Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Carlsbad, New Mexico. #Top Attractions

You must visit Carlsbad, New Mexico, at least once in your lifetime. Check out the list of the best things to do in Carlsbad, New Mexico and places to go in Carlsbad, New Mexico below. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3 travel company that brings the best travel ideas to travellers.

Across the Canal Shooting Sports

Seeking a place to take aim and shoot, Across the Canal (ATC) Shooting Sports is the shooting sports center to visit.

The ATC Shooting Sports is a place that provides different sports options regarding shooting, such as using a rifle range, pellet traps, and many more.

It is in the southwest of the state of New Mexico and began in 2008 by a person named James Binder.

Across the Canal Shooting Sports has a shooting area of 100 to 800 yards for any shooter to use as a firing range.

This shooting sports center provides a five-stand shooting area, a sporting clay range, a skeet field, and small or large private shooting for any shooter to aim and have fun.

Shooters can even join the sporting clay league for anyone wanting to take part in corporate parties, fundraisers, or even private shoots.

So come and aim in shooting at the ATC shooting sports.

Address: Range Location, 1530 E Morris Rd, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

Balzano Family Vineyard and Pumpkin Patch

If you want to indulge in delicious food, local beer, and wine while in Carlsbad, you must go to the Balzano Family Vineyard and Pumpkin Patch.

The Balzano Family Vineyard and Pumpkin Patch are between Carlsbad and Artesia on the 5230 Seven Rivers Highway.

It was started in 1912 by the Balzano family as Italian immigrants to eventually built their vineyard and the Pumpkin Patch that is known today.

This place is commendable to visit for its different beers and wines from the state of New Mexico.

It is said to have almost everything you could want to drink, like the Italian red wines, the Luna Rosa Fin wines, and many other locally made wines.

As for its dining area, the vineyard has a restaurant that provides a menu with delicious options to eat. It has a weekly menu for people to dine in, and they can even order online.

It’s a must-see if you want to taste some of Carlsbad’s best beer and wine around.

Address: 5230 7 Rivers Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

Brantley Lake State Park

The Brantley Lake State Park is one of the best places to visit in New Mexico.

You can’t leave Carlsbad without seeing the breathtaking Brantley Lake State Park, which should be at the top of your list of places to visit.

Brantley Lake State Park is an artificial reservoir with a 4,000 surface area.

This state park is on the shores of Brantley Lake near the Peco River’s northern area, which only takes an approximate 30-minute drive.

Bradley Lake State Park features activities for people to do, such as boating, equestrian, and park events.

The lake in the state park is a fishing spot known in the park for its fish like carp, bass, catfish, and other creatures in the lake.

It has over one hundred camping sites with comfortable facilities that people can even reserve online.

There are other amenities in the state park for visitors to enjoy, such as playing in the playgrounds, picnic tables, and other amenities.

This state park is worth a visit.

Address: 33 E. Brantley Lake Road, Carlsbad, NM 87045, United States

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Carlsbad Caverns National Park

The Carlsbad Caverns National Park is one of the top attractions in New Mexico.

A trip to Carlsbad that you cannot miss is by visiting and touring the Carlsbad Caverns National Park with stunning old caverns.

The Carlsbad Caverns National Park stands recognized for its iconic caves, providing people with a rare sight that people do not usually expect.

This cave is known as the “Big Room,” with over 46,766 acres, making it the largest underground chamber compared to anywhere else in the world.

As visitors go inside, there are sights of bats, fossils, and underground pools left to be spotted.

The park has many sights and events hosted. One of them is the Bat Flight Amphitheater, an event where visitors can get up close and see thousands of bats fly over the sunset from April to October.

Besides just sightseeing bats, the Carls Caverns National park educates its visitors about the many types of bat species in this park.

It is a must-visit to see and view Carlsbad Caverns National Park’s surrounding caves and bats.

Address: Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

Living Desert Zoo and Garden State Park

One peculiar park to visit in Carlsbad is this zoological park called the Living Desert Zoo and Garden State Park.

This place is a park in the middle of the Preco River valley. It provides its visitors with things to see, such as exhibits and various Chihuahuan desert plants and wildlife.

It even acts as a museum, with an inside and outside area for visitors to come by and visit.

The park has a land area of over 1,100 acres and housed indigenous and exotic plants and around forty unique local animals.

