10+1 Things Not to Miss in El Paso, Texas

Mural of a Mexican man flexing his muscles
Mural of a Mexican man flexing his muscles
Ánimo Sin Fronteras” (Spirit Without Borders) – Mural of a Mexican man flexing his muscles in the heart of downtown El Paso, created by David Herrera and Miles MacGregor, aka “El Mac” – Photo Credit: Katerina Papathanasiou / The Vale Magazine

Are you getting ready to take a trip to El Paso, but you’re unsure of what you should do while you’re there? El Paso tourism has been on the rise for years, and the latest data show the city receives nearly nine million visitors per year. From delicious Tex-Mex food and incredible desert vistas to famous historic sights and cultural attractions, there is plenty to experience in this fabulous city. Read on to learn about some of the top things that you shouldn’t miss when visiting El Paso, Texas.

Follow the El Paso Mission Trail

First El Paso County Jail and "Billy the Kid" statue
San Elizario Historic District – Old County Jail (first El Paso County Jail) – “Billy the Kid” was said to have broken his good friend Melquiades Segura out of the Jail in December of 1876 – Photo Credit: Katerina Papathanasiou / The Vale Magazine

The El Paso Mission Trail is a must-visit if you want to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history. It includes a wide range of attractions, including the Ysleta Mission, Tigua Indian Cultural Center, Socorro Mission, Escamilla Fine Art Gallery & Studio, Old El Paso County Jail (this is the only jail famed outlaw “Billy the Kid” ever broke into), Los Portales Museum & Info Center, and the San Elizario Presidio Chapel.

Watch Tribal Youth Perform Social Dances

Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center Courtyard
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center Courtyard, El Paso, Texas – Photo Credit: Katerina Papathanasiou / The Vale Magazine

At the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center (or Tigua Indian Cultural Center), you can learn about more than 300 years of fascinating Native American tribal history. Traditional Indian social dance performances take place here every weekend, too.

Discuss With an Award-Winning Impressionist Artist

Alberto Escamilla's working equipment inside Escamilla Fine Art Gallery & Studio
Escamilla Fine Art Gallery & Studio, El Paso, Texas – Photo Credit: Katerina Papathanasiou / The Vale Magazine

If you love learning about history and art, Escamilla Fine Art Gallery & Studio is the place to go. You may even have a chance to discuss the art with the artist himself, Alberto Escamilla, as well as his wife. Purchasing unique memorabilia adorned with Alberto’s artwork is, of course, a must in this place.

Educate Yourself About the Horrors of the Nazi Regime

El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center exhibit details
El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center exhibit details, El Paso, Texas – Photo Credit: Katerina Papathanasiou / The Vale Magazine

Founded in 1994 by Nazi Holocaust survivor Henry Kellen (1915 – 2014) and designed by El Paso artist Victor Mireles, the El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center is a fascinating and educational place to explore.

Step Into Old World Mexico

Andale Mexican Restaurant and Cantina Christmas decorations
Andale Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, El Paso, Texas – Photo Credit: Katerina Papathanasiou / The Vale Magazine

For an authentic Mexican fiesta with traditional dishes, delicious cocktails, and live music, plan a visit to Andale Mexican Restaurant and Cantina. However, for the best fajitas and margaritas in town head straight to Los Bandidos de Carlos & Mickey’s.

Study the Region’s Diverse Cultures

Artwork depicting a coyote
“Coyote Story,” 2006 – Phillip John Romero – El Paso Museum of Art, Texas – Photo Credit: Katerina Papathanasiou / The Vale Magazine

Art lovers also ought to add the El Paso Museum of Art to their travel checklist. This museum is found in downtown El Paso, less than a mile from the bridge to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. It is the only American Alliance of Museums-accredited art museum within a 200-mile radius, and it hosts a fabulous permanent collection of European, American, and Mexican art. 

Join a Fascinating Tour Through a Pioneer’s Home

Magoffin Home State Historic Site living room
Magoffin Home State Historic Site, El Paso, Texas – Photo Credit: Katerina Papathanasiou / The Vale Magazine

The Magoffin Home State Historic Site showcases a stunning example of the typical Spanish and Territorial architectural style combined with Greek revival details. The striking adobe structure was built in 1875 to house the family of Joseph and Octavia Magoffin.

Buy an Authentic Handmade Navajo Doll

Authentic handmade Navajo dolls among other souvenirs
Authentic handmade Navajo dolls among other souvenirs at Mission Del Rey Southwest, El Paso, Texas – Photo Credit: Katerina Papathanasiou / The Vale Magazine

Chuco Relic features all kinds of locally made gift items for you to take home. Mission Del Rey Southwest offers genuine alpaca ponchos, Guatemalan worry dolls, Day of the Dead statues, handmade Amish candles, Andean Indian bamboo pan flutes, handmade Navajo Indian dolls, and more.