Things to Do in El Paso, Texas
Outdoors / Scenic
Franklin Mountains State Park: Massive park inside the city — perfect for hiking, mountain biking, or just driving up for epic views.
Scenic Drive – Overlook: Short drive with one of the best views of El Paso and Ciudad Juárez across the border. Especially gorgeous at sunset.
History and Culture
Mission Trail: Visit historic Spanish missions from the 1600s — Ysleta Mission is the oldest continuously operated parish in Texas.
El Paso Museum of Art: Small but quality art museum — free admission too.
El Paso Holocaust Museum: Powerful, thoughtfully done, and free entry.
Chamizal National Memorial: A park and cultural site about the U.S.-Mexico border treaties — plus art exhibits and walking trails.
Downtown and Local Vibes
Plaza Theatre: Stunning 1930s Spanish Colonial Revival-style theater — catch a show if you can.
San Jacinto Plaza: Cool little downtown park with sculptures, food trucks sometimes, and chill vibes.
Food (SO important here)
L&J Cafe: Iconic Tex-Mex spot — locals swear by it.
Cattleman’s Steakhouse (at Indian Cliffs Ranch): A bit outside of town but legendary — big steaks, desert views, even a petting zoo.
Unique / Off-the-beaten-path
Wyler Aerial Tramway: (Currently closed for repairs, but check — when open, it’s a tram ride up Ranger Peak!)
Hueco Tanks State Park: Wild bouldering and ancient pictographs — you need a reservation for some parts.
El Paso Streetcar: Retro trolleys that take you on a cute little loop around downtown and uptown.