Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In El Paso, Texas

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El Paso is an amazing travel destination in Texas. Here is our list of El Paso, Texas’s top activities and attractions, so you can make the most of your time there. Scroll down for the best things to do in El Paso, Texas, and the best places to visit in El Paso, Texas.

Ascarate Park

You can’t go wrong with Ascarate Park, the biggest recreational park in El Paso County if you’re looking for other destinations to go on vacation.

The largest open-air recreation area in El Paso County, Ascarate Park, is known for sports, picnics, fishing, and other recreation activities.

It boasts a 400-acre recreational complex with 280 acres of the golf course and 48 acres of surface lake.

You can engage in various activities at Ascarate Park, and there are also plenty of open outdoor areas where you can play.

The 18-hole golf course is 72 par, and there is a smaller 9-hole course called the Delta 9.

In addition, there is plenty of grass if you want to kick a ball around or bring your mitt and ball.

There are numerous fishing options at Ascarate Lake, where you may catch trout in wine and catfish in summer. Fascinating!

Grab your swimmers and head from the lake to the pool since the Aquatic Center has a 50-meter Olympic-sized pool and a kid-friendly smaller pool. 

You can slide away on the four kid-sized slides as well!

When you need a short break from exploring, the park in El Paso, Texas, is one of the most peaceful places to visit.

To fully appreciate the unique nature of it all, bring a picnic basket or simply watch the ducks on the lake.

Address: 6900 Delta Dr, El Paso, TX 79905, United States

Chamizal National Memorial

Chamizal National Memorial is one of the top attractions in El Paso, Texas.

The Chamizal National Memorial may sound like a regal El Paso statue. Still, it’s actually a peaceful urban park that’s among the most beautiful sites in Texas to visit this weekend.

With galleries, a theater, and even a museum, it covers roughly 55 acres. It serves as a cultural hub for the El Paso neighborhood.

Now that it is home to unusual plants and wildlife that are particular to this area, the Chamizal National Memorial benefits from its unique border location.

Kids can play to their hearts’ content in the open, lush gardens.

Seasonal activities include concerts and other cultural performances. 

There are events connected to the yearly Siglo de Oro Drama Festival, which honors Spanish drama, and outdoor summer concerts as part of the Music Under the Stars series.

Additionally, the natural trails make for good riding and trekking, with views of the Franklin Mountains as a reward.

The impressive memorial, which houses a museum, a theater, and art galleries, regularly holds festivals and other special events. 

The good news is free entry is offered. You can explore Chamizal National Memorial if you are looking for a budget-friendly location.

Address: 800 S San Marcial St, El Paso, TX 79905, United States

El Paso Holocaust Museum & Study Center

El Paso Holocaust Museum & Study Center is one of the fascinating spots in El Paso, Texas.

This is among Texas’s most historically significant free activities because there is no admission fee.

For additional knowledge, it was developed by Holocaust survivor Henry Kellen as a way to spread knowledge and awareness about resistance and injustice.

You will see ongoing displays providing knowledge about all aspects of World War II and life in Europe before the rise of the Nazis. 

A gallery of Holocaust survivors from El Paso is also present.

The Holocaust Museum and Study Center is an educational destination that offers thorough knowledge presented through intelligent exhibitions, artifacts, and digital media.

Although certain temporary exhibits are occasionally set up, most pieces on display are part of a permanent collection. So you can still explore them anytime!

Upon visiting, you will see the dining table scene and tributes to those who died during those terrible years.

The Third Reich exhibitions are another unique things that you must see. It will teach you about its ideologies and atrocities on life under the Nazi government.

Throughout the year, the museum provides educational programs and workshops.

If you’re up on witnessing other impressive things in Texas, book a visit to El Paso Holocaust Museum & Study Center today!

Address: 715 N Oregon St, El Paso, TX 79902, United States

El Paso Municipal Rose Garden

Make sure to schedule some free time to visit the aromatic Municipal Rose Garden if you’re planning a trip to El Paso in Texas!

The public was first allowed access to the El Paso Municipal Rose Garden in 1959.

You will be amazed and surprised by the variety of 1460 rose bushes in the garden!

The Municipal Rose Garden is also home to over 320 different scented rose varieties and new roses planted each year after being evaluated for their climate tolerance. 

