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Visiting El Paso Texas

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

Typically when I visit a destination with plans to write about it, there are a handful of activities suggested.

My visit to El Paso was so full of things to do that it left me exhausted on the way home, which is a good way to be. When I only have a few days to see a city, I want to fit in as much as possible.

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

I checked in at Hotel Indigo which is located downtown within walking distance of a lot of the activities and places I visited.

A gorgeous hotel with a wonderful restaurant and great views of the city, I was excited to spend a few days exploring right from the center of Sun City.

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

As you probably know, El Paso is located at the far western tip of Texas, on the Rio Grande River, and right across from the border of Mexico.

I didn’t realize El Paso was the sixth-largest city in Texas until I started doing a little research for my trip. It’s also been listed in the 100 Best Places to Live in the USA  in 2017 by US News & World Report.

The short version of how El Paso came to be: Back in the 16th century, Spaniards named the area consisting of a mountain range on either side of the Rio Grande El Paso Del Norte, meaning the Pass of the North.

Many expeditions took place over the next couple of hundred years, at least a few of which you probably learned about in history classes. Spanish settlements prospered and missions were founded.

After the Mexican War of Independence in 1821, El Paso became part of the Mexican Nation. When the US- Mexico War ended in 1848 and shortly thereafter the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, the United States would now add California, New Mexico, Arizona, and the boundary of the Rio Grand for Texas.

Why am I sharing this with you? Because a lot of this history can be seen in El Paso.

Things You Shouldn’t Miss When Visiting El Paso Texas

Magoffin Home

I had a chance to spend some time with a tour guide at the Magoffin Home State Historic Site, and if you are a history buff, you definitely don’t want to miss it.

The Magoffin family was a big part of the US expansion and settlement, military service, railroads, and trade, as well as the Civil War. 

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

A beautiful adobe structure on 1.5 acres, take some time to stroll through and learn how this family and their descendants lived for more than 100 years in this home. 

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

And seriously, who back then had blowfish hanging in the living room? You just never know what you’ll see when visiting El Paso!

No one seemed to know why this was a thing, but maybe we will discover the answer through the DigieWall one day. (See below)

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

US Border Patrol Museum 

On May 28, 1924, the United States Border Patrol was established. Here you can see the history of the men who have served as well as some of the history involved.

It was fascinating. Below is one of the forms of transportation used to try to enter the U.S.

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

I guess I had never given it that much thought, but people have been very creative in inventing ways to cover their tracks.

These cork horseshoes were used to attach to shoes so no human tracks were left. You’ll be surprised at all you’ll see at the US Border Patrol Museum.

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

Historic Mission Trail 

This is one thing of the many things I’m sorry I didn’t do, but there was only so much time. Dating back 400 years, you can still see the three churches still standing. Grab this walking tour guide.

El Paso Museum of History and the DigieWall 

The El Paso Museum of History was not on my itinerary, but when I heard about it, I had to visit. With 16,000 feet of space, there is a lot to see.

My favorite exhibit was the DigieWall. It’s a giant 3-D touchscreen that will guide you through exploring El Paso’s history to date. This DigieWall is the only one in the US, and it’s networked with another one in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The kids will love exploring and may just learn a thing or two about what they will see when visiting El Paso!

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

El Paso Zoo

I am a huge animal lover, so a visit to the El Paso Zoo was right up my alley. Did I want to do a giraffe feeding? Of course!

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

The El Paso Zoo sits on 35 acres of land and is split up into three sections of animals: Animals of Asia, Animals of Africa, and Animals of The Americas.

I really could have spent all day! Have you ever been this close to a lioness?

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

Amazing, right? I have so much more to share about this wonderful zoo. Coming soon! Don’t miss visiting the El Paso Zoo. Check out their website to see special events and plan your visit.

Scenic View

A gorgeous view of El Paso and Juarez, Mexico, unfolds as you drive up Transmountain Road. Definitely worth the trip.

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

The Plaza Theater

Broadway in El Paso? Yes! And a lovely theater, as well. The Plaza Theater has a little history, too. It opened in 1930 as a film house and had the latest technology of the time.

The theater was showing its age and was pretty much closed from 1974 to 1989. A $38 million restoration fully renovated the theater, now showing popular Broadway shows like Wicked and Les Miserables. Bet you didn’t expect to see Broadway shows when visiting El Paso!

We saw Cinderella and it was fabulous. The twist was different than I’ve ever seen, with a little comedy thrown in for good measure, and the singing was really fantastic.

The only problem is that the shows travel and this one was only one night, so be sure to check well in advance when visiting El Paso. There is always something new and they often sell out.

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

Lucchese Bootmaker

What do you see a lot of in Texas? Cowboy boots! I had the chance to go to the famous Lucchese Bootmaker for a tour. This was without a doubt my favorite activity in El Paso, and anyone can take the tour.

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

I’ve never seen boots this beautiful.

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

More to come soon. I can’t wait for you to see my boots!

Foodie Finds

El Paso is definitely a food town, and I wish they would let people know! In researching before my trip, I didn’t see a lot about the food being stellar in El Paso.

Well, I’m here to tell you it is pretty amazing! I have more to share on specifics of where to eat, but these are a couple of spots you definitely must experience.

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

Los Bandidos Carlos & Mickey’s

This is not just a place to stop in for a drink if you are visiting El Paso (though you certainly could.) You really need to make time for the full experience!

