Attractions & Sightseeing: El Paso

Iconic Landmarks

They present unique views and insights into the city's identity.

El Paso's landscape and history are defined by these sites.

Franklin Mountains State Park: The largest urban state park, offering rugged desert mountain landscapes, hiking trails, and panoramic views of El Paso and Ciudad Juárez.
Wyler Aerial Tramway: (Check official status; currently closed for repairs.) When operational, it provides panoramic views of El Paso and parts of three states from Ranger Peak.
San Jacinto Plaza: A historic central square downtown, recently renovated to be a lively urban park with an alligator sculpture and historic fountain.
El Paso Mission Trail: A historic route connecting three active 17th and 18th-century Spanish missions: Ysleta Mission, Socorro Mission, and San Elizario Presidio Chapel.

El Paso Museum of Art (EPMA): Features diverse European, American, and Mexican art. Free admission.
El Paso Museum of History (EPMH): Explores El Paso's rich history from pre-Columbian times to present. Free admission.
Insights El Paso Science Center: A hands-on museum with interactive exhibits for children and families. Admission fee applies.
Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens (UTEP): Features natural history and cultural exhibits focused on the Southwest. Free admission.
El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center: Dedicated to educating about the Holocaust. Free admission.
National Border Patrol Museum: Exhibits on the history of the U.S. Border Patrol. Free admission.

Concordia Cemetery: A historic 19th-century cemetery, burial site for Old West figures like John Wesley Hardin. Free to enter.
Chamizal National Memorial: A U.S. National Park Service site commemorating the peaceful boundary settlement between the U.S. And Mexico. Free to enter.
Downtown El Paso Historic District: Features numerous historic buildings, many by architect Henry Trost, reflecting early 20th-century growth. Explore via self-guided walking tours.
Attraction Tickets: Consider GetYourGuide for booking tickets to local attractions.

Museums typically operate Tuesday through Saturday; check individual websites for current hours and special exhibits.

Rio Grande: Forms the natural border. Multi-use trails run alongside for walking, jogging, and cycling.
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site: Renowned for unique rock formations, ancient pictographs, and bouldering. Reservations are often needed.
Castner Range National Monument: Newly designated, preserving cultural, historical, and ecological resources. Public access is currently limited.
Tom Mays Park (Franklin Mountains State Park): A popular access point for hiking, picnicking, and scenic drives, with various trails.

Plaza Theatre:
A magnificently restored historic atmospheric theater from 1930, hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and films.
Cool Canyon Nights:
A seasonal (summer) free concert series held in a stunning outdoor amphitheater in McKelligon Canyon.
Scenic Drive:
A winding road ascending the Franklin Mountains, providing unparalleled panoramic vistas of El Paso and Ciudad Juárez.
Mission Valley Art District:
In San Elizario, this district features galleries and studios of local artists.
Transmountain Road (Loop 375):
A mountain pass offering scenic alternative routes across the city with numerous overlooks and hiking access.

Plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons, especially during warmer months.

Consider guided tours for a understanding of historical and cultural sites.