10 Fun Things To Do In And Around El Paso, Texas
Looking for things to do in El Paso, Texas? Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family road trip, or you just moved here and want to explore, El Paso is full of surprises. This border city blends Texas, Mexico, and the Southwest into one unique place you won’t find anywhere else.
Below are
10 fun things to do near El Paso, from hiking desert mountains to tasting some of the best Mexican food in the country.
1. Hike (Or Drive) Scenic Franklin Mountains State Park
If you only do one outdoor activity in El Paso, make it the
Franklin Mountains State Park. These mountains rise right out of the city, so you don’t have to drive far to feel like you’ve escaped into the wild.
You can:
- Take an easy hike near the base of the mountains
- Challenge yourself on steeper trails with amazing views
- Try mountain biking on desert singletrack
- Pack a picnic and watch the sunset over El Paso
The park has more than 100 miles of trails, so there’s something for every skill level. On clear days you can see across the border into Mexico. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat—this is true desert, and it gets hot fast.
2. Ride the Wyler Aerial Tramway (When It Reopens)
The
Wyler Aerial Tramway has been one of El Paso’s most iconic attractions for years. It takes you up to Ranger Peak in the Franklins by cable car, with a stunning 360-degree view at the top.
Right now, the tramway has been closed for repairs and upgrades, but it’s worth keeping on your radar if you’re planning a future trip. Once it’s open again, it’s one of the easiest ways to get a bird’s-eye view of:
- El Paso’s skyline
- Ciudad Juárez, just across the border
- The wide-open desert in every direction
Until then, you can still hike to high viewpoints in Franklin Mountains State Park for similar sweeping views.
3. Walk Through History in Downtown El Paso
Downtown El Paso is compact, walkable, and full of history. If you enjoy exploring on foot, you’ll find a mix of old theaters, cool murals, and historic hotels.
A few highlights:
- Plaza Theatre – A beautifully restored 1930s theater that hosts concerts, Broadway shows, and classic movie nights.
- San Jacinto Plaza – A relaxing central square with benches, trees, and a playful alligator sculpture that nods to the park’s quirky past.
- Hotel Paso del Norte – Step inside the lobby to see the elegant stained-glass dome and old-world design.
If you’ve ever wondered what a true border city feels like, this is where you can see it: Spanish and English blend together, tacos and burgers are side by side, and modern glass buildings sit next to historic brick ones.
4. Explore El Paso’s Mission Trail
History lovers should not miss the
El Paso Mission Trail. It’s a short drive southeast of downtown and takes you back to the 1600s, when Spanish missions were being built along the Rio Grande.
The trail includes:
- Ysleta Mission – The oldest continuously operated parish in Texas.
- Socorro Mission – Known for its beautiful interior and traditional adobe-style look.
- San Elizario Chapel – Part of a small historic district with art galleries and local shops.
Drive between the missions, stop for photos, and maybe grab some local food along the way. It’s a peaceful way to see a different side of El Paso beyond the city streets.
5. Visit Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
About 30 miles east of El Paso,
Hueco Tanks is a magical spot in the desert. Huge rock formations rise from the ground, creating natural “tanks” that hold rainwater. This has made the area important for people for thousands of years.
Why go?
- Rock climbing and bouldering – Climbers from all over the world come here in the cooler months.
- Rock art – Guided tours can show you ancient pictographs painted by Native American groups.
- Hiking – Even if you don’t climb, just walking around the rocks is unforgettable.
Because Hueco Tanks is sensitive and protected, the state limits how many people can enter each day. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
6. Taste the Border: El Paso’s Food Scene
You can’t talk about
things to do in El Paso without talking about food. The city has some of the best Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes in the U.S., along with great food trucks and classic diners.
A few must-try items:
- Breakfast burritos – Fluffy eggs, potatoes, and chiles wrapped in a warm tortilla. Perfect road-trip fuel.
- Street tacos – Carne asada, al pastor, or barbacoa, often served with simple toppings and big flavor.
- Chiles rellenos & enchiladas – Local spots put their own spin on these favorites.
If you’re not sure where to start, ask someone at your hotel or a local barista where they go for tacos. El Paso locals are usually proud of their favorite neighborhood spots and happy to share.
7. Learn at the El Paso Museum of History & 3D Digital Wall
Right near downtown, the
El Paso Museum of History is a great indoor option—especially helpful if it’s too hot outside. Exhibits cover topics like:
- El Paso’s role in the Old West
- The city’s connection to railroads and trade
- Life on the border over the last 400+ years
Outside the museum, you’ll find the
Digie (Digital Information Gateway in El Paso) Wall, a massive interactive digital wall. You can swipe through historic images, maps, and stories about the city. It’s like holding a giant touchscreen history book.
This is also a nice stop for families—kids enjoy the hands-on displays and huge screens.
8. See Wildlife and Desert Plants at the El Paso Zoo
If you’re traveling with kids—or you’re just a big kid at heart—the
El Paso Zoo is an easy half-day activity. It’s not massive, but that can be a good thing: you can see a lot without feeling rushed or exhausted.
You’ll find:
- Lions, giraffes, and elephants
- Reptiles and desert animals
- Play areas and splash zones for children (great on hot days)
The zoo also focuses on conservation and education, so you get to learn about the animals and their habitats in a simple, engaging way.
9. Take a Scenic Drive Along Transmountain Road
If hiking isn’t your thing, but you still want great views, hop in the car and head for
Transmountain Road (Loop 375) through the Franklin Mountains.
Why this drive is worth it:
- You literally drive through the mountains, with rocky slopes on both sides.
- There are scenic pullouts where you can park and take photos.
- Sunset and nighttime drives are especially beautiful—city lights on one side, dark desert on the other.
It’s an easy way to experience the rugged desert landscape without lacing up hiking boots. Just drive slow, watch for changing weather, and be courteous at pullouts, since they can fill up on popular days.
10. Day Trip to White Sands National Park (New Mexico)
Yes, this one is outside Texas, but it’s close enough that many visitors treat it as a must-do El Paso side trip. About 1.5 hours north of El Paso, across the New Mexico state line, you’ll find
White Sands National Park.
This place feels like another planet. Miles of bright white gypsum sand dunes stretch out in every direction.
What you can do there:
- Sled down the dunes on plastic saucers (you can often rent or buy them nearby).
- Walk short trails through the sand for photos—especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
- Stargaze if you stay after dark when there are special events.
Bring sunglasses (the sand can be extremely bright), plenty of water, and shoes you don’t mind filling with sand. It’s one of the most memorable day trips you can take from El Paso.
Final Tips for Visiting El Paso
To make the most of your time in El Paso, keep these quick tips in mind:
- Heat: Summers can be very hot. Plan outdoor activities early in the morning or late in the day.
- Hydration: The desert is dry. Drink more water than you think you need.
- Car: Having a vehicle makes it much easier to reach parks, Hueco Tanks, and White Sands.
- Border culture: This is a true border town. Enjoy the mix of languages, foods, and traditions—it’s part of what makes El Paso special.
What Will You Do First in El Paso?
From desert hikes and scenic drives to mission churches and amazing tacos,
El Paso, Texas offers a unique mix of nature, history, and culture. It’s a city that feels both laid-back and full of life.
Have you been to El Paso before?
- Which of these activities sounds best to you?
- Did we miss a favorite local spot?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us about your own El Paso travel tips.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or on social media—it might inspire someone else’s next Southwest adventure.
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