Other Things Worth Exploring In El Paso
Although not free, these are some of the other activities and sightseeing attractions worth adding to your El Paso trip!
- The Plaza Theater The Plaza Theater is one of the oldest buildings in El Paso. It is well maintained, and you can visit the theatre and enjoy shows and concerts.
- Chamizal National Memorial Site Chamizal National Memorial site is nestled along the USMexico international border. The museum located at the park highlights the history of the two countries and the peaceful settlement of the Chamizal boundary dispute.
- Scenic Drive If you are renting a car, or have access to a vehicle hit the Scenic Drive from downtown El Paso. Be sure to pull over at the small park and viewing platform for a spectacular view across El Paso and Juarez.
So, these are some of the free things to do in El Paso Texas. Do you have a personal favorite that you would like us to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!
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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Hotels.com to bring forth some of the stunning wanderlust destinations in the USA. As always the opinions and ideas are my own.
El Paso is located in the state of Texas. Being a border town, El Paso has a large Mexican influence and is rich in history and culture. The best part of visiting El Paso is that many of the city attractions are completely free to explore. In this post, we will uncover some of the free things to do in El Paso that are perfect for history lovers.
Note:As travel today remains uncertain, please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind. Many of the museums may be closed during these unprecedented times. Please check the official website for guidelines, current services, and the latest closures.
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One Free Day In El Paso Texas
April 24, 2019Updated: July 28, 2021 by Renée This post may contain affiliate links.
El Paso is a city abounds in FREE FUN! Explore the historic Plaza Theater, discover the Museum of History, take a scenic drive even visit the downtown pool where live alligators once frolicked!
This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.
El Paso is abundant in FREE FUN! You can enjoy an entire day exploring this thriving city for just the price of lunch! If you have one day to spend in El Paso, and you don’t want to spend a lot of money, you have come to the right place!
NOTE: Sometime during your day, you’re probably going to need to buy lunch and/or dinner, which are not free. To that end, be sure to visit our El Paso Restaurant Reviews, where you’ll find reviews of a must-try, a sentimental favorite, and a Texas Institution.
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The Best Things To Do In El Paso: Boot Shopping Bouldering And The Best Beef Tacos
The best things to do in El Paso: boot shopping, bouldering and the best beef tacos
Sitting at the intersection of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico proper, El Paso offers an exciting mishmash of cultures and influences.
What was once a wild frontier town has grown into a sophisticated city full of vibrant art galleries, world-class recreation activities, swoon-worthy restaurants, and famous shops . Here is a sampling of some top activities to do while you are in El Paso.
Magoffin Home State Historic Site El Paso Texas
Magoffin Home State Historic Site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was the home of the Magoffin family who actively participated in the U.S. expansion, military service, Civil War, and U.S.-Mexico relations.
This house was built in 1875 in a Territorial style it has thick adobe walls that keep it cool in summer and warm during the winter. The Magoffin descendants lived in this house for over 100 years. The décor reflects the style of that time and most of the original furniture is still on display.
1120 Magoffin Ave. El Paso, TX 79901, 915-533-5147
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Hit The El Paso Mission Trail
Encompassing the most important surviving Spanish mission stations in Texas, the Mission Trail starts in El Paso and is one of the best ways for tourists to explore the state’s rich multicultural heritage.
A highlight of this popular scenic driving route is the Ysleta Mission. Consecrated in 1682, it’s the oldest such structure in Texas. Others you’ll see along the way are the Socorro Mission, first built in 1691, and San Elizario with its Spanish garrison church from 1789. Many other authentic cultural highlights surround the missions, including local eateries, art galleries, and institutions like the Tigua Indian Cultural Center.
Address: 9065 Alameda Avenue, El Paso, Texas
San Elizario Historic District
The San Elizario Historic District is one of the oldest in West Texas, once being an action-packed crossroads of culture, commerce, and military affairs. The district sits on the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail , which served as a supply route from Mexico City for over 300 years.
For visitors who wish to learn more about the area, there is a self guided walking tour that will take walkers through eighteen different historic sites which detail the frontier life of the 18th and 19th century. The tour is available seven days a week in English and Spanish.
1521 Main St, San Elizario, TX 79849, 915-851-0093
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See A Show At The Plaza Theater
The Historic Plaza theater in El Paso is located within walking distance from the San Jacinto Plaza.
Built in 1930, the Spanish colonial revival style building is one of El Pasos most iconic landmarks.
This was one of the best places in the southwest to watch a performance in the 1930s.
It later fell into decline and was going to be demolished in the 1990s, however, community involvement and fundraisers saved this historic structure.