Meanwhile, volunteers take great care in caring for the roses, making the garden a welcome respite in the scorching El Paso desert heat. You won’t be disappointed!

Numerous gorgeous and relaxing attractions can be found in the Municipal Rose Gardens.

You will see raised beds that are convenient for viewing, trees, and shrubs that add to the peaceful greenery,

The Koi pond and waterfall also offer surprisingly peaceful serenity. Fascinating!

The tours are among the best things to do while the park is blooming.

Regular seasonal events, such as the family-friendly Kids and Kows festival, are also held, which educates kids about agriculture and development.

In addition, the area is equipped with benches where you can relax for a while or eat lunch. Enjoy!

Address: 3418 Aurora Ave, El Paso, TX 79930, United States

El Paso Museum and Art

With the abundance of outdoor activities available in Texas, you may want some relief from the sun.

Visiting the Museum of Art is among the top indoor activities in El Paso.

Being the only certified art museum within 250 miles, the El Paso Museum of Art was built in 1959 and is a popular attraction.

The oldest artifacts in the El Paso Museum of Art date back to the 12th century. You will see almost 7,000 impressive things in total. 

The museum will allow you to see and feel the South West’s natural beauty as well as successful and tragic stories.

In addition, there are works by Charles M. Russell, Frank Boggs, Gilbert Stuard, and Henry O. Tanner, among others, that you can see.

The museum’s collection is incredibly unique and includes photographs, prints, posters, drawings, and more.

El Paso Museum of Art will also offer you year-round activities for your enjoyment, including storytelling sessions and exhibitions.

Bring your kids with you because this museum is a kid-friendly destination. It offers workshops and classes as well as other engaging, hands-on activities.

It’s a fantastic place for the whole family, particularly if at least one of you is an art enthusiast!

Address: 1 Arts Festival Plaza, El Paso, United States

El Paso Museum of Archaeology

One of the coolest things to do in this bustling Texas city is at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology.

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology has many exciting things to discover!

You’ll discover how civilization developed from that time forward to our more recent ancestors and beyond.

You will find impressive dioramas and galleries representing life in the area for the previous 14,000 years.

This stunning museum is open to the public and is located on the north side of the city, close to the foot of the Franklin Mountains.

Its auditorium also hosts special lectures, events, and family programs. So you can expect many activities, and you can participate in them.

Also, you can find almost 250 indigenous species of the Chihuahuan Desert throughout the walking trails of the museum.

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology maintains 15 acres of ground surrounding the building.

In the museum, you will also find an Indian Garden, which boasts a lot of fascinating plants and sceneries. Take advantage of it by taking a lot of instagrammable pictures!

Meanwhile, if you are looking for a relaxing place to rest, there’s a perfect spot for you. You will find a lovely gazebo where you can have picnics with your loved ones.

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology has a lot of immersive experiences for you to enjoy!

Address: 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Dr, El Paso, United States

El Paso Museum of History

Stopping by the El Paso Museum of History after a long tiring day in Texas is a must-try.

The interactive digital wall of the El Paso Museum of History, which is one of only four in the globe and the only one in the United States, is its crowning achievement.

The wall is 35 feet, and you will see an interactive digital archive with movies and pictures of El Paso’s past, present, and culture.

The Museum of History offers excellent educational insights into the city’s multicultural history and the Pass of the North, often known as the border reason.

Programs and displays usually feature interactive features, making them popular with visitors of all ages.

Adult workshops are available as well, so feel free to attend if you don’t have kids.

The Changing Past, For All The World To See, Sixth Wall Of Giants, Drawing On The Past, and Neighborhoods and Shared Memories are a few of the Museum of History’s most fascinating exhibits.

Many exhibitions cover topics including the Civil Rights movement, the city’s history of Fort Bliss, and more.

You might want to take this El Paso history tour after visiting the museum to learn more.

Address: 510 N Santa Fe St, El Paso, TX 79901, United States

El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden

One of the best things to do in El Paso, Texas, especially if you’re traveling with kids, is the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

If you are with your family, you may enjoy a fun day at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens! 

You can visit the exhibits featuring animals from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, each home to several large and tiny animals.

The 35 acres of lush, beautiful greenery that make up this zoo are home to various animal species.

In addition, the zoo offers a variety of habitats, each created to provide the most natural surroundings for the wildlife thriving there.

