Things to do in Carlsbad

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A cave with stalactites hanging from the ceiling.
A cave with stalactites and stalagmites.
A winding road through a rocky canyon with a narrow passage and a large rock formation on the right.
A narrow canyon with a natural archway.
A cave with illuminated stalactites and stalagmites.
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Recommended things to do in Carlsbad

Number of things to do
8
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Guadalupe Mountains National Park: $15
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Carlsbad

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Carlsbad? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Carlsbad attractions

A person standing on a reflective water surface surrounded by large, irregularly shaped ice formations in a cave.
Photo by National Parks Service/Daniel Chailloux & Peter Bosted
Open Photo by National Parks Service/Daniel Chailloux & Peter Bosted

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

9.8/10 (1,428 reviews)
Descend into Carlsbad Caverns' limestone wonderland, home to one of the world's largest underground chambers. Witness the evening bat flight or explore intricate formations on ranger-led tours through this UNESCO site.
See properties

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Carlsbad

A cave with stalactites and stalagmites.

Hobbs

A yellow flag with a red sun and rays on a flagpole against a clear blue sky.

Artesia

A desert landscape with sand dunes, sparse vegetation, and a clear sky.

Whites City

A mountainous landscape with rugged cliffs and sparse vegetation.

Salt Flat

Frequently asked questions

Is Carlsbad worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Carlsbad is visit Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park. Check this top sight off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's nature and culture.
How do I spend a day in Carlsbad?
Once you've visited popular attractions like Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park and Carlsbad Water Park, spend the rest of your day enjoying Carlsbad's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Carlsbad?
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Carlsbad and should be high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Carlsbad?
You can easily tour top attractions like Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park, Carlsbad Water Park and Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area with a three-day trip to Carlsbad. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Artesia.
Is Carlsbad a walkable city?
With major attractions like Carlsbad Water Park close by, Carlsbad is every bit a place to enjoy on foot. Like to visit some vibrant neighborhoods within walking distance of the city center? Carlsbad North is just 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Carlsbad with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Carlsbad with kids.
What to do in Carlsbad for adults?
From incredible food and cultural hotspots to thrilling excursions and unique experiences, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Carlsbad for adults.
Are there free things to do in Carlsbad?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Carlsbad. If you're looking for inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area is a must for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing activities.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia