Carlsbad Travel Guide

Carlsbad New Mexico is a very popular destination among travelers who love to explore, like adventures, and seeing unique places. Carlsbad was founded in the late 1880s after European settlers discovered the minerals waters here and realized the benefits of them. It's also named after one famous Czech spa town which has the same name. There are many points of interests, landmarks, national parks, and things to do in the city, all making it a popular location for families and friends. Visitors flock here all year round and so there is a constant buzz of activity and celebration in the air.

Things to Do in Carlsbad

Carlsbad is an amazing place to visit with many fun activities to enjoy. The top things to do include in Carlsbad include the Sitting Bulls Falls which is a gorgeous waterfall where outdoor enthusiasts can hike to the top of the falls for a breathtaking view. Elsewhere, the Carlsbad Caves are a must-see while in the city; the natural formations are spectacular and take around four hours to explore, so come prepared to spend the day here. For something special, take the Left Hand Tour, which is a guided tour by lantern light, and see the caves a new eerie light. If you're interested in the bats that live in the caves and surrounding area, check out the Bat Flight Program in the national park. Guides explain the bats' behavior and habitat and how hundreds of thousands bats exit the caves to migrate to Mexico.

For great wildlife and a state park experience, the Living Desert Zoo and Garden State Park is the spot to see a variety of animal species strolling around. There are also great recreational areas for a relaxing day out with the family, such as Lake Carlsbad and Brantley Lake State Park. If you're traveling without children, devote a few hours to the Balzano Vineyard to explore among the grapes and sample some of the region's finest wines. If the weather takes a turn, Carlsbad Museum and Art Center is also a popular site to visit, packed with exhibitions of local art and artifacts providing a look into the area's culture. Alternatively, head to one of the antique malls or tuck into the local cuisine at the huge selection of restaurants.

Best Places to Stay in Carlsbad

The lake front and the north eastern regions are the best to stay in Carlsbad because they are close to all the great landmarks and sights, plus they have many restaurants and cafes close to the vacation rentals here. There are plenty of vacation rental properties to choose from in Carlsbad, from big houses, log houses, and ranches -- visitors are sure to find the best home for their getaway.

Best Time to Visit Carlsbad

The best time to visit Carlsbad is towards the end of April or beginning of October when the weather is great for outdoors activities. The average temperature from May until September sits at 88 degrees and comes with plenty of rain.

From October through to April, the average temperature is 60 degrees and has very little rain. It's also very windy in the first half of the year, so if you prefer calmer weather, plan to arrive during the fall.