The first rule of visiting Carlos & Mickey’s: Be hungry! Order the Queso Fundido and you’ll be in for a show as well as a to-die-for appetizer. But first, order the large margarita. It’s for sharing! 

Crave Kitchen & Bar

On my third day in El Paso, we headed to Crave Kitchen and Bar.This little breakfast spot is pretty popular, so you may have to wait.

Don’t turn around and think you will find anything as good anywhere else. I kid you not. This was the absolute best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever eaten. When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

Cattleman’s

Some restaurants are all about the food. Others are more about the experience. Cattleman’s Steakhouse is all about both. And after you eat the portions they give you, a walk around the Indian Cliffs Ranch will be just what you need.

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

Don’t worry, there is so much to see you won’t even realize you’re getting a little exercise. Check out the movie memorabilia, the zoo, the aviary, the exotic animals, the antique wagon collection, and yes, there’s more. This is not a painting. The views are breathtaking.

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

Zin Valle Vineyard

I visit wineries quite a bit on trips because I really do love wine. But honestly, not all wineries can produce good wines. Like (gasp) Florida.

I’ve considered visiting a Florida winery, but when the description starts out with Strawberry wine, I’m probably out. Texas, on the other hand, has amazing wines. This is the Zin Valle Vineyards Sweet Red Sensi wine.

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

Ready to visit? An easy way to make your way through El Paso without lugging a guide book or three is just to download the Official El Paso App through iTunes or Android. If you’re tech-challenged or prefer the old school way, you can find everything you need on the Visit El Paso Website. Sign up for their email list to be kept up to date on what’s happening.

If you like this post, please pin it by clicking on the P for Pinterest! This way others can see it, too. I’d SO appreciate it!

When Visiting El Paso Texas, there are some things you just have to see. There is a lot of history, but there are also amazing restaurants, a Broadway-style theater, and so much more.

I was invited to experience El Paso to be able to share it with you. All thoughts are my own. But you knew that!

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41 Comments

  1. Great review! one of my favorite things about El Paso is the easy access to lots of beautiful/fun day trips and adventures…
    Check these out:
    1. Hueco Tanks
    2. White Sands
    3. Carlsbad Caverns
    4. Riverbend Hotsprings in Truth or Consequences, NM
    5. Old Mesilla

  2. Glad you enjoyed your stay in the Sun City, Kelly. What you saw was just the trailer. Come back when you can see the whole movie!

    1. I plan to come back, Traci! I’ve heard from several people that there is so much more to see! Thanks!

  3. My mom’s cousin and his family live there. I would have to ask him to take us around when we drop by for a visit. I would love to see all those historical sites, and the zoo too!

    1. Your kids would love it, Briane! The DigieWall is amazing, and the Zoo so much fun! The kids were even having a blast at the little park by my hotel, playing in the sprinklers!

  4. I’ve never been to El Paso, Texas before, but it looks like a lot of fun to visit! That fish hanging from the ceiling is crazy spiky!!!

    1. The blowfish is kind of crazy, but just shows the family was a bit quirkly, kind of like mine! LOL. There is so much to do there. It’s a really fun place to visit.

  5. Oh boy I’d love to visit Texas. The only time I’ve been is a layover at the airport and that doesn’t count.

    1. Oh no! Does that mean I haven’t “been to” Tokyo? Bummer! But seriously, you have to go! It’s a really fun city!

  6. Wow! I had no idea there are a lot of fun activities you could enjoy in El Paso, Texas! I can’t wait to visit and try all these!!

    1. I had no idea there was so much to do, either, Toni! I walked around discovering stuff aside from what they had planned for me! The street art is cool, too. Go!

  7. This is such a great list! El Paso is a great city – so much to do – so you really don’t want to miss a beat!

  8. Looks like El Paso, TX is a great place to visit. I would love to get there someday and experience all that you have shared! Beautiful photos!

  9. Hello there! Saw your reviews on your visit to El Paso! We hope you enjoyed your time here. We have a blog on local restaurants and our reviews on them! Make sure to check us out and visit back soon! http://www.localbite.net

    1. There is SO much to do that I couldn’t fit it all in! Guess I’ll have to visit again, Kristin!

  10. I have always wanted to visit Texas. Those sound like some good suggestions on things to see. The blowfish is kind of cool!

  11. My husband has extended family in the El Paso area and this post makes me want to arrange a visit. I love a good zoo and that vineyard is definitely calling my name.

    1. Kelly should’ve pushed north up NM Highway 28 from Zin Valle all the way to Las Cruces – she would’ve hit four more wineries and two tasting rooms in Mesilla. It really is a miniature Napa Valley.

      1. Dang! How did I miss that? I guess I need to go back…soon! Thanks for the tip!

      2. It’s actually the oldest wine- making region in the country, with the first vineyards being planted where downtown El Paso is now by none other than Ponce DeLeon himself.

    2. There are quite a few vineyards not too far, Marcie. I didn’t know and now I want to go back! The zoo was a blast, too.

  12. I’d definitely want to check out the Magoffin Home and the zoo! Seeing a show at the Plaza Theater would be fun too.

  13. I haven’t been to El Paso in ages. I remember loving it when I visited and I want to go back now.

  14. Oh, cool! I never knew there was so much to do in El Paso. I’ll have to bookmark this. Thanks!