Location: San Elizario
Top Things to do in San Elizario
The 10 Best Things to Do in San Elizario, United States
San Elizario is a city in El Paso County, Texas, United States. The population was 13,603 at the 2010 census. It is part of the El Paso Metropolitan Statistical Area. It lies on the Rio Grande, which forms the border between the United States and Mexico. The city of Socorro adjoins it on the west and the town of Clint lies to the north.
Restaurants in San Elizario
1. Licon Dairy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Juanito_Hayburg - El Paso, Texas
My 1-country/2-state, 1082km/649mile “reTIRED Biketour!” [23JAN-17FEB2018] Was terminated prematurely in AlpineTX-USA after I fell while ascending 12% “Long” or “Pepper” Hill, from which legendary LeeAnn gave me/my Doublevision a left to the Lajitas there RV Park. Whilst recuperating there, I decided to make this my turnaround point once realizing that if a 12% can topple me, then a 15% (TxDOT sign on route 170 at route 118 warned of this very steep hill in 30 miles) just West would definitely knock me over. So, I radically altered my intended route[170 > Presidio/Ojinaga > 67 > Marfa > 90 > Alpine > 118 > Ft. Davis > Balmorhea I-10 Van Horn > Sierra Blanca > exit 76/Ray’s Place > Ft. Hancock > El Porvenir > Ruta Dos > San Agustin > (super) San Elizario > El Paso], returning to 118 North to Alpine, where my much better half had volunteered to meet me.
Anyway, since I was no longer pedaling through (super) San Eli/Licon Dairy, I motored there within a month and found it (Licon Dairy) humming smoothly along, producing the much desired cheese. Despite not arriving on my Doublevision, I was still recognized—I had sent postcards from my recent Biketour here. I not only purchased the delicious asadero, I also bought a jar of local honey, produced in Fabens—only 10miles/16kms East on the “International Ft. Hancock -Las Cruces I-10 Bicycle Bypass”—which is also known as the “pollination highway” due to the origin of an international bee species here in the floodplain.
Besides being extremely family- & bike-friendly, this large farm is an essential bill-payment station/annex, with clean restrooms and starting point/terminus for local bike rides. In fact, several years ago, during one particularly warm Summer morning, the large porch provided me excellent shade during the repair. The 5-star Licon Dairy is a great and valuable asset to The Mission Trail and it certainly has my “Wheel of Approval!”
2. Socorro Mission
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By M J - Austin, Texas
My husband and I went to see the Socorro Mission because of this history. It is one of three historical missions on the mission trail in El Paso. The historic mission is beautiful on the outside. The current Spanish structure was built in 1843. We did not get to see the inside because a private event was happening and we did not want to disturb the people. I guess Saturday afternoon is not a good time to visit.
3. Old El Paso County Jail Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
The Old El Paso County Jail Museum is located in the San Elizario Historic District. The interpretive heritage museum features various exhibits relative to the specific aspect of the Texas State Historic Site. The San Elizario Genealogy and Historical Society operates the museum and it is open daily, Tuesday through Sunday. The museum is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers. "Billy the Kid Breakout Shows" presented by Los Pistoleros de San Elizario, old west reenactors. Shows at 1 & 3PM on the 3rd Sunday of every month (March-November)
Reviewed By Juanito_Hayburg - El Paso, Texas
San Elizario Historic District is another hidden glorious facet of this region, the Hidden Gem of the World, Crossroads of North America, anchored by El Paso, Cd. Juarez, and Las Cruces. However, it is not straightforward how to access this locale, by motor vehicle and especially bicycle.
In fact, if bicycling, it is exceedingly difficult, particularly if you are a long-distance cyclist, either going across the country on the Southernmost route or around the World. What makes it challenging is the I-10 shoulder, which is unacceptable for bicycling between Ft. HancockTX and Las CrucesNM.
If pedaling West, exit I-10 at Spur 148/#72 to enjoy a much needed respite (because your last respite was in historic Sierra BlancaTX!) in Ft. Hancock. Indeed, if you are Eastbound, you need to rest here because there ain't nothin' during the long, hard pedal to Sierra Blanca.
From this point, go West on Spur148/Knox Road to TX20/Alameda; turn West, pedal to Fabens. At Fabens, pedal FR528/Socorro Road/Mission Trail to San Elizario into the Historic district. Turn West on Main Street to the Old El Paso County Jail Museum, the only jail Billy the Kid ever broke INTO!
