Location: El Paso
Top Things to do in El Paso
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Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in El Paso, Texas (TX)
For an alternative Texas experience, consider El Paso. Located far from the bright lights of Dallas or San Antonio, in the state's western corner along the sparkling shores of the Rio Grande, El Paso boasts a different feel than its eastern counterparts. A true melting pot of American and Mexican culture, the combination is noticeable everywhere. Visit the El Paso Museum of Art and see American works from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as Mexican colonial art and retablos from the 1700s and 1800s. Restaurants serve authentic Mexican cuisine, Texas barbecue or a little of both. While this fusion of cultures draws some, the rock climbers who descend on El Paso have only one thing in mind: scaling the massive boulders of Hueco Tanks State Park. Those who prefer the ground can wander through the park's interpretive center and see ancient Indian pictographs. Other popular El Paso pastimes include golf, mountain biking and our personal favorite, stargazing.
Restaurants in El Paso
1. Border Sights Shuttle Tours of El Paso
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
CITY TOUR Daily Morning or Afternoon (This is a 3 hour tour.) Adults $60.00 – 18 and under $35 a person (tax included) (see terms and conditions) Border Sights will drive you on a fun and informative sightseeing experience through Historic El Paso, through the eyes of Conquistadors, Gunfighters, and Revolutionaries. View scenic vistas of the Rio Grande, Mt. Cristo Rey, and other locations. Enjoy the historic Camino Real Hotel featuring ornate architecture and a priceless stained glass dome. Ride through Concordia Cemetery, and see the final resting-place of Texas Rangers, exiled Mexican Presidents, old West Lawmen and the infamous gunfighter John Wesley Hardin. Enjoy a spectacular view of El Paso and Juarez high above the Rio Grande. Although leisurely, you will be amazed at how much substantive and thorough knowledge we will share with you on this driving tour. Take this tour experience, and you will be glad you did. Trail Hands Dinner Tour Adults $ 95 – 18 and under $50 (tax i
2. El Paso Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
Established in 1947, this museum houses permanent exhibits with more than 5,000 pieces of art, including works by European artists Bellotto, Canaletto and Artemisia Gentileschi, as well an extensive collection of contemporary works by artists from the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Reviewed By jimtZ7231HS - Austin, United States
This a smaller museum with a very good collection of art. We saw a Remington, Toulouse-Latrec, Whistler, Degas, Ansel Adams, and Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington in addition to interesting modern art and special exhibits. We were there on a Friday morning and were treated to a mini-recital of Classical music by a string quartet, which enhanced the experience. And did I mention it's free? Nice gift shop, too.
3. YDSP Tigua Indian Cultural Center and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
This site includes the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Museum, the Alderette-Candelaria House, a gift shop selling crafts of the Tigua Indians, Indian social dances and a cafe.
Reviewed By dxstx7 - New Braunfels, United States
Not only do they perform historical dances, but the site itself also reeks of history! Must try the Gorditas there as they are outstanding. We used almost a day just sightseeing and going through historical data and of course eating.
4. Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
Spanning more than 860 acres, this park is named for the large rock basins or "huecos" that have supplied water to this desert-like region for many centuries.
Reviewed By tflicky - El Paso, United States
Hueco Tanks refers to the natural huecos (hollowed out places in rocks) that saved water for the Native people and provides water for wildlife in the desert today. The beautiful rock formations are perfect for all kinds of climbing and attract climbers from all over the world. Make a reservation to go in and see the petroglyphs painted on the rocks, see the star parties, or enjoy the birds and wildlife. A true gem in the desert!
5. Fort Bliss and Old Ironsides Museums
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By Y2378RAjohnb - Sierra Vista, United States
Stop and tour the displays if you love military hardware. Good layout to wander around, read information and the pieces are well kept. You'll 'tank' me later!
6. Magoffin Home State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
A striking adobe structure, the Magoffin Home State Historic Site explores the stories of a multicultural family who actively participated in U.S. expansion and settlement, military service, and U.S.-Mexico relations. The home, built around 1875 by Joseph Magoffin, is a prime example of Territorial style architecture and features a center courtyard and peaceful landscape. Explore the home's authentic art and furnishings reflecting the daily lives of this prominent El Paso family.
Reviewed By KConrad2k - Springfield, United States
We arrived at the Visitors Center across from the Magoffin Home Historic Site on a cold, rainy, winter afternoon in search of something to do inside. We were rewarded with a warm welcome. After watching a short video about the history of this family home, Jeff, our docent, gave us a personal tour of the Magoffin family home. He told us the story of the Magoffins using the pictures of them on the walls to illustrate the genealogy. The rooms contained most of the actual furniture and items owned by the family. During our hour-long tour Jeff explained much about the furnishings, the architecture and the family who played such a prominent part in El Paso. It was a wonder time travel experience back to the 19th century El Paso. Highly recommend this interesting and inexpensive tour. Military families are free and seniors are $6. Small gift shop in the Visitor Center, but very nice gifts by local artist.
7. Franklin Mountains State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 410 reviews
America's largest urban park measures more than 24,247 acres, covering 37 square miles.
Reviewed By patriciar828
Amazing!!! Traveled from Missouri, about an 18 hour trip. Did the Coleman trail and it was amazing. This was during Thanksgiving as we were visiting family. There was a wind advisory for El Paso area at the time, so we didn't hike to far, for the wind was unbelievably strong. We wore rugged trail boots which made it better i believe to walk very rocky and loose gravel.
8. National Border Patrol Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By X9241TNrickb - El Paso, United States
This is no ordinary museum. From your first step in you know you are looking at over 100 years of Border Patrol history. Each exhibit is well documented and the artifacts are identified and described much like they are at any Smithsonian Institution museum. They even have a decommissioned patrol helicopter on display. Confiscated weapons and homemade rafts are displayed with explanations of their use and origins. Although small in comparison to other museums, there is quite a bit packed into this museum. Admission is free.
9. El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Our Mission: to educate the public - particularly the youth of today - about the Nazi Holocaust, as a way of insuring that similar acts of terrorism will not be repeated; to memorialize and pay tribute to those who perished in the Holocaust and to honor those who survived; to fight prejudice an bigotry and to remind the world, through education, of the value and dignity of human life. Admission is Free Donations are greatly appreciated. All tours must begin 30 minutes prior to scheduled closing.
Reviewed By MSEL0105
The museum is beautifully laid out and informative. Of course not everything is discussed but it focuses on the necessary information for the El Paso community. I’m so glad it is here and appreciate the suggested donation. Also, the children’s activity at the end of the museum is really lovely and thought provoking. So glad this museum exists in El Paso!
10. El Paso Museum of Archaeology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
The El Paso Museum of Archaeology is dedicated to the narration, interpretation and preservation of archaeological and anthropological artifacts through research, exhibits, education, and special programs, with a focus on the prehistory and culture of the El Paso area and the Southwest.
