24 Best Things to do in El Paso Texas

When it comes to the best things to do in El Paso Texas, there’s a surprising amount of choice.

Sitting on the border (quite literally) of America and Mexico is the city of El Paso. We visited El Paso as part of our big American Road trip where we spent 3 months traveling around the country in our self-converted campervan.

As we worked our way west we made it to El Paso we decided to stick around and check out the city for a while. After all, a city on a border that appears in the news almost every week is sure to have some interesting stories!

We’d spent some time exploring other cities in Texas such as Austin, San Antonio, and Houston, and then stopped off in Marfa Texas which was truly in the middle of nowhere.

As it turns out there are some interesting things to do in El Paso, here’s my pick of the best things to do in El Paso should you be planning a similar USA road trip!

The best things to do in El Paso Texas

Below I’ve included all of the best things to do in El Paso, these El Paso attractions will keep you entertained for a couple of days as you explore this border town in Texas.

El Paso Map

1. See the border

We really wanted to see the Mexico-USA border especially given all the talk about Trump and his Wall.

Honestly, the way you read people talking about it you’d think there were Mexicans jumping fences left right, and center. And no. They’re not at all.

The border already seems pretty secure and, whilst I have limited knowledge of everything that goes on, I think a lot of the press is overhyped (as you may expect).

Still, it was pretty cool to see one of the official gates of such a talked-about border.

And no, unfortunately, we didn’t go to Mexico on this trip but we’ve since been to other parts of Mexico and loved it.

2. Visit the National Border Patrol Museum

Don’t be put off by the fact that the border museum a) looks a bit shabby from the outside and b) is free. The National Border Museum in El Paso is actually great!

Before we went in, I said to my husband that what would make it really interesting would be if they had stories from people who’d illegally crossed the border. And guess what? They did!

We browsed the museum for about an hour. It’s full of the history of the US border force, has stories of how some people have tried to cross the border, and even includes some of the methods of transport they used, including a white van that looked a lot like ours!

You should definitely visit this free museum if you’re in El Paso!

• Opening hours: 9 am to 4.45 pm Tuesday to Saturday

3. Go to White Sands National Park (Monument)

When we visited White Sands National Park backing 2017, it was still ‘just’ White Sands National Monument not having been upgraded to National Park status by that point.

This beautiful National Park is a little way outside of El Paso. A man in a Home Depot parking lot in Houston had told us we should stop off here as it was one of his favorite places, and I’m so glad we followed his advice.

White Sands National Park is basically a huge expanse of white sand dunes in the middle of nowhere and is one of the best things to do around El Paso.

Even on the drive up towards the entrance, you can’t quite tell there are white sand dunes. Then, all of a sudden they appear!

It gets extremely hot in White Sands National Monument so make sure you top up your water bottles before you leave the visitor centre.

4. Take the Wyler Aerial Tramway up to Franklin Mountains State Park…

One of the main tourist attractions in El Paso is the Wyler Aerial Tramway up to Franklin Mountains State Park. This is the largest urban park in the US. In Franklin Mountains State Parks, locals can escape the city to hike over 100 miles of trails, mountain bike, horseback ride, camp, and rock climb.

You get a pretty good view of El Paso and out over the border to Mexico once you’re at the top and it’s well worth the $8 fee to go up on the tramway.

Do be aware that it gets exceedingly busy and closes often when it gets a bit windy. We went at about 10/11 am and managed to go up without much of a queue. We then hiked back down the mountain (see below) and found they’d closed the tramway because it was too busy at the top.

• Note: The tramway is currently closed, you can still hike in the park, but maybe not from this starting point.

5. …and then hike in Franklin Mountains State Park

(Or you could do it the other way too!)

We decided we’d hike down the mountain once we’d got to the top. To do so you have to let the staff in the visitor center know that you’re about to hike. I highly recommend doing this as the views from here are some of the best things to see in El Paso.

They’ll want your number, car registration, and name so they know how to contact you if you don’t report having finished the hike to the staff at the bottom.

Honestly, I think that safety measure was a little over the top. It is steep in places but I wouldn’t say it’s particularly strenuous. Especially when compared to the hikes in some of America’s National Parks where there aren’t any safety measures like this.

However, exploring the trails in the park is definitely worthwhile if you’ve got the time. Just remember plenty of water and sun protection!

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

 6. Wander the El Paso Mission Trail

The El Paso Mission Trail is a famous trail in the city that takes you back in time through El Paso’s rich history.

This trail shows you a series of Spanish missions – religious places set up by Spanish priests in the 1600s and 1700s. Their aim was to teach local Native American tribes about Christianity so there’s a lot of complex social history.

