42 Best Things to Do in El Paso (By a Local)

👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do | Free Things | Outdoors | Museums & Culture | Kids | Food & Drink | Cool & Unusual | Seasonal

From miles of desert trails to sports and museums, El Paso truly has something for everyone. Nestled between the borders of Mexico and New Mexico, this city has a unique blend of cultural influences that you won’t find anywhere else in Texas. 

As an El Paso local, I’m here to share some of the city’s can’t-miss attractions and hottest spots (literally and metaphorically – it is the desert!). With this article and my guide to where to stay in El Paso, you can create the ideal itinerary for your trip to the aptly-named Sun City. 

Best Things to Do in El Paso

Scenic Drive 

Catch epic sunrises and sunsets from the top of the city. 

📍 Google Maps | Website

Scenic Drive is one of the most iconic attractions in El Paso. This two-mile road stretches between Mesa Street and Alabama Street, winding high into the Franklin Mountains. 

While the drive is relatively short, it packs in plenty of jaw-dropping scenery. Park at an overlook to soak in views of El Paso, the border wall, and Ciudad Juárez beyond. It’s the best place in the city to photograph gorgeous desert sunrises and sunsets. 

Every Sunday morning, Scenic Drive is closed to vehicles. You can walk or bike the road to take in the views at your leisure. But don’t just look at the city — the rocks opposite the road have marine fossils that you might spot if you study them carefully. 

Franklin Mountains State Park: Tom Mays Unit

Explore over 100 miles of mountain and desert trails. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 444-9100 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $5, adults, free under 13

The Franklin Mountains State Park sits in the heart of El Paso, but it’s still a great place to get some quality nature time. With over 100 miles of trails, this park is a paradise for mountain bikers and hikers alike.

There are several entry points, but I suggest starting at the Tom Mays Park Access Road. Park at the Aztec Cave trailhead and take the 1.2-mile out-and-back trail to the cave. This hike is moderately challenging, mostly due to the somewhat steep climb and the desert heat, but it’s worth it for the beautiful views of the nearby Organ Mountains. 

And don’t forget to look up. The cave ceiling is covered by smoke stains left there by early Indigenous peoples. 

El Segundo Barrio Murals 

Learn about the history of El Paso through the eyes of local artists. 

📍 Google Maps

El Segundo Barrio, also known as the Second Ward, is filled with dozens of breathtaking murals. These paintings illustrate some of the key events in the neighborhood’s long history, which stretches back to the 1880s.

One of my favorite murals is Barrio Soul, which features The El Paso Drifters and other local bands. Another standout is Carlos Callejo’s Aids, which highlights the devastating effects of this disease on the community. 

These murals offer fascinating glimpses into Chicano culture and the challenges that El Segundo Barrio’s mostly Hispanic residents have faced over the decades. You can explore the murals on foot by yourself, or the Tom Lea Institute offers occasional tours.   

Chihuahuas Baseball 

Bring the whole family to cheer on the El Paso Chihuahuas. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 533-2273 | Website | Hours: Varies | Entrance: Starts at $16

El Paso’s minor league baseball team might be called the Chihuahuas, but that doesn’t mean you should underestimate them. Like their snarling logo, they’re actually quite tough. 

The Chihuahuas have brought home several championships since they moved to the city from Tucson in 2016. Even when they don’t win, their games still have plenty of fun entertainment, including fireworks and merch giveaways.

The team plays its home games at Southwest University Park, conveniently located in downtown El Paso. This family-friendly venue has a playground and even a splash pad to keep kids cool during hot weather. Plus, during its regular Bark at the Park events, you can bring your own chihuahua (or whatever breed you have) to watch the game. 

The El Paso Mission Trail 

Explore a historic 9-mile corridor and tour three missions.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 292-8516 | Website | Hours: Varies by mission | Entrance: Free

When Spanish explorers arrived in the region over 400 years ago, they built a network of missions to spread Christianity to the local Indigenous peoples. Today, you can drive along a 9-mile corridor to tour three of these historic missions:

• The Presidio Chapel of San Elizario: Built in 1789.  
• Socorro Mission: Founded in 1691, but the present building is from 1843. The beautiful cemetery has graves dating back to the 17th century.
• Ysleta Mission: Constructed in 1682 by the Tigua Indian community, it has been rebuilt after several natural disasters. 

