Most people think of El Paso as just a dusty pit stop on the way to Arizona or a place to see the border wall. They're wrong. If you’re looking for things to do El Paso is actually a weird, beautiful mountain city that feels more like its own country than just another part of Texas. You've got 7,000-foot peaks cutting right through the middle of town and food that makes Austin’s "authentic" tacos look like a joke.
It’s the Sun City. 300 days of sunshine a year. It’s also the "Boot Capital of the World," which sounds like a marketing gimmick until you realize Lucchese and Tony Lama are literally based here.
The High Altitude Stuff You Can't Miss
The first thing you’ll notice is the Franklin Mountains. It’s the largest urban state park in the United States, which basically means you can go from eating a world-class brunch to being completely lost in the desert in about fifteen minutes.
✨ Don't miss: Flights from Chicago to Buenos Aires Argentina: What Most People Get Wrong
If you aren't into a three-hour suffer-fest, just drive Scenic Drive. It’s a winding road that hugs the rim of the mountains. At the overlook, you see the entire grid of El Paso and the sprawling chaos of Ciudad Juárez right next to it. At night, it’s just a sea of lights with no visible border.
For the hikers, Aztec Caves is the go-to. It’s about 1.9 miles round trip. It’s steep, rocky, and will definitely make your calves burn, but the caves at the top are massive and provide actual shade. If you’re a glutton for punishment, try North Franklin Peak. It’s an 8-mile haul that puts you at the highest point in the city. You can see three states and two countries from the top.
Hueco Tanks: The Real Hidden Gem
About 30 miles east of town is Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site. This place is sacred. People have been coming here for 10,000 years because the hollowed-out rocks (huecos) catch rainwater.
Honestly, the permits are a pain. They only let 70 people into the self-guided area at a time. If you don't call weeks in advance (the number is 512-389-8911), you probably aren't getting in. But it’s worth the hassle. You’ll see ancient pictographs and some of the best bouldering in the world. Just don't bring your dog—they aren't allowed on the trails to protect the history.
Where to Actually Eat (Avoid the Chains)
When searching for things to do El Paso usually leads people to the same three restaurants. Let’s be real: you need to go to L&J Cafe. It’s right across from a cemetery (Concordia), which sounds morbid, but the green enchiladas are spiritual. It’s been there since 1927.
- Taconeta: For modern tacos that will ruin every other taco for you.
- H&H Car Wash: Yes, it’s a car wash. Yes, they serve incredible Mexican breakfast. It’s a local institution.
- Cattleman’s Steakhouse: It’s a 35-minute drive out to Indian Cliffs Ranch. Is it touristy? Kinda. Is the steak actually good? Yes. Plus, they have a movie set ranch you can walk around.
If you’re downtown, Elemi is doing high-end heirloom corn tacos that are genuinely mind-blowing. They use non-GMO corn from Mexico and nixtamalize it in-house. It’s not cheap, but it’s real food.
👉 See also: DK Travel Guide Books: What Most People Get Wrong
The Cultural Weirdness
El Paso is 80% Hispanic, and the culture is a thick blend of Texas cowboy and Mexican tradition. You have to see the Mission Trail. It’s a 9-mile stretch with three missions: Ysleta, Socorro, and San Elizario. These are older than the United States.
San Elizario is particularly cool because it has the "Billy the Kid Jail." Legend says he broke into the jail to free a friend. Whether it's 100% true or not doesn't really matter; the art galleries in the surrounding historic district are legit.
Catch a Game
In the spring and summer, you have to go to a Chihuahuas game at Southwest University Park. They’re a Triple-A team, and the stadium is right in the middle of downtown. It’s won "Ballpark of the Year" a few times. Even if you hate baseball, the view of the city skyline and the Margaritas make it worth the $15 ticket.
Why the "Border" Stuff is Misunderstood
People ask if El Paso is safe. Statistically, it’s one of the safest large cities in America. Don't let the news cycle freak you out. The interaction between El Paso and Juárez is what makes the city interesting.
The Chamizal National Memorial is a great place to understand this. It’s a park that commemorates a border dispute that was actually settled peacefully. It has a museum and great walking paths, and it’s a literal bridge between cultures.
👉 See also: Why the Spring Temple Buddha is Still a Marvel You’ve Probably Never Seen
Next Steps for Your Trip
- Call Hueco Tanks today: If you want to see the pictographs, you need that reservation. Don't wait until you arrive.
- Pack layers: The desert is a liar. It’ll be 90 degrees at noon and 50 degrees by 8:00 PM.
- Check the Streetcar schedule: The vintage streetcars are free on weekends and a great way to see the UTEP campus and downtown without dealing with parking.
- Buy boots: If you're going to splurge, go to the Lucchese Factory Outlet on Gateway East. You can get $800 boots for a fraction of that if you’re lucky with the sizes.