The trail passes three missions: Ysleta, Socorro, and San Elizario. Ysleta, the oldest one in Texas, is just a short hop from the city center and Socorro is in a beautiful building. These missions are still being used as churches today.

7. Drive the scenic drive up to the overlook

El Paso’s scenic drive is definitely deserving of that name.

It winds up into the mountains that look down on El Paso and gives you fantastic views.

I found it very interesting to note the differences between the housing on the US side to the Mexican side. Mexico was a hell of a lot more colorful (but also smaller) than the American side.

The highlight of the scenic drive is the small park right at the top where you can get out of your car and really take in the views over the city.

 8. Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site

Hueco Tanks State Park, just a 40-minute drive from El Paso, is a must-visit spot. Especially if you’re a fan of climbing, this is one of the best places in the world to do it!

But don’t worry if you’re not into climbing. This park is also like a huge outdoor museum.

You can book a guide to show you the historic places throughout the park from pieces of pottery that are centuries old and Native American rock art from way, way back in history.

The park is split into four sections, and you’ll need to book ahead to explore most of them. There is one area that’s open for self-guided tours which permits 70 people to access the North Mountain area each day. To make sure you get in, reserve permits up to 90 days before your visit by calling (512) 389-891.

And remember, if you’re visiting in the summer, it gets really hot, so try to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon!

9. See a show at the Plaza Theater

The Plaza Theatre might look pretty normal from the outside, but inside, it’s truly magical. It was built in 1930 and still has a lot of its original Spanish-style design. When the lights go down, the ceiling lights up like a starry sky!

Attending a show here is such a fun idea for fun things to do in El Paso for couples; make it a date night!

They put on great shows here, but if you can’t catch one, there’s a free tour every Tuesday at 12:00 PM where you can go inside and look around. You should register in advance online and it’s definitely worth checking out!

10. Take a walk through the Concordia Cemetery

The Concordia Cemetery is one of Texas’ biggest and is home to many famous folks from the past. It’s been around since 1842, with over 60,000 graves spread across 52 acres.

Keep an eye out for the grave of John Wesley Hardin, a famous outlaw. There’s also a special section for the Buffalo Soldiers. If you’re brave, they even do ghost tours!

11. Visit Rocketbusters Boots

Rocketbusters Boots is a real must-visit in El Paso and a visit here is one of the more unique things to do in El Paso.

This store has been making handmade custom boots for over 30 years, and their boots have been worn by stars like Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, and Johnny Depp.

You can go on a tour to see how the boots are made which is super cool and they also have the world’s biggest boots – perfect for a fun photo!

If you want your own pair of custom boots, be prepared; they can cost up to $16,000!

12. Go to the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

The Centennial Museum is a beautiful building that was built to celebrate 100 years of Texas being independent of Mexico.

Here you can learn about the history, nature, and culture of the Southwest and Mexico.

Attached to the museum is the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. I recommend wandering around these gardens as they’re pretty and you can see over 800 types of plants that are native to this area. The best time to come is in April when the plants bloom and if you want to support the museum, come during their plant sale in April and take home a new plant!

The architecture of the University of Texas at El Paso (where the museum is located) is inspired by Bhutanese designs. You can even find a Bhutanese prayer wheel in the garden which is super random and very cool!

• Opening hours: Museum 10 am – 4 pm, Monday to Saturday. Gardens 6.30 am – 8 pm, daily.

13. Head to Mammoths Trunk

Weird name but a great spot!

Mammoths Trunk is a trail through one of the taller mountains looking down onto El Paso. It’s a 3-mile round trip that takes about 2 hours out to a great viewpoint.

But, if you don’t fancy hiking it then head up to the parking lot for Mammoths Trunk trail at night. Up here the night lights look pretty spectacular making it one of the best free things to do in El Paso.

14. Visit the El Paso Museum of Archeology

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology takes you back in time and then through 14,000 years of the area’s history. The museum is near the base of Franklin Mountains and the National Border Patrol Museum and it’s free to visit.

Inside, you’ll find detailed displays, dioramas, and galleries that bring the past to life and tell you more about how this area has changed.

Make time to explore the surrounding 15 acres of land around the museum. Here you’ll find over 250 native Chihuahuan Desert plants, walking trails, and natural beauty.

15. Step inside the El Paso Museum of Art

In downtown El Paso, the El Paso Museum of Art is a great place to visit and one of the best things to do in El Paso for free.

The museum has over 7,000 art pieces, focusing on the works of artists from El Paso, Juarez, and the Southwestern United States. Beyond the museum, it’s worth walking around the streets of Downtown El Paso since you’ll find street art and murals all over the place.

