El Paso

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Texas Tourism / Kenny Braun
Enjoy Texan charm, culture, and endless outdoor activities in “Sun City.”

With cloudless days almost every day of the year, it’s little wonder that El Paso is nicknamed “Sun City.” Located in the western corner of Texas, it is bordered by Mexico to the south and west, and is less than 6 miles (10 kilometers) from New Mexico. Thanks to the convergence of different states and country, the area is often called “The Borderland.”

El Paso is tucked into the Franklin Mountains, which cut into the city to divide it into different neighborhoods. Known for having one of the lowest crime rates of any U.S. city, it is a melting pot of different cultures, creating unique communities that feel like distinct mini-cities. 

Explore the outdoors in this unique southwestern city. McKelligon Canyon offers a stunning desert wilderness right in the center of the city - and check the Amphitheater schedule to catch an open air concert or play. Urban parks dot the downtown and Franklin Mountain State Park borders the north of the city, creating an oasis for hikers, rock climbers, and mountain bikers. If you want to leisurely enjoy the outdoors, take advantage of the vineyards that surround El Paso.

Children will love exploring the tigers, sea lions, and other creatures that live in the El Paso Zoo. On the rare rainy day, head to the El Paso Exploreum for a hands-on learning experience. Every member of the family will enjoy strolling through the art galleries and museums that dot the city - don’t miss out on the Centennial Museum to understand more about the city’s past. El Paso Mission Trail offers a peek into the historic missions - and enjoy the shops and eateries as you stroll through this corner of the city. 

Thanks to the sprawling nature of El Paso, it is easiest to explore the city by car. Visitors can also use the bus system, Sun Metro. Interstate 10 runs directly through El Paso and El Paso International Airport is conveniently located just 5 miles (8 kilometers) outside the city center.

Where to stay in El Paso

El Paso which includes interior views and theater scenes

Downtown El Paso

4/5(2 area reviews)

Downtown El Paso is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Plaza Theater or Southwest University Park.

Downtown El Paso
Nikon B500 - zoomed in photo, Jan 2017

Northeast El Paso

While visiting Northeast El Paso, you might make a stop by sights like Franklin Mountains State Park and Painted Dunes Golf Course.

Northeast El Paso
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Cielo Vista

If you're spending some time in Cielo Vista, Cielo Vista Mall and Lone Star Golf Course are top sights worth seeing.

Cielo Vista
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Socorro

Discover the historic Mission Trail at the registered Texas landmark, Socorro Mission, or enjoy a concert at Socorro Entertainment Center. Unwind at Bulldog Championship Park, featuring a splash park, walking trails, and a pond.

Socorro
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El Dorado West

Plan a visit to nearby attractions like Jungle Jaks while you're exploring El Dorado West and the larger area.

El Dorado West
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Sunset Heights

Though Sunset Heights might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Southwest University Park and El Paso Downtown Artist and Farmer's Market.

Sunset Heights
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ El Paso East
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ El Paso East
2.5 out of 5
11400 Chito Samaniego Dr, El Paso, TX
The price is CA $73 per night from May 20 to May 21
CA $73
CA $86 total
includes taxes & fees
May 20 - May 21
Stay at this hotel in El Paso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,499 reviews)
"Small room"

Reviewed on May 16, 2024

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ El Paso East
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham El Paso West
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham El Paso West
2.5 out of 5
7550 Remcon Cir, El Paso, TX
The price is CA $77 per night from May 20 to May 21
CA $77
CA $91 total
includes taxes & fees
May 20 - May 21
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in El Paso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall ...
6.6/10 (1,251 reviews)
"Good pricing"

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham El Paso West
Quality Inn And Suites
Quality Inn And Suites
2.5 out of 5
6099 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX
The price is CA $110 per night from May 20 to May 21
CA $110
CA $129 total
includes taxes & fees
May 20 - May 21
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in El Paso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Nothing"

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Quality Inn And Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Full Home Cozy Stay on East
Full Home Cozy Stay on East
El Paso
Stay at this vacation home in El Paso. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Jungle Jaks and Eastlake Marketplace Center are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (7 reviews)
Easy central location
"Easy to find, not too far from freeways but quiet and peaceful. Beautiful views of downtown El Paso from the front yard. Perfect house for traveling with a pet. Our dog loved the backyard."

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

Full Home Cozy Stay on East
STYLISH & FUN on El Paso's Eastside
STYLISH & FUN on El Paso's Eastside
El Paso
Stay at this vacation home in El Paso. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a pool table. Popular attractions Jungle Jaks and Community Baptist Church are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Centrally Located
"I like that it was centrally located. The furniture was a little outdated. The stools had loose screws and the chairs were wobbly. Overall, the house was comfortable and spacious. The amenities could use improvement."

Reviewed on Apr. 27, 2024

STYLISH & FUN on El Paso's Eastside
Your "Home away from Home", Modern Oasis In The Desert".
Your "Home away from Home", Modern Oasis In The Desert".
El Paso
Stay at this vacation home in El Paso. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Sunland Park Mall and Adventure Zone are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
Excellent
"So much fun. Pool and hot tub were awesome. Backyard is a paradise. This property gets all 5 star for a good reason. Would definitely stay again. Kitchen is stocked and loaded."

Reviewed on Apr. 18, 2024

Your "Home away from Home", Modern Oasis In The Desert".
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of El Paso

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
14
" "5 - Excellent 38.888888888888886%
4 - Good
11
" "4 - Good 30.555555555555557%
3 - Okay
10
" "3 - Okay 27.77777777777778%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 2.7777777777777777%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
Feb. 18, 2020

Wrong timing some attraction was closed the days we were here

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Dec. 27, 2019

Too crowded and the roads need more maintenance.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jul. 29, 2019

Great shopping. I enjoyed Mexican food restaurants.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Jul. 24, 2019

We were able to cross the border into Mexico which was interesting.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
May 13, 2019

Not much to do.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Mar. 26, 2019

El Paso has a rich and interesting history with a beautiful town square area

Cities near El Paso