parks in the US. So far, we've gotten to visit over 30. Here's one of them. This is Carlsbad Caverns, one of the oldest cave systems in the world showcasing fossils from dinosaurs to jaguars to ocean life dating back to when New Mexico looked more like the Florida keys than it does now. This is one of my favorite caves to go into because you aren't required to tag along with a guide.

Carlsbad Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Carlsbad has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Carlsbad is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Carlsbad to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Carlsbad Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Carlsbad.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Carlsbad attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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What to do in Carlsbad

Discover the most popular places to visit in Carlsbad

Carlsbad Caverns National Park featuring caves as well as an individual male

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

5/5(3 reviews)

See the wondrous geologic formations in a vast underground cavern system. Cave facilities offer easy walks or adventurous climbs and crawls.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Peaceful Riverwalk Footpath with tall leafless trees and resting birds along Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area in Eddy County, New Mexico, USA, winter southwestern nature landscape

Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area

Explore the great outdoors at Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area, a lovely green space in Carlsbad. Discover the desert landscape and mountain views in this walkable area.

Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park

Why not meet the animals who call Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park home during your travels in Carlsbad? Discover the area's desert landscape and mountain views.

Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park
Aerial view of sitting bull falls waterfall surrounded by breathtaking rock formations and lush greenery, Carlsbad, United States.

Sitting Bull Falls

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Sitting Bull Falls during your travels in Carlsbad. Amble around the area's parks, or seek out its hiking trails.

Sitting Bull Falls

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center

Explore the great outdoors at Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center, a lovely green space in Carlsbad. Discover the area's desert landscape and seek out the hiking trails.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center

Riverwalk Recreation Center

Riverwalk Recreation Center is just one of the places to see in Carlsbad, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the desert landscape and mountain views in this walkable area.

Riverwalk Recreation Center

Carlsbad Water Park

Have a fun-filled day with the family at Carlsbad Water Park as part of your trip to Carlsbad. Discover the area's desert landscape and seek out the hiking trails.

Carlsbad Water Park

Lake Carlsbad Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Carlsbad at Lake Carlsbad Golf Course. Discover the desert landscape and mountain views in this walkable area.

Lake Carlsbad Golf Course

Carlsbad Medical Center

Though Carlsbad Medical Center might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Carlsbad while you are here.

Carlsbad Medical Center

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Carlsbad

Salt Flat featuring mountains

Salt Flat

Frequently asked questions

Is Carlsbad worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Carlsbad is visit Carlsbad Water Park. Check this top sight off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's nature and culture.
How do I spend a day in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad Water Park and Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area are two good places to start your getaway adventures. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining options in Carlsbad while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad Water Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Carlsbad and should feature high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Carlsbad?
Three days will be plenty of time to check out some popular city sights, such as Carlsbad Water Park, Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area and Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park. The average stay in Carlsbad is two days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Artesia isn't far away.
Is Carlsbad a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to do and see in Carlsbad. Several leading attractions, such as Carlsbad Water Park, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through one of Carlsbad's cool neighbourhoods, Carlsbad North is 3 kilometres away from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in Carlsbad with kids?
Deciding what to do in Carlsbad with kids has never been simpler. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone busy here.
What to do in Carlsbad for adults?
From fantastic food and cultural highlights to outdoor activities and unique experiences, there are loads of exciting things to do in Carlsbad for adults.
Are there free things to do in Carlsbad?
One of the simplest ways to find free things to do in Carlsbad is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area is one spot that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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