The Mission Trail offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s complex and often violent history of colonialism. Plus, the old buildings are absolutely stunning, filled with religious artwork and weathered woodwork.

Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site 

Hunt for ancient pictographs drawn thousands of years ago. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 857-1135 | Hueco Tanks State Park Website | Hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily from October to April; 7 am – 7 pm Fri-Sun, 8 am – 6 pm Mon – Thu from May to September | Entrance: $7, adults, free under 13

You’ll find Hueco Tanks State Park about 30 miles outside of central El Paso. This park is known for its stunning rock formations that attract boulderers and rock climbers from around the world. Notably, it’s also one of the best places to see ancient pictographs up close. Some of these little drawings date back to 6,000 B.C. — no, that’s not a typo! 

A word of warning: This attraction requires a little advanced planning. The park only allows 70 visitors per day to protect the fragile ecosystem, and these slots often fill on weekends. For a guaranteed spot, book a permit on the Reserve America website ahead of time. 

Free Things To Do in El Paso 

El Paso Streetcar 

This cool vintage streetcar is the perfect way to sightsee around El Paso (and it’s completely free!).

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 544-0061 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 7 pm Mon-Thu, 7 am – 11 pm Fri, 12 pm – 11 pm Sat, 12 pm – 6 pm Sun | Entrance: Free

As you roam through El Paso’s downtown, you might notice tracks running along some of the roads. These are for the city’s vintage streetcars, which follow a 4.8-mile loop through Stanton Street and Oregon Street. 

The streetcars are free to ride and super convenient for sightseeing alone or with the family. They travel through downtown and uptown, passing by top destinations like the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) campus and the El Paso Holocaust Museum. You could hop on and off all day as you tour the city. 

San Elizario Historic District 

Shop for art, take a ghost tour, and learn about El Paso’s frontier days. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 771-2380 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily

Pay homage to West Texas’s frontier past at the San Elizario Historic District. This area was once a bustling hub on the El Camino Real, but now it’s a quiet town located about 20 miles southeast of El Paso. 

Many of the historic buildings around the town square have been converted into tourist attractions. At the Old El Paso County Jail Museum, you can step inside the tiny cell where Billy the Kid was once held. The historic district also has several art galleries and souvenir shops. 

After dark, you can join a ghost tour to learn more about the area’s many alleged hauntings. 

El Paso Municipal Rose Garden 

Discover over 500 types of roses in this adorable garden.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 212-0092 | El Paso Municipal Rose Garden Website | Hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Free

El Paso’s rose garden is a must-see attraction for plant lovers — or anyone looking for a romantic date spot. This 4-acre park is filled with almost 2,000 rose bushes from many different varieties. Gentle paths wind through the flowers, allowing you to explore every inch of the garden. 

When you need a break, rest next to one of the miniature waterfalls and let the bubbling water clear your mind. You can also spot giant fish in the koi pond.   

While the garden is open year-round, you’ll see the most blooms if you visit in the spring or summer. Unsurprisingly, it’s a very popular photography spot on sunny days. 

Chamizal National Memorial 

Learn about the history of the U.S.-Mexico relations at this beautiful park. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 532-7273 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: Free

For centuries, the U.S. and Mexico have agreed to use the Rio Grande as their border. But unlike a manmade wall, the river isn’t fixed in one place. It naturally changed course in the 1800s, leading to a fierce border dispute between El Paso and Juárez. Eventually, the two cities came to an agreement with the Chamizal Convention of 1963. 

The Chamizal National Memorial commemorates this peaceful resolution. Its cultural center educates visitors about the area’s history and includes an art gallery with works from American and Mexican artists. 

The park also has a small theater that occasionally hosts dancers and other performers. It’s a neat stop if you’re a history buff or just looking for a peaceful park to unwind. 

Things to Do Outdoors 

Rio Bosque Park 

Pack your binoculars for the best birdwatching in El Paso. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 747-8663 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Free

While El Paso has always been a desert, the banks of the Rio Grande were once lined with green forests and wetlands. Unfortunately, those days are long gone; just like the river itself for most of the year, thanks to irrigation. 

The Rio Bosque Park recaptures some of that lost magic. In this little slice of paradise, UTEP researchers are working hard to restore the wetlands. As you explore the trail system, keep your eyes peeled for some of the 200 species of birds that call this park home. 

