Originally christened the Town of Eddy in 1888, this community renamed itself after the famous European spa, Karlsbad, when the nearby mineral springs were developed and their medicinal qualities discovered in 1899. The Governor of New Mexico proclaimed Carlsbad as a city in 1918; it is the county seat of Eddy County. Located in the Chihuahuan Desert on the beautiful Pecos River, Carlsbad features tree-lined streets and 1,400 acres of public parks and recreation areas, including a municipal beach, golf course, and greenway along Lake Carlsbad – no wonder it is known as “The Pearl on the Pecos”! The internationally famous Carlsbad Caverns National Park is undoubtedly the most popular attraction in the area; it has over 500,000 visitors a year and is absolutely fascinating to explore. Located just 18 miles southwest of the city, this park boasts one of the largest underground chambers in the world! In the summertime, the spectacular scene of one million bats emerging from the cave is one that the entire family will always remember!
Another interesting place to explore is the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park, where you can view and have an up-close experience with more than 40 species of animals and hundreds of species of plants native to the Chihuahuan Desert. The Carlsbad Museum and Art Center is a fantastic place to learn about the city’s history, and Heritage Park has the first homestead built in the county. Golfers can enjoy playing 18 holes at the Lake Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course, and the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area is a wonderful place to enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, biking, tennis, racquetball, soccer, and picnicking. The Carlsbad Bandshell is also located here, which is the venue for several annual events and concerts. Restaurants and taverns throughout the city welcome guests for delicious meals and refreshing drinks. Embrace all there is to do in Carlsbad! Hotels allow you to stay conveniently close to where you want to be. When you stay at Choice Hotels, you enjoy affordable rates, many amenities, and friendly service. We look forward to hosting you soon! Reserve your room today!