12 Fun Things To Do In Hobbs, New Mexico

Hobbs, New Mexico, sits in the southeastern corner of the state, just a few miles from the Texas border. What began as a quiet ranching community in the early 1900s changed rapidly after oil was discovered in 1928. That moment sparked a boom that shaped everything; the economy, the population, and the pace of life. Today, Hobbs is still defined by its place in the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil regions in the world.

With a population of just under 40,000, Hobbs blends industry with a surprising range of cultural and recreational spaces. It’s home to New Mexico Junior College, the University of the Southwest, and serves as the cultural center of Lea County.

You’ll find working history at the Western Heritage Museum, art galleries and performance spaces downtown, family-friendly parks, public golf courses, and wide-open desert landscapes that make room for both stillness and motion.

This series explores the real things to do in Hobbs - from race tracks and museums to quiet lakes and local diners - and why it’s a place worth more than a quick stop.

1. Discover the Rich Heritage at the Western Heritage Museum and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame

📍 Location: 5317 Lovington Hwy, Hobbs, NM 88240

If you’re looking for a place that actually explains where Hobbs came from and who shaped it, start here. The Western Heritage Museum and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame sits on the campus of New Mexico Junior College and offers a grounded, well-curated look at the region’s deep ranching, oil, and rodeo roots.

The museum is divided into two parts. The Western Heritage Museum covers the broad history of southeastern New Mexico, including early Native American life, pioneer settlement, the oil boom, and the modern impact of energy in the Permian Basin.

The second half, the Cowboy Hall of Fame, honors the ranchers, rodeo competitors, and local legends who built Lea County’s reputation in the wider West. Names on the wall aren’t celebrities, they’re the people who worked the land and lived the life. Photos, awards, and personal memorabilia tell stories you won’t find in textbooks.

The museum hosts rotating exhibits and local events, including student art shows, author talks, and heritage celebrations. It’s clean, affordable, and usually quiet. Expect to spend about an hour here, more if you're the type to read everything.

The museum houses an impressive collection of cowboy memorabilia, but what truly sets this place apart is the Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame, which honors local cowboys and ranchers who shaped the region's history. For an even more immersive experience, try your hand at a simulated rodeo ride, or join one of the museum's many interactive programs, which bring the tales of the American West to life for visitors of all ages.

If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with one of the museum's annual heritage festivals or historical reenactments, which offer an even deeper connection to Hobbs’ rich cowboy culture.

2. Enjoy a Round of Golf at Rockwind Community Links

📍 Location: 5001 Jack Gomez Blvd, Hobbs, NM 88240

Rockwind Community Links isn’t just a golf course, it’s one of the most praised public golf facilities in New Mexico. Owned by the City of Hobbs and opened in 2015, Rockwind has earned national recognition for its inclusive design, community-focused layout, and strong course conditions. For golfers of all skill levels, it’s one of the top things to do in Hobbs, whether you’re chasing a low score or just want time outside.

The course features 18 championship holes, a separate 9-hole par-3 course, and a large practice facility that includes a full driving range, putting green, and short-game area. Designed by Andy Staples, the course incorporates the natural desert landscape without overcomplicating play. Fairways are wide, but winds and undulating greens add challenge.

Green fees are affordable, and the course is open year-round, weather permitting. Walking is allowed, and carts are available. There's also a trail system around the course for joggers, walkers, and non-golfing visitors.

A casual on-site grill serves basic meals and drinks, with seating that overlooks the 18th green

3. Uncover Art and History at the Lea County Museum

Location: 103 S Love St, Lovington, NM (20-minute drive from Hobbs)

The Lea County Museum in nearby Lovington is worth the short drive. Housed across several historic buildings, including a former hotel, the town’s old commercial district, and a restored train depot, the museum gives visitors a layered, ground-level view of how southeastern New Mexico was shaped.

This isn’t a single-room museum. It’s a multi-building complex with rotating exhibits, permanent collections, and preserved rooms set up to reflect the daily life of early settlers. You’ll see vintage ranching tools, black-and-white photographs, Native American pottery, mid-century school desks, and even a recreated courtroom.