Some of its many animals include seeing creatures like bison, elk, bears, and different types of bird species.

A unique thing about the facility is that it is one of the only places that houses and preserves endangered species like Mexican Gray Wolves and other animals.

If you are in Carlsbad, you should visit this zoological park to see unique plants and animals.

Address: 1504 Skyline Rd, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

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Carlsbad Community Theatre

Have any plans to do in Carlsbad? One good choice is to stop by the Carlsbad Community Theatre and take in a performance there.

This theater in Carlsbad is known for showcasing many high-quality art programs and artistic events for its visitors to see.

As a theater, the Carlsbad Community Theater aims to inspire art and creativity throughout the city.

For decades, the theater for local actors has been known as a hub for any activities featuring regular matinees and shows.

Even as an old theater, it is a recreational place filled with entertaining and mind-blowing events that leave its visitors mesmerized.

Besides being a theater to feature shows, it supports the community by running things smoothly.

They even invite people in the community to partake in helping out by taking particular acting roles, attending an actual live performance, and arranging the set.

Visit the Carlsbad Community Theatre if you’re looking for something thrilling to behold.

Address: 4713 National Parks Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

Carlsbad Cruises Day Tours

If you want to tour around the beautiful Pecos River of Calrbads, then hop on board the Carlsbad Cruises Day Tours to have a better experience.

It is known to offer visitors thrilling adventuring touring the river as the Pecon River flows through the city of Carlsbad.

The Carlsbad Cruises usually provides a daily hour-long guided tour to experience in a 49-seat boat.

It is also a touring place to have to be relaxed and educated about the surrounding river.

Since Pecon River is the Carlsbad Cruises Day Tours’ main attraction, it is worth the tour for visitors as the river has different species of fish and a place full of surprises.

People can get to the oasis of this park as it is surrounded full of parks with tree shades.

So come and take a tour at the Carlsbad Cruises to see the stunning Peco River.

Address: 517 Rosedale Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

Carlsbad Museum and Art Center

Since 1931, the Carlsbad Museum and Art Center has been a place that has showcased many historical displays and artifacts for any visitor to visit.

The Carlsbad Museum and Art Center is known for the aim to interpret, preserve, collect, and exhibit important artifacts, artworks, and documents in the museum.

It started in 1931, and it is now known in the state of New Mexico as the oldest municipal museum.

Moreover, the center has exhibits mostly from Carlsbad and in other places in the southeast places from New Mexico.

As a matter of fact, it is known to showcase unique antiques from the Native Americans.

Admission to entering the Carlsbad Museum and Art Center is free.

This place will educate you regarding how important the local photographers were when they established the iconic caverns of Carlsbad.

It even has temporary exhibits featuring the caves in a local 3D photograph for visitors to see.

Visiting the Carlsbad Museum and Art Center is a great way to learn while looking around.

Address: 418 W Fox St, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

Carlsbad Water Park

If you are looking for a nice spot to enjoy with your children, do some splashing and splishing at the Carlsbad Water Park.

The Carlsbad Water Park is a lovely attraction park to visit during summer near the Pesco River Shore.

This park is famous for its unique features for people to enjoy, such as going to the lazy river, riding the three water slides, having free unlimited WiFi, sitting on comfortable lounge chairs, and having a Children’s Play Zone for kids to play.

The locker rooms and pools in the Carlsbad Water Park are always maintained and clean as visitors come by and visit.

It is just the ideal size as a water park, neither too huge nor too little, making it easy for parents to keep an eye on their children while still having a good time and enjoying themselves at the park.

It’s a great water park to spend a summer vacation in Carlsbad.

Address: 708 Park Dr, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

Christmas on the Pecos

Check out Christmas on the Pecos, a popular event that most people in Carlsbad love to experience during the year.

Christmas on the Pecos is well-known as an event for visitors to decorate their homes near the famous Pecos River.

Try taking the boat tour on the beautiful Pecos River during Christmas. During that time of the year, expect to see stunning views and beautiful houses with twinkling lights.

It usually takes about 45 minutes for a boat tour around the river for locals, and visitors can get to see over 105 homes decorated during the time of Christmas. The boat tours can accommodate about 15 to 45 people per boat.

