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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Enjoy Scenic Driving and Vistas Within City Limits
Hike, rock climb, camp, and do much more at Franklin Mountains State Park. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to take in local wildlife, including a wide variety of birds native to the El Paso area. The Franklin Mountains State Park is the perfect destination for visitors to admire the beauty of the unspoiled Chihuahuan Desert range lying completely within El Paso city limits.
Dine in a True-West Ranch Setting
It wouldn’t be a trip to Texas without a delicious steak dinner. World-famous Cattleman’s Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch offers some of the best steaks around, along with seafood and Texas barbecue. Many legendary films (some of which starred Jack Nicholson, David Carradine, and Chuck Norris) were shot at the Indian Cliffs Ranch property. For this reason, there is a “Movie Set Historic Wall of Recognition” in the Steakhouse for all visitors to admire.
* Ride a Horse in the White Sands
Located in the northern Chihuahuan Desert in southern New Mexico, White Sands National Monument is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from El Paso (96 miles). The park, featuring stunning white sand dunes, is home to lots of unique plants and wildlife. Riding a horse in the White Sands National Monument is a unique experience you should try.