Tortoises, sea lions, monkeys, and other magnificent species that call this place home regularly interact with tourists up close.

Meanwhile, it will also offer you a variety of activities and unique surroundings.

You can explore its year-round water play areas, a large treehouse playground, and an African Star Train, among other family-friendly activities. 

Your kids will surely appreciate the attractions like the summertime splash pad, the carousel, and the treehouse playground.

Additionally, a water play area, a Wildlife Amphitheater featuring performances, and even seasonal events are all available for you. Fascinating!

For extra fun, you can also experience the adventure in The Hunt Family Desert Spring and Giraffe Encounter!

If you’re in Texas, you should visit this fascinating spot if you’re nearby!

Address: 4001 E Paisano Dr., El Paso, United States

Franklin Mountains State Park

Franklin Mountains State Park is one of the attractions for outdoor enthusiasts.

The stunning Franklin Mountains can frequently be seen in the background of El Paso’s skyline. 

Additionally, they provide a much-needed recreational outlet for both residents of El Paso and out-of-state vacationers.

With 27,000 acres under its belt, the Franklin Mountains State Park offers more than 100 miles of hiking, biking, and even rock climbing trails. 

For those who like to rough it overnight, five RV parking spaces and 14 tent sites are available.

There are lots of interesting things to do at this state park near El Paso, Texas.

Go geocaching, search for wildlife to observe, and follow ranger-led activities! Sounds fun!

You can just take full advantage of one of El Paso’s top tourist destinations.

You’ll be impressed by wonderful locations along the road, like the Native American rock sculptures that date back 12,000 years!

Additionally, you can also see and appreciate Ranger Peak, which rises 5,632 feet above the ground.

Numerous opportunities for animal viewing are available, as you shall discover. 

The Franklin Mountains also provide a range of spectacular routes if you are short on time.

Come and join the fun at Franklin Mountains State Park!

Address: Tom Mays Park Access Rd, El Paso, TX 79930, United States

Magoffin Home State Historic State

One of the top attractions in El Paso is the Magoffin Home State Historic Site.

It was constructed in 1875 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Magoffin family, a multicultural family that contributed to the growth of America, is the subject of the Magoffin Home State Historic Site.

It’s a fantastic property to explore, with 19 rooms and Territorial architecture.

It will also offer you a rich history to share, and even dropping by for a while will reward you with a wonderful experience.

They still have a lot of the furniture they used back then, which today is on exhibit and reflects mid-Victorian design choices.

The building has sturdy adobe walls to protect it from harsh weather, and there is even art on display—plenty of paintings, photographs, and textiles!

This magnificent El Paso locale is situated on 1.5 acres of land that the Texas Historical Commission looks after and manages.

Visitor Center first if you want a tour with a guide.

You will discover information about the Magoffin history and the original settlers’ community whether you join a tour or explore on your own.

Address: 1120 Magoffin Ave, El Paso, TX 79901, United States

National Border Patrol Museum

One of the most unique locations in El Paso, Texas, is the National Border Patrol Museum.

The Border Patrol of America was established in 1928, with an amazing 450 Patrol Inspectors on board.

This museum will allow you to have a fascinating look at the past of this significant US government agency!

The inside more than makes up for the building’s relatively uninteresting appearance.

The museum provides a distinctive perspective of the American Border Patrol, which dates all the way back to the days of the Old West.

The timeline of this history continues, taking you through Prohibition, World War II, and up to the contemporary period.

The museum’s exhibit of seized goods is one of its more interesting features you must see.

You can now view the best items that were recovered, which were taken from border crossers who broke the law.

One of the highlights is the extensive collection of patrol vehicles, ranging from simple boats, motorcycles, and jeeps to complex helicopters and other aircraft types.

Exhibits featuring weaponry, uniforms, badges, pictures, and artwork are very fascinating. 

Chamizal National Memorial, a 55-acre location that honors the resolution of issues between Mexico and the US, is another destination well worth a visit.

There is no admission fee, so come and book your trip today!

Address: 4315 Woodrow Bean Transmountain, El Paso, TX 79924, United States

San Jacinto Plaza

Now is the ideal time to visit Downtown El Paso’s restored San Jacinto Plaza if you haven’t already.