Christmas on the Pecos happens annually from the day of Thanksgiving until New Year’s Eve. It has schedules, ticket prices, and reservations through its website for anyone planning to try it out.

Christmas on the Pecos is worth doing among the things you can do in Carlsbad.

Address: 711 Muscatel Ave, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company

Are you trying to find a spot where you can have a drink?

In Carlsbad, one of the things that you really must do is pay a visit to the Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company and have a drink there.

The Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company is a classic Brewing Company that operates as a family-owned business.

This Brewing company is known to provide some of the city’s best brews for anyone to drink. They even offer a deli-style menu and a seating space with indoor and outdoor seating.

Among the few people who first introduced craft beers to the city of Carlsbad, it was the owner of Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company name Chris Pettus.

Besides the owner, another important person to mention in this brewery company is Brand Carlson, a lifelong friend of Chris Petter.

They both had the same goal to produce for their customers and visitors all kinds of beers to make.

Head on down to the Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company if you want to enjoy a brewing and drinking experience.

Address: 3324 National Parks Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

Guadalupe Ridge Trail

Check out the one-of-a-kind Guadalupe Ridge Trail while exploring Carlsbad among the city’s many hiking trails.

There are over one hundred miles to allow people, particularly hikers, to experience going to Texas’ longest point and seeing the awesome underground caves.

Both Guadalupe Mountain National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park connect to the Guadalupe Ridge Trail, which connects the two parks.

For those interested in going on this trail, it starts in White City until Carlsbad Caverns National Park for people to have a long sightseeing experience.

Before you end in Texas, another place you have to see on this trail is the Cottonwood Cave, somewhere in the area around the southwest.

To those who are adventurous enough to explore hiking around, it takes at least more than a week to go around the Guadalupe Ridge Trail.

So come and challenge yourself by hiking at the Guadalupe Ridge Trail.

Address: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, 68 Reef Top Cir, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

Lake Carlsbad Golf Course

Around Pecos River, you can find the Lake Carlsbad Golf Course, where you can play golf with those interested.

Lake Carlsbad Golf Course provides an 18-hole course and three-par courses for visitors planning to play golf in Carlsbad.

It runs near the iconic Pecos River, close to the eastern foothills of the river.

They opened this golf course in 1998 and designed it by someone named Bill Keith.

The total area of this golf course is over 6,220 yards. Though, no matter the skill level of any golfer playing here, the tight fairways in this golf course change in small greens and elevation to provide golfers with various challenges.

In recent years, they usually add a few new tees to extend the length and difficulty for golfers playing.

A golf course played in the Lake Carlsbad Golf Course takes less than an hour for golfers who are either beginners, juniors, seniors, or experienced golfers.

So come here and challenge yourself to make a hole-in-one in Carlsbad.

Address: 901 Muscatel Ave, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area

The Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area is one of the best things to do in New Mexico.

Visit the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area to take in the beautiful natural surroundings of Carlsbad on your next trip.

The Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area is an area at the heart of Carlsbad that covers over 25.6 acres and is near the banks of the iconic Pecos River.

It is a recreation park where people can do recreational activities since it accommodates its visitors by having fishing spots, beaches, paddle boats, walking paths, and water sports.

Have you considered renting a paddleboard or pedal boat in this park? People can rent them in the park, which comes with a fee.

If you want a place to stay and relax, the park has areas that are shades and perfect for setting-up grills and picnic areas.

One thing most common in this park is that it is a great place to swim for residents, visitors, and even the local ducks living near this place.

Come to the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area to enjoy the outdoors of Carlsbad.

Address: 708 Park Dr, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

Pecos River Antique Mall

Come by Pecos River Antique Mall if you are looking for a great place to shop in Carlsbad.

This mall features things like memorabilia from the 1960s to the 1990s, antiques, and treasures.
This antique mall is near Canyon street of Carlsbad for anyone planning to visit and buy.

It sells other products from antiques, collectibles, Retro or Mid Century items, glassware, jewelry, furniture, candles, and spices for residents or tourists to shop around.

To those who may yet enjoy going to the flea markets, this antique mall may surprise you.

Beautiful items come along this antique mall for anyone with stores selling lovely and intriguing products to purchase.

It is open every Tuesday to Friday for people wanting to visit. However, it is closed on Sunday and Monday.

Gon Pecos River Antique Mall is among the unique places to shop in Carlsbad.