One standout is the Cultural Center, which hosts art exhibits featuring regional artists, poets, and storytellers. It’s also home to the Lea County Hall of Fame, which recognizes influential figures from the area’s history - many of whom never left the county but helped build its legacy in agriculture, education, and public service.

The museum is quiet, well-organized, and rarely crowded. Entry is free, though donations are encouraged. Staff are knowledgeable and often happy to offer guided tours if time allows.

4. Immerse in Culture at Lea County Center for the Arts

Location: 122 W Broadway St, Hobbs, NM

Not every city in southeastern New Mexico has an active arts scene, but Hobbs does, and the Lea County Center for the Arts is where it lives. Managed by the Lea County Commission for the Arts, this space functions as both a gallery and a gathering place, offering rotating exhibits, public workshops, and community events throughout the year.

If you’re looking for things to do in Hobbs that connect you with local creativity, this is the place to start. The gallery highlights work by artists across New Mexico and West Texas - paintings, photography, sculpture, and mixed media. Shows typically rotate every 4 to 6 weeks, and many of them feature regional or thematic focuses, such as border culture, Western landscapes, or Indigenous storytelling.

The center also hosts live music, poetry readings, kids’ art programs, and collaborative mural projects. Events are often free and open to the public. The space itself is modest but well-maintained, with clean lighting and a relaxed atmosphere.

If you're in town during a weekend or community event, check the calendar. Chances are, something's happening here.

5. Experience the Thrills at Zia Park Casino

Location: 3901 W Millen Dr, Hobbs, NM

If your idea of a good time includes slots, table games, or live racing, Zia Park Casino, Hotel & Racetrack is one of the top things to do in Hobbs. Owned and operated by Penn Entertainment, this full-service entertainment venue draws a mix of locals and travelers looking for nightlife, gambling, and seasonal horse racing.

The casino floor features over 700 slot machines along with blackjack, roulette, and other electronic table games. It’s not Las Vegas, but it’s clean, well-managed, and easy to navigate. Security is visible, the crowd is diverse, and there’s rarely a wait to play.

During the fall, the on-site Zia Park Racetrack hosts live thoroughbred and quarter horse races, a nod to New Mexico’s long-standing horse racing tradition. You can watch from the outdoor stands or from the indoor simulcast area, where betting is available year-round on races from across the country.

There are several dining options, including a casual sports bar, a buffet (seasonal), and a sit-down restaurant that overlooks the racetrack.

The attached hotel makes it easy for out-of-town guests or locals planning a full night out. Rooms are simple but modern, and booking ahead is recommended during race season or local events.

6. Explore the Great Outdoors at Harry McAdams State Park

📍 Location: 1000 E Stanolind Rd, Hobbs, NM 88240

For visitors looking to slow down and get outside, Harry McAdams State Park offers one of the best natural escapes within Hobbs city limits. It’s a public park with a state park feel, open skies, walking trails, and enough open space to give you a real break from the traffic and dust.

The park covers 40 acres and includes shaded picnic areas, a well-kept pond, a nine-hole disc golf course, and walking paths that loop around the grounds. RV camping and tent sites are available year-round, with water and electrical hookups at most pads. Restrooms and showers are on-site, making it a convenient stop for road trippers.

Fishing is allowed in the pond, which is stocked periodically and known to hold bass and catfish. Birdwatchers also visit the park in spring and fall, when migratory birds pass through the region.

7. Relax at Del Norte Park and Aquatic Center

📍 Location: 602 W Calle Sur, Hobbs, NM 88240

For families or travelers with kids, Del Norte Park and Aquatic Center is one of the most accessible places in Hobbs, especially in the summer. It’s a multi-use public park managed by the city, offering green space, playgrounds, athletic fields, and a well-maintained aquatic center that becomes a community hub when the temperatures climb.

