What is There to do While Visiting El Paso, Texas?

If you are visiting El Paso, Texas and looking for things to do while there, you are in luck. El Paso is a vibrant city with a population of 598,590 spread over 250.5 sq mi (648.8 km²). El Paso shares the Rio Grande with Mexico, forming what seems like a huge metropolitan area divided by a stream of water.

The first stop when visiting El Paso should be Thunderbird Mountain, a red clay peak formation that gets its name from an American Indian legend. The area also includes a large field of poppy flowers and a series of ruins that have not been attributed to any known ethnic group. The Rio Grande, which flows through the city, is a popular place for views, canoeing, and swimming. For those visiting El Paso and looking for more outdoor attractions, the Franklin Mountains, the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and McKelligon Canyon are all within driving distance of the city.

Fort Bliss is another interesting place for those visiting El Paso. The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command post is host to an annual air show and a series of events that are open to the public. Fort Bliss was first erected in the 1800s, and still retains part of the original historical structure. The Fort Bliss Museum is a must-see when visiting El Paso. It documents all major armed conflicts, from WWI to the Korean War, plus exhibits that vary from historical Army uniforms to an 1892 Ambulance Wagon. The National Border Patrol Museum & Gift Shop, not far from the city center, features exhibits of the history of the U.S. Border Patrol, including airplanes, guns, and boats.

If you don't mind a little driving when visiting El Paso, head to the War Eagles Air Museum, less than 15 minutes across the state line, in New Mexico. Or head to the El Paso Museum of Archaeology at Wilderness Park, just out of the city limits. Outdoor exhibits and hiking trails are available to visitors, as are picnic facilities and indoor collections.

The Magoffin Homestead is a classical adobe construction that is now part of the National Register of Historic Places. The homestead is a great place for those visiting El Paso and wishing to see a traditional local mansion.