Things To Do
in Sunland Park
Sunland Park is a small desert town just east of El Paso, Texas, nestled along the Rio Grande and the Franklin Mountains. It blends border-region character with easy access to big-city amenities in the El Paso metro area. The landscape is quintessentially Southwest: arid, sun-soaked, and dramatic at sunrise and sunset.
Visitors experience a laid-back vibe with outdoor escapes, Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors, and convenient cross-border connections.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Kickstart your day with a visit to the Sunland Park Archaeological Site. Discover the rich history of the area as you walk through shelters that date back thousands of years. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a nearby café known for its local cuisine.
Head over to the nearby Sunland Park Mall for some shopping and entertainment. Explore various shops and indulge in a delicious lunch at one of the mall's eateries. Consider catching a matinee at the movie theater to unwind before continuing your day.
Wrap up your first day with a sunset stroll at the Sunland Park Lake. The scenic views will be perfect as you relax and take in the surrounding nature. Treat yourself to dinner at a local steakhouse, where you can enjoy a taste of the Southwest.
Begin your second day with a refreshing hike in Franklin Mountains State Park. The trails offer stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Pack a picnic to enjoy at a scenic overlook as you bask in the morning sun.
After your hike, visit the nearby New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. Explore interactive exhibits that showcase the agricultural history of the region. Following your museum excursion, have lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant that emphasizes local ingredients.
Spend your evening at the Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino for an exciting night of horse racing. Cheer for your favorites while enjoying the lively atmosphere. Conclude the night with a casual dinner at the racetrack's restaurant, where you can savor delicious local flavors.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $2-5 |
| 🏠Rent for 1-bedroom apartment (city center) | $800-1,100 |
| 🚗Gasoline (1 gallon) | $3.00-3.50 |
| 💡Basic utilities (monthly) | $100-200 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to El Paso’s cultural attractions and international cuisine
- Accessible desert scenery and outdoor activities
- Generally affordable compared with larger urban centers
- Relaxed, border-town atmosphere with easy cross-border access
- Limited nightlife and few high-end dining options within Sunland Park itself
- Dependence on a car for most transportation and activities
- Heat in summer can be extreme and limiting for daytime sightseeing
Places to Visit in Sunland Park
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic desert views with the city of El Paso in the distance, especially dramatic at sunrise and golden hour.
Neon lights against a stark desert backdrop create compelling night photos and signage shots.
Wide-open horizons and desert flora offer minimalist landscape compositions and silhouettes.
Desert roadscapes with mountains and sky can yield dramatic wide-angle sunset shots.
Food in Sunland Park
Sunland Park Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled steak served on corn tortillas with chopped cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime; widely available at local taquerias in Sunland Park and nearby El Paso.
Must-Try!
Eggs, potatoes, cheese, and your choice of carne asada or chorizo wrapped in a warm flour tortilla; a staple for mornings on the go.
Tortillas rolled with cheese or chicken, topped with tangy green salsa and crema; common at casual Mexican eateries.
Slow-braised meat stuffed in tortillas with consomé on the side; a popular street-food-style option in the border region.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering local produce, street eats, elotes, churros, and fresh beverages; a good spot to sample regional snacks.
Small local markets and street vendors along Sunland Park Blvd and nearby corridors; check hours for fresh fruit, tamales, and snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly ‘Hola’ or ‘Buenos días’ goes a long way; handshakes are common in business contexts; bilingual communication is common in this border region.
Respect for family-centered and bilingual communities; minor courtesies such as saying please and thank you are appreciated; avoid loud behavior in residential areas.
Safety
Tipping in Sunland Park
Ensure a smooth experience
In the United States, 15-20% is standard for table service; rounding up at casual venues is common; casinos usually accept tipping for table staff and service workers.
Cash and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common; ATMs are available in towns and near venues.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming desert flora; bring light layers and sun protection; occasional windy spells.
Very hot, dry conditions; hydrate frequently, plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon; monitor heat advisories.
Pleasant temperatures and clearer skies; great for hikes and photography; nights begin to cool.
Mild to cool days with cool evenings; pack layers; frost is rare but possible on high ridges.
Sunland Park at Night
Hiking in Sunland Park
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Desert trails with city views and scenic overlooks—suitable for various skill levels.
Expansive desert terrain offering longer hikes and dramatic landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Sunland Park by plane.
Major regional gateway offering domestic connections; about a 15–25 mile drive to central Sunland Park with taxis and rideshares readily available.
Smaller regional airport serving Doña Ana County; an alternative within a reasonable drive for regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large share of residents reflects the cultural and linguistic blend of the border region.
Many residents live in multi-generational households and value family-centered activities.
A portion of residents regularly cross into El Paso for work or shopping.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular at high school and college levels; local communities support games and tailgating culture.
Growing interest across age groups with local leagues and pickup games.
Common in parks and community leagues, especially in spring and summer.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sunland Park.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Tex-MMex and Southwest dishes can be adapted; ask for fajitas without meat, chiles rellenos without meat fillings, or veggie burritos; look for veggie-laden toppings like peppers, onions, and beans.