Why El Paso, Texas Should Be on Your Travel List

Hueco Tanks State Historic Site has an interactive ranch house that lets visitors understand the history of the park that they are about to explore. There are guided and self-guided tours available during which visitors get to admire spectacular rock imagery.

For centuries, this area held rainwater in rock basins called hueco, and the name stuck until today. Visitors enjoy natural trails that encourage hiking, admire the panoramic views of the stark terrain, and colorful birds that are native to this land. Hueco Tanks State Historic Site is one of the top El Paso attractions.

6900 Hueco Tanks Road No. 1, El Paso, TX 79938, 915-857-1135

El Paso Museum of Art in old El Paso was founded in 1959 and is one of the best things to do in El Paso TX. The museum's permanent collection showcases works of art by Gilbert Stuart, Manuel Gregorio Acosta and other important artists.

There is a large collection by contemporary Mexican and Southwestern U.S. artists, with special exhibitions held during the year. This museum offers art classes, storytelling sessions, and other educational classes for the local community.

1 Arts Festival Plaza, El Paso, TX 79901, 915-212-0300, Video

El Paso Zoo is situated on 35 acres of dense greenery and is home to several exotic animals from around the world. This zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and it gives visitors a chance to connect with these animals that are accommodated in a natural habitat. If you are wondering what to do in El Paso with kids, this is a great place to visit.

The El Paso Zoo also has unique family attractions such as the African Star Train, the Foster Tree House Playground, the Hunt Family Desert Spring feature, and the Giraffe Encounter.

4001 E. Paisano, El Paso, TX 79905, 915-212-0966

Franklin Mountains State Park offers over 100 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing. If you are looking to stay overnight, there are 14 tent sites are five RV sites available for rent.

Climbers can head to McKelligton Canyon or Tom Mays unit at Sneed’s Cory for rock climbing. This beautiful rugged desert terrain was home to Native Americans, and you can still see their history etched on rock walls and boulders from 12,000 years ago.

1331 McKelligon Canyon Road, El Paso, TX 79930, 915-566-6441

The Plaza Theatre is one of the most famous landmarks in El Paso, situated in a historic building that was constructed in 1929 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. It was built as a film house with the option of presenting stage shows. After years of neglect, it was restored to its original appearance in 2002. If you are looking for romantic date ideas in El Paso, watch a show at the Plaza Theatre.

Visitors can admire the mosaic flooring, intricately painted ceilings, exclusive carpeting, and decorative wrought iron banisters that add character to the antique furnishings of this building. The Plaza Theatre still continues to showcase numerous Broadway productions, concerts, and performances.

125 W Mills Ave, El Paso, TX 79901, Phone: 915-231-1100

El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center was founded by Holocaust survivor Henry Kellen. It was established with the main intention of creating an awareness of the concentration camps and resistance movements during WWII. Videos and exhibits help the visitor understand the gravity of the situation.

The authentic artifacts on display, such as the dining room scene, are thought-provoking and emotional. Most of the exhibits are permanent, but there are visiting exhibits throughout the year that add to this soul-stirring museum.

715 N Oregon St, El Paso, TX 79902, 915-351-0048

Magoffin Home State Historic Site , listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was the home of the Magoffin family who actively participated in the U.S. expansion, military service, Civil War, and U.S.-Mexico relations.

This house was built in 1875 in a Territorial style; it has thick adobe walls that keep it cool in summer and warm during the winter. The Magoffin descendants lived in this house for over 100 years. The décor reflects the style of that time and most of the original furniture is still on display.

1120 Magoffin Ave. El Paso, TX 79901, 915-533-5147

Chamizal National Memorial is an urban park that stands for the peaceful settlement of a 100-year dispute over the border between two nations. The National Park Service site is on the border of Mexico and the United States and home to unique fauna and flora native to the region.

Explore nature trails that are wonderful for biking and hiking, or get spectacular views of the Franklin Mountains and the Bridge of the Americas and Mexico. Visitors can attend a concert or dance performances on weekends.

800 S San Marcial St, El Paso, TX 79905, 915-532-7273

El Paso Municipal Rose Garden , located on four-acres, is home to over 1,460 rose bushes and 320 different rose varieties. The Rose Garden was opened to the public in 1959 and was expanded to its current size in 2006. The garden has raised beds, a waterfall, a Koi pond, trees and shrubs, as well as wide walkways all within an iron-fenced area. New varieties of roses are planted each year by volunteers who do the pruning, deadheading, wedding, and rose inventory.

Tours are offered during peak bloom times. The garden hosts events throughout the year, including the Kids and Kows, which is an educational event that is geared towards school age children that allows them to learn about agriculture.

1702 N. Copia Street, El Paso, TX 79930, 915-541-4331