The museum also regularly hosts workshops and educational programs for art enthusiasts of all ages.

• Opening hours: Wed-Sat 10 am to 6 pm

16. El Paso Municipal Rose Garden

The El Paso Municipal Rose Garden is a 4-acre oasis filled with over 1,900 rose bushes of more than 500 different varieties.

Bursting with color and fragrance, especially from March through November, this garden offers a peaceful retreat from the city. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or just seeking a serene escape, the El Paso Municipal Rose Garden is a must-visit.

• Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm daily

17. Go to the Magoffin Home State Historic Site

The Magoffin Home State Historic Site offers a snapshot of life in the 19th century.

This preserved adobe home belonged to the Magoffin family, one of El Paso’s founding families and these days you can take guided tours through the home, exploring the architectural details, and antique furnishings while learning about the family’s significant influence on the area.

• Opening hours: 9 am to 4 pm daily. Closed Mondays

18. Ride the rides at the Western Playland Amusement Park

For those seeking a dash of adrenaline, a visit to the Western Playland Amusement Park is a must.

This family-friendly park is home to over 25 rides that cater to both thrill-seekers and those seeking something a bit more gentle.

From high-speed roller coasters to the classic carousel, Western Playland offers something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for things to do in El Paso with kids or just a kid at heart, this amusement park promises a day full of fun and excitement. For fun things to do in El Paso with friends, head here.

• Opening hours: 6 pm – 10 pm Wednesday to Friday, 4 pm – 10 pm Saturday, 3 pm to 8 pm on Sunday
• Entrance fees: From $5, rides additional cost

19. Have lunch across the border

Another idea for fun things to do in El Paso for adults is to cross the border.

El Paso and Juarez, its Mexican sister city, are so close that from El Paso Overlook, they appear as one big city. You can simply walk across the border to Ciudad Juarez for lunch or just to say you did it.

There are four bridges connecting El Paso to Juarez, but if you’re on foot, the downtown bridge is ideal as it drops you right into the heart of Juarez. Crossing into Juarez costs just 50 cents, and 35 cents on your return, plus you’ll need your passport.

Once in Juarez, there’s plenty to do: wander the square, shop till you drop, enjoy street performances, visit the market, and explore the Guadalupe Missions. Pop into the Kentucky Bar, the alleged birthplace of the margarita.

While most established shops accept credit cards, you should carry some cash for the market or street vendors. Most vendors also accept US dollars.

Walking across the border is usually quicker than driving. Traffic is typically heavy on weekdays and weekends due to daily commuters and weekend family visits.

20. Visit the Fort Bliss Museum and Old Ironsides Museum

For more stuff to do in El Paso, head to Fort Bliss and explore the rich military history of the U.S. Army at the Fort Bliss and Old Ironsides Museums.

These museums offer in-depth insights into the evolution of the army, showcasing artifacts, memorabilia, and exhibits that narrate tales of heroism and sacrifice from being in the army.

From military gear to full-scale tank models, the museums provide a thorough exploration of the nation’s military past.

• Opening hours: Weekdays 9 am to 3.45 pm

21. Go to Chamizal National Memorial

The Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso is a beautiful park and memorial to diplomacy and negotiation. The memorial commemorates the peaceful resolution of a 100-year-long border dispute between the United States and Mexico.

Here you’ll not only find history but also green spaces, walking trails, and a cultural center making it worth checking out if you’re wondering what to do in El Paso Texas.

22. Visit a National Park near El Paso

If you’re up for a little travel outside El Paso, a visit to one of the nearby National Parks would be a wonderful adventure. White Sands National Park is a popular choice, but other parks are equally amazing.

• Carlsbad Caverns National Park: about 2.5 hours away. You’ll need half a day to see the caverns and a full day if you plan to hike surface trails.
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park: 1 hour and 45 minutes away, is perfect for a two-day hiking and exploration trip.
• Big Bend National Park: 5-hour drive away, this park is worth at least a three-day visit to fully experience the park’s stunning natural beauty.

23. Keystone Heritage Park

Keystone Heritage Park is a hidden gem in El Paso. It’s a place where you can see lots of birds and plants and there’s also an ancient site where people lived over 4,000 years ago.

It’s a perfect spot for those who love history and nature as visiting Keystone gives you a fun and peaceful day outdoors.

You can have a picnic, walk around, or learn about ancient people. Kids will love the Botanical Garden where they can see different plants and butterflies. It’s one of the best places to go in El Paso for enjoying plants and a peaceful atmosphere.

24. Watch a game at the Sun Bowl Stadium

The Sun Bowl Stadium is where all the big games happen in El Paso.

