El Paso is a sunny border city in far west Texas, where desert mountains rise above old Spanish missions and the food blends Mexican and Texan traditions.
AT A GLANCE
Best time
March to May and October to November are warm and dry.
How long
Two days, or three with a trip to Hueco Tanks.
Getting there
El Paso International Airport is about ten minutes from downtown.
Why visit El Paso
El Paso sits where Texas, New Mexico and Mexico meet, and its culture reflects all three. The Franklin Mountains run right through the city, some of the oldest missions in Texas line the Mission Trail, and the warm, welcoming locals make the city feel smaller than it is.
Mountains and desert
Franklin Mountains State Park
Covering the mountains inside the city, this is one of the largest urban parks in the country. Trails climb to rocky ridges with wide views, and the Ron Coleman and Aztec Caves trails are local favorites.
Scenic Drive
The lookout on Scenic Drive offers the classic view of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez spread across the valley. Come at dusk to watch the city lights come on.
Hueco Tanks State Park
East of the city, Hueco Tanks protects granite hills with ancient rock paintings and world famous bouldering. Visitor numbers are limited, so reserve your entry ahead.
On WiserMap
Local businesses in El Paso
iPhone Xpress
iPhone Xpress is an Apple iPhone certified technician business serving El Paso, TX, specializing in iPhone screen repairs and Apple device buy/sell services.
Perez Appliance Repair
Perez Appliance Repair is an appliance repair business serving El Paso, TX. Perez Appliance Repair provides residential appliance repair services with a focus o...
Computers Plus
Computers Plus is a family-owned computer sales and service business in Seneca, SC, offering new and refurbished computers, custom gaming desktops, repairs, and...
Missions and history
The Mission Trail
Southeast of downtown, the Mission Trail links the Ysleta Mission, the Socorro Mission and the San Elizario Presidio Chapel, some of the oldest continuously used churches in Texas.
Chamizal National Memorial
This park celebrates the peaceful settlement of a long border dispute between the United States and Mexico, with a museum, gardens and outdoor concerts in summer.
Magoffin Home
The adobe Magoffin Home is a well preserved example of territorial style architecture and tells the story of one of the city's founding families.
Downtown El Paso
El Paso Museum of Art
The free El Paso Museum of Art holds European, American and Mexican works, with strong collections of Southwestern art.
San Jacinto Plaza
The city's central plaza is known for its alligator sculpture, a nod to the live alligators that once lived in its pond. It is busy with events, food stands and an ice rink in winter.
The El Paso Streetcar
Restored vintage streetcars loop through downtown and up to the university area, a fun way to see the city.
Food and local flavors
El Paso food is its own style of border cooking. Try enchiladas montadas, stacked flat and topped with a fried egg, a bowl of chile con queso, crunchy rolled tacos and green chile in almost everything. Panaderias sell fresh pan dulce, and a cold horchata is the best way to cool down.
Popular dishes to try in El Paso
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Top rated
Trusted by locals in El Paso
Maid Mi Dia
Maid Mi Dia is a cleaning service business serving El Paso and surrounding areas. Maid Mi Dia provides residential house cleaning, Airbnb cleaning, deep cleanin...
Maytag Store
Maytag Store is a locally owned appliance retailer in El Paso, TX, offering kitchen and laundry appliances along with factory-trained appliance service and inst...
Most Popular Shoe Repair
Most Popular Shoe Repair is a shoe repair business serving El Paso, TX. It provides services including shoe shining, heel repair, sole replacement, stretching,...
Where to stay
Downtown is convenient for museums, the plaza and the streetcar. West El Paso is close to the Franklin Mountains and the university, with plenty of restaurants, while East El Paso near the airport has many hotel options and easy access to Hueco Tanks.
Where to stay in El Paso
Best time to visit
Spring and fall are the most pleasant, with warm days and cool nights. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are mild with plenty of sunshine. The city sits at a high elevation, so the sun is strong all year.
Getting there and getting around
El Paso International Airport has direct flights to major US cities. Sun Metro buses and the streetcar serve central areas, but a car is the best way to reach the mountains, the Mission Trail and Hueco Tanks.
Before you go
More to discover in El Paso
The Shoe Doctor
The Shoe Doctor is a professional shoe and leather goods repair business offering service repair services.
Santos Appliance & Repair
Santos Appliance & Repair is an appliance repair business providing professional and fast repair services for washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens, stoves, and...
Specialized Cleaning
Specialized Cleaning is a commercial cleaning business serving El Paso, offering tailored commercial, post-construction, and office cleaning services.
A suggested itinerary
First day
Explore downtown and the Museum of Art, ride the streetcar and watch sunset from Scenic Drive.
Second day
Hike in the Franklin Mountains in the morning and drive the Mission Trail in the afternoon.
Third day
Spend the day climbing and exploring rock art at Hueco Tanks.
Practical tips
- Drink plenty of water, as the air is dry and the elevation is high.
- Reserve Hueco Tanks entry well ahead.
- Carry a passport if you plan to cross the border, and check current advisories.
- Start hikes early to avoid the midday sun.