Continue pedaling as per the map, through Socorro, El Paso, Canuttllo, Vinton, AnthonyTX/NM, Berino, Vado, Mesquite, Las Cruces, where you re-enter shoulder at the junction of I-10/US70/Picacho Avenue after a long ascent out of the Rio Grande flood plain.
If you are Eastbound on the shoulder of I-10 NM, exit at the Scenic Overlook (approximately mm137.5) to enjoy a delightful view of Las Cruces below, the Organ Mountains just beyond, the magnificent Recycle Roadrunner, and utterly fantastic well-equipped bathrooms. You can picnic or even camp here overnight depending upon your circumstances. Regardless, you MUST depart I-10 at Old Mesilla/exit 139; follow the route in reverse to access the super San Eli Historic District.
4. Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
Overall Ratings
3 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Quakeup - Victoria, Canada
My wife and I have visited El Paso many times but never taken the time to be tourists. We have always been too busy attending to errands en route to our destination in Big Bend. In February, however, we had a few days to explore. We started with a three-night stay in Franklin Mountains State Park, where we pondered the brochures we obtained from the El Paso Visitor Information Center. So much to see and do; so little time! We wanted an urban activity, plus an outdoor adventure, beyond the hike we did in the Franklins. We settled on a self-directed 90-minute walking tour of historic El Paso for the urban component. Of the 10 unexplored options in the “outdoor adventure” brochure, there were many temptations. Based on the description and a photo, we made our choice. Upon arrival, however, we realized that the photo we thought was of the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park must have been the Rio Grande Heritage Trail. Oops, big mistake!
We drove 45 minutes in heavy traffic from the Franklins to get to the park. If it weren’t for the signs we followed, we might have thought we were in the wrong place. Passing through an industrial park, we arrived at the sewage treatment plant for El Paso, where we turned left. The dirt road to the park ran alongside a shallow concrete-walled dyke with an aroma of treated sewage. No birds were there except two ducks. Arriving at the parking lot for the bosque, we were encircled by ugliness: barbed wire on the other side of a fence, garbage flying around in the wind, broken glass glinting in the dirt. No hint of the “rich habitats” promised in the brochure, featuring 200 species of birds “and a wonderful mosaic of animals that have returned to the area since its restoration.”
We say, whatever restoration was happening needs to continue. Start at the path to the visitor pavilion and prune the overgrown mesquite trees. That will allow visitors to walk the path without dodging thorny branches. Open up the bathrooms, that were closed on a February 21st, hot sunny Sunday afternoon. Do whatever it takes to make the place feel inviting instead of neglected and abandoned. A sign proclaims that El Paso Parks and Recreation is a partner with Texas Master Naturalists. Put those organizations (or their volunteers) to work cleaning up the bosque. Otherwise, take this “attraction” off the brochure!
“Catch a breathtaking sunset for a quiet afternoon of relaxation right outside the city.” Really? Visiting the bosque wasted nearly two hours of our precious time and was beyond disappointing. We ate a quick lunch inside our camper and headed back to El Paso for the historic walking tour. We couldn’t wait to leave.
5. Los Portales Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Transport yourself into the past as you enter one of the most historic buildings in the area. Los Portales features a museum filled with exhibits celebrating the area's rich and colorful historical legacies. Be amazed of San Elizario's 400 years of significant history that includes the "First Thanksgiving", the Spanish Presidio, San Elizario Salt War of 1877 and El Paso's first county seat. Don't forget that this is also a visitor information center so any questions you may have about the area can be answered.
Reviewed By Juanito_Hayburg - El Paso, Texas
This delightful museum is donation only, and what a gem it is! You'd have to do extensive research at UT-El Paso or other sites to find what is available here. I highly recommend it--and do be generous with your donation!
6. Presidio Chapel of San Elizario
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By M J - Austin, Texas
My husband and I toured the historic San Elizario Presidio Chapel on a Saturday afternoon. The mission was built in 1877. There was plenty of parking at the mission. The outside is very pretty. An owl was nesting on the roof. An event had just finished in the chapel so we were able to take a peek inside. There were many beautiful paintings on the walls and ceiling. While parked at the mission, we took the self-guided tour of the San Elizario Historic District. It is a small area (about 4-5 blocks) and can be walked in about 15 minutes without stopping. All of the historical landmarks had a sign in front, which is very helpful. We also stopped at the historic Socorro Mission and historic Ysleta Mission (a few miles from the San Elizario Historic District) but events were occurring so we saw only the outside of those missions.
