Welcome to El Paso, the sixth largest city in Texas and a true western frontier town and vibrant modern city in the sunny Southwest. For many, just the name “El Paso” conjures up images of Old West gunfights, saloon brawls, and rattlesnakes, and though there are plenty of the latter that lurk in the desert mountains surrounding the city, with a population of more than 600,000, El Paso is truly a modern metroplex with all the amenities and amusements on offer in any of America’s best cities. Make no mistake, though, El Paso is one of America’s oldest towns. Decades before the British landed on Plymouth Rock, El Paso was already an established settlement and burgeoning trade center along the Spanish Camino Royal. Once a part of Spain, then Mexico and finally the United States, El Paso has seen its share of tumultuous battles, devastating natural phenomena, and of course, saloon brawls. And while Santa Fe and Tucson have unceremoniously sold their souls to the turquoise masses, El Paso retains its authentic flavor that is rustic, outlawish, and just a little bit gritty.
The fact that El Paso has changed hands a number of times, being at one time Spanish, then Mexican, New Mexican, and finally Texan, means that El Pasoans carry on that heritage. The mix of cultures here is as diverse as anywhere you’ll find in the United States, and people here are proud of their colors and backgrounds. Spanish flows freely on El Paso’s streets and sidewalks, and vivid murals flash portrayals of local flavor and history around the city as colorful as the spicy dishes served in the best of its restaurants.
El Paso has a unique “live and let live” policy that distinguishes it from the rest of Texas. Indeed, El Paso is closer to Santa Fe than its own capital city, Austin, and sometimes the locals joke that El Paso should secede from Texas and join New Mexico. Considering the shared heritage—the fact that El Paso was at one time part of New Mexico and that it is the only city in Texas operating on Mountain Time—it’s a notion that isn’t difficult to fathom. You might find that Paseños aren’t as openly friendly as people in other West Texas towns, but give it time and you’ll soon come to find that the locals will open up to you in a very real and welcoming way.
Wild West. Gunslingers. Outlaws and lawmen. Working cattle ranches with cowboys on horses. Orchards with lush lines of trees and fertile vineyards that produce delicious wines. Scenic mountain drives, a corn maze, and a spooky cemetery. Fascinating Native American culture, ancient churches, and sites where the very founding of American history took place. Though sometimes not thought of as a big tourism destination, there is so much rich heritage and culture to be found in the Sun City that you would need a lifetime explore everything. Here you can pay a visit to the grave of John Wesley Hardin, one of the baddest outlaws in the West. If military history piques your interest, take the time to see some of the first airplanes ever used in war combat. Or if you need a moment of repose, spend a few hours taking in the deep spiritual rituals of some of the oldest native cultures on earth. The city is a veritable playground of attractions just waiting to be uncovered, so get out there, because the sun is sure to be shining and it’s a great day to explore.
This chapter presents a wide variety of El Paso’s most interesting attractions and should give you a good starting place to begin your Southwestern sightseeing adventure in the Sun City, and will appeal to grown ups and kids alike. Instructions have been included at the end of the chapter for how to enjoy a scenic mountain drive overlooking the city. Meanwhile, several of the more specific types of listings can be found in other chapters. For instance, El Paso’s many art museums have been included in the Arts chapter, while other museums relating to history, archaeology, and culture are listed here. Most outdoor spots, like Keystone Heritage Park and McKelligon Canyon, are covered in the Parks and Recreation chapter. Most of the city’s family oriented activities, such as El Paso Zoo and Western Playland Amusement Park have, likewise, been covered in the Kidstuff chapter.
El Paso is truly a family friendly town. There are lots of activities going on for the young and the young at heart throughout the city. El Paso’s sunny climate lends itself well to year-round outdoor activities, like miniature golf and soccer, and there are plenty of fun but educational activities available, too. Artistic-minded kids will love At the Clayground, where they can try their hands at painting their own ceramic pieces, while more adventurous families will certainly enjoy a day at Wet ‘N’ Wild, El Paso’s exciting water park.
Be sure to check the Attractions chapter and the Parks and Recreation chapter, which contain more listings that might be of interest to families and kids of all ages. There are plenty of outdoor activities, public parks and recreation areas, swimming pools, and professional sporting events in the El Paso area that are listed in those chapters. The following listings are child-specific activities to let your little ones blow off some steam, as well as places that your too-hip teens will probably want to check out. The price code below gives you an idea of what entrance fees (if any) and costs will be like to attend or visit any of these places.
El Paso is situated in an extremely convenient location at the border of two states and one international boundary. Although the city is packed with plenty to see and do, the possibilities for local day trips and nearby weekend getaways are virtually endless. Whether you are interested in history and culture, beautiful scenery, good shopping, or the outdoors, there is a sprinkling of everything within a half-day drive of El Paso. From downtown, you can be across the border into El Paso’s Mexican sister-city, Ciudad Juárez, on foot, while further afield, natural wonders like Carlsbad Caverns and Kilbourne Hole are just a few hours’ drive. For hiking, skiing, and outdoor exploration, head to the Guadalupe Mountains or Big Bend on the Texas side of the border, or Ruidoso, Gila National Park, and Truth or Consequences in New Mexico. The area is also bursting with historical sites where outlaws like Billy the Kid and famous revolutionaries such as Pancho Villa once engaged their Wild West enemies in shootouts.