15 Things To Do in El Paso, Texas [Weekend DIY Itinerary to El Paso]
El Paso, Texas is one of the sunniest locations in the United States, with 302 days of brightness a year, nicknamed “Sun City” for its year-round sunshine. El Paso is a haven for its nature, architecture, arts, history, and food. Its vibrant festival combined with its nonchalant desert vibe is a one-of-a-kind destination with something for everyone.
Sun City offers a lot of fun things to do. Love exploring the great outdoors? Then this is the place to be. Discover the lively culture, fascinating history, colorful festivals, and endless recreational opportunities.
Table of Contents
Best Things to do in El Paso, Texas
1. Scenic Drive – Overlook
This old narrow two-lane road that winds along the edge of the mountain will give you the mesmerizing view of the city of El Paso, and Mexico in a distance. At day, you can see the mountain view and luxurious homes of El Paso, but at night is when it truly shines, the spectacular view of city lights is magical and will leave you in awe.
2. Franklin Mountains State Park
The Franklin Mountains is America’s largest state park in an urban setting. Franklin Mountains State Park is a place for great hiking, biking, and rock climbing. You can visit in for the daylight or camp overnight at their campsite with other visitors. Bring a picnic basket and chill and after shop for gift items at the store.
3. Hueco Tanks
This historical site is an area of low mountains. Hueco Tanks, Hueco is a Spanish word meaning hollows, refers to the basin-like large rocks that hold water. Also one of the popular outdoor destination in El Paso. Rock climbing is people’s main activity here. It has trails that are good for beginners and pros.
4. The Plaza Theatre
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The Plaza Theater stands as one of the city’s most well-known landmarks. The Plaza offers a comfortable, intimate yet magical setting for great Broadway productions, musical concerts, individual performers and the annual Plaza Classic Film Festival.
5. Fort Bliss and Old Ironsides Museums
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Old Ironsides Museum is situated on an active Us Army base, Fort Bliss located. The museum features the 168-year history of Fort Bliss and the 1st Armored Division from its organization before World War II until the present day. Among its many exhibits are over 40 tanks and other armored vehicles. Other war memorabilia are displayed too.
6. El Paso Zoo
El Paso Zoo is home to exotic animals from around the world. There are many family attractions in this zoo, such as the African Star Train, the Hunt Family Desert Spring, and the Foster Tree House Playground. Animal shows and exhibits entertain people.
7. El Paso Museum of Art
Founded in 1959, Museum of Art in downtown El Paso, Texas houses permanent exhibits with more than 5,000 pieces of art. In addition to its permanent collections and special exhibitions, the museum also offers art classes, concerts, film series, storytelling, lectures, and other educational programs.
8. El Paso Mission Trail
A tour of the El Paso Mission Trail can reveal beautiful artworks and history. Start at the San Elizario Presidio Chapel, then Socorro Mission, lastly, the Ysleta Mission, the oldest Mission in Texas.
9. El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center
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The El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center was founded in 1994 by Nazi Holocaust survivor Henry Kellen. It was established to educate the public about the Nazi Holocaust and resistance movements during World War II.
10. San Jacinto Plaza
San Jacinto Plaza is a historic park surrounded by several historic buildings. In the middle of the plaza, is a beautiful water fountain with an alligator statue that commemorates the time when the Plaza had real alligators in the 1960s.
11. El Paso Municipal Rose Garden
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This wonderful garden in the heart of El Paso is popular for an unbelievable amount of roses blooming especially when it’s their season. The various colors of roses attract visitors for picture taking or simply for relaxing.
12. Concordia Cemetery
Concordia Cemetery is a historic burial ground in El Paso, Texas. It is well known for being the final resting place of John Wesley Hardin, an Old West Outlaw and other several gunslingers and old west lawmen. There are between 60,000 and 65,000 graves in the cemetery and the only place to have a Chinese cemetery in Texas.
13. El Paso Museum of Archaeology
This museum traces prehistory and culture of the inhabitants of the greater El Paso and southwest through research, exhibits, and special programs. The museum has a collection of permanent archaeological artifacts reflecting 14,000 years of history and aims to preserve archaeological and anthropological artifacts.
14. El Paso Museum of History
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The El Paso Museum of History presents information about the past 400 years of history in the United States/Mexico border region. Galleries in the museum feature traveling exhibitions as well as several permanent and even life-size exhibits.
15. National Border Patrol Museum
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The National Border Patrol Museum has exhibits that cover the history of the United States Border patrol, from the old West, and WWII. It has collections of weapons, paintings, documents, equipment, photos, artifacts, and “hands-on” vehicles such as the Jeep, Helicopter, Scarab boat, snowmobile and ATV.