At the south end of the park, a trail runs right along the border wall. It’s the closest you can get to Juárez without crossing one of the international bridges. 

Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park 

Climb inside an abandoned tin mine.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 319-5997 | Website | Entrance: $4 per person

Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park is the northeast gateway to the Franklin Mountains. The park’s entrance has a playground and plenty of green space for a picnic or game of tag.

However, most people visit the park to access its huge network of trails. These rocky paths crisscross the mountains, offering just the right amount of challenge for beginning mountain bikers. They’re also incredibly popular with dog walkers and hikers. 

This park is where I always start my favorite hike: the Old Tin Mines Trail. This 6-mile round-trip trek takes you to the ruins of America’s only tin mine. Toss a flashlight in your bag so you can explore the abandoned mine shafts. Trust me, your phone’s light won’t be strong enough to see everything. 

Lost Dog Trailhead  

Wander through a pretty desert landscape at the foot of the Franklin Mountains. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free

Located in west El Paso, the Lost Dog conservation area is a bit of a hidden gem — at least, if you’re not part of the mountain biking community. This trail system is only about 14 square miles, but it feels much bigger. That’s because many of its trails connect to the neighboring Franklin Mountains State Park.

I love hiking the Lost Dog trails with my reactive dog, because the mostly flat landscape lets me see who’s coming from a distance. But that also means there’s very little shade, so get there early before it gets too hot. 

Knapp Land Nature Preserve 

📍 Google Maps | Knapp Land Nature Preserve Website | Entrance: Free

Compared to the other trails on this list, Knapp Land Nature Preserve is criminally underrated. 

As of this writing, it doesn’t have any reviews on Google or AllTrails, even though it’s right in the middle of northeast El Paso. But honestly, this obscurity is why I love it. You’re practically guaranteed to have a solitary hike here, especially on weekdays. 

Knapp Land might be in the middle of the city, but it’s home to tons of wildlife. I’ve spotted snakes, mule deer, and even the occasional coyote. 

This preserve also has great views of Castner Range, a nearby national monument that hasn’t yet opened to the public. It’s picturesque but filled with undetonated army munitions, so be sure to stay within Knapp Land’s boundaries.

Thousand Steps Trail 

Get your heart pumping on this challenging trek that features panoramic views.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

Okay, the name “Thousand Steps Trail” is a bit deceptive. I racked up almost 6,000 steps the last time I braved this 2.8-mile hike, which takes you up into the Franklin Mountains along a series of switchbacks. 

Once you get to the top, you’re rewarded with nearly panoramic views of El Paso and Juárez. It’s kind of like Scenic Drive, just with more cardio. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can venture off-trail to find the remains of a 1953 plane crash. 

But be sure to download a map from AllTrails or another platform ahead of time — the last thing you want to do is get lost in the mountains in the heat. 

Achenbach Canyon  

Discover a hidden canyon on a day trip to New Mexico.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free

If you’re up for a day trip, head up to Las Cruces, New Mexico, to visit Achenbach Canyon. Yes, it’s in another state, but don’t worry, it’s only an hour from El Paso. 

This 5.5-mile loop hike takes you deep inside the Organ Mountains. At first, you might think it’s nothing special — just a rocky trail up the mountain. But be patient. After the first mile, the trail drops down into a gorgeous canyon filled with vegetation and interesting rock formations. 

You can also venture onto a side trail that climbs up to a shallow cave, which is perfect for surveying the canyon below.  

The road to the trailhead is quite rough for a couple of hundred feet, but I’ve seen sedans parked there. 

Museums & Culture 

El Paso Museum of Art 

See Southwestern landscapes through fresh perspectives.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 212-0300 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Wed-Sat, 11 am – 3 pm Sun, Closed Mon and Tue | Entrance: Free

Like most of the city’s museums, the El Paso Museum of Art is completely free. It features art from America, Europe, and Latin America. But its main focus is artists from the Southwest, especially those born near the U.S/Mexico border. 

Many pieces in the collection were created by Tom Lea, one of the most successful El Paso artists. You may know him for his famous wartime painting, The Thousand Yard Stare. But he also painted moody desert landscapes and murals, some of which are on display here. 

The museum also has several temporary exhibits that frequently rotate, so you never know what you’ll find when you visit. 

