Carlsbad, New Mexico

The city of Carlsbad is situated in the southeastern New Mexico, near the borders of Texas and Mexico. It is on the Pecos River, 69 miles (111 kilometers) southwest of Hobbs, 75 miles (121 kilometers) south of Roswell, and 134 miles (216 kilometers) northwest of Odessa, Texas. Carlsbad is the seat of Eddy County, and is home to 25,625 people.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the city's best known attraction. Natural works of art, these caves contain astonishing rock formations and features. Some have names that befit their grandeur, like the Rock of Ages, the Bottomless Pit, and the Temple of the Sun; while others have more whimsical names like the Caveman, the Celery Stalk, and the Christmas Tree Formation. When dusk falls, stay around for the amazing sight of hundreds of thousands of bats taking flight.

Visiting the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park is a great way of introducing your family to local flora and fauna. The park features 40 animals, including mountain lions, antelope, and hummingbirds, along with hundreds of plants from around the world. You can also take a short self-guided tour of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. Brantley Lake State Park is an oasis in the desert, and an excellent spot for fishing, boating, sailing, and water-skiing.

The Carlsbad Museum & Art Center is the place to go for local history and culture. Here you'll find Native American artifacts and highlights from the city's past, along with a fine collection of Southwestern art. As a community arts center, the museum also hosts exhibitions, quilt shows, and other events.

The Parks and Recreation Department maintains 1,204 acres (487 hectares) of parkland, along with an 18-hole golf course, tennis complex, the Riverwalk Recreation Center, and the Action Sports Complex and Shooting Range. Lake Carlsbad Beach Park is situated on shore of the Pecos River, and offers a lovely spot for picnicking and family recreation. You can also enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing on the Pecos River, or a sightseeing tour with Carlsbad Cruise Lines.

See our 13 Jobs in Carlsbad, New Mexico