El Paso, Texas Travel Guide

Discover El Paso, Texas: A city of sunshine, rich history, and vibrant culture, nestled at the crossroads of the United States and Mexico.

El Paso, often called the Sun City, is a vibrant destination located at the western tip of Texas. The city offers a unique blend of cultures, influenced by its proximity to Mexico, which is just across the Rio Grande river. Its rich history, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes make it a must-visit for any traveler. El Paso boasts a wide range of activities and attractions. History enthusiasts can explore the El Paso Mission Trail, a historic route featuring missions dating back to the 17th century. Nature lovers will appreciate the Franklin Mountains State Park, offering hiking, rock climbing, and breathtaking views of the desert landscape. The city is also home to the El Paso Museum of Art and the Plaza Theatre, ensuring that art and culture are never far from reach. The local cuisine is a highlight of any visit to El Paso. The city is famous for its Tex-Mex dishes, featuring delicious combinations of tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. Don’t miss out on trying the local specialty, the chile con queso. The vibrant nightlife and friendly locals add to the warm, welcoming atmosphere that El Paso is known for.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring El Paso.

Visit the El Paso Mission Trail early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and enjoy a quieter experience.
If you plan to hike in Franklin Mountains State Park, bring plenty of water and wear sun protection, as the desert sun can be intense.
Try to visit during the Sun City Music Festival, held annually, for a taste of the local music scene.
Be sure to have some cash on hand as some local markets and food vendors may not accept credit cards.
Cross the border to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, if you have the time and appropriate documentation, for a unique cultural experience.

Neighbourhoods in El Paso

Downtown El Paso

Kern Place

Westside

Sunland Park

Explore All Neighbourhoods in El Paso

Explore El Paso: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in El Paso

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San Jacinto Plaza

Experience the heart of El Paso at San Jacinto Plaza, a vibrant urban park perfect for relaxation and cultural events.

4.7

San Jacinto Plaza

Experience the vibrant culture and serene beauty of San Jacinto Plaza in Downtown El Paso, a perfect destination for relaxation and community events.

4.7

El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Explore the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens, a vibrant destination showcasing wildlife, lush gardens, and educational experiences for the whole family.

4.3

Wet 'N' Wild Waterworld

Experience the ultimate fun at Wet 'N' Wild Waterworld, Texas's top water park filled with thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and family-friendly attractions.

4.4

Best landmarks in El Paso

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San Jacinto Plaza

Discover the charm of San Jacinto Plaza, an urban oasis in El Paso with stunning sculptures, community events, and a vibrant atmosphere that invites relaxation.

4.7

Southwest University Park

Discover the excitement of live sports and vibrant events at Southwest University Park in El Paso, Texas, where community spirit and fun come alive.

4.7

Franklin Mountains State Park

Explore breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor adventures at Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso, Texas.

4.7

Bob-O's Family Fun Center

Experience endless fun and excitement at Bob-O's Family Fun Center in El Paso, featuring go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf, and more!

4.3

Best restaurants in El Paso

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L & J Cafe

Experience authentic Mexican flavors at L & J Cafe in El Paso - a family-friendly gem serving delicious dishes at affordable prices.

4.5

Corralito Steak House (5800 Doniphan)

Discover Corralito Steak House: An exceptional dining destination in El Paso offering mouthwatering steaks and a lively bar atmosphere.

4.5

Los Bandidos De Carlos & Mickey's

Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at Los Bandidos De Carlos & Mickey's in El Paso – where every meal is a celebration!

4.4

Twin Peaks

Discover Twin Peaks: A Premier Sports Bar & American Restaurant in El Paso Offering Great Food & Exciting Sports Atmosphere.

4.6

Best bars in El Paso

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Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks in El Paso combines delicious American cuisine, sports excitement, and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable dining experience.

4.6

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

Experience authentic Italian flavors at Olive Garden in El Paso, a family-friendly restaurant offering gluten-free options and a warm atmosphere.

4.4

The Hoppy Monk

Experience the best of craft beer and delicious pub fare at The Hoppy Monk, a vibrant gastropub in El Paso, Texas.

4.5

RAD El Paso West

Discover RAD El Paso West: Where delicious grill cuisine meets exhilarating gaming fun for all ages in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.5

Best nightclubs in El Paso

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Ricky D's

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Ricky D's in El Paso, where live music meets a vibrant bar scene for an unforgettable experience.

4.3

Escape Nightclub

Experience the vibrant El Paso nightlife at Escape Nightclub, a lively bar with great music, affordable drinks, and an energetic atmosphere.

4.2

Tequilas Discoteque

Experience the vibrant nightlife of El Paso at Tequilas Discoteque, a premier night club offering unforgettable music and delicious cocktails.

4.0

Latin Groove

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Latin Groove, where Latin beats and lively atmosphere create unforgettable evenings in El Paso.

4.4

Best shops in El Paso

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The Fountains at Farah

Explore the vibrant shopping oasis of The Fountains at Farah in El Paso, where shopping, dining, and entertainment come together in a picturesque setting.

4.6

The Shoppes at Solana

Discover unique shopping and dining at The Shoppes at Solana, a premier shopping mall in El Paso, Texas, blending local charm with popular brands.

