Things To Do

Carlsbad has many activities and places for everyone!
Below are several that we have been to and love to visit, provided by our community, State and National Parks, as well as seasonal events. Click on the name or the picture for more information. We hope you explore and enjoy the things to do in our area!

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Carlsbad's Community Calendar

Community Provided

Carlsbad Museum and Art Center

Founded in 1931, the Carlsbad Museum and Art Center fulfills its mission as a cultural and educational institution. The Museum features permanent displays focusing on local and regional history, Native American art and artifacts, and modern, contemporary and Southwestern art, including the McAdoo Collection of “Taos Ten” paintings.

Carlsbad Disc Golf Course

The 18-hole Carlsbad Disc Golf Course winds through some of Carlsbad’s most beautiful park area, including the Bataan Recreation Area and MLK Jr. Park. The course, established in 2009, features concrete pads and DISCcatcher holes. The course plays along both sides of the railroad track near Lower Tansil Dam of the Pecos River and includes one shot over the water. Each tee includes a recreational and an advanced path; several public bathrooms are located within the course.

Lake Carlsbad Golf Course

Lake Carlsbad Golf Course hosts a par three (3) course and a full eighteen (18). The nine hole par three (3) course runs along the Pecos River and the regulation eighteen (18) hole course is situated in the foothills east of the river. At 6,512 yards, the par seventy two (72) regulation course is not long, but the tight fairways, changes in elevation and small greens offer a variety of challenges for our customers, no matter what their skill level is.

Pecos River Flume

The Pecos River Flume carries the main canal of the Carlsbad Irrigation District across the Pecos River Channel. First designed in 1903 of wood, it was destroyed by floodwaters and reconstructed with concrete and was the largest irrigation flume in the US and is still in use today.

Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area (Pecos River)

Here you can find pecan trees shading grassy spaces and nearly five miles of lighted walkways. The river is not just beautiful scenery: anglers cast their lines into placid waters, swimmers splash about, water-skiers plane behind speedboats, and canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats are available for rental in the beach area. Playgrounds, picnic tables, grills, benches, tennis and racquetball courts, sandy beaches, and a boat launch are there to enjoy. New this year are sand volleyball courts and pickleball courts, showing that Carlsbad is dedicated to the quality of life of its residents.

Carlsbad Water Park

A great place to take you and your family to cool off during the hot summers. Located just next the the Pecos River, enjoy the opportunities for picnics, barbeques and other outdoor activities.

Queen, New Mexico

The small community of Queen is nestled deep in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico off NM 137 and hosts an RV Park, store, fire station, church camp, and cemetery within the surrounding ranches. With a rich history, it is a great afternoon drive by yourself or with family and friends to escape the desert hit and view the beautiful pines.

Veteran's Memorial Park

The Veterans Memorial Park Committee was established late 2009 by Carlsbad city ordinance. The responsibility of the Committee is to plan, design, and build a memorial park for all Carlsbad veterans who have honorably served.

Washington Ranch

Washington Ranch in Carlsbad is truly an oasis in the desert of southeastern New Mexico. Our 4000+ acres offer plentiful opportunities for whatever your needs may be. Our atrium and grounds are beautiful backdrops for weddings.

State Parks

Brantley Lake State Park

Located twelve miles North of Carlsbad, NM, the park offers boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking trails, exceptional bird watching, developed and primitive campsites and restrooms with showers. Whether you’re picnicking for the day, or camping in your RV for a week, you’ll be sure to find adventure at Brantley Lake State Park!

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park

The park provides an up-close experience for visitors, with a variety of fun interpretive programs for every season geared for the entire family. Living Desert also has beautiful hiking trails, picnic areas, and group facilities. There is no camping, and no pets are allowed.

National Parks

Carlsbad Caverns and Bat Flight

High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.

Guadalupe Mountains

Experience mountains and canyons, desert and dunes, night skies and spectacular vistas within a place unlike any other. Guadalupe Mountains National Park protects the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef, the four highest peaks in Texas, an environmentally diverse collection of flora and fauna, and the stories of lives shaped through conflict, cooperation and survival.

Slaughter Canyon Trail

The trailhead for this 5.3 mile (8.6 km) hike is located at the parking area for Slaughter Canyon. Rated as difficult, one-way travel is 7 hours with an elevation change of 1,850 feet (564 m). A free permit is required for all overnight use of the park’s backcountry which can be obtained at the visitor center during business hours.

Sitting Bull Falls

This desert oasis features a series of spring-fed waterfalls that fall 150 feet (45.7 m) to a large pool of water below. There is an ADA accessible path to the falls viewing area a short distance from the parking lot, along with several hiking trails. Sheltered picnic sites with tables and grills are available, along with fresh water, trash cans, and restrooms.

Seasonal Events

Balzano Family Pumpkin Patch

Located halfway between Artesia and Carlsbad off of HWY 285, enjoy a beautiful fall day at the Pumpkin Patch. Located just 15 minutes from Carlsbad, our Pumpkin Patch is the perfect way to spend some quality time with your kiddos. Pick out your own locally grown pumpkin, grab a fishing pole and catch some fish in Papa's pond, see all of our cute animals, and wander through our fairy garden. There's plenty of yummy fall food, like caramel apples, homemade pumpkin pie, roasted corn and more. The restaurant will be open serving food, wine and beer all day.

Winter Wine Festival

Experience wines and foods from within the area!