What are the best tourist attractions in El Paso, Texas?

El Paso has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists over the years, offering a variety of sights, sounds, and experiences. Whether it’s the vibrant culture, gorgeous views, or ample outdoor activities, this Texan city has it all. If you’re looking to discover what El Paso has to offer, here are some of the best tourist attractions in the area.

Chamizal National Memorial

Chamizal National Memorial is one of the most popular tourist sites in El Paso. This park was established to commemorate a century-long dispute between the United States and Mexico over a stretch of land along the Rio Grande. The 65-acre site includes a museum, theatre, and public park. The exhibits showcase artifacts from the border dispute as well as cultural art.

Franklin Mountains State Park

The Franklin Mountains State Park is an outdoor paradise for hikers and adventurers alike. Offering scenic mountain trails, dark night skies, and breathtaking vistas, this state park is perfect for anyone who loves to explore the natural world. From a geology standpoint, the mountains here were formed around 80 million years ago and are home to various animals and plants.

El Paso Zoo

Located in the heart of El Paso, the El Paso Zoo is a fun destination for everyone. This zoo opened in 1891 and currently exhibits over 200 species of animals from around the world. Its exhibits include primates, giraffes, cheetahs, meerkats, and more. While you are here, you can also explore other activities like the Safari Express train, special events, and a petting zoo.

El Paso Museum of Art

The El Paso Museum of Art is one of the oldest museums in Texas and was originally founded in 1959. The sections of the museum include modern and contemporary art collections. The museum offers interactive programs and workshops, such as contemporary dance classes, photography classes, and art talks. Along with its rotating exhibitions and collections, the museum also showcases permanent collections from world-renowned artists.

El Paso Holocaust Museum & Study Center

The El Paso Holocaust Museum & Study Center was first established in 1994 and is dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust. It also has exhibits that feature a variety of artifacts and multimedia elements in order to educate visitors on this dark chapter of history. The museum also hosts workshops and events throughout the year in order to help educate those who enter its doors on this important part of history.

Kellogg Arena

The Kellogg Arena is an impressive arena that was opened in 1957 as a basketball venue for Texas Western College (now known as UTEP). The venue has hosted major events such as WWE WrestleMania 13, NCAA basketball games, international soccer matches, boxing matches, music concerts, and more. Currently, it is home to UTEP’s women’s soccer team and is a magnificent place to catch a game or concert. From natural wonders to cultural hotspots, there’s something for everyone in El Paso! Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an unforgettable adventure, you’ll find it here. No matter what kind of tourist attraction you’re looking for, these El Paso venues will undoubtedly provide a memorable experience.

Insider’s Guide to El Paso, Texas

El Paso is a vibrant and culturally rich city nestled in the far west of Texas, bordering Mexico. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and multicultural influences, it has something to offer everyone. Here is an insider’s guide to exploring El Paso’s best tourist attractions.

Local Attractions

El Paso’s top attractions are intertwined with its rich history and natural beauty. One of the best ways to experience it all is by visiting Franklin Mountains State Park. It’s the largest urban park in the United States, with over 100 miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and stunning vistas of the surrounding area.

Fans of art will enjoy the stunning Chihuly glass sculptures on display at the El Paso Museum of Art. The museum also has an impressive collection of Southwestern art, including works by Georgia O’Keeffe and Diego Rivera. Another must-see attraction is the Mission Trail, which includes several historic sites like the Ysleta Mission and the Socorro Mission. Visitors can learn about the history of the region as well as the Spanish colonial era.

Dining spots

El Paso is famous for its delicious Mexican cuisine, but there are plenty of other options to explore. For traditional Mexican food, try L&J Cafe, a family-owned restaurant with a lively atmosphere and fantastic margaritas. For a twist on classic Mexican food, check out Kiki’s Restaurant, which has been serving El Pasoans since 1976. It’s the perfect spot for breakfast or brunch and is famous for its stacked enchiladas.

If you’re looking for something outside of the Mexican cuisine scene, try the local burgers at Rosco’s Burger Inn. This spot has been serving up delicious burgers since 1950 and is a local favorite. A great spot for a night out with friends, BarFly’s is a vibrant spot with fantastic drink deals and live music on the weekends.

Cultural Experiences

One of the must-visit cultural spots in El Paso is the El Paso Museum of History, where visitors can learn about the local and regional history of the city. Another unique experience is a visit to the Magoffin Home State Historic Site, which was the residence of a prominent El Paso family in the late 1800s and has since been transformed into a museum.

El Paso is a vibrant multicultural city, and visitors can explore the diversity through events such as the Tamal Festival or the Plaza Classic Film Festival, which showcases classic films in the stunning Plaza Theatre. Art lovers won’t want to miss the Last Thursdays Art Walk in downtown El Paso, where local galleries stay open late and art vendors sell their work.

Local History

El Paso has a rich history due to its location at the border of Mexico. Visitors can learn about this history by visiting the National Border Patrol Museum in Northeast El Paso, which is dedicated to the history of the U.S. Border Patrol. Another fascinating spot is the Fort Bliss Museum, which showcases the history of the United States Army from 1849 to the present.

The El Paso Mission Trail is another fantastic way to delve into the history of the area. Visitors can explore three Spanish colonial missions: the Ysleta Mission, the Socorro Mission, and the San Elizario Chapel. Each of these historic sites is unique and offers insight into the culture and history of the region.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, head to Hueco Tanks State Park, just outside of El Paso. It’s a fascinating natural wonderland filled with rock formations, pictographs, and petroglyphs. Visitors can participate in guided hikes or rock climbing tours for an unforgettable experience.

Visitors can also explore the city’s vibrant street art scene with a self-guided tour of the city’s colorful murals. Some of the best spots to see murals are in downtown El Paso, the Five Points neighborhood, and on the Tornillo-Guadalupe Mission Trail.

Finally, make a stop at Chico’s Tacos, a fast-food restaurant iconic to El Paso. Patrons rave about the unique taste of the small rolled tacos and the sauce that accompanies them.

El Paso, Texas, is an excellent destination for anyone looking for an authentic cultural experience that blends history, art, culinary adventures, and natural beauty. With its rich history and multicultural influences, this vibrant city has something to offer everyone, and we hope this insider’s guide will help you make the most of your visit.