The aquatic center includes two large water slides, a lazy river, splash zones, and a zero-depth entry pool for young children. It’s not a water park, but it’s more than just a standard community pool. Lifeguards are on duty, and daily admission is affordable for residents and visitors alike. The facility is open seasonally, typically from Memorial Day through early fall.

Outside the pool area, the park features basketball courts, tennis courts, walking paths, and several covered pavilions that can be reserved for group events. The open green space and shaded picnic tables make it a solid place to unwind, eat lunch, or let the kids run after a road trip.

8. Discover Local Flavors at Hobbs Farmers Market

📍 Location: Hobbs Downtown Courthouse Lawn, 100 E Broadway St, Hobbs, NM 88240

If you want a true local experience, visit the Hobbs Farmers Market. It's a seasonal, open-air market that brings together area growers, bakers, and artisans in a laid-back weekend setting. You won’t find crowds or polished booths, but you will find real food, real people, and a taste of southeastern New Mexico you can take home.

Held on select Saturdays during the summer and fall, the market sets up near Green Meadow Lake Park, offering shaded vendor tents and open space for browsing. You’ll also see homemade jams, salsa, bread, honey, and handcrafted goods like soaps, candles, and jewelry.

Most vendors are small operations from Hobbs and nearby towns like Lovington or Eunice. The market also hosts occasional live music, kids’ activities, and cooking demos depending on the week.

There’s no entry fee, and it’s a quick stop for visitors passing through.

9. Enjoy a Round of Golf at Ocotillo Park Golf Course

📍 Location: 5001 Jack Gomez Blvd, Hobbs, NM 88240

For golfers looking for another solid option beyond Rockwind, Ocotillo Park Golf Course delivers a traditional layout with a loyal local following. Owned by Lea County, this 18-hole public course is one of the longest-running recreational facilities in the area.

The course plays just over 7,200 yards from the back tees and offers a par-72 layout with tree-lined fairways and a few well-placed hazards that keep it from being too easy. It's flat and walkable, though carts are available and commonly used.

Facilities include a full driving range, practice green, and a small pro shop with snacks, gear, and basic apparel. Green fees are modest, and tee times are usually available without much lead time, even on weekends.

Ocotillo doesn’t try to be a destination course. It sticks to what works: good conditions, fast rounds, and regulars who know the layout by heart.

10. Unwind with a Movie at the Eagle 9 Theater

📍 Location: 1200 E Bender Blvd, Hobbs, NM 88240

Eagle 9 Theater is the city’s main movie theater, showing current releases with affordable tickets, clean seating, and an easygoing crowd.

Owned and operated by the Allen Theatres chain, the venue includes nine screens, with digital projection and surround sound in each auditorium. It’s not a luxury cinema but it’s comfortable, reliable, and rarely overcrowded. Most movies run on time, and lines move quickly, even on weekends.

The concession stand carries the basics: popcorn, candy, nachos, and soda. Prices are lower than national chains, which makes it a good value if you’re traveling with kids or catching a double feature.

For locals, it’s part of the weekly routine. For visitors, it’s a dependable option when plans change, weather shifts, or you just want a couple of hours in the dark with a good film.

11. Experience the Thrill of Racing at Hobbs Motorsports Park

📍 Location: 3420 S Hwy 18, Hobbs, NM 88240

For gearheads, speed fans, or anyone looking for louder, faster thrills, the Hobbs Motorsports Park delivers weekend energy you won’t find at a museum or golf course. This 1/8-mile drag strip is locally owned and operated, hosting grassroots racing events that draw drivers and spectators from across New Mexico and West Texas.

The track is NHRA-sanctioned and features a full racing calendar during the spring, summer, and fall months. Events range from amateur open-track nights to bracket racing and regional series, with plenty of local talent behind the wheel. The bleachers sit close to the action, and the sound of engines launching down the straightaway hits your chest as much as your ears.

It’s not a polished corporate track. You won’t find luxury seating or gourmet snacks. But what you will find is authentic drag racing, hometown teams, and a tight-knit community that lives for the green light.

