Location: El Paso
Top Things to do in El Paso
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What to do and see in El Paso, Texas (TX): The Best Things to do
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. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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!
7. The Plaza Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 336 reviews
Reviewed By margaretm504 - Bennington, United States
I can't say enough about the Plaza Theater! The annual film festival is definitely worth a visit. The year we were there, Debbie Reynolds introduced her vintage movies. We also saw a production of the Bridge on the River Kwai, and there was a live organist and all the veterans stood and saluted during the production. Memorable!
8. Scenic Drive - Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,036 reviews
Reviewed By grantemonroe - Bullard, United States
This spot offers an excellent view of the two cities and two countries. It was very crowded and parking is extremely limited, but if you want one of the best night views of these cities, this is the place to go.
9. El Paso Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 626 reviews
Locally recognized as the Best Place to Take the Kiddos, the El Paso Zoo sits on 35 acres of fun and adventure. Bigger and better than ever, the El Paso Zoo is an expansive green space that is home to exotic animals from around the world and features family attractions such as the African Star train, the Hunt Family Desert Spring, and the Foster Tree House Playground. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the El Paso Zoo celebrates the value of animals and natural resources and creates opportunities for people to rediscover their connection to nature.
Reviewed By queengloriae - Marshall, United States
My husband is stationed on Fort Bliss and we share a love for animals and decided to check out El Paso’s zoo!!! Had so much fun!!! Loved watching people get to feed the tortoises!!!
10. El Paso Mission Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 146 reviews
Mission Valley Visitor Center. 9065 Alameda EL Paso, Texas 79907 Official Mission Trial Facebook: EL Paso Mission Trial Association. EVENTS: APRIL : Birth of the American Southwest! THANKGIVING 1598 OCTOBER: LA CUEVA THEATRE 10180 SOCORRO ROAD DANZAS ESPANOLAS
Reviewed By marthaElPaso_Tx - El Paso, United States
all the missions have a great history and are very interesting. san eli hhas a unique connection to el pasos beginning. i woul recommend thiis trip rto the missions- give it a morning and have lunch around there. many interesting restaurants and a casibo thats fun, with excellent food/
