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Looking for the best things to do in El Paso, Texas? From hiking in Franklin Mountain State Park to eating tacos at Taconeta, you need to tick these off your list!
This is going to be a pretty bold statement, but El Paso might be my new favourite city in the US. To be fair, any place that does incredible margaritas and tacos is always going to have a place close to my heart, but El Paso is so much more than that.
Being on the Mexican border, approximately 80% of people living in El Paso are Mexican or have dual nationality. Because of that, it is this beautiful blend of American and Mexican culture, a place that’s truly Tex-Mex in all the best ways.
Let’s be honest here, a lot of US cities can be quite boring. You’ve got your high-rise skyscrapers, outlet malls dotted around town, and a place to watch the ballgame.
El Paso has this vibe, this personality that few places have. You can see it in the street art, in the bars overflowing with people late into the night. Honestly, it’s like nowhere I’ve been in the US and I absolutely loved it because of that.
If you’re looking at spending a weekend in El Paso or are travelling around the area, then I’ve put together all the best things to do in El Paso. From where to find the trendiest drink spots to hiking in Franklin Garden State Park, this is the ultimate guide to the city.
I really hope this helps you plan your trip here, and I really hope you enjoy the city as much as I did. Tick off a few of these and you’re in for an amazing time in the city.
If you’re looking for some other things to do in the area, then check out my guides to the best hiking spots near El Paso, and my guide to hiking Guadalupe Peak!
Contents:
Franklin State Mountain Park
El Paso is one of those cities that’s blessed with an incredible mountain range right on its doorstep. From Hotel Paso Del Norte which is in the heart of downtown El Paso, it only takes 20 minutes to drive to the visitor center at Franklin Mountain State Park. It really is that close.
Once here, this state park has over 100 miles of hiking trails to choose from, so there is something of everyone. If you’re looking for an easy and short hike, then climbing up to the Aztec Cave is a great introduction to the area. The final section up to the cave is a little steep, but once in the cave you’ve got some great views of the mountains around you.
For me, I really enjoyed hiking McKelligon Canyon. We did a 4-hour hike that took in Aztec Cave, then went onto McKelligon Canyon. It was brilliant seeing the desert landscape of Texas, and it was such a chill hike. We saw hardly anyone else on the trails, so it was really nice taking it all in at our own pace.
The Plaza Theatre
If you’re looking for a little old-school glamour in El Paso, then The Plaza Theatre is a must. Built in 1930, this beautifully restored Spanish Colonial Revival theatre is right in the centre of downtown, and is hands-down one of the most stunning buildings in the city. Hopefully you can see that in my photos!
Even if you’re not catching a show here, just popping in to see the grand lobby and domed ceiling (which looks like a starry night sky) is worth it. But honestly, I’d recommend catching something if you can – whether it’s a Broadway musical, a classic film, or a touring concert, the vibe here is amazing. It’s all plush seats, vintage charm and a dose of culture you might not expect from El Paso.
El Paso Museum of Art
One of the best free things to do in El Paso is visiting the El Paso Museum of Art. Located next to the Plaza Theatre in downtown, this place is a proper gem with an impressive collection of American, Mexican and European art. You’ll find everything from 17th-century European paintings to vibrant contemporary works from local artists.
I really liked the architecture of the building too. It is curved glass that leads into a massive foyer with sculptures and giant paintings on the wall. This is a fantastic art space, especially considering it is free. I spent about an hour here, so there’s plenty to see in the gallery.
Scenic Drive Lookout
As the name suggests, this is a beautiful road leading to an amazing lookout point over the city of El Paso, Juárez and the surrounding desert. It’s from here you really get a sense of how big El Paso is, and how close it is to Juárez. The American/Mexican border really is just a line running across the land.
The main lookout point is a popular spot for sunset, when the sky lights up in all shades of orange, pink and purple. Bring a drink, grab a spot on the stone wall and just take it all in; it’s breathtaking.
Grab a cocktail at Hotel Paso Del Norte
Even if you’re not staying here, Hotel Paso Del Norte is the place to go for a classy cocktail with a view. The Dome Bar, located under a spectacular stained-glass Tiffany dome, has this super cool vintage-meets-modern vibe, and the drinks are absolutely top notch. Think mezcal cocktails, margaritas with a twist, and local Texas brews.
