10 exciting, locals-recommended things to do in El Paso, TX

In far West Texas on the US-Mexico border lies the beautiful city of El Paso, home to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and arguably the best Mexican food in the States, thanks to its proximity to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico! Oh, and did we mention its stunning natural beauty? With an average of 300 sunny days annually, visitors can enjoy the scenic Franklin Mountains any time of the year for hiking, biking, and rock climbing.

The El Paso vibe is friendly and laid-back, with a strong sense of community pride and safety (it’s consistently ranked among the safest large cities in the US). This sense of community pride becomes apparent when talking to the people who know and love the city the most. “When visiting El Paso, the magic lies in discovering its authentic blend of cultures, flavors, and family-friendly experiences,” says Sylvia Montoya, blogger and founder of ElPasoMom.com. “El Paso isn’t just a city, it’s a community where people connect, celebrate, and care for one another. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, there’s always something special waiting to be discovered!”

Sound exciting? Read on! In this post, we’ll share some of Montoya’s recommendations for things to see and do in El Paso, plus a few more suggestions you may want to add to your list!

1. Wander Downtown

For a full day’s activities, Montoya suggests checking out the Downtown area. “In Downtown El Paso, you can enjoy local art, historic architecture, and cozy coffee shops, all within walking distance of each other.” The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and distinctly binational, with Mexican influence everywhere from the architecture to the music drifting from local restaurants. The city is growing rapidly, with new lofts, hotels, and local businesses transforming once quiet blocks into bustling metropolitan streets. If you’re looking for a night on the town, the area features local institutions mixed with modern eateries and bars for every taste, from upscale dining to mouth-watering Mexican street food.

2. Cruise Scenic Drive

Once you’ve explored Downtown, dedicate the next day to enjoying El Paso’s natural beauty! “Start your day along Scenic Drive for breathtaking views of the borderland,” says Montoya. The Drive is roughly two miles from downtown El Paso, along the southern slope of the Franklin Mountains, offering unparalleled views of the Downtown skyline, the UTEP campus, the Rio Grande, and the twinkling lights of Ciudad Juárez, just next door. The Drive holds special significance for many of the city’s locals, evoking memories of family drives, first dates, or meaningful moments spent watching the sunrise or sunset.

Good to know: The Drive is free and open to the public, although the road closes to vehicle traffic on Sunday mornings for “Scenic Sundays,” when it’s reserved for walkers, runners, and cyclists to enjoy the area car-free.

3. Commune with nature in the Franklin Mountains State Park

While you’re cruising Scenic Drive, “don’t miss the chance to admire the Franklin Mountains and their brilliant, iconic star shining over the city,” says Montoya. The mountains literally run right through the middle of the city, making them not just a pretty backdrop, but a key part of the city’s lifestyle and identity. The centerpiece of the range is Franklin Mountains State Park, where you can hike, bike, climb, camp, and watch for wildlife. Fun fact: The Franklin Mountains State Park is the biggest urban park in the US, even bigger than New York’s Central Park!

4. Take the kids to La Nube

Looking to entertain the kids (both big and small)? Montoya has a suggestion for that, too: “Families will love La Nube—an interactive children’s museum located in the Downtown area.” It features nine STEM-themed zones, focusing on topics such as weather, water, wind, desert ecology, flight, maker spaces, and more. At the center is the 50-foot-tall “Anything’s Possible Climber,” allowing kids to climb and play while engaging in problem-solving activities. Since its inception just last year, the museum has played a key role in downtown revitalization and cultural enhancement in El Paso.

Good to know: Regular hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays.

5. Hit the Farmer’s Market

Formerly known as the Downtown Art & Farmers Market, El Paso’s biggest metro Market has been rebranded as “The Market at Cohen” after it was relocated to the Camp Cohen site in the city’s northeast area. Regardless of what you call it, the Market offers a wide variety of artisanal goods, crafts, and food trucks, with regional agricultural products, such as produce and eggs, interspersed throughout. If you’re already downtown, it’s an excellent post-museum outing!

