Location: El Paso
Top Things to do in El Paso
What to do and see in El Paso, Texas (TX): The Best Historic Sites
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. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. Chamizal National Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By Waterlaw - Jerusalem, Israel
First, the Memorial is bounded by East Paisano Dr., Delta Dr. and San Marcial St. In 1911 Mexico and the US had an arbitration over a piece of land that was cut by the Rio Grande River and floated from the river's Mexican side to the U.S. side. Mexico was awarded the parcel by the arbitrators but the U.S. refused to honor the award for 52 years. These beautiful grounds and a great National Park Service building with a picture history, a museum and picnic area showcase the Chamizal's history. Phenomenal Park Rangers, knowledgeable and extremely nice and fun. Nice gift shop. Bring your camera, picnic and ability to have fun!!!
5. Old Fort Bliss Replica
6. El Paso Mission Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 146 reviews
Mission Valley Visitor Center. 9065 Alameda EL Paso, Texas 79907 Official Mission Trial Facebook: EL Paso Mission Trial Association. EVENTS: APRIL : Birth of the American Southwest! THANKGIVING 1598 OCTOBER: LA CUEVA THEATRE 10180 SOCORRO ROAD DANZAS ESPANOLAS
Reviewed By marthaElPaso_Tx - El Paso, United States
all the missions have a great history and are very interesting. san eli hhas a unique connection to el pasos beginning. i woul recommend thiis trip rto the missions- give it a morning and have lunch around there. many interesting restaurants and a casibo thats fun, with excellent food/
7. San Jacinto Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By K4313FHrichardd
A great urban park with lots of shade and a wonderful way to enjoy El Paso's downtown and people watch. Scooters and bikes are available to enjoy cruising around the city center safely.
8. Fort Bliss National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By infinitej2020 - El Paso, United States
The real flowers that people have on their loved ones grave are ugly... especially when it's been clear that they have been there forever... also appreciate that occasions such as Mother's, Father's, Valentine's, Christmas, Hanukkah, Grandparent's, Halloween, New Years and Canadian day people use the vases to put them in...sometimes there are more than 215 vases being used for one grave with real flowers..like OMG... I feel that this being a Military Cemetery it is kept more beautiful and respectful...or at least when they start to get more beautiful from dying put new ones...and also just stick them in the ground upside down...don't use vases for them...some of us actually put marijuana on their parents graves and it's not nice not to be able to put them in the trees...REAL FLOWERS don't need water or a vase. Dad always said everyone has opinions, just like a@@$%#%s, everyone has one and they are usually s$#%! Those that have opinions that are as irritating as real flowers...geesh..flowers man...how much time do I have to get on here and complain about flowers in a cemetery. And rocks...geesh...OMG...where is Batman when you need him to right all the wrongs in the world.....Just know my dying wish is to be buried upside down so all you over opinionated fools can kiss my a@@! :) PS: This cemetery is nice. It's not a mausoleum...it's a military cemetery and is everything you would expect from a cemetery minus the obnoxious commenters! :)
9. El Paso Streetcar
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
El Paso's historic streetcar-once a staple of the Sun City's public transportation system-is riding through city streets again! First put into service in 1936, the Presidents' Conference Committee (PCC) cars' streamlined design was attractive, quieter and more economical than earlier versions of streetcars. Ride the rails in historic style!
10. Alderette - Candelaria House
Overall Ratings
1.0 based on 1 reviews
This historic house, built in 1840, is home to the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Museum.
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