What makes it even better is the rooftop bar – one of the best places to kick back and watch the sunset over the mountains. It’s a great pre-dinner spot or somewhere to end the night on a high note. Either way, you’ll be soaking in the best of El Paso in style.
Enjoy tacos and margaritas at Taconeta
Yes yes yes. I absolutely loved everything about Taconeta. If there’s one place in El Paso that sums up the city’s modern foodie scene, it’s this place. Taconeta is a seriously cool – think laid-back vibes, colourful decor, and a small-but-mighty menu packed with bold, delicious flavours. The tacos here are next level, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and some creative flair.
My top pick? The saudero brisket taco was unreal. All of the sides like the tempura green beans and grilled corn were delicious too. And don’t even get me started on the margaritas. Whether you go classic or try one of their spicy specials, they’re the kind of drinks that make you want to stay for round two (or three). Taconeta is the perfect place to start your night out – or end a day of exploring with a proper Tex-Mex feast.
Catch the Chihuahuas play ball
Yes, El Paso has a baseball team, and yes, they’re called the Chihuahuas. How can you not love that? Catching a game at Southwest University Park is such a fun way to spend an evening, even if you’re not a huge baseball fan (which I’m not).
The stadium is right downtown, super modern, and has great views of the surrounding mountains (only in El Paso, right?). The atmosphere is really family-friendly and fun, with loads of food stands, local beer, and the kind of American sports energy that just pulls you in. Plus, tickets are really affordable, so it’s a great value night out. Go for the baseball, stay for the vibes. I think the Chihuahuas lost when we were there, but it was hard to follow when there was so much else going on.
Ride the El Paso Streetcar
El Paso’s vintage streetcars were brought back to life a few years ago, and hopping on board is a great way to explore the city. The route loops through downtown and up to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), so it’s not just a novelty, it’s actually a pretty handy way of getting around.
The cars themselves are beautifully restored with art deco interiors and old-school charm, and they’re completely free to ride. Whether you’re using it as a fun way to see the city or just need a break from walking in the heat, the streetcar is a lovely little throwback with loads of character.
Enjoy the street art and murals around town
One of the things I really loved about El Paso was the sheer amount of street art dotted around town. This isn’t just a few tags and murals here and there, this is proper, powerful, community-driven art.
Walk around areas like the El Segundo Barrio or along the streetcar route and you’ll see bold, beautiful murals telling stories of Mexican-American culture, border life, civil rights, and local legends. It’s colourful, thought-provoking and adds so much to the personality of the city. If you’re into photography or just like a good urban stroll, this is a must.
Grab a beer at Dead Beach Brewery
If craft beer is your thing, then Dead Beach Brewery needs to be on your El Paso hit list. This place is an absolute super trendy – industrial setting, great tunes, and a rotating tap list of bold, locally brewed beers.
What I really loved was how experimental and creative their brews are. You’ll find everything from crisp lagers and hazy IPAs to rich stouts brewed with Mexican chocolate. But the standout for me? Their micheladas. Spicy, tangy, and packed with flavour, it’s the perfect drink for a hot El Paso afternoon.
Where to stay in El Paso
The Plaza Hotel
The Plaza Hotel is easily one of the most stylish places to stay in El Paso. Housed in a beautifully restored 1930s Art Deco building, this place blends vintage elegance with modern luxury in all the right ways. The rooms are sleek and sophisticated, the lobby is straight out of a Wes Anderson film, and the rooftop bar – La Perla – is the perfect spot for sunset cocktails overlooking the city and into Mexico. There’s also a swanky Mexican restaurant on-site, Ámbar, with open-fire cooking and mezcal flights. It’s effortlessly cool.
Hotel Paso Del Norte
If you’re after something grand, historic and seriously impressive, Hotel Paso Del Norte ticks every box. This downtown landmark dates back to 1912 and oozes character. From the iconic Tiffany-style stained-glass dome in the lobby to the rooftop pool with mountain views, this is just a really cool hotel in El Paso. Rooms are plush and comfortable, and the Dome Bar is a must for a cocktail under the coloured glass ceiling. It’s refined without being stuffy, and you’ll feel like a total VIP staying here.
Hopefully that’s given you a good overview of what to do in El Paso. As I said, I really love this city and I really hope you do too! If you have any questions, you can let me know in the comments below. Happy travels.