The stadium is famous for the Sun Bowl, a major college football game that happens every year and when there’s a game, the whole place comes to life with cheering fans. If there’s something on in the evening, heading here is definitely one of the best things to do in El Paso at night.

Even if there isn’t a game, taking a tour of the stadium is cool. You can see where the players get ready and where the action happens on the field. It’s a must-visit for sports fans!

What to know before visiting El Paso Tx

• El Paso Weather: El Paso is very hot in the summer and not too cold in the winter. Bring clothes for the hot weather if you go in the summer. In summer, it can get up to 100 degrees during the day and down to 70 degrees at night. In winter, it can get up to 60 degrees during the day and down to 30 degrees at night. El Paso has lots of sunny days, about 302 every year.
• A mix of Cultures: El Paso is a mix of American and Mexican cultures. You’ll hear both Spanish and English and see a mix of traditions and foods.
• Close to the Border: El Paso is right next to Ciudad Juárez. From high places in El Paso, you can see how they used to be one big city.
• Food: El Paso is famous for Tex-Mex food, which is a mix of Mexican and American dishes. Try local favorites like enchiladas, chile con carne, and margaritas.
• Time Zone: El Paso uses Mountain Standard Time, which is different from most of Texas.

Where to stay in El Paso Tx

Below are some of the best hotels in El Paso that I’d recommend if you’re staying here for a couple of nights.

• The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park: Stay at this 5-star hotel for its top-tier amenities like a fitness center, and room service. It’s also close to the El Paso Museum of Art.
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott El Paso: Pick this 4-star hotel for its comfortable suites with amenities like microwaves and free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and its short distance to the Mexican Border.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites – El Paso North, an IHG Hotel: Choose this hotel for its seasonal outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and private parking, along with the multilingual reception ready to assist anytime.
• Palace Inn El Paso: Consider this motel for its allergy-free rooms, and free private parking.

How to get to El Paso in Texas?

Traveling to El Paso, Texas, can be done in several ways, including by plane, car, or public transportation, depending on your starting point.

Airports in El Paso

El Paso International Airport (ELP) is the main airport. Several airlines operate flights to ELP from various cities across the United States and beyond.

Upon arrival at the airport, you can rent a car, hire a taxi, or use ride-share services to reach your specific destination within El Paso.

Skyscanner is what I use to find cheap flights.

Driving to El Paso

El Paso is well-connected by road to several major cities.

Interstate Highway I-10 runs through El Paso and connects it to cities such as San Antonio and Houston to the east, and Tucson and Phoenix to the west. The US Highway 54 also passes through El Paso, connecting it to points north.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

Public Transport to El Paso

If you’re starting from a city within Texas or a neighboring state, you might consider bus services.

Greyhound provides bus services to El Paso from many cities across the country. Amtrak also operates the Sunset Limited train route, which stops in El Paso and connects the city to Los Angeles in the west and New Orleans in the east.

You can use companies like Flixbus and Busbud to check bus schedules and train routes in America. They’ll then show you all the times and the prices and you can book through them which makes it super easy to plan your trip.

Have you got travel insurance? I’ve been using SafetyWing for a while and it’s incredibly easy, affordable and overall hassle-free! Make sure you check them out before your trip (or after, you can subscribe even if the trip has already started!). They offer subscription-based travel insurance which is great for digital nomads. It allows you to claim medical expenses, and you can add travel coverage to cover your for lost or stolen belongings or additional expenses due to delayed travel.

FAQs about things to do in El Paso Tx

Final thoughts on the best things to do in El Paso Texas

El Paso, Texas, fondly known as the Sun City, is full of fun things to do including plenty of interesting historical and cultural sites as well as some of the best things to do near El Paso including a day trip to Mexico and visiting White Sands National Park. Other El Paso activities I didn’t get the chance to visit are the El Paso Zoo and the El Paso Holocaust Museum.

Whether you’re looking for things to do in El Paso today, or are planning for an upcoming trip, you’ll see there are plenty of El Paso things to do. From strolling through historic sites, exploring museums, or eating yummy Tex-Mex cuisine, there are plenty of things to add to your El Paso itinerary of what to see in El Paso.

If you’re on a road trip in America, here are some other cool places, not too far away, that you should check out.

Heading east? Check out Enchanted Rock State Park in Texas. Or, why not go a bit further and explore these unusual things to do in Austin? If you’re headed west, be sure to check out this guide to the best cheap things to do in Las Vegas, and learn more about how to do a Breaking Bad tour in Albuquerque for those going north.

Last Updated on July 25, 2023 by Hannah