El Paso is located in West Texas, bordering New Mexico and Mexico. With just under a million residents, it’s the 6th largest city in Texas. The city is surrounded by several mountain ranges and sits along the Rio Grande river. With so many outdoor activities available, it’s no wonder that the city gained the nickname “Sun City.” If you are looking for the best things to do in El Paso, attractions to visit, or restaurants to dine in, then this El Paso tourism guide covers everything you need to know! Whether you are a tourist or someone wanting to move here, there is something exciting for everyone in this city!
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Must Do Outdoor Activities in El Paso
1. Go hiking at Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park
The Sun City area is jam-packed with amazing outdoor activities, but if you’re looking for something a little bit out of the ordinary, check out the hiking trails at Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park. The trail is relatively flat for the first half-mile, providing many opportunities for picturesque scenery. The second half of the trail gets a bit steeper, but it’s nothing too extreme. Hiking at Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park is a must-try experience for all nature lovers in this city!
Timings
Tuesday- Sunday, 7:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Cost
Free
2. Fly above the city on Wyler Aerial Tramway
If you’re wondering where to visit in El Paso for a unique adventure, consider a trip to the Wyler Aerial Tramway. Located in the Franklin Mountains, the Wyler Aerial Tramway is an 8-mile roundtrip ride that reaches up to 8100 feet above sea level. The tram features a rotating cabin and offers unparalleled views of the desert landscape surrounding the city. This is one of the best parts of El Paso tourism and something you definitely should try!
Timings
10:00 am – 05:00 pm
Cost
$8 per adult and $4 per child
3. Enjoy a day at Wet n Wild Water World
Wet n Wild Water World is now open in the city! This new water park offers numerous activities, including more than 20 thrilling slides, two wave pools, an interactive play area for children, and much more. Whether you want a family-friendly day out or are seeking some serious thrills on the slides, this is one of the best places to visit in El Paso.
Timings
10:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Cost
$34.99
Sports in El Paso
1. Catch a Football Match at Sun Bowl
The Sun Bowl stadium has seen some pretty significant events throughout its lifetime! It hosts NFL games and is always the hub to watch college football games. Watching a game at Sun Bowl can be added to your bucket list, especially if you’re a football fan!
Cost
Average price to attend a game during season is $104.73
2. Get the opportunity to watch El Paso Chihuahuas playing
The El Paso Chihuahuas are a minor league baseball team of the city. They play in the Pacific Coast League and are currently affiliated with the San Diego Padres. Out of all the best things to do in El Paso, attending a home game of the team is sure to be a memorable experience.
Cost
Average price to attend a game during season is $34.04
3. Catch El Paso Rhinos playing live
The El Paso Rhinos are a minor league ice hockey team based in Sun City. They play in the Western States Hockey League as part of the South Division. While this sports organization doesn’t have as much attendance and media coverage as other larger teams, they are still very important to the city!
Cost
Average price to attend a game during season is $30
Museums in El Paso
1. Visit the El Paso Museum of Art
Established in 1975, the Museum stays true to its mission of providing access to art and engaging the community in the experience of visual culture. There are seven galleries showcasing the permanent collection as well as special exhibitions. The museum also features a sculpture garden. It’s an artist’s paradise, and visiting the museum is one of the best things to do in El Paso if you want to be inspired!
Cost
Free
Timings
Thursday-Saturday 10am – 6pm
2. Visit the El Paso Museum of History
The El Paso Museum of History is one of the places to visit in the city that you should NOT miss. Located on the grounds of the Franklin Mountains State Park, you will find more than 100,000 square feet of exhibits devoted to preserving and celebrating the city’s unique culture and history.
Cost
Free
Timings
Thursday-Saturday 10am – 6pm
3. Visit the El Paso Museum of Archaeology
The El Paso Museum of Archaeology was founded with the mission to enrich lives through programs that promote understanding and appreciation for the past in a culturally inclusive environment. The museum houses a permanent collection of artifacts and archaeological remnants from the American Southwest and Northern Mexico. The museum is so much more than dusty relics from bygone eras and will sit well on your Sun City tourism list.
Cost
Free
Timings
Thursday-Saturday 9am – 5pm
Culture in El Paso
1. Witness the El Paso Water Lantern Festival
One of the best things to do while you are in the city is attending the Water Lantern Festival which is an annual event that began in 2010. The biggest draws are the colorful lanterns and parade of lights floating down the Rio Grande as part of a ceremony to honor loved ones or ancestors who have passed. The city comes alive with a luminous glow as it celebrates the Water Lantern Festival and is a beautiful experience for residents and tourists alike.
Cost
25.99 USD
2. Participate in the KLAQ Great River Raft Race
The KLAQ Great River Raft Race is an annual event that allows hundreds of people to participate in something fun and exciting. During this time, people can sign up individually or as a team to traverse the Rio Grande through inflatable kayaks or self-made kayaks. Whether you want to take part in the raft race, or just enjoy some food, music, and river activities there will be something for everyone. We think it’s one of the most exciting and best things to do in this city!
Cost
$20 per raft plus $10 per person participating
3. Watch the Amigo Airsho
People flock to the city’s International Airport, to witness the spectacular annual Amigo Airsho which features dozens of airplanes! In addition to the live demonstrations, attendees can enjoy live music, games, entertainment, food trucks, and more.
Cost
$20 for adults and $10 for children
Explore restaurants in El Paso
1. Enjoy a meal at Café Mayapán
Sun City is filled with unique restaurants, and if you haven’t been to Café Mayapan then you are definitely missing out! This Mexican restaurant has an amazing ambiance, great service, friendly workers, and delicious food. It’s one of the places to visit in El Paso for mouth-watering food!
Timings
11am-3pm
Cost
$17-$25
2. Get a bite at Café Central
Here’s an underrated eatery you can add to your bucket list. The restaurant has been around since 1972, serving up authentic Mexican dishes to customers looking for home-cooked meals, and is a hot spot for many locals. They offer outdoor seating as well as a large dining room with delicious American and Mexican food options!
Timings
10am-9pm
Cost
$31 to $50
3. Savour meals at the L & J Café
The L & J Café is a popular restaurant located in the city, that serves delicious Mexican food with a western flare. It’s famous for its breakfasts and brunches, which include flautas, migas, breakfast tacos, huevos rancheros, and more! It’s one of the best places to visit in El Paso for pocket-friendly meals with a very classy ambiance!
Cost
$15 and under
Timings
10am–7pm
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