El Paso Holocaust Museum & Study Center 

Learn more about the victims of the Holocaust and pay your respects. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 351-0048 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Tue-Fri, 1 pm – 5 pm Sat, Closed Sun-Mon | Entrance: Free

Visiting the El Paso Holocaust Museum is a sobering, but necessary, experience. As you stroll through the exhibits, you follow the timeline of the Holocaust, from the rise of Adolf Hitler to the liberation of the concentration camps.

The museum includes plenty of videos and replicas to help visitors understand the scope of the tragedy. At one point, you must step inside a boxcar, putting yourself in the shoes of the people who were deported. I was also struck by a lengthy exhibit celebrating the heroes of the Holocaust. These brave people risked their lives to help others and their stories are deeply inspiring.  

It takes less than an hour to explore this moving museum, but it will linger in your mind for much longer. 

Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens 

Admire beautiful desert flowers as you learn about the history of the border region.  

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 747-5565 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Mon-Sat, Closed Sun | Entrance: Free

People often assume that the desert is a barren wasteland, but that’s definitely not the case. The Centennial Museum celebrates the diversity of the Chihuahuan Desert with educational exhibits. They offer fascinating insights into how people have coexisted with this harsh environment for thousands of years.  

Once you’ve explored the entire museum, head outside to relax in the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. There are plenty of shady benches where you can gaze at the carefully tended native plants. The Museum also hosts regular “Florafests,” where you can treat yourself to a new plant (or ten). 

El Paso Museum of History 

Learn about El Paso’s growth and history through fascinating exhibits.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 212-3150 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Wed-Sat, 11 am – 3 pm Sun, Closed Mon and Tue | Entrance: Free

The Museum of History chronicles El Paso’s growth from a tiny Spanish village to a bustling city. It includes many intriguing artifacts, from the original Ysleta Mission door (built during the 1700s) to Korean War memorabilia donated by local veterans. 

One of my favorite exhibits is “Musica Sin Fronteras.” It spotlights borderlands musicians, and it’s filled with all sorts of fun displays — interactive boomboxes, band tees, and more. 

Another highlight is the Digital Information Gateway in El Paso. Community members can upload photos and videos showing the history of El Paso, creating a collaborative archive that you can browse. According to the museum, it’s the only digital wall of its kind in the United States. 

El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center 

Check out stunning Mexican American art. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 212-0436 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Wed-Sat, 11 am – 3 pm Sun, Closed Mon and Tue | Entrance: Free

Learn about the Mexican American experience at this inspiring art center. It showcases the work of Maria Almeida Natividad, an El Paso artist who explores Hispanic culture. Her art features many local landmarks, such as the Socorro Mission and the Rio Grande. 

The cultural center also includes a survey of other regional artists from the 1960s to the present. It’s a great way to learn about some of the talented creators who call El Paso home. 

The Mexican American Cultural Center hosts frequent workshops, too. You can learn Latin dances or get tips for making art of your own. And no, you don’t need to be Mexican American to participate. The center and its events are open to everyone. 

Fox Fine Arts Center 

Treat your ears to beautiful classical music. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 747-5606 | Website | Entrance: Varies but typically under $20

This small concert hall frequently hosts musical and dance performances. Listen to the soothing notes of UTEP’s wind orchestra or ooh and ahh at the vocal range of opera singers. Some performers are students, while others are artists from the El Paso community. It’s a great way to savor beautiful music and dance without spending a fortune.

Gaspar Enriquez Cultural Center 

Sip coffee while exploring local Chicano art.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 892-0995 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 4 pm Sat-Sun, Closed Mon-Thu | Entrance: Free

The Gaspar Enriquez Cultural Center only opened in 2023, but it’s already one of my favorite spots in the city. Sure, it’s not as grand as the El Paso Museum of Art, but it’s not trying to be. Essentially, it’s one man’s love letter to the borderlands. 

Enriquez grew up in El Segundo Barrio and taught at a local high school. The center showcases many of his paintings and mixed-media installations. These works often feature his former students, celebrating the richness — but also the struggles — of Mexican-American life. 

The center is housed in a historic adobe building that Enriquez spent over a decade restoring. Along with the gallery, it includes a coffee shop and a boutique. 

