Location: Carlsbad
Top Things to do in Carlsbad
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5 Nature & Parks in Carlsbad That You Shouldn't Miss
The internationally known Carlsbad Caverns are the biggest tourist draw in this city on the Pecos River. But before or after you've experienced the magnificent caves, you can round out your weekend with some wonderful above-ground sights and activities. If the thought of caves conjures up visions of narrow spaces and dark, cold clamminess, the comfortable year-round 56-degree climate, wide-open spaces and magical underworld of naturally created sculptures will amaze and enthrall you. In the summer, you get to see another natural wonder - some one million bats taking to the skies from the cave entrance every evening at sundown. Hardier cave explorers can take a side trip to the wilder Slaughter Cave for a down and dirty ranger-led tour. Come out from under to the zoo at Living Desert State Park for a glimpse of Chihuahuan Desert wildlife - everything from mountain lions, buffalo, bears and coyotes to reptiles, prairie dogs and roadrunners. Head over to the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area for river swimming and waterskiing or to Guadalupe Mountains National Park for hiking trails with diverse terrain and incredible views.
Restaurants in Carlsbad
1. Sitting Bull Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
Reviewed By 556terrilld - Yuma, United States
The falls area was beautiful and the staff very helpful in planning out our day of hiking the area. Definitely give this place a visit, you'll be very pleased!
2. Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By moosgang2 - Rockport, United States
If you are in need of some walking time, this is a wonderful place to walk. Well kept sidewalks line both sides of the Pecos River with places to park and play throughout. My favorite hour walk was to park by the blue floating walk-bridge and make a 3 mile loop from there down (south) round the furthermost point and up the other side. You can watch families swimming and fishing, watch the 100s of ducks and enjoy the dry heat and water views as you walk.
3. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 524 reviews
Overlooking the Pecos River Valley, this fascinating park exhibits the varied plant and animal life of the arid Chihuahuan Desert region. Visitors can observe caged animals like snakes, lizards and birds of prey, plus larger animals such as bison and antelope, which are held in pens. Or walk along a nature trail past cacti, agaves, yuccas and other native plant life.
Reviewed By TrailBlazer312848
This is a one of a kind place for all ages. Beautiful plant life of the region and many species of animal life found in this area. The paths walk you through a part of the Chihuahuan Desert with ease on a paved trail outside. Wonderful afternoon for families with kids of school age and above. Inside they have many displays of the local area giving everyone a view of natural beauty found right in own back yard. It is a short drive , five minutes or so from the bottom of the hill in Carlsbad to where is located overlooking the city. Grat time for all!
4. Pecos River Flume
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 53 reviews
Once featured in "Ripley's Believe It or Not" as the river that crosses itself, this artificial channel brings Pecos River water from Lake Avalon to dry areas as part of the Carlsbad Irrigation System. Orginally made of wood, the Flume was destroyed by a flood in 1902 and then remade out of concrete.
Reviewed By toniroger - Carlsbad, United States
I am often seen at lunch strolling around the flume, or perhaps just up above the road at the park where the road runner sculptures greet the guests. Perhaps I drove up just a bit to look down on the flume, eat my lunch, and watch people kayaking. I personally love to kayak here as the little flume in the water is fun and challenging...(harder in a sit on kayak and more manageable in a sit in kayak). Kayaking tip: favorite times are nights where we have a full moon and early mornings.) It is a popular place for photography, more so for senior pictures and prom pictures. The flume itself is an aqueduct where the river crosses over itself that you see in the photos on this page. The original bridge was built in 1890 of wood and destroyed by a bad flood. Later it was rebuilt from concrete in 1903 and has four distinct arches. To get to the flume area, turn right on Calloway drive as you are heading North on 285 and the next right turn (after the hospital turn offs) are the park and the flume. You can park your car near the flume area or at the park and stroll around. Watch for traffic as they may not notice you and please do not climb the aqueduct. The park area has a larger parking area, tables and benches, and is nicely manicured so makes for wonderful photos or just a nice picnic area! The area is rumored to be a favorite of really young couples looking for a romantic place to hang out at night.
5. Brantley Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By Z1837KRcathyb - Corpus Christi, United States
We used Brantley Lake as a base camp. We did day trips to several areas around Carlsbad and spent the nights here. We wanted a campfire in the evenings but couldn't because of the wind. Brantley Lake is a very nice and well kept state park. The playground was awesome! (from my grandson)