Admission is affordable, concessions are available, and kids are welcome. Just bring ear protection if you’re sensitive to volume.

12. Explore the Outdoors at Green Meadow Lake and Park

📍 Location: E Sanger St & E Stanolind Rd, Hobbs, NM 88240

ℹ️ Important Info:

• Hours: Sunrise to dusk
• Fees: Free
• Parking: On-site
• Accessibility: Paved paths and fishing pier access

If you're looking for calm, open space without leaving town, Green Meadow Lake and Park is one of the easiest activities in Hobbs. The manmade lake sits on the west side of the city, surrounded by a public park with walking paths, picnic areas, and plenty of open sky.

The lake is stocked with fish by New Mexico Game and Fish, including catfish, bass, and bluegill, making it a popular spot for casual anglers and families with kids.

The walking trails loop around the lake and are mostly flat and beginner-friendly. You’ll also find benches, pavilions, and open grass areas that work well for picnics, casual workouts, or just sitting still for a while. It’s also the seasonal home of the Hobbs Farmers Market, which brings extra energy on Saturday mornings in summer and early fall.

There are no playgrounds or concessions, but that’s part of the appeal. Green Meadow is one of those parks where you bring your own coffee, find a good spot, and let the day slow down.

Conclusion

Hobbs isn’t built for tourism; it’s built for living. But that’s exactly what makes it interesting. The things to do in Hobbs aren’t polished or manufactured. They’re rooted in what this town actually is: a working community with deep local pride, a surprising range of outdoor space, and a culture that reflects both the Southwest and the high plains.

One day, you’re walking through rodeo history at the Western Heritage Museum. The next, you’re kayaking across a quiet lake or watching hometown racers tear down the drag strip. There’s real contrast here: oilfields next to art galleries, wide desert skies above green golf courses, and a slower rhythm that doesn’t try to impress.

Whether you’re passing through, visiting family, or digging deeper into southeast New Mexico, Hobbs rewards people who take their time. It's a town that invites you to slow down, ask questions, and notice the things that don’t scream for attention, but matter anyway.

Pack your bags and head to Hobbs for an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, relaxation, and discovery. Enjoy Karta's amazing deals on vacation rentals in Hobbs now!

FAQ

1. How far is Hobbs, NM from Carlsbad Caverns?

Hobbs is about a 90-minute drive (approximately 90 miles) from Carlsbad Caverns, making it a convenient day trip for visitors interested in exploring the world-famous caves.

2. What is Hobbs, NM famous for?

Hobbs is well-known for its rich cowboy culture, highlighted at the Western Heritage Museum and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame, as well as its ties to the oil and gas industry. The city also boasts popular attractions like Rockwind Community Links and Zia Park Casino.

3. Is Hobbs, NM a good place for outdoor activities?

Yes, Hobbs offers a variety of outdoor activities, including golfing at award-winning courses like Rockwind Community Links and Ocotillo Park, hiking and biking at Harry McAdams State Park, and fishing and boating at Green Meadow Lake.

4. What are the best family-friendly attractions in Hobbs, NM?

Families can enjoy the Del Norte Park and Aquatic Center, with its water slides and playgrounds, as well as the CORE, a recreation center with indoor pools and fitness facilities. The Western Heritage Museum also offers educational exhibits for visitors of all ages.

5. When is the Hobbs Farmers Market open?

The Hobbs Farmers Market typically runs from spring through fall, offering fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods. Hours may vary, so it's best to check the market's schedule ahead of your visit.

6. What kind of events does Zia Park Casino host?

Zia Park Casino offers more than just gaming. It regularly hosts live music performances, special dining events, and live horse racing during racing season, providing entertainment options for a variety of interests.

7. What is the weather like in Hobbs, NM?

Hobbs experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summers can see temperatures reaching into the 90s°F (30s°C), while winters are cooler, with temperatures averaging in the 50s°F (10-15°C). Spring and fall offer more moderate and pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities.

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