Things to Do in El Paso

El Paso is home to the stunning Franklin Mountains, and one of the best ways to experience its beauty is by visiting Franklin Mountains State Park. This park offers various outdoor activities to do in El Paso for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Hiking trails wind through rugged terrain, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape and the city below. Popular trails include the Ron Coleman Trail, which leads to the highest peak in the Franklin Mountains, and the Aztec Cave Trail, which takes hikers to ancient Native American cave dwellings. Visitors can also enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing, and picnicking against the backdrop of stunning vistas. With its diverse ecosystems and unique geological formations, Franklin Mountains State Park offers an unforgettable outdoor experience for visitors of all ages.

Head to the El Paso Museum of Art for a dose of culture and creativity. Located in the heart of downtown El Paso, this museum boasts an impressive collection of artwork spanning centuries and continents. The museum's permanent collection showcases various styles and mediums, from European masterpieces to contemporary American art. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions featuring works by local, national, and international artists. The best part that makes it one of the top things to do in El Paso is that you can explore galleries dedicated to painting, sculpture, photography, and more, providing a comprehensive overview of art history and contemporary trends. The museum also offers educational programs, workshops, and special events for visitors of all ages, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and enthusiasts.

A visit to El Paso would only be complete with indulging in the city's vibrant culinary scene, and one of the best ways to experience it is by embarking on the El Paso Mission Trail. This historic route takes you on a journey through the city's rich cultural heritage, with stops at several iconic missions and delicious eateries along the way. Start your culinary adventure with breakfast at a local café, where you can savor dishes like huevos rancheros or breakfast burritos. Then, explore the historic places, including Ysleta Mission, Socorro Mission, and San Elizario Presidio Chapel, which date back to the 17th century. Afterward, treat yourself to a leisurely lunch where you can sample authentic dishes like chiles rellenos, enchiladas, and street tacos. The El Paso Mission Trail offers a memorable and mouthwatering experience for visitors to the region. 

Are you wondering what to do with families in El Paso? Then, Families can embark on a thrilling adventure with panoramic views of El Paso and the surrounding landscape aboard the Wyler Aerial Tramway. Located within Franklin Mountains State Park, this iconic attraction offers a unique perspective of the region's natural beauty, making it an unforgettable experience for kids and adults. The tramway ascends to over 5,600 feet, providing breathtaking vistas of the desert terrain and distant mountain ranges. As families soar above rugged canyons and rocky cliffs, they can spot native wildlife, such as desert birds and bighorn sheep. At the summit, visitors can disembark and explore the observation deck, which offers sweeping views of El Paso, Juarez, and beyond. Families can capture memorable photos, enjoy a picnic lunch, or simply soak in the serene surroundings. 

Nestled in the desert landscape just east of El Paso lies Hueco Tanks State Park, a world-renowned destination for rock climbing enthusiasts. Named for the large hollows carved into the rock formations by centuries of erosion, this park offers some of the country's best bouldering and rock climbing opportunities. With over 200 climbing routes ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced, there's something for Hueco Tank's climbers of all skill levels. The unique rock formations provide endless opportunities for challenging climbs, with features like pockets, crimps, and slopers testing climbers' strength and technique. After a day of climbing, relax and unwind at one of the park's picnic areas or take a dip in the natural rock pools known as tinajas, making it one of the best things to do in El Paso. 

For adrenaline junkies looking to get their hearts pumping, Transmountain Road offers some of the best mountain biking in El Paso. This scenic highway winds through the Franklin Mountains, offering stunning views of the city below and the rugged desert landscape beyond. With its wide shoulders and minimal traffic, Transmountain Road provides the perfect setting for cyclists to explore at their own pace.  For those seeking a more leisurely ride, the Transmountain Challenge Loop offers a scenic 10-mile route around the mountain's base. Along the way, cyclists will enjoy panoramic views of El Paso and the surrounding desert, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the sights. With its stunning scenery and diverse terrain, Transmountain Road is a must-visit destination for mountain biking enthusiasts in El Paso. So grab your bike, hit the trail, and prepare for an adventure you won't soon forget. 

For families interested in delving into El Paso's rich cultural heritage, the El Paso Museum of History offers a captivating journey through time. Through engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and multimedia presentations, visitors of all ages can explore the city's diverse history, from its Native American roots to its modern-day identity. The museum's permanent exhibits showcase artifacts, photographs, and archival documents that chronicle El Paso's evolution as a borderland community. Kids can learn about the region's indigenous peoples, Spanish colonization, and the impact of migration and trade on shaping El Paso's cultural landscape. One of the museum's highlights that makes it one of the best things to do in El Paso is the Wall of Giants, a towering display featuring larger-than-life photographs of prominent figures who have left their mark on El Paso's history.  

A visit to the El Paso Zoo promises a fun-filled day of animal encounters and educational experiences for children of all ages. Home to over 220 species worldwide, this family-friendly attraction provides ample activities to do in El Paso for wildlife observation and interactive learning. Young animal enthusiasts will delight in exploring the zoo's diverse exhibits, which showcase creatures ranging from African lions and Asian elephants to South American jaguars and North American black bears. The Africa section offers a safari-like experience, allowing visitors to observe majestic giraffes, playful meerkats, and other iconic species in naturalistic habitats. From feeding giraffes to learning about conservation efforts, kids can gain valuable insights into the importance of protecting wildlife and preserving natural habitats. 

For nature lovers seeking a tranquil escape from the desert heat, Rio Bosque Wetlands Park offers a lush oasis teeming with life along the banks of the Rio Grande. Situated just south of El Paso, this hidden gem encompasses over 372 acres of restored wetlands, providing a haven for migratory birds, native wildlife, and outdoor enthusiasts. Birdwatching enthusiasts will be in awe of the park's diverse avian population, which includes over 200 species of birds, making it a premier birdwatching destination in the El Paso area. From graceful egrets and herons to colorful songbirds and waterfowl, there's always something new to discover among the park's tranquil wetlands and riparian habitats. From dramatic sunsets reflecting off tranquil ponds to close-up shots of colorful migratory birds in flight, Rio Bosque Wetlands Park offers a wealth of inspiration for nature photographers of all skill levels, making it one of the best unique things to do in El Paso for nature lovers. 

Nestled in the heart of El Paso, Texas, the Magoffin Home State Historic Site is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry woven throughout the region's history. Built in the mid-1800s by Joseph Magoffin, a prominent figure in the area's development, this adobe abode is a captivating blend of Mexican, Territorial, and Victorian architectural styles. Stepping onto its grounds is akin to stepping back in time, where visitors can immerse themselves in tales of frontier life, trade, and diplomacy. The site offers guided tours, allowing guests to explore the meticulously preserved rooms filled with period furnishings and artifacts, offering glimpses into the lives of the Magoffin family and their influence on the region. A visit to the Magoffin Home is not just a journey through history but a celebration of El Paso's enduring heritage, making it one of the must-do things in El Paso.