12 Cool Spots and Activities to Explore in El Paso, Texas
El Paso sits at the westernmost tip of Texas, offering visitors a unique blend of American and Mexican cultures against a stunning desert backdrop. This vibrant border city is home to breathtaking natural landscapes, rich historical sites, and cultural attractions that showcase its diverse heritage. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or art lover, El Paso has something special waiting for you to discover.
1. Franklin Mountains State Park
Majestic peaks rise from the Chihuahuan Desert, creating an outdoor playground right in El Paso’s backyard. The largest urban wilderness park in the nation offers over 100 miles of multi-use trails where hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers find their bliss. Wildlife watchers might spot desert mule deer or golden eagles while trekking through diverse desert vegetation.
The North Franklin Peak, standing at 7,192 feet, rewards ambitious hikers with spectacular 360-degree views. Camping facilities let visitors experience stargazing under remarkably clear night skies, far from city lights but surprisingly close to urban conveniences.
2. Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
Ancient handprints and mysterious figures painted on rock surfaces tell stories from thousands of years ago at this sacred site. Native Americans considered these natural rock basins or ‘huecos’ that collect rainwater to be holy places, leaving behind over 3,000 rock paintings. Modern visitors come for world-class bouldering opportunities, with climbers from across the globe testing their skills on the unique rock formations.
The park’s guided tours offer fascinating insights into the prehistoric peoples who once called this harsh desert landscape home. Reservations are essential, as daily visitor numbers are strictly limited to protect this fragile historical treasure.
3. Scenic Drive Overlook
Perched along the southern edge of the Franklin Mountains, this famous roadway delivers postcard-worthy views that capture two countries in one glance. Local couples have made this spot a traditional date night destination for generations, especially as the setting sun paints the landscape in golden hues.
The twinkling lights of El Paso blend seamlessly with those of Ciudad Juárez across the Rio Grande, creating a mesmerizing urban tapestry after dark. Photographers flock here during the magic hour, when the mountains cast long shadows and the desert glows. Several pullouts along the route provide safe places to stop and soak in the expansive vistas.
4. El Paso Mission Trail
Walking this historic nine-mile trail feels like stepping through the pages of a living history book. The Ysleta Mission, established in 1682, stands as the oldest continuously operated parish in Texas and showcases beautiful Spanish colonial architecture that has withstood centuries. Socorro Mission’s stunning interior features hand-carved vigas and an impressive altar screen that leaves visitors in awe of the craftsmanship.
The journey culminates at the charming San Elizario Chapel, surrounded by a historic district with art galleries and the old jail where infamous outlaw Billy the Kid once orchestrated a daring jailbreak. Local festivals throughout the year celebrate the rich cultural heritage preserved along this route.
5. Plaza Theatre
Spanish Colonial Revival architecture transports visitors to a bygone era the moment they step into this atmospheric 1930s movie palace. Ornate details like the domed ceiling with twinkling ‘stars’ and cloud projections create the illusion of sitting outdoors in a Spanish courtyard. Completely restored to its former glory in 2006, the theater now hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and the annual Plaza Classic Film Festival.
The vintage Mighty Wurlitzer Organ still rises from beneath the stage for special performances, just as it did nearly a century ago. Ghost hunters take note – staff members have reported mysterious footsteps and unexplained phenomena throughout this historic venue.
6. Magoffin Home State Historic Site
Adobe walls nearly two feet thick keep this 1875 homestead naturally cool in the desert heat, showcasing frontier ingenuity. The Magoffin family shaped El Paso’s development for generations, and their preserved home offers a glimpse into how influential pioneers lived in the Southwest borderlands. Period furnishings, family portraits, and original decorative elements remain remarkably intact throughout the 19-room adobe structure.
The territorial-style architecture blends American and Mexican influences, reflecting El Paso’s unique cultural position. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about the family’s role in the Mexican-American War and their business ventures that helped transform El Paso from a small village into a thriving city.