Good to know: The Market is held most Saturdays in February through September from 9 am to 1 pm. During the October-December festival season, hours may vary, so it’s best to check the schedule before you go!

6. Get cheesy at the Licon Dairy in San Elizario

Located about 15 minutes outside of El Paso (depending on traffic), the Licon Dairy has been family-owned since the 1960s when the founder’s grandmother began making the farm’s specialty: asadero cheese. The Licon family offers visitors a glimpse into traditional, hands-on cheese-making as it has been passed down through the generations. The farm also features a petting zoo, on-site restaurants serving food made with their dairy products, and, of course, cheese tastings!

Good to know: The Dairy is open daily from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tours may be available upon request (they offer complimentary tours for school groups), but be sure to call ahead to confirm.

7. Celebrate regional culture at Viva! El Paso

Viva! El Paso is one of the most exciting musical events in the American Southwest! Staged in the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater (at the southern end of the Franklin Mountains), the show tells the story of El Paso’s Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and Western American cultures through music, dance, and drama. If you want to learn more about the region’s history and its unique cultural mix, this long-standing local tradition is a must-see!

Good to know: Performances typically run on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer (June, July, and early August). Get there a little early to get seats with the best view of the sunset!

8. Keep an eye out for Third Thursdays

Third Thursdays is another community-wide event that brings together locals and visitors alike to celebrate the spirit of El Paso. Organized by the City of El Paso Museums & Cultural Affairs Department (MCAD), it’s held (you guessed it) every third Thursday of the month in the downtown Arts District. There, you’ll find the Market Under the Stars with local vendors, live music, food trucks, and community booths. Some of the museums and cultural centers extend their hours during Third Thursdays, or hold special workshops or themed events, such as printmaking or cacao tastings. The atmosphere is relaxed, family-friendly, and distinctly El Paso. You don’t need a ticket or reservation, just show up, enjoy some local art, grub on some local food, and experience downtown’s creative energy.

9. Explore some history along the Mission Trail

If you’re down for a driving adventure, the Mission Trail is an excellent way to learn about more than three centuries of El Paso history in one corridor! Spanning approximately nine miles, the trail links three of the oldest active European-established mission sites in the US: the Ysleta Mission (established in the late 1600s), the Socorro Mission, and the San Elizario Presidio Chapel. Along the trail, visitors will find a sampling of the area’s architecture and atmosphere, as well as gain a sense of how Native, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo heritages have shaped its history. Sites along the trail are just a few miles apart and feature adobe missions, historic chapels, traditional neighborhoods, and more.

But the Trail isn’t just a historical landmark! There are annual events, such as the Billy the Kid Festival, the Feast of St. Anthony, and the First Thanksgiving celebration. There are also costume exhibits, art exhibits, shopping, and more. Oh, and don’t leave without grabbing some Mexican food! There are about a dozen restaurants, Cocinas, and bakeries along the way endorsed by the Mission Trail Association. There’s even a craft brewery!

Good to know: Parking is generally free at each site, but be sure to check the site hours, as these are still functioning churches. Visit elpasomission.org for more information.

10. Go way back in time at Hueco Tanks State Historic Site

If you’re in the mood for a more extended road trip, the Hueco Tanks State Historic Site is often described by El Pasoans as a “must-see.” Named from the Spanish word hueco, meaning “hollow,” early hunter-gatherers used the site for more than 10,000 years for water and shelter (the numerous natural rock basins collect rainwater in the otherwise desert landscape). The site is situated approximately 30 miles from the city and features over 800 acres of massive rock outcroppings, stunning geological formations, and fascinating prehistoric rock art. Guided tours are available to view the pictographs and petroglyphs, and visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, rock climbing, and birdwatching.

Get to know El Paso

There’s something for everyone visiting the beautiful city of El Paso! From museums to historical sites to exciting nightspots, we hope the suggestions above have provided you with some inspiration. Beyond its culture and welcoming vibe, the city’s warm people, beautiful weather, and safe streets prompt many visitors to make El Paso their forever home. If you’re planning a move, RentCafe.com can help you find the perfect apartment in El Paso to put down roots!