The theater facade was restored to its former glory and the interior was given a similar uplift.
The theater is operational even today and you can watch a concert or a Broadway production at this historic location while in El Paso.
Take A Walking Tour Of The Historic Downtown
El Pasos historic downtown is full of historic architectural landmarks and sites.
You will also find several historical markers here.
You cannot really visit El Paso tx without experiencing the vibe of its historic downtown.
Some of the most popular places to visit include San Jacinto Historic Plaza, the Plaza Theater, El Camino Real Hotel or the Hotel Paso del Norte, and other attractions.
We recommend taking the 90 minutes free self-guided walking tour offered by the city to see all of these attractions in a short time.
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Take The Kids To Western Playland Amusement Park
Perfect for travelers looking for things to do in El Paso with kids, the Western Playland Amusement Park is packed with thrilling rides and adventures for the whole family!
Kids and adults will no doubt relish in the El Bandido, the parks most iconic roller coaster that soars to chill-inducing heights. Theres plenty of other fun stuff to do, including Flying Scooter, Bumper Cars, and Tsunami which sends massive waves your way as you plunge back down the perfect way to cool off on a hot Texan day, dont you think?
No trip to the amusement park would be complete without calorie-laden nibbles. Western Playland certainly rises to the occasion, with plenty of hot dogs, hamburgers, and churros stalls scattered throughout.
- Entrance fee: $5 for admission, $3 per ride
- Hours: 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. , 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Address: 1249 Futurity Dr, Sunland Park, NM 88063
El Paso Museum Of Archeology
If you are into archeology, the Archeology El Paso Museum is a must-visit. It has the largest collection of Native American pottery in the Southwest.
Their pottery collection showcases various ancient techniques and styles from different tribes.
The museum also displays baskets, jewelry, and other artifacts made from shell, stone, and bone.
One of the more fascinating things to do in El Paso!
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Explore The City On Free Self
In 2015, Visit El Paso launched an app that offers free and self-guided tours around town. Download the app and click on the Tours & Tour Operator button which will redirect you to self-guided tours. Each tour has a list of notable locations with addresses, websites, and a description and audio recording explaining its significance.
The app provides nine walking tours. One focuses on the architecture of El Paso, and another takes you to notable places relating to the Mexican Revolution. Other walking tours focus on the Segundo Barrio, El Paso lore, San Elizario, the University of Texas at El Paso, and more.
Walking around El Paso may not be feasible for everyone, which is why the app also offers five driving, biking, and streetcar tours. Cycle between El Pasos best statues and murals on the Downtown Public Art Bike Tour one day, and on another, take a self-guided Mission Trail driving tour to historic spots like Mission Ysleta, Mission Socorro, and the Tigua Indian Cultural Center. Hop onto El Pasos newly renovated streetcars and follow the two tours in the app to learn more about notable buildings placed along the routes.
Window Shop In Paseo De Las Luces
On South El Paso Street is Paseo de las Luces, a charming area full of historic buildings with open-air storefronts. It doesnt cost a thing to window shop among the boutique stores and local clothing shops. Visit after the sun sets and youll see this magical area lit up by arched string lights.
Four times a year, El Paso puts on a free festival here called Downtown Fiesta de Las Luces. The city invites food trucks, art vendors, family-friendly activities, folklorico dancers, and mariachis out to entertain city residents and visitors.
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Best Things To Do In El Paso Texas
Located across the border from Mexico in western Texas, El Paso is home to a number of unique museums, historical attractions and parks. Explore Hueco Tanks State Historic Site, ride on the Wyler Aerial Tramway, visit the El Paso Museum of Art and shop at the Downtown Art & Farmers Market in El Paso, TX. Best things to do in El Paso, Texas for families include the El Paso Zoo, the Western Playland Amusement Park, and Fort Bliss and Old Ironsides Museums. Be sure to call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.
Attractions In El Paso
Sitting in the foothills of the stunning Franklin Mountains, El Paso is a vibrant and diverse community with a wide variety of attractions and plenty of year-round fun. A historic theater, concert venues, Spanish Colonial missions, museums and gorgeous state parks are just a few examples of the attractions in El Paso. If you enjoy being outdoors and you want to explore one of the most unique places in Texas, you better El Paso up. Read on to get an idea of what the Sun City has to offer, and order a free travel guide to plan your next vacation here.
Ascarate ParkEscape to the great outdoors at the 400-acre Ascarate Park, the largest recreational area in El Paso County. Play a round on the 18-hole, par-71 Ascarate Golf Course rent a canoe or pedal boat and explore the 48-acre lake or enjoy some of the best fishing in the Southwest. The park also has basketball, handball, sand volleyball and tennis courts, along with baseball and soccer fields.6900 Delta Ave.
