Things To Do
in El Paso
El Paso sits on the western edge of Texas along the Rio Grande, framed by the rugged Franklin Mountains and a sun-drenched desert landscape. It is a city where Mexican and Borderlands influences blend with Tex-Man traditions, producing bold flavors, colorful street art, and a welcoming, can-do spirit. Fort Bliss and a deep immigrant heritage give El Paso a strong sense of place and resilience, shaping a culture that values family, food, and outdoor pursuits.
Visitors will find a growing culinary scene, historic neighborhoods like the Segundo Barrio, and outdoor adventures just minutes from downtown.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the El Paso Museum of History, where you can learn about the region's rich past through engaging exhibits. Afterward, stroll along San Jacinto Plaza, admiring the iconic Plaza Theatre and the charming atmosphere. Grab a coffee at a local café to take in the sights and sounds of the bustling downtown area.
Enjoy lunch at a local Mexican restaurant, indulging in authentic dishes that reflect the city's cultural heritage. Post-lunch, visit the El Paso Museum of Art, which boasts a diverse collection of artworks from the Southwest and beyond. Spend some time exploring the nearby Art District, where you can find unique galleries and artisan shops.
As the sun sets, head to the historic Sunset Heights neighborhood for a leisurely walk to admire the stunning architecture. For dinner, choose a restaurant with a panoramic view of the city, enjoying delicious Southwestern cuisine. End your evening with a visit to a local bar or live music venue to experience El Paso's vibrant nightlife.
Begin your day with a visit to the Mercado de El Paso, a vibrant marketplace showcasing local artisans and vendors. Browse through handmade crafts, textiles, and traditional Mexican foods as you soak in the lively atmosphere. Don’t forget to sample some fresh breakfast tacos from one of the food stalls to fuel your day.
After your market visit, take a short drive to the Chamizal National Memorial, where you can learn about the history of the U.S.-Mexico border. Explore the beautiful grounds and enjoy a picnic lunch while surrounded by nature. Spend the afternoon walking the trails or visiting the visitor center for a deeper understanding of this important historical site.
As evening approaches, return to the Mercado for the evening festivities, where you can enjoy live music and cultural performances. Savor dinner from a variety of food trucks or local eateries that showcase the region's culinary diversity. Cap off the night with a stroll through the illuminated market, picking up unique souvenirs to remember your experience.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $80-150 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week for two | $60-120 |
| 🚗Gasoline per gallon | $3.50-4.50 |
| 🚆Monthly public transit pass | $40-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich border culture and flavorful Tex-Mex cuisine
- Varied outdoor activities within minutes of downtown
- Generally affordable dining and lodging options
- Welcoming locals with a strong sense of community
- Very hot summers and wide diurnal temperature swings
- Some neighborhoods can feel car-dependent and require driving
- Border-area traffic and cross-border logistics can add time to trips
Places to Visit in El Paso
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views over El Paso and the desert panorama; best at sunrise or sunset for dramatic light on the city below.
Sweeping city-to-desert vistas along the West Side; ideal for wide-angle desert cityscape shots and golden hour portraits.
Historic adobe mission with simple, elegant architecture and a sense of borderland history; good for architectural details.
Reflective riverfront setting with park spaces and art installations; great for sunset photography and reflections on cross-border culture.
Distinctive boulder fields and desert light; popular for landscape and abstract rock textures (permits may apply).
Food in El Paso
El Paso Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled beef served with fresh tortillas, pico de gallo, guacamole, and arroz or beans; commonly found in taquerias throughout the city.
Must-Try!
Slow-braised beef served with a rich consommé, often enjoyed with hand-rolled tortillas and lime; a popular weekend dish at many taquerias.
Eggs served atop tortilla rounds with salsa, beans, and cheese; a common hearty breakfast option at local diners.
A generously stuffed burrito with eggs, potatoes, beans, and meat, often wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and enjoyed with hot sauce.
Poblano peppers stuffed with cheese or meat, battered and fried, often served with rice and beans in traditional and modern restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekly market near the city center offering locally grown produce, salsas, prepared foods, and artisanal goods—great for tasting regional flavors and supporting local vendors.
A lively cluster of food trucks and small vendors offering tacos, gorditas, elote, and horchata; ideal for sampling a range of border-inspired snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly hello (hola) and a warm greeting go a long way. Families and elders are respected; avoid loud or confrontational behavior in public spaces. When crossing into border-adjacent areas, be mindful of local customs and community spaces.
Safety
Tipping in El Paso
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tips of 15–20% are customary. For hotel staff, $1–2 per bag to bellhops and a small daily tip for housekeeping is appreciated. Tipping is generally expected in service settings.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is useful for street food and small vendors. Digital payments (apps and tap-to-pay) are increasingly common in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot and dry, with highs often above 95°F (35°C). Stay hydrated, seek shade, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. Monsoon storms can bring brief, intense showers; carry a light rain shell.
Pleasant temperatures ranging from 70–85°F (21–29°C). Ideal for hiking and street photography; cooler evenings are comfortable for outdoor dining.
Mild and dry with daytime temps commonly in the 50s–60s°F (10–15°C) and cooler nights. Snow is rare; layering is still advised for chilly mornings and desert nights.
Warm days with comfortable evenings; spring blossoms and fresh landscapes make outdoor activities enjoyable. Expect quick weather shifts; carry water and sun protection.
El Paso at Night
Hiking in El Paso
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Urban-adjacent trails offering panoramic city and desert views with a range of difficulty levels.
Iconic desert rock formations with opportunities for climbing and scenic hikes; check permit requirements.
Airports
How to reach El Paso by plane.
Main airport serving El Paso; offers domestic and international flights and convenient rides to the city center.
Cross-border option in nearby Ciudad Juárez, Mexico; useful for regional travel and connections to Mexican destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Largest demographic group with deep roots in Mexican heritage and border culture.
A diverse mix of backgrounds adds to the city’s cultural and culinary landscape.
Fort Bliss influences the local economy, population, and community activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
El Paso Locomotive FC competes in the USL Championship; soccer draws fans and family-friendly events across the year.
College basketball with UTEP Miners is a local highlight; games bring a lively campus and community atmosphere.
Rodeo showcases and western-themed events are popular in local venues and fairs, reflecting the regional culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting El Paso.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many El Paso eateries offer vegetarian-friendly options such as bean-based dishes, cheese and vegetable fajitas, and vegetable-forward plates; ask for no lard in refried beans and check for animal-based broths in soups.