El Paso is the largest city in West Texas, with a population of just over 678,000. It’s a beautiful destination sitting right on the border with Mexico, neighboring Ciudad Juarez in Chihuahua. The two cities exist harmoniously, with many people living in one and commuting or attending school in the other. In fact, around 80% of El Paso’s population is Hispanic.

Touring El Paso is one of the best ways to spend time in West Texas due to its cuisine, art scene, hiking trails, and more. As Shelby McCue, President of the El Paso Mission Valley Association, once said, “El Paso is the hidden gem of the world.”

UPDATE: 2023/07/27 06:14 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

Hidden Gem Of America: The Ultimate Travel Guide To El Paso

El Paso is a pleasant border town with a raft of exciting sites worth visiting. From cultural and historical to family-friendly attractions, this updated list includes more things to do in El Paso.

Related: 10 Small Towns In West Texas You'll Love Visiting

Top Things To Do In El Paso

El Paso is a lively city with lots of fun activities to occupy travelers, whether staying for a weekend or longer. Travelers have so many reasons to visit El Paso; here are a few things to do there.

1 Explore The Mission Trail

Mission Trail El Paso
Photo By: Robynne Trueman 
Socorro Mission in El Paso, Texas, USA

The Mission Trail in El Paso consists of two missions and one presidio. These historic structures are important religious and cultural sites. The Ysleta Mission is the oldest continuously operated parish in the entire state of Texas.

After visiting the two missions and the presidio (Ysleta, Socorro, and San Elizario), cap off the experience with a locally brewed beer at Three Missions Brewery.

  • Address: 131 S Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX 79907
  • Cost: Free (to explore independently)
  • Hours: Varies

Those touring the Mission Trail in July can target the three-day musical festival organized by the venue to bond with locals and other visitors over live performances, delectable dishes, and fun games.

2 Visit The El Paso Museum Of Art

Museum Interior, El Paso
Photo By: Robynne Trueman 
Inside the El Paso Museum of Art, Texas.

The El Paso Museum of Art is worth visiting for a chance to learn about local artists and their work. The museum has more than 7000 pieces in its permanent collection and travelers can get further information on the artwork by booking a guided tour.

Guided tours are available for groups of 10 to 50 people year-round. Tours must be scheduled between 10:00 am - 1:30 pm, Wednesday to Friday. The duration of a guided tour is approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

  • Address: 1 Arts Festival Plaza, El Paso, TX 79901
  • Cost: Free (self-guided and guided)
  • Hour: Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm

Travelers interested in improving their creative skills can sign up for lessons at the venue's art school and learn how to make impressive handmade pieces.

Related: 10 Scenic National Wildlife Refuge Parks In Texas

3 Go Hiking At Franklin Mountains State Park

Franklin Mountains State Park
Photo By: Robynne Trueman 
A tview of Franklin Mountains State Park 

The Franklin Mountains State Park is a gorgeous nature area just 15-20 minutes outside of El Paso, with more than 100 miles of trails to explore. There are trails to suit all levels of ability at the dog-friendly park, so visitors can bring their furry companions along for the adventure.

  • Address: Tom Mays Park Access Rd, El Paso, TX 79930
  • Cost: $5 per person (day-use fee)
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm, Sat-Sun 6:30 am-8 pm

Park enough water, sunscreen, and other supplies when hiking the Franklin Mountains State Park in summer; it gets pretty hot!

4 Catch A Live Show At The Plaza Theater

Plaza Theatre.
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El Paso, Texas, USA: People walking on a summer evening by the lights of the Plaza Theatre.

The Plaza Theater is a historic performance venue that has been entertaining guests since 1930. Located smack dab in downtown El Paso, the Spanish colonial-style structure impresses with its unique design, marked by beautiful murals, mosaic tiles, and intricately designed carpets.

