The Top 10 Things To Do In El Paso, Texas

Tanya Torres

El Paso is known for the Tex-Mex cuisine that is made throughout the city. But it has so much more to offer, from the diversity of its citizens to the warm desert climate and sunshine throughout the year. We list the top 10 things to do in this Texas town.

1. Franklin Mountains State Park

Park

If you’re looking for an escape from the bustle of city life, then El Paso, TX is the ideal place. The natural scenery of the Franklin Mountains is constantly invigorating, whether you enjoy hiking, rock climbing or just checking out the history behind the mountains. Spotting the hidden elephant formed naturally on the top side of the mountain is always fun.

2. Mckelligon Canyon Park

Park

McKelligon Canyon Park, El Paso
© B575/Flickr
On the southeastern side of the Franklin Mountains and the surrounding desert canyon lies Mckellingon Canyon Park, a popular destination for tourists and El Paso citizens who enjoy running, hiking, rock climbing and appreciating the natural beauty. It’s also a great place to escape the Texas heat. Visitors can also enjoy the entertainment in the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre which shows family friendly movies and hosts Viva El Paso, which chronicles local history and cultural evolution.

3. Wyler Aerial Tramway

Wyler Aerial Tramway

The Wyler Aerial Tramway can be found within the Franklin Mountains and is conducted by a gondola on top of Ranger Peak. The observation deck allows you to see the beautiful scenery and nature that El Paso has to offer. On a clear day, the tramway provides breathtaking views of each part of the city while also providing glimpses far into Juarez and New Mexico.

Wyler Aerial Tramway, 1700 McKinley AVE, El Paso, TX, USA (915) 566-6622

4. Plaza Theatre

Building

Plaza Theatre

The Plaza Theatre is located in downtown El Paso, where it holds a special place in the city’s history. It was bought and redesigned by a creative architect named W. Scott Dunne and completed in 1930. The elaborate building was designed in a Spanish Revival style with antique furnishings and decorative railings, astronomically painted ceilings and floating clouds. The theatre is the perfect venue for events such as Broadway productions and musicals.

Plaza Theatre, 125 Pioneer Plaza, El Paso, TX. USA (915) 534-0633

© Dana Le/Flickr

5. Hueco Tanks

Park

Hueco Tanks

This prominent landmark is located just 30 miles east of El Paso. For thousands of years, people have camped in Hueco Tanks to enjoy the array of animals and diverse plants that thrive in the location. These days the park is popular for rock climbing, hiking and guided tours. Visitors can also check out the pictographs and petroglyphs that were left behind by the area’s historic visitors.

Hueco Tanks, 6900 Hueco Tanks Rd, El Paso, TX. USA (915) 857-1135

6. The Chamizal National Park and Museum

Memorial, Museum, Park

The Chamizal National Park and Museum

The Chamizal National Park is acknowledged for its stunning landscape, a popular place for picnics and music under the stars, but it is also a reminder of the settlement of the border dispute between Mexico and the United States. As a result, the memorial celebrates the peaceful agreement of the boundary quarrel and the culture of the borderland. The museum, which is located on the same grounds as the park, also showcases many local and international artists.

Chamizal National Park, 800 S San Marcial St, El Paso, TX, USA (915) 532-7273

© Visit El Paso/Flickr

7. University of Texas at El Paso

University

At UTEP, the natural beauty of the university campus is enhanced even more by standing in the middle of the Centennial Plaza, where you can enjoy architecture that derives from Bhutanese monasteries. UTEP also offers a wide range of opportunities to show off the heart of El Paso through culture, recreation and education programs.

8. Scenic Drive

Scenic Drive

If you want to take a gander at what El Paso City looks from the most romantic places in the city, then this is the place for you. Scenic Drive is one of the most popular spots in El Paso; the peaceful drive up there also reveals a picture perfect location for any level of photographer too.

Scenic Drive, El Paso, TX, USA

© Visit El Paso/Flickr

9. Southwest University Park

Stadium

The Southwest University Park is home to the El Paso Chihuahuas and is the perfect venue for anyone who wants to catch a game with their family or friends. Even pets can tag along on certain days. Not only can you watch a baseball game here, you can also hire the venue for an anniversary party, a company meeting or outing, or even a 5k race, with catering provided. It’s a center for some of the biggest events in town.

10. Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

Museum, University

Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

Located at UTEP, El Paso’s first museum and one of the earliest buildings at the university, is the Centennial Museum, built in 1936. The exhibits typically focus on border life, culture and the gardens that display the native plants set in the Chihuahua desert. The temporary exhibits are always changing, so check back often. Also, admission is free.

Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, 500 W University Ave, El Paso, TX, USA (915) 747-5129

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