Scenic Drives & Historic Missions in El Paso
El Paso
Tips on renting in El Paso
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
El Paso invites families to discover where the Chihuahuan Desert meets dramatic mountain ranges at the westernmost tip of Texas. Your children will gaze across three states and two countries from the Wyler Aerial Tramway, ascending Ranger Peak for panoramic views that stretch from New Mexico to Mexico. The Franklin Mountains State Park protects 24,000 acres of rugged urban wilderness where hiking trails wind through ancient rock formations and desert wildlife thrives in the high Sonoran landscape.
Journey along the El Paso Mission Trail to explore three centuries-old Spanish missions where thick adobe walls and carved wooden doors tell stories of frontier life. The El Paso Zoo delights young explorers with its African and Asian exhibits, while Hueco Tanks State Park reveals prehistoric pictographs painted on massive boulders by ancient peoples. Border Sights Tours guides you through the unique binational culture where El Paso and Ciudad Juárez blend seamlessly across the Rio Grande.
Venture to nearby Las Cruces, New Mexico, for the mesmerizing white gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park. The historic Plaza Theatre downtown El Paso dazzles with Spanish colonial architecture and family performances throughout the year. El Paso welcomes you with warm desert sunshine, authentic street tacos, and landscapes that feel worlds away from ordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what El Paso has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To experience the Scenic Drive – Overlook in El Paso, turn onto Rim Road from either Mesa Street or Alabama Street and embark on a winding road that skirts the east side of the Franklin Mountains. This drive offers stunning vistas of El Paso and Juarez, with one side lined by beautiful stately homes and the other featuring fabulous city views. Pause at the small park and scenic overlook to fully immerse yourself in the captivating scenery, making it a perfect spot to enjoy at any time of day, especially during sunrise or sunset for the most spectacular views.
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For a seamless boat-launching experience near El Paso, Texas, head to Ascarate Park, located at 6900 Delta Dr. This park offers a convenient boat launch point with trailer access, set amidst a scenic backdrop that enhances your outdoor adventure. The park is open from 5:30am to 11:00pm from May 29 to September, making it an ideal spot for summer boating excursions.
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For kayaking and paddleboarding enthusiasts in El Paso, Ascarate Park is a prime destination, featuring a 48-acre lake with a shoreline trail and allowing visitors to bring their own kayaks and boats, provided they use trolley motors and wear life vests. Another option is Caballo Lake, located about 45 minutes from El Paso, which offers a serene nighttime kayaking experience under the stars. Both locations are open throughout the season, making them perfect for a day or evening of water sports and scenic enjoyment.
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For the most stunning views of El Paso and Juarez, embark on Scenic Drive, a winding road that skirts the east side of the Franklin Mountains. This drive offers panoramic vistas of the city and its Mexican counterpart, with one side lined by beautiful stately homes and the other featuring fabulous views. Access Scenic Drive by turning onto Rim Road from either Mesa Street or Alabama Street, and be sure to pause at the small park and scenic overlook to fully appreciate the scenery.
