Location: El Paso
Top Things to do in El Paso
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in El Paso, Texas (TX)
For an alternative Texas experience, consider El Paso. Located far from the bright lights of Dallas or San Antonio, in the state's western corner along the sparkling shores of the Rio Grande, El Paso boasts a different feel than its eastern counterparts. A true melting pot of American and Mexican culture, the combination is noticeable everywhere. Visit the El Paso Museum of Art and see American works from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as Mexican colonial art and retablos from the 1700s and 1800s. Restaurants serve authentic Mexican cuisine, Texas barbecue or a little of both. While this fusion of cultures draws some, the rock climbers who descend on El Paso have only one thing in mind: scaling the massive boulders of Hueco Tanks State Park. Those who prefer the ground can wander through the park's interpretive center and see ancient Indian pictographs. Other popular El Paso pastimes include golf, mountain biking and our personal favorite, stargazing.
Restaurants in El Paso
1. The Lhakhang
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
2. Surreal Art Sculpture Garden, Ho Baron, Artist
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Inventing abstract figurative imagery is my calling, and for fifty years I've been obsessed with creating surreal narrative bronze and cast stone sculptures, pen and ink drawings, photographs, and most recently assemblages. My joy is in creating whimsical, anthropomorphic creatures that lend themselves to scenario.
3. San Pablo Lutheran Church
4. YDSP Tigua Indian Cultural Center and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
This site includes the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Museum, the Alderette-Candelaria House, a gift shop selling crafts of the Tigua Indians, Indian social dances and a cafe.
Reviewed By dxstx7 - New Braunfels, United States
Not only do they perform historical dances, but the site itself also reeks of history! Must try the Gorditas there as they are outstanding. We used almost a day just sightseeing and going through historical data and of course eating.
5. Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
Spanning more than 860 acres, this park is named for the large rock basins or "huecos" that have supplied water to this desert-like region for many centuries.
Reviewed By tflicky - El Paso, United States
Hueco Tanks refers to the natural huecos (hollowed out places in rocks) that saved water for the Native people and provides water for wildlife in the desert today. The beautiful rock formations are perfect for all kinds of climbing and attract climbers from all over the world. Make a reservation to go in and see the petroglyphs painted on the rocks, see the star parties, or enjoy the birds and wildlife. A true gem in the desert!
6. Magoffin Home State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
A striking adobe structure, the Magoffin Home State Historic Site explores the stories of a multicultural family who actively participated in U.S. expansion and settlement, military service, and U.S.-Mexico relations. The home, built around 1875 by Joseph Magoffin, is a prime example of Territorial style architecture and features a center courtyard and peaceful landscape. Explore the home's authentic art and furnishings reflecting the daily lives of this prominent El Paso family.
Reviewed By KConrad2k - Springfield, United States
We arrived at the Visitors Center across from the Magoffin Home Historic Site on a cold, rainy, winter afternoon in search of something to do inside. We were rewarded with a warm welcome. After watching a short video about the history of this family home, Jeff, our docent, gave us a personal tour of the Magoffin family home. He told us the story of the Magoffins using the pictures of them on the walls to illustrate the genealogy. The rooms contained most of the actual furniture and items owned by the family. During our hour-long tour Jeff explained much about the furnishings, the architecture and the family who played such a prominent part in El Paso. It was a wonder time travel experience back to the 19th century El Paso. Highly recommend this interesting and inexpensive tour. Military families are free and seniors are $6. Small gift shop in the Visitor Center, but very nice gifts by local artist.
7. Don Haskins Center
8. Scenic Drive - Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,036 reviews
Reviewed By grantemonroe - Bullard, United States
This spot offers an excellent view of the two cities and two countries. It was very crowded and parking is extremely limited, but if you want one of the best night views of these cities, this is the place to go.
9. El Paso Scottish Rite Temple and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
10. St. Patrick Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By V5942YBmichaelw
As the Cathedral for El Paso, it was constructed over 100 years ago and the workmanship is outstanding. The Church also houses relics from St. Pedro Maldonado, who gave masses at the Cathedral and was gunned down while conducting mass in Juarez, Mexico. The stained glass windows with the outside lights shinning through them are beautiful. A building rich with history.
