Living in a small town, some would say there is nothing to do.
I, for one, disagree with that. Carlsbad, New Mexico is a gem, the Pearl of the Pecos. Having a major water source in the Chihuahuan Desert is a boon for the community. It provides a valuable resource to native and migrating wildlife, as well as space for people to spend their leisure time.
Lake Carlsbad recreation area spans the city, running along the Pecos River from the train bridge south toward upper Tansil Dam. Along this 125.6-acre park, you will find picnic tables and grills, playground equipment, boat docks, walking paths, a kayak launch, the beach bandshell area, beach volleyball nets, cornhole, a splash pad, the waterpark, miniature golf, tennis courts, pickleball courts, space to play basketball, swimming, and so much more. If outdoor recreation is your thing, Carlsbad has you covered.
Not only are there a plethora of activities to do along the water, but there are recreation opportunities below ground with the many caves in the area. We have two State Parks to visit: the Living Desert Zoo and Brantley Lake State Parks. There are plenty of hiking areas, places to mountain bike, and off-highway vehicle areas too. This is a bird watchers paradise with several prime locations for observing our feathered friends. Rattlesnake Springs, 6-Mile Dam, and Avalon Lake are just a few places to view migrating and permanent resident bird species. In one visit to Lower Tansil by the Carlsbad Disc Golf course, I recognized 12 different species of birds.
Maybe the outdoors is not your style; there are a multitude of indoor activities as well. Our Carlsbad Public Library is an epicenter of entertainment and information. Not only can you check out books and other types of media, but there is also an active community calendar full of events for people of all ages. From Baby Time and Toddler Time to STEAM after school, and various teen and adult programs, there is sure to be something to spark your interest.
Another stellar indoor option is a visit to the Carlsbad Museum. With permanent collections and temporary exhibitions ongoing throughout the year, there is always something new to see. Plus, during the summer months, and occasionally throughout the year, there are art classes offered for children and adults. Other indoor opportunities for fun are the Recreation Center, Top Nock Archery, and the La Cueva 6 movie theater.
Seasonal enjoyments include quarterly plays put on by the Carlsbad Community Theater, concerts from the Carlsbad Community Concert Association, local school productions, the Downtown Farmers and Makers Market hosted by Carlsbad MainStreet, CavernFest, Car-a-fair, Septembeer Fest, the Carlsbad September Fiestas, and the newest event addition: Cavern City Renaissance Festival. In addition, there are parades and community celebrations for the majority of holidays. It is an endless list of things to do. Community organizations also host annual events, like Fall-a-Palooza and they always seek volunteers. This is yet another way to fill your time; find an organization that appeals to your interests and volunteer with them. Volunteers are the number one commodity needed by any non-profit or community organization.
With two National Parks in our backyard, close proximity to other National Parks, the Lincoln National Forest, Bureau of Land Management recreation areas, State Parks, and a river recreation area, Carlsbad offers its community an assortment of at-home options for recreation and entertainment. Whether you are traveling through or living in the area, I encourage you to visit some of the locations on the map that interest you or that you have not visited in a long time. It is safe to say, there is plenty to do right here at home.