7. El Paso Streetcar
Vintage streetcars from the 1950s, lovingly restored to their mid-century glory, now glide along a 4.8-mile route connecting downtown attractions. These mint-green and red trolleys operated in El Paso until 1974 before being retired – only to make a triumphant comeback in 2018 after extensive restoration work. The northern loop runs through the heart of downtown, while the southern route passes the University of Texas at El Paso with its distinctive Bhutanese-inspired architecture.
Each car features modern amenities like air conditioning and WiFi while preserving the nostalgic charm of their original design. For just $1.50, riders enjoy unlimited transfers throughout the day, making this both practical transportation and a moving museum.
8. Chamizal National Memorial
Green lawns and shade trees create an unexpected oasis in this 55-acre park commemorating the peaceful resolution of a century-long border dispute. The shifting Rio Grande river had created an international disagreement over land ownership until 1963, when diplomacy finally prevailed. Today’s visitors enjoy cultural events in the 500-seat theater showcasing the region’s binational heritage through music, dance, and theatrical performances.
The on-site museum uses interactive exhibits to explain how the changing river course created diplomatic challenges between neighboring nations. Families gather for picnics beneath cottonwood trees while enjoying views of three nations – the United States, Mexico, and the Tigua Nation – all visible from this symbol of international cooperation.
9. El Paso Museum of Art
Housed in a former Greyhound bus terminal transformed into a sleek modern space, this downtown gem holds the only accredited art museum within a 250-mile radius. The permanent collection features over 7,000 works spanning 12th century European pieces to contemporary Southwestern art.
The Samuel H. Kress collection showcases impressive Italian Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces rarely found in museums of this size. Mexican and Latin American galleries highlight the region’s cross-border artistic influences, including works by renowned artists like Manuel Acosta and Luis Jiménez.
Free admission makes world-class art accessible to everyone, while the museum’s location in the downtown Arts District creates a perfect starting point for a cultural exploration of El Paso.
10. Sunland Park Dinosaur Tracks
Hidden behind a shopping center lies an unexpected window into prehistoric times – fossilized footprints left by dinosaurs that roamed this area 100 million years ago. Unlike formal museum exhibits, this site offers a raw, hands-on experience where visitors can literally touch the past. The tracks belong primarily to therapods, the same family as the fearsome T-Rex, preserved in what was once ancient mud along a prehistoric shoreline.
Amateur paleontologists, young and old, marvel at placing their hands inside impressions made by creatures from Earth’s distant past. Located near the New Mexico state line, this free attraction remains one of El Paso’s best-kept secrets, often overlooked by tourists focused on more publicized attractions.
11. Casa de Azucar
From a distance, this east El Paso home appears to be melting like an elaborate wedding cake under the desert sun. Every inch of this private residence is adorned with intricate hand-carved decorations created by owner Rufino Loya over more than 25 years as a labor of love for his wife. The name ‘Sugar House’ perfectly describes the white ornamental details resembling delicate confectionery work.
Whimsical elements include detailed replicas of the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, and religious symbols all crafted from concrete by hand without formal artistic training. Though not officially open for tours, the exterior can be admired from the street, standing as a testament to one man’s extraordinary vision and dedication.
12. Chuck’s Arcade
Nostalgia hits you like a power-up the moment you step into this adults-only arcade where vintage cabinet games from the ’80s and ’90s line the walls. The satisfying click of joysticks and illuminated buttons creates a symphony of gaming sounds that transport visitors back to their youth.
Unlike modern gaming bars, Chuck’s maintains an authentic retro atmosphere with original machines rather than emulators. The full-service bar serves craft beers and themed cocktails with names like ‘Game Over’ and ‘Extra Life,’ perfect for sipping between rounds of Galaga or Street Fighter. Monthly tournaments bring competitive gamers together while casual players rediscover forgotten favorites or experience classic games for the first time.