Address: 110 S Canyon St, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

Pecos River Flume

Check out the architectural Pecos River Flume to see what is so unique about this bridge under the river.

The famous Pecos River Flume is simply an age-old channel connecting water from the river.

A unique fact about this place to be featured in “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not” is to be the only river in America that can cross itself.

They built the dam made out of wood to help the irrigation in the city for many farms to utilize the river where Carlsbad gets its water from the famous Pecos River. However, in 1902, a flood demolished it and soon rebuilt it out of concrete.

This dam was structurally built with a 145-foot high wooden flume to be supported and carry out water from the river.

It is a unique dam to visit for its historical and architectural spot for visitors to look at and understand a bit of history about the city.

So check out Pecos River Flume as a dam with a unique history.

Address: 2309 Westridge Rd, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

Sitting Bull Falls

The Sitting Bull Falls is an iconic attraction and natural oasis worth seeing.

It is in the southern part of the city, taking about a one-hour trip starting from the central part of the city.

Sitting Bull Falls is known for its surrounding areas, such as a beautiful park, a canyon, and the 150- foot waterfall with water pouring over the canyon walls.

It is a great place to have a picnic lunch outdoors and other recreational activities in Sitting Bull Falls.

Visiting this place is not that expensive despite being a beautiful and fun attraction for residents and visitors to go.

People suggest coming by the Sitting Bull Falls during morning hours because it is known to be much more enjoyable and attractive during that time. Compared to the afternoons, the pools in this place tend to be chilly.

It has hiking trails and pathways for hikes, birdwatching, and sightseeing.

The Sitting Bull Falls is a must-visit to take in the surrounding beauty.

Address: 742 Sitting Bull Falls Rd, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

The Artist Gallery

The Artist Gallery is the place to go if you want to immerse yourself in Carlsbad’s unique art and see the city’s works of art.

It started over 40 years ago by five artists who were once part of the Carlsbad Area Art Associations and are now the sole managers of the Artist Gallery.

The Artist Gallery has grown over time by selling and promoting featured artwork, mainly within the city of Carlsbad.

It had to be relocated a few times in the past due to not having an ideal spot for the art gallery.

The Art Gallery found a place at 120 South Canyon Street, located in the center of a historic district in the city, suitable to be its permanent location.

It features artworks for the locals and tourists to see, such as photographs, textiles, pottery, oil, acrylic, watercolors, and other works of art.

Visiting the Artist Gallery will give anyone an enjoyable learning experience about art.

Address: 120 S Canyon, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

The Trinity Hotel Restaurant

Check out the Trinity Hotel restaurant in Carlsbad, which once started as a bank and became the restaurant it is now today.

The Trinity Hotel Restaurant used to have a building in 1892 in downtown Carlsbad when it was originally a bank.

In 2007, Trinity Hotel was established as a restaurant and eventually became a staple in the city to eat for locals and tourists.

This restaurant is well-known for what it serves!

It mixes a blend of American and Italian cuisine with an impressively selective list of wines for diners to savor drinking while eating at the same time.

Furthermore, Trinity Hotel is famous for its ability to pay homage to the previous century and as a building to reflect the city’s history.

It has a lovely decor of artworks and paintings lined up against the walls and chandeliers to make the restaurant more attractive.

Then come and dine in at the Trinity hotel’s restaurant in Carlsbad.

Address: 201 S Canal St, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

Yellowbrix Restaurant

Come and try dining at the Yellow Brix Restaurant to taste delicious and authentic dishes in Carlsbad.

This restaurant serves its customers every day during lunch and dinner.

They make their meals fresh by using high-quality ingredients.

Some of the favorite dishes in the restaurant that you have to try are their steak, wraps, pasta, and prime ribs. If you have a craving to eat a proper Southern feast, you have to eat here.

Besides the restaurant’s menu, their meals come with an extensive selection of beer and wine for customers.

Kids can even enjoy the menu by offering meals such as chicken fingers, burgers, and mac and cheese for them to enjoy eating.

Their coffee drinks are another specialty unique to this restaurant.

The friendly staff at these restaurants will also be happy to accommodate visitors. They try to make the restaurants feel welcoming so anyone can feel at home.

It is a restaurant in Carlsbad worth dining in.

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Address: 201 N Canal St, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States