4.0

Sunland Towne Centre

Discover shopping, dining, and entertainment at Sunland Towne Centre, the ultimate destination for all your retail needs in El Paso.

4.3

Marshalls

Explore Marshalls in El Paso, TX for unbeatable deals on fashion, accessories, and home goods for the whole family.

4.3

Explore El Paso on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in El Paso, mapped for you.

El Paso Essentials

El Paso is accessible by air, road, and rail. The El Paso International Airport (ELP) offers numerous domestic flights and limited international services. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Southwest, and United operate from this airport. If you're driving, El Paso is served by major highways including I-10, which connects the city to other parts of Texas and neighboring states. Greyhound and other bus services provide interstate travel options. Amtrak’s Sunset Limited route also stops in El Paso, connecting the city to Los Angeles and New Orleans.
Within El Paso, transportation options include car rentals, taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, and public transit. Sun Metro operates bus routes across the city, including the Brio Rapid Transit System for faster travel on main corridors. For a more scenic option, consider the El Paso Streetcar, which runs through downtown and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) area. Biking is also a viable option with several bike-sharing programs available.
The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including in most restaurants, shops, and hotels. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets where cards may not be accepted.
El Paso is generally considered a safe city for tourists, but it's always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas and keep an eye on your belongings in busy places. Specific areas with higher crime rates include parts of Segundo Barrio and certain sections of the northeast. Always stay aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables openly.
In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. El Paso has several hospitals, including the University Medical Center and Del Sol Medical Center. Pharmacies are abundant, with major chains like Walgreens and CVS available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the hot desert climate. Light clothing and sunscreen are advisable. Avoid overly revealing attire in more conservative areas or religious sites. Religion: Do respect the diverse religious practices in El Paso, including Catholicism and various Protestant denominations. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer seats to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't play loud music or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi.' Handshakes are common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Tex-Mex cuisine and be open to trying new foods. Don't refuse hospitality or invitations to dine, as it is considered impolite.
To experience El Paso like a local, visit the downtown area and explore its many art galleries, markets, and eateries. The Plaza Theatre and the El Paso Museum of Art offer cultural experiences. Don't miss the scenic views from the Wyler Aerial Tramway and the Franklin Mountains State Park. Additionally, attending a UTEP Miners game or a local festival can give you a taste of the community spirit.

When is the best time to visit El Paso?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for El Paso

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in El Paso. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
- GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
- YesSí
  [see]
- NoNo
  [noh]
- Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
- Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
- Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
- How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
- Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byehn. ee too]
- Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
- I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
- I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
- Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]
- Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
- Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
- Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
- Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
- I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
- I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]
- I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
- I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
- How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwes-tah]
- That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
- Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-syoh]
- What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
- It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
- Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
- MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
- AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
- EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
- YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
- TodayHoy
  [oy]
- TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
- 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
- 2Dos
  [dohs]
- 3Tres
  [trehs]
- 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
- 5Cinco
  [seeng-koh]
- 6Seis
  [sayss]
- 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
- 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
- 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
- 10Diez
  [dyehs]
- Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está el/la...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah ehl/lah]
- What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
- Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
- When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksy-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

History of El Paso

Long before European explorers set foot in the region, El Paso was home to various indigenous groups including the Manso, Suma, and Jumano peoples. These early inhabitants lived off the land, hunting, gathering, and trading with neighboring tribes. Their influence is still evident today in the cultural fabric of the area.
In 1598, Spanish explorer Don Juan de Oñate led an expedition through the El Paso area, marking the beginning of Spanish influence in the region. The expedition's crossing of the Rio Grande near modern-day El Paso is commemorated by the annual celebration of 'El Paso del Norte.' The Spanish established missions like the Ysleta Mission, which became focal points for the spread of Christianity and European culture.
After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the area of El Paso became part of the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The settlement grew as a trading post and military outpost. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which ended the Mexican-American War, resulted in the northern part of the area, including El Paso, becoming part of the United States.
The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1881 transformed El Paso into a booming frontier town. The railroads brought an influx of settlers, businesses, and industries, making El Paso a crucial transportation hub. The city’s economy diversified with the growth of cattle ranching, mining, and later, manufacturing.
During Prohibition in the 1920s, El Paso's position on the U.S.-Mexico border made it a hotspot for smuggling alcohol. The city's nightlife flourished with speakeasies and nightclubs catering to both Americans and Mexicans. This period also saw the rise of organized crime in the region.
El Paso played a significant role during World War II with the establishment of Fort Bliss as a major training and deployment center for U.S. troops. The presence of the military continues to shape the city's economy and culture. Fort Bliss remains one of the largest military complexes in the United States.
El Paso was also a significant site for the Civil Rights Movement. In 1957, the city's public schools were among the first in the South to desegregate, setting a precedent for other cities to follow. Activists and community leaders in El Paso have continued to advocate for social justice and equal rights.
Today, El Paso is a vibrant, multicultural city where American and Mexican cultures blend seamlessly. The city celebrates its rich heritage with numerous festivals, museums, and cultural institutions, such as the El Paso Museum of History and the Plaza Theatre. The influence of its diverse population is evident in the local cuisine, music, and art scenes.