Things to do with 3 days in El Paso, Texas
Day 1 in El Paso, Texas
Franklin Mountains State Park – El Paso trip won’t be complete if you don’t experience the mountain and wilderness. Try hiking, biking and rock climbing in this huge state park. You can also spend the night at the campsite.
Day 2 in El Paso, Texas
Scenic Drive – Overlook – The best spot for day or night view of the city.
El Paso Zoo – Get close to nature here in El Paso Zoo. With different animals from different parts of the globe, you will surely learn something.
Day 3 in El Paso, Texas
Fort Bliss and Old Ironsides Museums – If you are a history buff, then this is the place to be. A lot of war memorabilia located in Fort Bliss.
San Jacinto Plaza – The historic vibe of this plaza is peaceful and relaxing. Surrounded by restaurants and shops, this place is perfect for a leisure afternoon.
Where to Stay in El Paso, Texas
Where to Stay in El Paso, Texas if you’re a Backpacker
The Comfort Inn Airport East hotel is located just minutes from the El Paso International Airport, Juarez, Mexico, Fort Bliss, El Paso Zoo and El Paso Science Museum. This hotel features free WIFI and free hot breakfast. They also offer a large outdoor pool and hot tub.
Price: Starts at US$48 + US$8.33 taxes and charges, non-refundable.
Super 8 by Wyndham El Paso Airport
This hotel offers free airport transfer service, an on-site restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and 24-hour gym. Rooms have a microwave, refrigerator and tea, and coffee-maker, TV with HBO, and free WiFi
Price: Starts at US$43 + US$7.44 taxes and charges, free continental breakfast, non-refundable.
Where to Stay in El Paso, Texas if you’re on a Budget
This hotel is 22 km from El Paso Museum of Art and 25 km from Sun Bowl Stadium. The accommodation has free WiFi, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a microwave, a coffee machine, a shower, a hairdryer, and a desk, and free private parking. Also equipped with a private bathroom with free toiletries.
Price: Starts at US$81 + US$14.17 taxes and charges, free continental breakfast, non-refundable.
Comfort Suites El Paso Airport
The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Guest suites have cable TV, microwave and refrigerator. Hotel shuttle service is available within 4.8 km of the property to include shopping malls, restaurants, and others. The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast buffet.
Price: Starts at US$88 + US$15.47 taxes and charges., non-refundable.
Where to Stay in El Paso, Texas if you’re on a Luxury
Courtyard by Marriott El Paso East/I-10
Courtyard by Marriott El Paso East/I-10 is 18 km from El Paso Museum of Art and El Paso Zoo is within a 15-minute drive away. The hotel has a fitness center. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, microwave, coffee maker and fridge, seating area, private bathroom, and hairdryer. Laundry facilities and a convenience store are available for guests.
Price: Starts at US$119 + US$20.82 taxes and charges. free cancellation, no prepayment.
Hampton Inn & Suites El Paso/East
This hotel features air-conditioned guest rooms with free WiFi, microwave, refrigerator, coffee machine, private bathrooms, and hairdryer. It also has an on-site fitness center, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. The hotel is 18.2 km from El Paso Museum of Art.
Price: Starts at US$166 + US$29.06 taxes and charges, free breakfast buffet, free cancellation, no prepayment.
Where to Eat in El Paso, Texas
Serves local cuisine, Mexican, Southwestern, Latin, Spanish, Vegetarian-Friendly dishes. If you love to try authentic Mexican food, then this restaurant is for you.
Operating Hours; Sun – Sat 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: 1310 Magruder El Paso, El Paso, TX 79925
Serves Mexican, Southwestern and Latin dishes. This restaurant is one of the most popular diner. Often it is flocked by locals and visitors for their local food and beverages.
Operating Hours
- Sun-Wed 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thu-Sat 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: 3622 E Missouri Ave, El Paso, TX 79903-4421
Zino’s Greek & Mediterranean Cuisine
Serves Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Vegetarian-Friendly dishes. If you are craving for Greek food, this restaurant is highly recommended.
Operating Hours
- Sun 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Mon -Thu 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Fri – Sat 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Address: 7040 N Mesa St, Suite H, El Paso, TX 79912-3667
How to go to El Paso, Texas from the UK
Via British Airways (one way)
*From LHR London Heathrow to CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle
Via Norwegian
*From CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle to DEN Denver International
Via Southwest Airlines
*From DEN Denver International to ELP El Paso International
Ticket Price: $494
*Prices are subject to change.
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