Family Road Trip: Carlsbad, White Sands, Albuquerque

Day 1: Exploring Carlsbad

Carlsbad, New Mexico on March 14, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blue House Bakery & Cafe

Start your day with delicious pastries and coffee at Blue House Bakery & Cafe to fuel up for a day of adventure.
Blue House Bakery & Cafe is located in downtown Carlsbad, a short drive from most hotels.
$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Embark on a guided tour of the stunning Carlsbad Caverns, marveling at the underground rock formations and bat colonies.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a 30-minute drive from downtown Carlsbad.
$$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at YellowBrix Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful lunch at YellowBrix Restaurant known for its Southwestern cuisine and friendly atmosphere.
YellowBrix Restaurant is a popular dining spot in Carlsbad, easily accessible from the park.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park

Spend the afternoon exploring the unique desert flora and fauna at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park.
The park is a short drive from Carlsbad Caverns, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Danny's Place

End your day with a hearty dinner at Danny's Place, a local favorite known for its comfort food and friendly service.
Danny's Place is conveniently located in the heart of Carlsbad.
$, 1 hour
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Day 2: More of Carlsbad

Carlsbad, New Mexico on March 15, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lucy's Mexicali Restaurant

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Lucy's Mexicali Restaurant, known for its authentic Mexican cuisine.
Lucy's Mexicali Restaurant is a short drive from most hotels in Carlsbad.
$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Sitting Bull Falls

Discover the beauty of Sitting Bull Falls, a scenic spot perfect for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature.
Sitting Bull Falls is about a 45-minute drive from Carlsbad.
$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at YellowBrix Restaurant

Return to YellowBrix Restaurant for another delicious meal before continuing your exploration of Carlsbad.
Head back to YellowBrix Restaurant for a convenient lunch stop.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area

Enjoy some leisure time at Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area, where you can relax by the water and take in the scenic views.
Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area is a short drive from downtown Carlsbad, perfect for an afternoon break.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Wellhead Restaurant and Brewpub

End your day with a tasty dinner at The Wellhead Restaurant and Brewpub, offering a variety of dishes and craft beers.
Head to The Wellhead Restaurant and Brewpub for a satisfying dinner experience.
$$, 1 hour
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Day 3: White Sands Adventure

White Sands, New Mexico on March 16, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pecan Grill and Brewery

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Pecan Grill and Brewery, known for its tasty brunch options and craft beer.
The Pecan Grill and Brewery is a short drive from most accommodations near White Sands.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore White Sands National Park

Discover the otherworldly beauty of the gypsum sand dunes at White Sands National Park, perfect for sand sledding and photography.
White Sands National Park is a short drive from The Pecan Grill and Brewery.
$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch at White Sands

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning white sand dunes, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of this unique natural wonder.
Find a scenic spot within White Sands National Park for a relaxing picnic lunch.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Dune Sledding and Photography

Have fun dune sledding and capture memorable photos of the picturesque landscape at White Sands.
Rent sand sleds at the park entrance for an exciting dune sledding experience.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at High Finance Restaurant & Tavern

Enjoy dinner with a view at High Finance Restaurant & Tavern, offering panoramic vistas of Albuquerque from atop the Sandia Peak Tramway.
Drive from White Sands to Albuquerque and head to High Finance Restaurant & Tavern for a memorable dining experience.
$$$, 2 hours
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