As residents of Carlsbad, we are lucky to live in the perfect staycation destination.
With lots of local fare and flair, you and your family can fill your agenda with fun, food, and festivities without having to travel far!
I spent most of my childhood in Carlsbad. Frankly, I found it left much to be desired. There just didn’t seem to be much for kids and families to do without traveling. When it was time to move away to college, I couldn’t wait to escape. After a decade and a half-hiatus, life and love brought me back to this little corner of the world. After so much time away from my hometown, I’ve grown to appreciate all that Carlsbad has to offer. Carlsbad has grown a bit, too!
Although I didn’t realize it at the time, one of the blessings of being a bored child is that I found myself outside, exploring our unique landscape, and cultivating a lifelong love of nature. Carlsbad’s desert climate (almost 300 days of sunshine per year) allows residents of all ages and abilities to enjoy the city’s outdoor spaces year-round. If you enjoy water sports, fishing, or a relaxing walk along the water with your band of furry friends, the Pecos River is your destination.
A fun family feature of the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area is Carlsbad Public Library’s Story Walk: a series of boards with rotating stories to enjoy as you stroll along the riverside. Our beach area is also home to the RiverWalk Recreation Area, the Water Park, the City of Carlsbad Dog Park, Lake Carlsbad Golf Course, and the new Miniature Golf Course. With this array of areas, there are always events with activities for all ages to enjoy. Behind the hospital is home to a historic landmark, the Carlsbad Irrigation Flume, an honorable mention from my own furry friends who love the trail that runs beside it.
A favorite early morning activity of mine is hiking the Ocotillo Trail, a two-mile up-and-back hiking spot starting right behind the Southeast New Mexico College. My pets enjoy the blooming plants, the smells, and the occasional lizard chase.
Carlsbad is home to one of the most renowned National Park Service’s protected lands. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Carlsbad Caverns. Leading up to the centennial celebration in October, tons of exciting events have been planned to commemorate the park. If you’re craving a mini road trip, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is another beautiful destination. Only about an hour’s drive from Carlsbad, this park boasts stunning scenery, day hikes, and camping spots.
If you can’t be convinced to visit a National Park, here is a pro tip: on August 25th, of every year, visitors are granted FREE access to National Parks to celebrate the founding of the National Park Service. Celebrate your favorite parks this year by taking advantage of this opportunity! Keep in mind that most of the areas in the National Park Service are moving to reservation systems, so I recommend checking out their websites to ensure you are prepared for your visits. As always, safety in the outdoor spaces and parks is paramount. Pack plenty of water and sunscreen and keep an eye out for snakes and other desert critters that may also visit the trails.
The City of Carlsbad and Carlsbad MainStreet proudly host one of my favorite summer events, CavernFest, held this year on June 9th and 10th. Thanks to the generous donors, this unique event is free to attend, featuring food, live music, and a variety of entertainment. The City of Carlsbad also puts on a free outdoor Summer Concert Series, provided by donations from its residents.
Finally, when you are ready for a break from the summer heat, stop by the Carlsbad Public Library and Carlsbad Museum to celebrate some of the rich history of Carlsbad. Both are free to attend, and donations are always welcome to help support our local resources.
Residents and visitors can learn more about upcoming events by visiting community calendars through the tourist association, Chamber of Commerce, or social media pages to get the latest news on what is happening around Carlsbad. If you’re into a more spontaneous experience, just head outside and pick a destination. No matter what you choose, Carlsbad is the staycation destination we are lucky to call home.
Special Contributor: Karey Jeffress
Karey Jeffress, a Carlsbad native, has a wide variety of interests and loves sharing them with the people around her. Karey’s passion for education and healthcare has inspired her career path to serving others with similar lived experience. Karey has recently taken on the role of Executive Director of the Carlsbad Community Concert Association and strives to connect the people of Carlsbad with fine arts as a means of healing and enriching their lives. She has a Masters in Public Health Promotion, and is currently working toward a Doctorate in Education. She is a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor, yoga teacher, and community outreach professional, and is passionate about helping others live their lives to the fullest. Her favorite things include her husband Dale, her dogs, going to concerts and baseball games, the outdoors, and good nachos.
