What to do in Carlsbad, NM

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Carlsbad

Types of activities

Carlsbad travel guide

Carlsbad Cavern National Park, New Mexico, USA

Carlsbad Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Carlsbad has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Carlsbad, 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 to Carlsbad 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.

Places of interest in Carlsbad

Carlsbad is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Carlsbad, and make it a breeze to explore Carlsbad and 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 holiday 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 to Carlsbad, 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 in Carlsbad.

Carlsbad attractions

Carlsbad 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 in Carlsbad to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Carlsbad.

Looking for things to do in Carlsbad 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 of Carlsbad or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Carlsbad attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Carlsbad

Number of things to do	7
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Guadalupe Mountains National Park: £12
Top 5 things to do	Guadalupe Mountains National Park Scenic Drive: Self-Guided Audio Tour New Mexico Audio Tours Bundle: Self-Guided Drive and Walk Explore Big Bend & Guadalupe Mountains Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Carlsbad Caverns App-Based Walking Audio Tour (Not a ticket) Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Half-day tours	Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Guadalupe Mountains National Park Guadalupe Mountains Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
With kids

What to do in Carlsbad

Popular places to visit

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Carlsbad Water Park

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

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.

Carlsbad Medical Center

If Carlsbad Medical Center is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Carlsbad.

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

City entrance sign with large turquoise colored letters and large Zia sign

Hobbs

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 kms (2 miles) 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.