7. San Elizario Historic District
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
Six Galleries and twenty-two Studios line the Historic Art District on Main Street. The Historic town of San Elizario's centerpiece includes restaurants, gift shops, 18 Historic sites, including the San Elizario Chapel, The Presidio (fort) and the Old El Paso County jail, where legend Billy the Kid once roamed. You can also go through the Veterans memorial Museum and the Portales Museum. The Veterans Memorial Walk and Memorial Plaza are also 'must sees'. FREE CONCERT SERIES (FRI & SAT) Hours: Wed-Fri: 10-2/ Sat 10-4/ Sun 12-4.
Reviewed By Marta E - El Paso, Texas
I came here especially to visit the mission, but wanted to see what else was open...I got here by taking the cute little comfortable County Bus 50...I went to the Portales Museum..which had a lot of history about the area like the Salt Wars..the docent there told me about the bronze statues on the Main street like Billie the Kid and the Buffalo Soldier..I bought some necklaces at The Portales Museum..and had to pay in cash..cuz they don't accept credit or debit cards..It was an inconvenience to me..since I was not aware of this policy..I wanted to go to some shops but most were closed except for the Escamilla Art Gallery and gift shop..where I stopped and got a magnet of one of his paintings..No other stores or restaurants were open..And there were quite a few tourists since this is the holiday season..I left hungry..The driver from County Bus 50 told me that a lot of the businesses are closed on both Monday and Tuesday..and the museum closes at 1400..
8. Mission Trail Art Market
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Discover the Mission Trail Art Market, The Mission Valley's premier art and craft sale. Professional artisans from across the region present an amazing selection of quality art and craft. Choose from delicate pottery, vibrant jewelry, timeless home accents, and seasonal decorations. Painting, sculpture and photography for the connoisseur. Sweet and savory treats for the gourmet.The Mission Trail Art Market opens Monthly, starting May 15, 2011. The Billy the Kid Festival will be held on June 10-12th and the Annual Harvest Market is held on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The hours are from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Enjoy the Food concessions and Entertainment. The event is pet friendly. All in the tree covered, Veteran's Memorial Plaza, in Historic San Elizario. Plenty of parking. Free admission.See it, believe it! Be there.
Reviewed By Juanito_Hayburg - El Paso, Texas
This hidden nook is well worth time exploring for learning and living! The San Elizario Historic Art District is easy to miss, but is an exquisitely preserved piece of history. It is the site of the First Thanksgiving, 1598--and after that punishing cross of the dry Chihuahua Desert by the still-continuing Northward migration, conquistadors, settlers, immigrants, travelers are ALWAYS grateful to reach the cool, fresh waters of the Rio Bravo/Rio Grande! Located in San Elizario, Texas, about 10 miles/16kilometers East of El PasoTX/Cd.JuarezMEX on the Socorro Road/Farm Road 258, this zone is historically accurate, the first seat of El Paso County, and site of the only jail Billy the Kid ever broke INTO! Veterans are remembered in the plaza of the Presidio Chapel (it is not a mission), and the stagecoach building now houses art galleries, which abound in easy walking distance. A walking tour of is highly recommended, as well as a visit to the Los Portales Museum & Information Center. Attend a production at the Adobe Horseshoe Theatre, where you can bring in eats. You won't starve either; Los Banditos Restaurant and Cafe Madrid offer the best meals and coffee you could ever want. I highly recommend spending at least a few hours here, absorbing the history and visiting with locals.
9. Pena Gallery+Studio San Elizario
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Juanito_Hayburg - El Paso, Texas
While visiting this dynamic historic zone, I was enthralled with the actual adobe brick making/construction process that is ongoing behind this wonderful art gallery. Vigas, straw, water, dirt, and Sun are the ingredients to buildings that still stand today--as long as you maintain them. Inside you can find plenty of authentic artwork, but the real thrill for me was outside, seeing this brickworks. I highly recommend a visit here for anybody interested in the "real thing"!
10. House of Positive Karma Cultural Gift Shop
House of Positive Karma Cultural Gift Shop is located in the Historic Adobe building in San Elizario, TX on the Mission Trail inside the San Elizario Historic District. In the District you will find over 30 Art Galleries/ Studios, Coffee Shop, Pastry Shop, 3 Museums, 17 Historic Sites, Guided/Self-guided tours, Special Events Monthly, Old West Reenactments.
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