El Paso is the largest American city on the Mexican border. Located on the Rio Grande at the western edge of Texas, El Paso is a fascinating city with tons of things to do for people from all demographics. The proximity to Mexico means that the city has a great culture fusion of Mexico and the US. The unique landscapes, diverse flora, and fauna along with the booming culinary scene make this city a fun place to visit any time of the year.
Here is a list of some of the must-visit attractions for your next trip to El Paso.
Franklin Mountains State Park
Franklin Mountains can be viewed from anywhere in El Paso. The Franklin Mountains State Park is a 27,000-acre urban park popular for hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking. The park is located at less than 18 miles north of the city center and has over 100 miles of hiking trails. Other fun activities include geocaching, taking a guided tour by rangers and opportunities to watch wildlife.
You can also take the popular Wyler Aerial Tramway for a fascinating view of the desert scenery surrounding El Paso. The tramway offers some of the most beautiful from atop the 5,632-foot-tall ranger peak. The four minute tramway ride comes with a detailed narration of the various plant and wildlife that you come across during the ride.
Franklin Mountains State Park is without a doubt the most scenic places in the city.
Museum of the National Border Patrol
On the surface visiting a border patrol museum may sound boring but the Museum of the National Border Patrol is fascinating and is a must see place when you visit El Paso. The US border patrol was formed in 1928 with 450 Patrol Inspectors. This museum takes you through the history of the United States Border Patrol from the Old West to Prohibition, WWII to today.
One of the most fascinating things to watch at the museum are the innovative and bizarre vehicles confiscated by the border patrol. How often do you come across a 9-seater bike? Other static display include an OH-6 helicopter, a Piper Super Cub airplane, and a Conquistador speedboat among exhibits of weapons, uniforms, badges, etc. The museum is free to visit.
Viva El Paso
If you are visiting during the months of June to August, you can enjoy the city's annual musical that celebrates its cultural history through drama, dance and songs. Performances are held from Thursday to Sunday in June, July and August with over 25,000 people attending the events each year. The two hour musical includes several dancers demonstrating the history from the early Indian settlement all the way to the wild south west.
Western Playland Amusement Park
One of the most fun things to do in El Paso, this amusement park is a must-visit if you like the thrill of being on roller coasters. The park has several rides perfect for kids under 10 years old. Two of the most popular rides at the park are the El Bandido roller coaster and Tsunami, which generates tidal waves upto 70 feet high. With plenty of food options available you can make your visit a fun-filled family picnic.
The Holocaust Museum
Nazi Holocaust survivor Henry Kellen created this museum in 1994 to educate the public about the Nazi dictatorship, its concentration camps, and the resistance movements during World War II. The museum contains some fascinating exhibits and history about the Third Reich. While it may be a sobering experience visiting the museum but it serves as a reminder of the descpicable atrocities that humans are capable of.