The Plaza Theatre 

Catch a concert or show in a restored historic theater.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 231-1100 | Website | Hours: Tours on Tuesdays at 12 pm

Built in 1930, the Plaza Theatre is one of the most famous landmarks in El Paso. Its history is almost as dramatic as the plays that take place on its stage. The theatre fell into disrepair during the late 20th century and was almost demolished for a parking lot. Luckily, the community came together to save and restore it. 

The Plaza Theatre often hosts musical events and performances. As you sit under its painted ceilings and walk across the mosaic floors, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Want to learn more about the Plaza Theatre’s restoration? Join one of its weekly tours every Tuesday at noon. 

Things To Do With Kids 

La Nube STEAM Discovery Center 

Brush up on your math and science skills with hands-on activities. 

📍Google Maps | Phone: (915) 290-4111 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 3 pm Tue-Thur, 10 am – 5 pm Fri & Sun, 9 am – 5 pm Sat, Closed Mon | Entrance: $20, adults, $17, 1-17, free, under 1

La Nube is El Paso’s newest museum, and my parent friends are already raving about it. It’s easy to see the appeal. Kids can explore interactive exhibits that teach them about science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). For example, the Fly High lab lets children design paper airplanes and test them with powerful blowers. 

Plus, La Nube has a massive indoor playground where kids can blow off steam while, well, learning about STEAM. 

This museum is incredibly inclusive, too. If you or your child gets overstimulated easily, pick up a free sensory kit backpack on the first floor. You can also visit during sensory-friendly hours, when the museum is blissfully free of blaring music and bright lights. 

El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens 

See animals and plants from around the world. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 212-0966 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Mon & Tue | Entrance: $13.95, adults, $8.95, 2-12 years, free, under 2

Spend a few leisurely hours wandering through the El Paso Zoo. It has an entire area dedicated to species from the Chihuahuan desert, including javelinas and mountain lions. You can also test your athletic abilities on the three-story Copper Canyon Challenge Ropes Course. At the top, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the zoo.  

When you’ve seen everything in the desert, there are three more areas to explore: the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Each section has several species, from alligators to zebras. You can also catch a show in the Wildlife Amphitheater. By the time you leave, your head will be swimming with animal facts. 

Bulldog Championship Park 

Families with kids will love this park, home to quirky art, a splash pad, playgrounds, and more.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 222-0325 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: Free

On hot summer days, Bulldog Championship Park is the place to be for families. This small park features a splash pad, perfect for cooling off in the sun. It also has two playgrounds, a scenic pond, and a short walking trail for mom and dad. 

The park’s quirky art is part of the appeal, too. A friendly-looking man made out of repurposed tires reminds drivers to slow down. You’ll also find a sculpture of boys wrestling — the champion Bulldogs who gave the park its name.

Western Playland Amusement Park

Delight your kids with thrilling rides and games. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 589-3410 | Website | Hours: 6 pm – 10 pm Fri, 2 pm – 9 pm Sat, 3 pm – 8 pm Sun, closed Mon-Thu | Entrance: $29.99 per person

Western Playland is just over the New Mexico border, about 15 minutes away from downtown El Paso. While it’s relatively small, it has 30 rides with different levels of intensity. Are you a thrill seeker with nerves of steel? Try out the Rockstar pendulum ride and the gut-churning Wipeout. 

If that’s not quite your speed, there are plenty of family-friendly options. For example, the Flying Scooter is a gentle rollercoaster often packed with kids, while the Sky Glider lets you soar over the park. 

The park has plenty of interactive games, too. Challenge your family to a friendly game of hoops, or compete to see who can pop the most balloons with a dart. 

Ascarate Park 

Savor El Paso’s only lake from the shore or by boat. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 273-3501 | Website | Hours: 5:30 am – 11 pm from May 29-September; 6 am – 9 pm October-March | Free except during special events

Ascarate Park has plenty of recreational activities for the whole family. The 48-acre lake — the only one you’ll find in El Paso — is perfect for fishing or kayaking. Adults over 17 years need a fishing license, but not children. You can also walk or bike along a gentle trail along the lake. 

You can’t swim in the lake (it’s not exactly pristine), but Ascarate Pool is right next door. This Olympic-sized swimming pool is open to the public for several hours a day for $3 per adult and $2 per child. It’s a popular spot to escape the heat during those long El Paso summers. 

Food & Drink

Mexican Food 

Take your tastebuds on an adventure south of the border — without leaving the U.S. 

