Carlsbad's pride and joy is the broad Pecos River, with a 3 1/2-mile riverwalk along the tree-shaded banks, beginning near the north end of Riverside Drive. This is a lovely place for a picnic, and if you'd like to cool off, a municipal beach at the north end has changing rooms and showers. Annual Christmas on the Pecos pontoon boat rides take place each evening from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve (except Christmas Eve), past a fascinating display of Christmas lights on riverside homes and businesses. Advance reservations, available from the chamber of commerce, are required.
The Carlsbad Museum and Art Center, 418 W. Fox St., 1 block west of Canal Street (tel. 575/887-0276), contains Apache relics, pioneer artifacts, and an impressive art collection. The museum's store has a small but fine selection of jewelry and books at reasonable prices. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm; admission is free, although donations are welcome. If you're looking to shop, check out the Artist Gallery, 120 S. Canyon St. (tel. 575/887-1210), selling local and regional art. Look especially for Helen Gwinn's mixed-media pieces.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
