Mountains in Texas? I bear witness! I had a blast exploring El Paso, Texas as a part of a familiarization trip with VisitElPaso.
10 Things to do in El Paso, Texas! The people, the food, the fun–I fell in love with El Paso! There is so much to explore, but here are 10 of my favorites:
1. Franklin Mountains State Park
El Paso is known for it’s scenic drives. Whether you want to get out and hike or drive by beauty, Franklin Mountains State Park is beautiful.
I merely did a little drive by, so I’d love to go back and hike this gorgeous mountainous desert.
2. Wyler Arial Tramway.
See El Paso from the sky! Wyler Arial Tramway located in the beautiful Franklin Mountains State Park is one of El Paso’s top attractions. Originally the tramway was privately owned. It was built in 1959 to aid construction of a transmitter antenna and service platform needed by NBC-affiliate KTSM Radio. Karl O. Wyler donated the tramway, and it is now run by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
If you love gorgeous views, ride the 2,400-foot-long single-span cable system tramway to see views of El Paso, Franklin Mountains State Park, and the mountainous dessert across the Mexican border. So pretty, I just wished I could take wings and fly swooping in and out of the canyons.
3. Lucchese Boots
El Paso is the Cowboy boot capital of the world! I had the pleasure of touring the Lucchese Boot Co Factory Store. I was amazed by what I learned. When you read “handmade” on a Lucchese boot it’s the real deal. I was taken through the process of how boots are made at Lucchese’s and it’s the old fashioned way, by hand every step of the way. You won’t see huge machinery popping out boot parts! What I found was artists taking their time, enjoying their craft. Every pair of boots is a work of art! While tours are not scheduled daily, you may call and request a tour.
By the time I left, I was in love with Lucchese Boots! Make sure and plan time for some boot shopping in El Paso at the Lucchese’s outlet store!
When I was touring the factory, I spotted a pair of purple boots. Every pair of Lucchese boots are fantastic, but those purple boots had my name on them. When I found these at the outlet they HAD to go home with me. Aren’t they fun?!
4. Cattleman’s Steak House
Make plans to visit Cattleman’s Steak House. Just a short drive from El Paso Cattleman’s is an experience you won’t want to miss. The Ladies Filet was melt in your mouth perfect and cooked exactly how I ordered it. Served with Jalapenos Toreados (Roasted jalapenos) experience an explosion of flavor in every bite.
But it’s not just the food that makes Cattleman’s Steak House famous, Cattleman’s is actually a working ranch with extensive, beautifully kept grounds including petting zoo! Take a walk outside while you wait for your table and watch the sunset over the beautiful desert while you eat. Amazing!
And a ranch experience isn’t complete without Smores right? We had fun roasting marshmallows right there at the table!
5. Take in a Chihuahuas game!
I love when a city backs it’s sports, and El Paso loves it’s Chihuahuas. Southwest University Park is an award winning, gorgeous stadium and home of El Paso’s Chihuahuas. Baseball was meant to be enjoyed! Tickets start as low as $5 and the most expensive seats in the house only reach up to $30!
Get some friends together and hit the ball park! Oh and don’t forget to save room for food or uh… dog food? Lots of super fun “Chihuahua” themed eats available at the park. I always love a theme!
6. El Paso Zoo.
Locals deem the El Paso Zoo as the Best Place to Take the Kiddos! Sitting on 35 acres the El Paso Zoo is home to exotic animals from around the world and features many family attractions.
Don’t miss the Wings of the World Show. I find it fascinating to see these great creatures up close, but El Paso has some birds I’ve never seen before like this huge bird of prey, the only trained of it’s kind in a zoo!
7. Food truck eats–Catch the Taste
For local food made fresh to eat on the go find the Catch the Taste food truck!
Their Green Chili Burger is fabulous and definitely a taste of El Paso! The fries seasoned with Tajin were also a huge hit. Tajin is a Mexican dry seasoning enjoyed on lots of food, but I use it mostly on fruit. Now I will absolutely be adding it to my fries–yum!
8. Magoffin Home State Historic Site
Enjoy history and dreaming of times gone by? Explore the Magoffin Home!
A preserved adobe home, Magoffin Home State Historic Site tells the stories of one of El Paso’s early prominent families who actively participated in U.S. expansion and settlement, military service, trade on the Santa Fe–Chihuahua Trail, Civil War turmoil and U.S.–Mexico relations. Fascinating! A Magoffin lived in the home until 1986! See my full article on Magoffin Home here >>>> Texas Travel Talk Magoffin Home.
9. Plaza Theater
An evening of culture at the Plaza Theater in El Paso is a must. They have a super line up of world class shows. I was wowed with a spectacular performance of Phantom of the Opera!
The theater is gorgeous! Originally opening in the 1930 the stage was graced by stars including Mae West, the Marx Brothers, Ethel Barrymore, John Wayne, and Clark Gable! The restored theater reopened in 2006 and boasts a 2,050-seat main theater with a 10-story stage house that can handle large traveling Broadway shows. A super experience at the Plaza!
10. Hotel Indigo El Paso Downtown
If you’re looking for a great place to stay, I loved Hotel Indigo! The downtown location has gorgeous views in every direction! The fifth story pool is sparkling and inviting. Relax and breathe in the crisp air and enjoy the gorgeous El Paso scenery.
The beds were so comfortable! It is quite possibly the best sleep I’ve experienced in a hotel!
Thanks so much for joining me on my El Paso favorites! I’m still dreaming of the fun I had in El Paso! I can’t wait to return. For more ideas on what to do on your next trip check out Visit El Paso! What do you love about El Paso?
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