While the rest of the state loves Tex-Mex, El Paso is known for its authentic Mexican dishes. There are dozens of fabulous restaurants around the city. Some locals swear by Chico’s Tacos, a local taco chain known for its juicy taquitos. 

Personally, I’d recommend starting at the historic L&J Cafe, which has been serving Mexican food since the Great Depression, and Kiki’s Restaurant. For vegetarian and vegan dishes, you can’t go wrong with Eloise on the west side of the city. 

unBranded: Tavern and Kitchen 

Indulge in yummy pub food with a side of people watching. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 300-2625 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 9 pm Mon-Wed, 10:30 am – 10 pm Thu, 10:30 am – 12 am Fri, 9:00 am – 12 pm Sat, 9:00 am – 7 pm Sun

Worked up an appetite exploring downtown? Stop by unBranded for all-day breakfast and yummy pub food. With its laid-back vibe and full bar, it’s the perfect place to take a break after a few hours of museum-hopping. 

unBranded is also conveniently located across from the bustling San Jacinto Plaza, which makes it the perfect spot for people watching. Sip a cocktail while you watch wedding parties and prom-bound teens take photos in the historic park. 

Mountain Star Brewing Company

Sip delicious craft beer over a board game. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 307-2979 | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 10 pm Wed-Thu, 4 pm – 12 am Fri, 12 pm – 12 am Sat, 12 pm – 8 pm Sun, Closed Mon & Tue

Mountain Star is my favorite brewery in El Paso. It has an excellent selection of locally-brewed craft beers, and the friendly staff are always happy to help you pick out a drink. 

The brewery has a large selection of board games, perfect for hanging out with friends. And did I mention that it’s dog-friendly? They even have treats, so your pet won’t feel left out. 

Coffee Box 

Recharge with delicious coffee in a unique location. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 201-0846 | Website | Hours: 6:30 am – 10 pm Mon-Fri, 7:30 am – 10 pm Sat-Sun

When you’re craving caffeine, head over to Coffee Box for delicious drinks. This shop is located inside two stacked shipping containers, and its specialty drinks are almost as unique as its appearance.

For instance, you can order a charcoal latte with — you read that correctly — activated charcoal. Or try some regionally inspired drinks, such as a cajeta latte (made with goat’s milk) or a mazapan frappe. 

This cafe is usually packed, but you might be able to snag a seat on the rooftop. It’s a great spot for watching all the downtown hustle and bustle. 

Ambar Restaurante

Cool down with artisanal agave cocktails. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 440-0051 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm Sun-Wed, 6 am – 11 pm Thu-Sat

Ambar Restaurante is a high-end Mexican restaurant located inside the Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park. It serves classic Mexican dishes like carnitas and enchiladas with Instagram-worthy presentations. 

But its agave room is what makes it truly stand out in a city filled with Mexican eateries. Ambar has over 800 agave spirits, which its website describes as “the largest and rarest agave-based spirit collection in North America.” It offers weekly agave tastings every Thursday at 5 pm, led by the executive chef. Of course, you can also order agave drinks whenever you’d like to go with your meal. 

Tara Thai Cuisine 

Dine on delicious comfort food. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 219-9307 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 8 pm Mon-Thu, 12 pm – 8 pm Sat, Closed Sundays

While El Paso is mostly known for its Mexican food — and rightly so — it has a few Asian gems. Tara Thai is my go-to place whenever I’m craving a spicy bowl of noodles (which is… very often). It’s a relaxed restaurant with staples like curries, Pad Thai, and dumpling noodle soup. No matter what you order, be sure to save room for a tasty fried banana dessert. 

The tiny parking lot is often jam-packed, but don’t let that deter you. Across the street, you’ll find a public garage with plenty of room. 

Kinley’s Coffee & Tea House 

This trendy coffee shop has a drink for everyone. 

📍Google Maps | Phone: (915) 838-7177 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 10 pm Mon-Sat, 11 am – 10 pm Sun

Kinley’s Coffee and Tea House is the perfect spot for a cozy date or study session. It’s across the street from UTEP’s campus, so you’ll usually spot a few students tapping away on their laptops.

I love this coffee shop because it has a huge drink menu. Fancy frappes, milk teas, smoothies — whatever you’re craving, Kinley’s probably has it. The iced lattes are definitely my favorite (“obsession” is maybe a more accurate word), but the Red Bull refresher has helped me meet more than one deadline. 