Tourists and locals flock here to enjoy various performances, such as Broadway musicals, dances, and concerts. Despite the venue's small size and old look, the acoustics are unbelievably great, and the shows are always guaranteed to bring the house down.

  • Address: 125 W Mills Ave, El Paso, TX 79901, United States
  • Cost and hours: Visit the website for more information on the schedule and timeline.

For guests who can't watch a show, a free guided tour of the Plaza Theater is a great consolation in experiencing the historic venue.

5 Uncover Local History At The Chamizal National Memorial

 sculpture of Mexican President Benito Juárez at Chamizal National Memorial
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El Paso, Texas, USA: Bronze sculpture of Mexican President Benito Juárez at Chamizal National Memorial

The Chamizal National Memorial pays tribute to the end of the long-running border dispute between Mexico and the United States in 1963. The conflict originated from the flooding of the Rio Grande in the 1800s, which shifted the border between the two countries, cutting through El Chamizal in the Mexican territory.

Today, guests at the memorial can learn about the history of the conflict and inspect various works of art by local artists. The venue also hosts numerous events celebrating El Paso's rich history and culture, including the yearly-held Siglo de Oro Drama Festival.

  • Address: 800 S San Marcial St, El Paso, TX 79905, United States
  • Hours: Open daily, 10 am - 5 pm
  • Cost: Free

6 Find A Furry Friend At The El Paso Zoo

El Paso Zoo entry sign
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El Paso, Texas: El Paso Zoo entry sign

Vacationing families can look forward to a memorable time at the small but cute El Paso Zoo. The delightful facility offers visitors plenty to do, highlighted by interesting animal attractions. It houses exotic species from around the globe, including giraffes, sun bears, zebras, and orangutans.

Besides viewing the animals, the zoo provides alternative entertainment options to keep the little ones busy. Kids can sweat it out at the on-site playground, ride a train, and enjoy a carousel. Meanwhile, adults will relish learning about how the staff care for their four-legged residents.

  • Address: 4001 E Paisano Dr, El Paso, TX 79905, United States
  • Hours: Wed & Thursday, 9 am - 3 pm, Friday to Sunday, 9 am - 5 pm
  • Cost: Adults $12, Kids $7.50

7 Visit The El Paso Museum Of History

El Paso Museum of History.
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El Paso, Texas / United States: Storm clouds appear behind the El Paso Museum of History.

Since it opened its doors to the public in 1959, the El Paso Museum of Art has become a top tourist draw in the city. It houses a vast collection with at least 7,000 pieces, mainly focusing on 12th-century art from Mexico, America, and Europe. These range from portraits, paintings, and photographs to posters, prints, and drawings.

Art lovers can inspect pieces by artists like Frank Boggs, Thomas Sully, Charles M. Russel, and Max Weber.

  • Address: 510 N Santa Fe St, El Paso, TX 79901, United States
  • Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 10 am - 6 pm.
  • Cost: Free

Although admission to the El Paso Museum of History is free, guests are encouraged to make donations as they go a long way to keep this beloved city attraction running efficiently.

Related: 10 Best Texas State Parks (Out Of Its List Of 74)

8 Explore Hueco Tanks State Park

Hueco Tanks in El Paso
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Pools of water in huecos at Hueco Tanks in El Paso, Texas.

Exploring the vast Hueco Tanks State Park is among the top activities in Texas for visiting adventurers. The 860-acre park on the edges of the Chihuahua desert features various activities to keep travelers engaged throughout the day, including an interactive ranch house, titular tanks, and ample wildlife-watching opportunities.

The "Hueco Tanks" refer to imposing rock basins that have naturally formed over time, and these offer the perfect backdrop for amazing photo opportunities. These basins act as valuable water points that attract the wildlife in the area, offering visitors the chance to spot exotic species.

  • Address: 6900 Hueco Tanks Road No. 1, El Paso, TX 79938, United States
  • Hours: Monday to Thursday 8 am - 6 pm, Friday to Saturdat, 7 am - 7 pm
  • Cost: $7 per person

Guests can opt for a guided tour for a more immersive dive into the site's rich history.

