Things To Do
in El Paso
El Paso is a culturally rich city located in the state of Texas, near the border with Mexico. It is known for its blending of American and Mexican cultures, evident in its food, art, and music scenes. The city is surrounded by beautiful desert landscapes and offers outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing.
El Paso is also home to museums, historic sites, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with breakfast at a local café, enjoying authentic Mexican pastries. After that, take a stroll through the streets to appreciate the vibrant murals and architecture.
Visit the El Paso Museum of Art to immerse yourself in regional and Mexican art. Grab lunch at a food truck nearby to savor some local flavors.
Wind down your day at San Jacinto Plaza, enjoying the live music and people watching. Treat yourself to dinner at a renowned restaurant in the area.
Begin with a hearty breakfast before heading to Franklin Mountains State Park for a morning hike. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the park's scenic spots. Afterward, explore more trails or visit the scenic overlook for photos.
Return to the city and enjoy dinner at a local steakhouse. Relax with a nightcap while enjoying the sunset view from a rooftop bar.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with a blend of Mexican and American influences.
- Affordable cost of living compared to many other cities in the U.S.
- Mild climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
- Outdoor recreational opportunities, including parks and nearby mountains.
- Low crime rates compared to the national average.
- Limited job market in certain sectors leading to lower salary opportunities.
- Hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 100°F.
- Public transportation options are limited, making a car necessary for many residents.
- Some areas may have limited access to shopping and entertainment.
- Cultural and social activities may be less diverse compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Best Activities in El Paso
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the Franklin Mountains State Park or Transmountain Park for scenic trails and beautiful views.
Enjoy rock climbing in the Hueco Tanks State Park which is known for its unique rock formations.
Ride the extensive network of trails in and around El Paso, such as the Lost Dog Trail and Round the Mountain Trail.
Take a drive along Transmountain Road or the Wyler Aerial Tramway for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Visit the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park or Ascarate Park to observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
Tours
Uncover the best of El Paso with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in El Paso
Visit one of these nice places.
Scenic Drive offers panoramic views of El Paso and its surrounding landscape, making it an ideal spot for photography and enjoying the city's beauty.
The state park offers numerous hiking trails and lookout points with stunning views of the city and its surroundings, providing excellent photo opportunities.
The tramway provides breathtaking aerial views of El Paso and the surrounding area, allowing visitors to capture memorable photographs from high above.
Food in El Paso
El Paso Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Mexican dish featuring roasted peppers stuffed with cheese, then coated in a light and fluffy egg batter before being fried to perfection. Served with a savory tomato-based sauce, it's a must-try dish for spice enthusiasts. Recommended at L&J Cafe, a local landmark known for its authentic Mexican cuisine.
Must-Try!
These flavorful tacos are filled with marinated pork, pineapple, and onions, then garnished with cilantro and lime. For an authentic street food experience, head to the bustling El Palomino neighborhood, where you can savor these mouthwatering tacos from food stalls and trucks.
A Tex-Mex staple, enchiladas are corn tortillas filled with various ingredients such as cheese, meat, or beans, then smothered in a rich chili sauce and baked to cheesy perfection. Visit L&J Cafe or H&H Car Wash and Coffee Shop to enjoy a hearty plate of these beloved enchiladas.
Unique Experiences
Get to know El Paso better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant market offers an array of fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and ready-to-eat foods. It's a perfect spot to savor local flavors and mingle with the community. Don't miss the food trucks serving up delicious street food from various cuisines.
A bustling market known for its authentic Mexican street food and artisanal crafts. Explore the diverse food stalls offering everything from tacos and tamales to fresh salsas and aguas frescas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In El Paso, it is important to respect personal space when interacting with others. Be mindful of others' comfort zones and maintain an appropriate physical distance.
El Paso is a diverse and multicultural city, so it's respectful to embrace and appreciate the various cultures present. Show curiosity and respect for different cultural traditions and practices.
When meeting someone in El Paso, it's common to greet with a handshake or a nod. Additionally, addressing people with courtesy titles such as 'Mr.,' 'Mrs.,' or 'Miss' is a sign of respect.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of El Paso with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in El Paso
Ensure a smooth experience
In El Paso, tipping is customary in restaurants, bars, hotels, and other service industries. The standard tipping rate is around 15-20% of the total bill.
As in the rest of the United States, payment in El Paso is primarily done by credit/debit cards, cash, or mobile payment methods. Contactless payment methods are also becoming increasingly popular in the area.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into El Paso.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit El Paso, with mild temperatures and blooming desert wildflowers. It's perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the nearby Franklin Mountains State Park.
Summer in El Paso can be very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (37.8°C). However, this is a good time for enjoying water activities at local lakes and rivers, as well as attending events such as the KLAQ Great River Raft Race.
Fall brings cooler temperatures to El Paso, making it an ideal time for hiking, biking, and enjoying outdoor festivals like the El Paso Balloon Festival. The mountains also showcase beautiful fall foliage.
Winter in El Paso is relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from 30°F (-1°C) to 60°F (15.6°C). It's a great time to explore the city's cultural attractions, enjoy holiday events, and take scenic drives through the desert and mountains.
El Paso at Night
Hiking in El Paso
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large park featuring over 100 miles of trails suitable for hiking, with stunning views of the mountains and the city of El Paso.
Known for its rock climbing and ancient pictographs, Hueco Tanks also offers hiking trails with unique rock formations and desert flora.
A scenic canyon with a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, offering beautiful views and access to nature.
A well-maintained trail that showcases the desert landscape and offers a moderate hiking experience with a variety of cacti.
This trail provides a peaceful hiking experience with diverse wildlife and plants, perfect for a family outing or solo adventure.
Aiports
How to reach El Paso by plane.
The main airport serving El Paso, Texas.
Located in Houston, Texas, this is a major international airport approximately 600 miles southeast of El Paso.
Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, this is one of the largest and most significant international airports in the United States, about 600 miles east of El Paso.
Situated in Phoenix, Arizona, this airport is approximately 600 miles west of El Paso.
Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this airport is roughly 250 miles northwest of El Paso.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in El Paso, making up a significant majority of the population, primarily of Mexican descent.
The second largest demographic, representing a smaller portion of the population in El Paso.
A minority group in El Paso, contributing to the city's diversity.
A smaller demographic group in El Paso, including individuals of various Asian ancestries.
Individuals who identify with multiple racial backgrounds, reflecting a growing trend in demographic diversity.
A small percentage of the population, representing the indigenous peoples of the area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is extremely popular in El Paso, with high school and college teams competing passionately. The city is home to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Miners football team, which has a strong following.
Basketball is widely played and watched in El Paso, with local schools participating in competitive leagues. The city also hosts various youth basketball programs and leagues.
Soccer has been growing in popularity in El Paso, especially with the establishment of the El Paso Locomotive FC, a professional team in the United Soccer League. Community leagues and programs for youth soccer are also common.
Baseball has a rich culture in El Paso, with local minor league teams and youth leagues. The city has a warm climate, allowing for year-round play.
Boxing has a strong presence in El Paso, with many gyms and a history of producing talented fighters. The city hosts boxing events and has a dedicated fan base.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting El Paso.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Tex-Mex cuisine heavily features meat, many local eateries offer vegetarian and vegan variations of classic dishes. Popular options include veggie-stuffed tacos, bean and cheese enchiladas, and flavorful veggie fajitas.
Travelers with gluten sensitivities will find that several restaurants in El Paso offer gluten-free menu items or can accommodate dietary restrictions upon request. From gluten-free enchiladas to fresh salads, there are diverse options to satisfy gluten-free diners.