El Paso Municipal Rose GardenStop and smell more than 1,900 rosebushes at the El Paso Municipal Rose Garden, an All-American Rose Selectioncertified garden. Stroll along the wide and handicap-accessible walkways to see more than 500 varieties of roses, as well as waterfalls and a plaza area with a Koi pond.3418 Aurora Ave.
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Plaza Theatre El Paso Texas
The Plaza Theatre is one of the most famous landmarks in El Paso, situated in a historic building that was constructed in 1929 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. It was built as a film house with the option of presenting stage shows. After years of neglect, it was restored to its original appearance in 2002. If you are looking for romantic date ideas in El Paso, watch a show at the Plaza Theatre.
Visitors can admire the mosaic flooring, intricately painted ceilings, exclusive carpeting, and decorative wrought iron banisters that add character to the antique furnishings of this building. The Plaza Theatre still continues to showcase numerous Broadway productions, concerts, and performances.
125 W Mills Ave, El Paso, TX 79901, Phone: 915-231-1100
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Experience The Downtown Renaissance
If its been a while since youve been to El Paso, youll be stunned when you see whats new. Thanks to a massive half-billion-dollar investment, Downtown El Paso is growing like never before. Ever spent the night in a 1920s art deco tower? How about a hotel with ties to the Mexican Revolution? Historic buildings like these and more are being renovated into top-of-the-line hotels so unique and comfortable youll be requesting a late checkout. Soon, Downtown will have more than 1,200 state-of-the-art rooms within walking distance of new shops, clubs, bars, restaurants and exciting year-round festivals! Throw in an art-filled city square, the return of El Pasos iconic vintage streetcars and exciting games at Southwest University park, and youve got a thriving Downtown with something for everyone to enjoy. There are an incredible number of things to see and do in El Paso that go far beyond what is listed here. To get a complete idea of what you can do in the Sun City, head on over to Visit El Pasos website.
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Contemplate Los Murales On A Free Walking Tour
They’re not always mentioned in guidebooks, but Los Murales, the street murals of El Paso, are perhaps the city’s preeminent cultural treasure. Of the more than 100 murals in the city, the greatest concentrations are south of downtown between Paisano Drive and the Border Highway in what is known as the Segundo Barrio, and north of Paisano Drive near Douglass Elementary School. There are also more than 40 murals painted on the freeway columns around Durazno Avenue between Copia and Raynolds streets. Use the Visit El Paso app to locate the most notable murals around town.
Best Things To Do In El Paso
El Paso stands on the Rio Grand in the furthest western corner of Texas, and across the border from Chihuahua, Mexico so you can imagine how many Mexican influences exist in the city, and anything and everything from delicious spicy food to a generous helping of cultural attractions. El Pasos inhabitants make up about 700,000, as of 2015. There is plenty to see in this interesting city which is surrounded by amazing desert and diverse flora and fauna. From vibrant art galleries to famous historic sights, why not follow the trail Im about to lead you down!
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Fort Bliss And Old Ironsides Museums
Fort Bliss and Old Ironsides Museums
The Fort Bliss and Old Ironsides Museums are conveniently located near each other.
Theyre the perfect place in El Paso for military enthusiasts and are packed with so many fun options for what to see.
Fort Bliss measures 1,700 square miles and is the second-largest American Army installation across the country.
It is also the site of the countrys biggest section of completely unrestricted airspace, making it a prime spot for training.
The exhibits within the museum are varied, discussing daily soldier life, family of the army, the world in times of peace and war, and much more, all dating back to 1849.
It is also here that the 1st Armored Division lives, the very same that had the task of staying in Germany for four decades and thats where the Old Ironsides Museum comes in!
This museum is dedicated to preserving the divisions history with vehicles and artifacts of all kinds.
Even outside of the Fort Bliss and Old Ironsides Museums, the excitement has already begun on the ground of El Paso, Texas.
A V-2 rocket from Germany, helicopters, and even artillery pieces sit around outdoors, waiting to be gawked at and appreciated!
Address: 1735, Marshall Rd, Fort Bliss, TX 79906, United States
Franklin Mountains State Park
If theres one thing El Pasoans love more than live music, its outdoor activities and Franklin Mountains State Park is one of our pride and joys! Even though its considered the largest urban park , theres nothing like leaving the world behind as you walk one of the many designated hiking paths. Are you more of a bike kind of person? Theres plenty of paths available to you too!
Pro tip: Check out the Franklin Mountains State Park Event Page to join some great guided hikes and bike rides. West Cottonwood Mines Exploration is an easy beginners hike and super interesting.
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