9 Be One With Nature At The El Paso Municipal Rose Garden

El Paso municipal rose garden.
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El Paso, Texas / USA : Bride waving at guests in the El Paso municipal rose garden.

Since its establishment in 1959, the El Paso Municipal Rose Garden has grown steadily to cover four acres. It currently features at least 300 rose varieties and over 1400 individual bushes, but more roses are planted each year to ensure the continuity of the gardens.

The well-manicured bushes and the sweet aroma of the roses result in a serene atmosphere that guests naturally gravitate towards.

More tranquil features in the garden, like a waterfall and Koi pond, make it an excellent space to simply relax or wander about, enjoy the storybook atmosphere, and unwind.

  • Address: 3418 Aurora Ave, El Paso, TX 79930, United States
  • Hours: Open daily, 8 am - 6 pm
  • Cost: Free

The best time to visit the El Paso Municipal Rose Garden is when the plants are in full bloom, transforming the space into a magical scene straight from a Disney movie.

10 Mingle With The Locals At Downtown Art And Farmers Market

Jars of homemade at a farmers market.
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El Paso, Texas / USA: Jars of homemade jelly being sold at a farmers market.

El Paso's Downtown Art and Farmers Market is a spectacular way to spend a weekend in this beautiful Texan town. Every Saturday, residents and visitors converge to sell and buy fresh, locally-sourced produce from the farms, handcrafts, and other artisanal wares that make for amazing souvenirs.

This is also an excellent opportunity to sample some savory local dishes while enjoying live music. The atmosphere is always festive, and interacting with the vendors while shopping for goods guarantees an unforgettable cultural experience.

  • Address: 117 Anthony St, El Paso, TX 79901, United States
  • Hours: Saturdays, 10 am - 2 pm

11 Getting To El Paso, Texas

cityscape El Paso Texas
Photo by Chris Carzoli on Unsplash
A view of buildings in El Paso Texas

El Paso is a major international travel hub for all of West Texas; travelers are likely to start their trip here when visiting the artsy town of Marfa, the beautiful scenery of Big Bend National Park, or the charming Gage Hotel in Marathon.

El Paso International Airport offers direct flights to some US cities, including Seattle and Washington, on Alaska Airlines, and to Orlando, Florida, on Frontier Airlines.

Canadians traveling from Toronto, Vancouver, or other major cities north of the border will be unable to find direct flights to El Paso. However, there are multiple flights a day to El Paso with connections through other US cities.

Related: 10 Unique Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do In Fort Worth

Travelers from Toronto can book flights to El Paso via Houston, Dallas, or Chicago on airlines like Air Canada and United. From the West Coast, travelers will find flights out of Vancouver with connections to El Paso in Seattle, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and more.

12 Best Time To Go

A viewing scope overlooking El Paso TX
Photo by Fran Soza on Unsplash
A viewing scope overlooking El Paso TX

El Paso is a year-round destination so there really is no bad time to visit. The city receives an average of 297 days of sunshine per year, given its location in the Chihuahua desert.

Summer in El Paso is from May to September when temperatures typically stay above 85ºF. The hottest month of the year in the city is June when temperatures above 96ºF are common.

Winter in El Paso is from November to February, but temperatures remain moderate. The coldest month is January with an average low of 34ºF.

The best time of year to visit for hiking and outdoor activities is typically in the fall, between September and November when the temperatures are cooler.

Summer in El Paso can be pleasant, but the high temperatures make it one of the hottest places in Texas during this season.

13 How To Get Around El Paso

Downtown area of El Paso, Texas
Image by David Mark from Pixabay
Downtown area of El Paso, Texas

El Paso has a public transit system called Sun Metro, an extensive bus system, and six vintage streetcars that have recently returned to operation. The metro system is the most affordable way for travelers to get around the city.

