Sitting in the foothills of the stunning Franklin Mountains, El Paso is a vibrant and diverse community with a wide variety of attractions and plenty of year-round fun. A historic theater, concert venues, Spanish Colonial missions, museums and gorgeous state parks are just a few examples of the attractions in El Paso. If you enjoy being outdoors and you want to explore one of the most unique places in Texas, you better El Paso up. Read on to get an idea of what the Sun City has to offer, and order a free travel guide to plan your next vacation here.
Ascarate Park
Escape to the great outdoors at the 400-acre Ascarate Park, the largest recreational area in El Paso County. Play a round on the 18-hole, par-71 Ascarate Golf Course; rent a canoe or pedal boat and explore the 48-acre lake; or enjoy some of the best fishing in the Southwest. The park also has basketball, handball, sand volleyball and tennis courts, along with baseball and soccer fields.
6900 Delta Ave.
El Paso, TX 79905
915.772.5605
El Paso Mission Trail
Experience El Paso’s early history when you explore the El Paso Mission Trail, home to two 17th-century missions and a chapel built in the late 1800s. The oldest, Ysleta Mission, was constructed in 1682 and is the oldest continuously operating parish in Texas. Marvel at the white adobe-walled structures on the trail and then see the displays in museums like the Tigua Indian Cultural Center and Los Portales Museum and Information Center. In addition to its attractions, the El Paso Mission Trail hosts cultural festivals throughout the year.
9065 Alameda Ave.
El Paso, TX 79907
El Paso Municipal Rose Garden
Stop and smell more than 1,900 rosebushes at the El Paso Municipal Rose Garden, an All-American Rose Selection–certified garden. Stroll along the wide and handicap-accessible walkways to see more than 500 varieties of roses, as well as waterfalls and a plaza area with a Koi pond.
3418 Aurora Ave.
El Paso, TX 79930
915.541.4331
El Paso Museum of Archaeology
Discover more than 14,000 years of regional prehistory when you visit this museum. Ancient and modern artifacts and art from Native American cultures in the Southwest and Mexico, including wood carvings, textiles and pottery, are on display in the museum’s permanent collection. Tour the museum, and then hike the nature trails that wind through 15 acres of gardens, composed of 250 types of native plants, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Franklin Mountains.
4301 Transmountain Road
El Paso, TX 79924
915.755.4332
El Paso Museum of Art
American impressionist and landscape paintings, European sculptures from the 13th to the 18th centuries and prints by Mexican artists are among the many items on display at the El Paso Museum of Art. Featured artists include Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and William Merritt Chase. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum showcases a wide variety of rotating exhibits.
1 Arts Festival Plaza
El Paso, TX 79901
915.532.1707
Embark on a tour of the world’s wildlife at the El Paso Zoo, an expansive 35-acre green space located near Downtown El Paso. Tigers, leopards, lions, giraffes and other exotic creatures from Africa, Asia and the Americas call the zoo home. See these amazing animals, check out family-friendly attractions like the African Star Train and Hunt Family Desert Spring water feature, and then savor a tasty burger at one of the onsite eateries.
4001 East Paisano Drive
El Paso, TX 79905
915.212.0966?
Franklin Mountains State Park
The striking Franklin Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop to El Paso, and the state park that encompasses the range is a breathtaking outdoor playground for adventure seekers. Hike and bike more than 100 miles of trails that weave through 27,000 acres of scenic desert terrain, or go rock climbing at the designated area in McKelligon Canyon. Tent and RV campsites are available by reservation if you want to stay overnight. At the largest urban state park in the nation, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities for people of all ages.
1331 McKelligon Canyon Road
El Paso, TX 79930
915.556.6441
Marvel at the ancient rock paintings left by Native Americans who traveled across the West Texas desert for rainwater that pooled in natural rock basins. Hike rugged trails while you keep an eye out for any of the 200 species of birds that live in the area. Enjoy world-class rock climbing and track down the more-than-1,000-year-old pictographs. Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site is open year-round with extended hours on the weekends in the summer.
6900 Hueco Tanks Road No. 1
El Paso, TX 79938
915.857.1135
Keystone Heritage Park
Keystone Heritage Park, which includes the El Paso Desert Botanical Gardens, features an archaeological site home to a 4,500-year-old village, one of the oldest in the United States. Included in the park are wetlands that are the habitat for as many as 200 species of birds, as well as a botanical garden that showcases the fauna of the Chihuahuan Desert.
4200 Doniphan Drive
El Paso, TX 79912
915.584.0563
National Border Patrol Museum
Learn the history of the U.S. Border Patrol, from the Old West through the modern day, at this one-of-a-kind museum. Weapons, paintings, equipment, artifacts, photos and even vehicles are all on display at the National Border Patrol Museum. Admission is free and guided tours can be reserved in advance.
4315 Transmountain Road
El Paso, TX 79924
915.759.6060
National Border Patrol Museum
Learn the history of the U.S. Border Patrol, from the Old West through the modern day, at this one-of-a-kind museum. Weapons, paintings, equipment, artifacts, photos and even vehicles are all on display at the National Border Patrol Museum. Admission is free and guided tours can be reserved in advance.
4315 Transmountain Road
El Paso, TX 79924
915.759.6060
Famous musicians, classic films, magic shows, Broadway musicals and more can be seen at the historic Plaza Theatre. Since it opened its doors in 1930, the theatre has been a center for entertainment in El Paso. Today, it’s one of the city’s top venues and the home of the Plaza Classic Film Festival — the largest classic film festival in the world. Check the theatre’s website for more information about upcoming shows.
1 Pioneer Plaza
El Paso, TX 79901
915.534.0600?
Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
Hiking, biking, horseback riding and bird watching are popular activities in this 372-acre park, home to an emerging ecosystem based around once-thriving wetlands that are now being restored.
10716 Socorro Road
El Paso, TX 79927
915.541.4331
Sun Bowl Stadium
El Paso’s Sun Bowl Stadium is the home playing field of the University of Texas at El Paso’s football team and the Sun Bowl, the second-oldest college bowl game in the country. The 51,000-seat stadium hosts concerts and other events as well.
2701 Sun Bowl Drive
El Paso, TX 79902
915.747.5481
Gather the family and play a round of golf unlike any other at Topgolf, one of El Paso’s newest family-friendly attractions. Grab some food, kick back some brews and watch the golf balls soar!
365 Vin Rambla Drive
El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 845-9028
iFLY
Ever wanted to skydive but felt too nervous jumping out of a plane? If so, iFLY indoor skydiving is exactly what you’re looking for. Just recently opened in 2019, this state-of-the-art attraction is sure to excite anyone who gives it a try.
430 Vin Rambla Drive
El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 629-4359
Alamo Drafthouse
Catch newly released films and vintage classics at El Paso’s Alamo Drafthouse. With movie parties, a delicious food menu and an extensive craft beer selection, this popular movie theater is great for movie lovers of any age.
250 East Montecillo Blvd.
El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 845-7469
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