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El Paso
Long considered a sleepy western backwater, El Paso used to just mosey along, keeping its head low while its notorious Mexican neighbour Ciudad Juárez grabbed the headlines. But no more; El Paso has been making its own headlines. Successive runs for the US Senate and Presidency by former local Congressman Beto O’Rourke, and repeated visits by President Trump promoting his border policies, have brought national attention. A construction boom – and we don't just mean the Wall – has given downtown El Paso a facelift, and it can now boast a fist-full of new high-rise hotels, a restored streetcar line, the Chihuahuas baseball team and even its very own crop of microbreweries.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
El Paso
This thoroughly enjoyable small-scale museum is housed in a former Greyhound station. Its pride and joy is a 13th-century Byzantine Madonna and Child, but…
El Paso
Home to Texas’ oldest continually active congregation, tracing back to 1680, Ysleta Mission was established for Spanish refugees and Tigua people fleeing…
El Paso
The largest urban park in the US, at over 24,000 acres, offers a quick escape from the city to the home of ringtail cats, coyotes and countless other…
El Paso
El Paso might not seem an obvious location for a Holocaust museum. Created by local survivors, though, this excellent little memorial holds thoughtful and…
First Armored Division & Fort Bliss Museum
El Paso
As the largest air-defense training center in the Western world, Fort Bliss consumes much of the desert northeast of El Paso, and trains troops from all…
El Paso
This small but informative museum spotlights the history of the US Border Patrol, which was founded in 1924. This happened three days after Congress…
El Paso
The surrounding community of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo is sovereign home to the Tigua tribe and is recognized by many as the oldest town in Texas. Despite…
El Paso
Home to a large number of endangered animals, including the Asian elephant, Sumatran orangutan, Malayan tiger and the rare Amur leopard. All told, more…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Neighborhoods
El Paso's vibrant cultural scene is strongly influenced by its proximity to the border. These top neighborhoods show off the city's Texas-meets-Mexico soul.
Read articleDay Trips
El Paso day trips will immerse you in a land loaded with mystery. Here are seven of our favorites.
Read articleFree Things to Do
Stretch every cent of your vacation budget with our favorite free things to do in El Paso, from museums and murals to hikes and scenic drives.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from El Paso
Festivals & EventsThe best time to visit El Paso for a taste of the real TexasApr 9, 2022 • 7 min read
NeighborhoodsEl Paso's best neighborhoods are a fun fusion of Texan and Mexican cultureApr 7, 2022 • 7 min read
ActivitiesThe best things to do in El Paso: boot shopping, bouldering and the best beef tacosApr 4, 2022 • 5 min read
Budget TravelMuseums, missions and murals are all free things to do in El PasoApr 4, 2022 • 9 min read
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