  • Adult Standard Fare: $1.50
  • Daily Pass (unlimited): $3.50
  • Weekly Pass (unlimited): $12.00
  • Monthly Pass (unlimited): $48.00

Local residents of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez typically drive because the city is quite spread out. Renting a vehicle or using ride-share apps like Uber is a suitable alternative to purchasing metro tickets.

14 El Paso’s Beautiful Hotels: Where To Stay

Hotel Paso del Norte, TX
Photo by: Robynne Trueman 
Exterior of Hotel Paso del Norte, El Paso, Texas

One of the highlights of visiting El Paso, Texas, is the selection of stunning hotels within the city center.

There are some exceptional luxury 5-star and 4-star accommodation options, but also clean and affordable mid-range and budget hotels for travelers trying to keep costs down.

Luxury hotels:

Mid-range accommodation:

Budget accommodation:

15 El Paso’s Food Scene: Where To Eat

Steakhouse in Texas
Photo By: Robynne Trueman 
Cattleman's Steakhouse, El Paso, Texas 

El Paso has an unbelievable food scene with something for everyone. The connection between West Texas and Mexico in this city has resulted in some incredible Tex-Mex cuisine, plus there are tons of fine dining restaurants for those with a bigger budget.

Besides dining at restaurants in El Paso, travelers can go deeper and learn about how to prepare some classic Mexican dishes themselves at the Texas Culinary Institute.

  • Texas Culinary Institute Address: 2101 Texas Ave. El Paso TX 79901
  • Cost: Membership passes available from $240 (valid for 3 months)

After learning how to prepare some classic Mexican dishes themselves or attending a bread-baking class, travelers can venture into the city to sample the cuisine at some of these top restaurants.

  • Best restaurants for breakfast: Ambar Restaurante, Salt + Honey Bakery Café, Savage Good
  • Top eateries for lunch and dinner: Anson11, Café Central, Taconeta, Park Tavern, Kona Grill, Mesa Street Grill, Cattleman’s Steakhouse
  • Greatest bars: La Perla, Hope and Anchor, Three Missions Brewery

16 How To Spend The Perfect Day In El Paso, Texas

El Paso, Texas
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An aerial cityscape view of El Paso, Texas

The perfect day in El Paso, Texas, starts by waking up at The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park and heading downstairs to Ambar Restaurante for a hearty breakfast.

Then, put on something comfortable and drive to Franklin Mountains State Park for an active morning of hiking the scenic trails. The Aztec Cave Trail or the Tin Mines Trail are excellent options.

After the hike, head to Taconeta for a delicious Mexican lunch. Order at the window outside and head to the eclectic dining area decorated with vibrant colors. The avocado tostada, Baja shrimp taco, and mezcal margarita are a winning combination.

Return to the hotel for a shower and clean up in the afternoon before visiting the El Paso Museum of Art on a self-guided tour. Then, drive to the Ysleta Mission to explore the El Paso Mission Trail, an important part of the city’s history.

Cap off the tour at Three Missions Brewery with a pint of the Pecan Brown ale.

For dinner, visit Cattleman’s Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch. Arrive ahead of your reservation time to explore the working ranch where the restaurant is situated. Then, head inside the bar, grab a drink, and dig into some delicious steak or ribs.

FAQ

Q: How safe is El Paso?

El Paso is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in America, thanks to its low crime rate. A recent study puts El Paso in the number three spot for safest cities in the United States. Travelers can feel comfortable and at ease here while taking normal safety precautions that are typical of exploring a new city.

Though it's located on the Mexican border, there are many reasons to visit El Paso and travelers can generally feel safe doing so.

Q: What is El Paso known for?

El Paso is recognized for its large military presence located outside the city at Fort Bliss. It is also become globally recognized for its outstanding culinary scene which features a wide range of cuisines from classic Mexican to Tex Mex to Southwestern American and more (Texas BBQ is world-renowned).