Kinley’s also has affordable lunch options, including sandwiches and absolutely enormous salads. 

Cool & Unusual Attractions 

Lhakhang Temple

Marvel at this roadside attraction. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 747-8994 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 1 pm every Wednesday and the first Saturday of the month | Entrance: Free

West Texas is probably the last place you’d expect to find Bhutanese architecture, but UTEP’s campus is filled with it. According to campus lore, the wife of the college’s first dean fell in love with Bhutanese dzongs — or fortresses — while leafing through a copy of National Geographic in 1914. She persuaded the school to model its new campus after this elegant style. 

The best way to see this architecture is on foot. Grab a coffee from the library Starbucks, and spend an hour or two wandering among the stunning buildings. At the heart of the campus, you’ll find the ornate Lhakhang Temple. Bhutanese artists and UTEP students worked together to create this gorgeous space, which was completed in 2008.

House of Sugar 

Marvel at this roadside attraction. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free

Nicknamed “La Casa de Azucar” — or the House of Sugar — this once-ordinary house has become an artistic masterpiece. Resident Rufino Loya spent two decades designing the sculptures and other decorations for his wife. It has clear Catholic influences, with an altar for the Virgin Mary and plenty of angel sculptures. 

This roadside attraction is located in a quiet neighborhood with plenty of street parking. It’s private property, so be sure to stay on the sidewalk as you snap photos and admire the truly one-of-a-kind design. 

Bodega Loya 

Tour a local farm and stock up on seasonal produce. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 269-6277 | Bodega Loya Website | Hours: 12 pm – 5 pm Fri & Sun, 10 am – 5 pm Sat, Closed Mon-Thu | Entrance: Free

Bodega Loya has quickly become one of my favorite weekend spots. The family-owned farm has a stand where you can buy organic eggs, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and even savory cheeses. Check out the greenhouse and fields out back to see where everything is grown. 

But that’s not all. Bodega Loya has an adorable Cafecito where you can buy delicious coffees and juices. Take a few minutes to browse the art gallery inside, which displays work from local artists. You’ll also find several small shops with handmade jewelry, ceramics, and other crafts. It’s basically a miniature farmer’s market.  

Alligators at San Jacinto Plaza 

Snap a photo of one of El Paso’s signature statues. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915) 534-0600 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: Free

San Jacinto Plaza is a small park located at the corner of Oregon and Mills Street, smack dab in the middle of downtown. Decades ago, visitors flocked to the park to see real alligators. But the animals were eventually removed after a series of unfortunate incidents, including pranks gone wrong. 

Today, the only reptiles you’ll find in the park are made out of fiberglass. Luis Jiménez created this striking (and honestly, a little intimidating) statue as a reminder of the plaza’s history. 

Seasonal Things to Do in El Paso

Watch the UTEP Miners 

Pick your (metaphorical) picks up for the UTEP Miners. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Varies by gameday | Entrance: Starts at $10

If you love college football, be sure to catch one of the UTEP Miners’ home games. They play at the sprawling Sun Bowl Stadium, which is cradled inside a mountain. It’s a pretty neat venue, to say the least. 

Starting in 2025, the team will move to the Mountain West Conference, pitting them against new foes. But you don’t have to be a diehard sports fan to have a good time. The pregame tailgates are always a blast, and mascot Paydirt Pete keeps the crowd entertained with his tough-guy antics. 

McKittrick Canyon 

Take a short road trip to the Guadalupe Mountains for spectacular leaf-peeping. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $10, adults over 16; free, children

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located about two hours east of El Paso. That might seem long, but trust me — it’s worth the trek, especially in the fall. I recommend starting at McKittrick Canyon, a lush riparian filled with deciduous trees. 

During the autumn, these trees erupt into spectacular reds, oranges, and yellows. It’s a fascinating contrast to El Paso, which always just looks…. brown. About 2.5 miles into the hike, you’ll find the historic Pratt Cabin. It’s a pleasant place to eat your lunch before turning back or pressing deeper into the canyon.

Just keep an eye on the time — the park is extremely strict about closing the gate right at 5 pm, so you’ll need to get your car out before then. 

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I hope that this guide has given you some starting points for exploring Sun City. If you’re looking for more travel tips, check out my guide to the best neighborhoods in El Paso. 

Is this list missing anything? Drop me a comment below with your ideas!