The historic park will not just offer you a place to unwind and take in the restored Los Lagartos public art sculpture. Still, it also provides a variety of entertaining activities.

The plaza includes activities for everyone, whether you like to splash around, play a challenging game of chess, or practice your serve!

You can also take your dog for a stroll; just make sure your furry friend is on a proper leash.

The splash pad has several water jets that shoot out of the ground, allowing kids and adults of all ages to cool off from the El Paso heat.

The fact that the jets fly out randomly makes the experience even more enjoyable because you never know where the next splash will come from. Don’t forget to pack a towel!

Meanwhile, there are three ping-pong tables with sturdy nets already installed. You only need to bring your own paddles and balls to start a game.

If you are hungry, there are snacks available in San Jacinto Plaza. You can grab burgers, Cuban sandwiches, paninis, hot dogs, tacos, lettuce wraps, nachos, and many more!

Come and join the fun at San Jacinto Plaza!

Address: 114 W Mills Ave, El Paso, TX 79901, United States

Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino

You’ll have a blast at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino whether you’re playing the slots or dining in one of its restaurants!

An exciting day out with the family can be had at the Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. 

The track has live horse racing, a casino, and dining options.

In the most famous casino, you can experience betting on a horse race or just swinging by to catch a show.

Take advantage of more than 700 cutting-edge slot machines and year-round simulcast betting from tracks around the globe.

From December to April, you will find modern slot machine gambling, daily broadcast shows, and quarter horse and racehorse horse racing.

In addition, there are also dining options, including a Las Vegas-style buffet and live entertainment, that are all available at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.

Whether you are with your family, friends, or other companions, Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino have a lot of great things to offer!

You can play games and bet your slot anytime you want!

Make sure to stop by the nearest dining options and food stalls around the area if you are looking for something to eat.

At Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, you will experience many fun adventures. So don’t miss out!

Address: 1200 Futurity Dr, Sunland Park, NM 88063, United States

Western Playland Amusement Park

Western Playland Amusement Park is a perfect destination if you are looking for many fun adventures.

The original park started in 1960 and relocated in 2006.

The 25-acre Western Playland Amusement Park is absolutely filled with thrilling and entertaining experiences and rides for the whole family.

Rides are accessible to anyone as young as one year old!

The 30 acres of classic attractions and roller coasters at Western Playland Amusement Park include The Hurricane and the Pharaoh’s Fury.

The Flying Scooter, the Drop Zone, the Scrambler, and the Tilt-a-Whirl are some well-known rides.

In addition, go and have fun in El Bandido. It is a roller coaster with astonishing and heart-racing heights!

The Tsunami is another fun thing you must try. It sends a tidal wave of 70 feet slamming at you!

The park also features attractions for little thrill-seekers, such as Granny Bugs and U-Cars for parents of small kids.

For hamburgers, hot dogs, and a variety of other delectable foods, stop by the food stands.

Visit the Western Playland Amusement Park this weekend with the kids, and you’ll have a blast! 

It’s unquestionably one of the attractions you shouldn’t miss while in El Paso, Texas.

Address: 1249 Futurity Dr, Sunland Park, NM 88063, United States

Wyler Aerial Tramway

The trip up the paved road through the breathtaking surroundings of the Wyler Aerial Tramway sounds fun!

On the rocky mountain and rock formations on the east side of the Franklin Mountains, the Wyler Aerial Tramway is located in Franklin Mountains State Park.

Half the fun is in driving the paved road that winds up the east side of the Franklin Mountains from the McKinley and Alabama streets crossroads. 

Meanwhile, you will see a parking lot at the height of 4,692 feet. Fascinating!

Purchase your gondola tickets at the tramway station to ride on a 2,600-foot steel cable that will take you to the peak of Rangers Peak. 

During the breathtaking four-minute journey, the cabin attendant provides a detailed narration while pointing out various cacti, wildlife, and bird life. 

You may take in the breathtaking view over 7,000 square miles, encompassing three states and two countries, from the Peak of the Peak, which is 5,632 feet above sea level.

Your kids will appreciate the ride itself a lot. A ticket is required for the uphill and downhill trips.

If you happen to be there when the tramway is not running, you can head to the Scenic Drive Overlook for some fantastic views.

Address: 1700 McKinley Ave, El Paso, TX 79930, United States

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