Family-Friendly Road Trip: Carlsbad to White Sands to Albuquerque

Day 1: Exploring Carlsbad

Carlsbad, New Mexico on March 14, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lucy's Mexican Restaurant

Start your day with delicious breakfast burritos at Lucy's to fuel up for a day of adventure.
Lucy's Mexican Restaurant is located in downtown Carlsbad, easily accessible by car from most accommodations.
$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Explore the stunning underground formations and caverns at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Drive about 30 minutes from downtown to the park entrance.
$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at YellowBrix Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at YellowBrix Restaurant, known for its flavorful dishes and friendly atmosphere.
YellowBrix Restaurant is a short drive from Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park

Visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park to see native wildlife and desert plants up close.
The park is a quick drive from YellowBrix Restaurant.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Danny's Place

End the day with a hearty dinner at Danny's Place, a local favorite for comfort food and great ambiance.
Danny's Place is conveniently located in Carlsbad for a satisfying dinner.
$$, 1 hour
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Day 2: Adventure at White Sands

White Sands, New Mexico on March 15, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Ponderosa

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Ponderosa before heading to White Sands National Park.
The Ponderosa is a short drive from most accommodations in White Sands.
$, 1 hour

10:00AM

White Sands National Park

Spend the day exploring the surreal beauty of the white gypsum sand dunes at White Sands National Park.
Drive to the park entrance from The Ponderosa.
$, 4 hours

2:00PM

Picnic Lunch at White Sands

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the unique landscape of White Sands National Park.
Find a scenic spot within the park for a relaxing picnic.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Sledding on the Dunes

Rent a sled and experience the thrill of sledding down the soft sand dunes at White Sands.
Rent sleds available within the park area.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Rebecca's

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Rebecca's, a cozy restaurant offering a variety of dishes for the whole family.
Rebecca's is a short drive from White Sands National Park.
$$, 1 hour
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Day 3: Arrival in Albuquerque

Albuquerque, New Mexico on March 16, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Grove Cafe & Market

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at The Grove, known for its fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
The Grove Cafe & Market is a popular breakfast spot in Albuquerque.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Old Town Albuquerque

Explore the historic charm of Old Town Albuquerque with its adobe buildings, galleries, and shops.
Drive to Old Town Albuquerque for a cultural experience.
$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina

Indulge in traditional New Mexican cuisine at El Pinto, a renowned restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere.
El Pinto is a short drive from Old Town Albuquerque.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Albuquerque Biological Park

Visit the Albuquerque Biological Park, home to a zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, and beach area.
Drive to the park for a fun-filled family afternoon.
$$, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sadie's of New Mexico

Enjoy a flavorful dinner at Sadie's, known for its authentic New Mexican dishes and welcoming ambiance.
Head to Sadie's for a taste of local cuisine in Albuquerque.
$$, 1 hour
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Day 4: More of Albuquerque

Albuquerque, New Mexico on March 17, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Weck's

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Weck's, known for its friendly service and mouthwatering dishes.
Weck's is a popular breakfast spot with multiple locations in Albuquerque.
$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explora Science Center and Children's Museum

Engage in interactive exhibits and hands-on activities at the Explora Science Center for a day of learning and fun.
Drive to the museum for an educational experience.
$$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Frontier Restaurant

Savor a diverse menu of New Mexican and American cuisine at Frontier Restaurant, a local favorite since 1971.
Frontier Restaurant is a short drive from Explora Science Center.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience the enchanting views of Albuquerque from a hot air balloon ride, a must-do activity in the area.
Head to the designated launch site for your hot air balloon adventure.
$$$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Range Cafe

Enjoy a memorable farewell dinner at The Range Cafe, offering a blend of Southwestern and traditional American dishes.
The Range Cafe is a great choice for a relaxing dinner to end your family road trip.
$$, 1 hour
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