El Paso downtown city skyline at dusk, USA

Things to do in  El Paso

Tex-Mex or bust

The sun always shines in El Paso—or at least, it feels that way in this Mexican-American border town said to have roughly 300 clear days annually. The largest city in West Texas by population and personality, El Paso is where Texan and Mexican culture blends: Ciudad Juarez lies right across the Rio Grande, and plenty of things to do—think Spanish missions, rodeos, mariachi concerts, Tex-Mex cuisine, and country dances—are alive and well here. Exploring the lively downtown, visiting free museums, and checking out a minor league baseball game are ideal ways to spend sunny days in El Paso.

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Top activities in El Paso

El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Arrival Private Transfer

El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Arrival Private Transfer

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From
$40.50
Get in the holiday spirit with a scavenger hunt by Holly Jolly Hunt in El Paso

Get in the holiday spirit with a scavenger hunt by Holly Jolly Hunt in El Paso

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$20.00
per group
El Paso City Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers

El Paso City Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers

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$20.00
per group
Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in El Paso by Wacky Walks

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in El Paso by Wacky Walks

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$10.00
El Paso Prowl Scavenger Hunt
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El Paso Prowl Scavenger Hunt

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$21.60
$27.00  $5.40 savings
El Paso Scavenger Hunt: Sun City Scavenger Hunt

El Paso Scavenger Hunt: Sun City Scavenger Hunt

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$12.31
El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Round-Trip Private Transfer

El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Round-Trip Private Transfer

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$81.00
El Paso to El Paso International Airport (ELP) - Departure Private Transfer

El Paso to El Paso International Airport (ELP) - Departure Private Transfer

From
$40.50
Scavenger Hunt in El Paso by Operation City Quest

Scavenger Hunt in El Paso by Operation City Quest

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$10.00
El Paso Bar Hunt: Extreme El Paso

El Paso Bar Hunt: Extreme El Paso

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$12.31
El Paso Airport (ELP) to Truth or Consequences Arrival Transfer

El Paso Airport (ELP) to Truth or Consequences Arrival Transfer

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$120.41
El Paso Airport to Truth or Consequences Round Trip Transfer

El Paso Airport to Truth or Consequences Round Trip Transfer

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$240.82
Sun City Ghosts Haunted Cowboys and Outlaws Tour

Sun City Ghosts Haunted Cowboys and Outlaws Tour

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$30.00
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in El Paso by 3Quest Challenge

Fun City Scavenger Hunt in El Paso by 3Quest Challenge

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$10.00
UTV Adventure Tour / Rental

UTV Adventure Tour / Rental

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27
From
$249.00
per group
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All about El Paso

When to visit

Due to the almost perennial sunshine, El Paso is essentially a year-round destination. It’s Texas, however, where the heart-of-summer heat is often unforgiving. In the hotter months, July and August especially, visitors can head inside to museums and galleries, but when temps cool off in April and September, locals and visitors alike flock to Franklin Mountains State Park for hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and overnight camping.

Getting around

The El Paso Streetcar runs the same vintage cars that once connected with Ciudad Juarez on two loop lines, roughly from downtown to the University of Texas at El Paso campus. Sun Metro runs buses through most of downtown and some outer neighborhoods—but, like most Texas-sized cities, El Paso is designed for cars. If you don’t have one and plan to explore farther afield, ride-shares are an option.

Traveler tips

Little known to travelers—and many Americans—the US does have a national rail system, Amtrak. The Amtrak Sunset Limited line connects Los Angeles and El Paso at a snail's pace (a 16-hour journey) and continues to New Orleans. While not the most practical, the train is a fun way to see the desert landscapes of the American Southwest and can take travelers from El Paso to Tuscon, Alpine (near the West Texas art community of Marfa), or San Antonio.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
MDT (UTC -7)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
0
Tours
15
Reviews
40
EN
a1df5d6a-8992-4fa7-b55f-0794e3676464
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People Also Ask

How do you spend a day in El Paso?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Travelers interested in getting out of doors can take Scenic Drive to the El Paso Scenic Overlook or head to the Franklin Mountains State Park for hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Other options include the El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and Chamizal National Memorial.

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What makes El Paso unique?

El Paso gets less attention than Austin, Dallas, or San Antonio, but unlike these cities, it lies on the US-Mexico border and directly across from Ciudad Juarez. It’s the focal point of the long-standing cultural exchange between Mexico and the US, specifically Texas and Chihuahua.

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Is El Paso a good place to travel?

Yes, El Paso is an excellent place to travel. Although it’s not as well-known as other Texas cities such as Austin, San Antonio, Houston, or Dallas, it offers a unique blend of Mexican and Texan-American cultures. It’s also a destination in its own right, with top museums, outdoor spaces, and a thriving downtown.

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Is El Paso a walkable city?

No, El Paso isn't particularly walkable, as, like most Texas-sized cities, it's designed for car travel. With that said, El Paso is relatively small and has a new streetcar system linking downtown with the University of Texas campus. A smattering of hiking and walking trails line Franklin Mountains State Park.

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What is El Paso known for food?

El Paso is known for Tex-Mex, a regional cuisine mixing Texan and Mexican traditions. Typical Tex-Mex foods include chili, nachos, and Fajitas with combinations of beef, black beans, canned vegetables, and cheddar cheese. The town is also known for being home to excellent Mexican food restaurants and western-style Texas barbecue.

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Does El Paso have a beach?

No, El Paso is hundreds of miles from the ocean and doesn’t have a beach, at least not in the traditional sense. Ascarate Lake within the town has some small, beach-like swimming spots. For the real deal, travelers must reach Corpus Christie or Galveston, 10-12 hours away by car.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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