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El Paso
Long considered a sleepy western backwater, El Paso used to just mosey along, keeping its head low while its notorious Mexican neighbour Ciudad Juárez grabbed the headlines. But no more; El Paso has been making its own headlines. Successive runs for the US Senate and Presidency by former local Congressman Beto O’Rourke, and repeated visits by President Trump promoting his border policies, have brought national attention. A construction boom – and we don't just mean the Wall – has given downtown El Paso a facelift, and it can now boast a fist-full of new high-rise hotels, a restored streetcar line, the Chihuahuas baseball team and even its very own crop of microbreweries.
Attractions
Must-see attractions for your itinerary
El Paso
This thoroughly enjoyable small-scale museum is housed in a former Greyhound station. Its pride and joy is a 13th-century Byzantine Madonna and Child, but…
El Paso
Home to Texas’ oldest continually active congregation, tracing back to 1680, Ysleta Mission was established for Spanish refugees and Tigua people fleeing…
El Paso
The largest urban park in the US, at over 24,000 acres, offers a quick escape from the city to the home of ringtail cats, coyotes and countless other…
El Paso
El Paso might not seem an obvious location for a Holocaust museum. Created by local survivors, though, this excellent little memorial holds thoughtful and…
First Armored Division & Fort Bliss Museum
El Paso
As the largest air-defense training center in the Western world, Fort Bliss consumes much of the desert northeast of El Paso, and trains troops from all…
El Paso
This small but informative museum spotlights the history of the US Border Patrol, which was founded in 1924. This happened three days after Congress…
El Paso
The surrounding community of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo is sovereign home to the Tigua tribe and is recognized by many as the oldest town in Texas. Despite…
El Paso
Home to a large number of endangered animals, including the Asian elephant, Sumatran orangutan, Malayan tiger and the rare Amur leopard. All told, more…
Attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
The best things to do in El Paso: boot shopping, bouldering and the best beef tacos
Curated by Jennifer Simonson
El Paso
Even if you can’t round up the money ($1100 to $4000!) for a custom pair, make an appointment to visit Rocketbuster Boots and you’ll see what all the fuss…
El Paso
The new Southwest University Park stadium (www.southwestuniversitypark.com) downtown is the home of the the El Paso Chihuahuas, one of the best-named…
El Paso
One of El Paso's best-loved Mexican joints, L&J serves up delicious tacos, fajitas and famous green-chile chicken enchiladas – plus a legendary menudo …
El Paso
The surrounding community of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo is sovereign home to the Tigua tribe and is recognized by many as the oldest town in Texas. Despite…
El Paso
El Paso might not seem an obvious location for a Holocaust museum. Created by local survivors, though, this excellent little memorial holds thoughtful and…
El Paso
The largest urban park in the US, at over 24,000 acres, offers a quick escape from the city to the home of ringtail cats, coyotes and countless other…
El Paso
This elaborate theater under the stars is all indoors: pinpoint lights replicate celestial bodies, and vines cling to faux Spanish courtyard walls. Also…
El Paso
The community of Socorro was established in the fall of 1680, after Spaniards and Native Americans fled New Mexico following the Pueblo Revolt earlier in…
El Paso
This museum has a shiny new location in the heart of the downtown museum district. It's not particularly big and sometimes there seems to be a lot of…
El Paso
The dioramas depicting the lives of the region's ancient peoples aren't particularly illuminating, but the baskets, pottery and hunting tools created by…
El Paso
This thoroughly enjoyable small-scale museum is housed in a former Greyhound station. Its pride and joy is a 13th-century Byzantine Madonna and Child, but…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Neighborhoods
El Paso's vibrant cultural scene is strongly influenced by its proximity to the border. These top neighborhoods show off the city's Texas-meets-Mexico soul.
Read articleDay Trips
El Paso day trips will immerse you in a land loaded with mystery. Here are seven of our favorites.
Read articleFree Things to Do
Stretch every cent of your vacation budget with our favorite free things to do in El Paso, from museums and murals to hikes and scenic drives.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from El Paso
Festivals & EventsThe best time to visit El Paso for a taste of the real TexasApr 9, 2022 • 7 min read
NeighborhoodsEl Paso's best neighborhoods are a fun fusion of Texan and Mexican cultureApr 7, 2022 • 7 min read
ActivitiesThe best things to do in El Paso: boot shopping, bouldering and the best beef tacosApr 4, 2022 • 5 min read
Budget TravelMuseums, missions and murals are all free things to do in El PasoApr 4, 2022 • 10 min read
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