Experience a Confluence of Cultures in El Paso

El Paso is, at its heart, a border town. Not only is it just a short walk across the bridge to Mexico, but it’s also tucked along the Texas-New Mexico stateline, making it a unique and vibrant city. It’s a blend of many things, Chihuahuan desert and some of the highest mountains in the state, fascinating history and modern art, Texas barbeque and authentic Mexican food.

“It’s an incredible corner of the world,” says Rene Wong, Visit El Paso’s director of marketing and communications. “El Paso is truly a confluence of cultures.”

Hit the Trails at Franklin Mountains State Park, Plus Three National Parks

Start here to access some of the best outdoor recreation Texas has to offer. Right in town you’ll find Franklin Mountains State Park which is great for hiking and biking. Hike the short but steep, 1.2-mile roundtrip trail to Aztec Cave for the perfect introduction to this beautiful landscape. Along the way you’ll spot ocotillo, cactus and mesquite, along with incredible views of the city near the top. The cave, formed by an air pocket in ancient lava, is fun to explore. The park is also a lovely spot for a picnic with a beautiful backdrop. Grab burritos from the drive-thru at local favorite Crisostomo for a convenient and easily transportable lunch.

El Paso is one of the closest cities to the state’s two national parks: Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend. The former is an hour and 45 minute drive. Hike to the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, on a strenuous 8.4-mile trek with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Big Bend National Park is a bit further from town, just over five hours, but is well worth planning a side trip to experience its unique landscape, rafting opportunities and stunning night skies. The quirky town of Marfa is en route to Big Bend, making for a fun pitstop. It’s also a short drive across the stateline to New Mexico from El Paso, where White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns national parks await.

For a different kind of trail, take the El Paso Mission Trail, highlighting more than 400 years of history. Visit the Ysleta and Socorro churches, the oldest working missions in the area, plus the beautiful San Elizario chapel.

Walk Across the Border for the World’s First Margarita

After spending the day on the trails, it’s time for a drink and in El Paso, there’s only one logical conclusion: a margarita. After all, legend has it that the popular cocktail was invented just across the border in Ciudad Juarez. If you brought your passport, you can walk across the border to sample a margarita from the source at the Kentucky Club. It’s a flat, mile-long walk from downtown’s lively San Jacinto Plaza, across the Paso del Norte International Bridge that serves as the border. It’s faster to walk than drive, especially on the return trip where re-entry lines into Texas can be long in a car. In El Paso, try the margs at Carlos & Mickey’s or L&J Cafe, both of which also have great Mexican food.

Even in the summer months, you’ll find pleasant temperatures at night in El Paso. Head downtown after the sun goes down to explore. San Jacinto Plaza is the city’s heart, a vibrant gathering place and great for people watching. From here, you can hop on one of the city’s vintage baby-blue streetcars to take a ride around town. The streetcars run until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 6 p.m. on Sundays and 7 p.m. on all other days of the week. While you’ll find a great permanent collection and special exhibits at the El Paso Art Museum, you can find incredible art right out on the street, too. The El Segundo Barrio District downtown is home to dozens of beautiful murals that blend contemporary, Mexican and Southwestern art styles. Join a guided walking or bike tour for a deep dive. Traveling with kids? La Nube is a brand new STEAM discovery center downtown that’s a great spot for all abilities to explore.

Taste El Paso’s Vibrant Food Scene

When it’s time for dinner, you’ll find no shortage of places to eat, but you don’t want to miss the city’s two James Beard nominated taquerias. Elemi is an upscale spot with a fascinating menu–think tacos with slow grilled duck, achiote-marinated rabbit or fermented hot sauce–and an excellent cocktail menu. The more casual Taconeta highlights amazing ingredients from the heirloom corn ground daily used in their beautiful blue tortillas, to the meat, seafood and veggies that fill their tacos.

End the night by checking into Stanton House, a small boutique hotel with an excellent restaurant. Hotel Indigo is another great option for those looking for a design-forward stay with great eats, while the newly refurbished Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park or the Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection Paso del Norte are on the luxury end.

For More Information:
Visit El Paso
One Civic Center Plaza
El Paso, TX 79901
(915) 534-0600
visitelpaso.com