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El Paso is a city in west Texas that is a short distance from the Mexican border city of Juarez. It goes without saying that El Paso is full of the culture of its border city. Visitors to this West Texas city can enjoy spectacular outdoor activities, Wild West history, and outstanding Tex -Mex cuisine. Read on to learn all about El Paso, west Texas’ amazing city in the sun.
About El Paso, Texas
El Paso is Spanish phrase meaning ‘the pass’ and was established back in 1850. The Mexican Revolution greatly impacted the city and brought on a boom to the city’s population and commerce. The city’s close proximity to the Rio Grande River and the Mexican border city of Juarez makes it a perfect melting pot of American and Mexican culture.
Enjoy the Outdoors in West Texas
El Paso is known as Sun City due its average 302 days of sunshine in a year. This makes it an optimal year round getaway for couples, families, or other groups.
There are a multitude of outdoor activities available in the El Paso area. Guests will love hiking and exploring Hueco Tanks State Park, or can follow Mundy’s Gap Trail to get a stunning 360 degree view of El Paso from the peak of the Franklin Mountains. For those that like off road adventures, you can rent an ATV and navigate the picturesque desert landscape of the Red Sands. An hour and a half drive from El Paso will get you to the incredible views at White Sands National Monument and have an amazing outdoor adventure.
A Place Steeped in Wild West History
Due to its location, El Paso was one of the main birthplaces of the American West. Legendary gunslingers shot it out on the city’s oldest street, El Paso Street. Historical old west figures such as lawmen Wyatt Earp and Pat Garrett and the infamous Billy the Kid have walked this street. In 1881, the famous Four Dead in Five Seconds Gunfight occurred in this very place.
El Paso is also the home of many haunted sites including Gravity Hill, Loretto Academy, Concordia Cemetery and even El Paso High School. Each site has a fascinating story behind it to entice ghost hunters.
Discover the Downtown Historic District
El Paso played a role in the Mexican Revolution, and visitors can see the period architecture and the fascinating stories that go along with them. The Plaza Theater is one of the oldest buildings in El Paso, and the Caminio Real Hotel is a national historic landmark that played a part in the revolution.
Other historical places of note include the El Paso Museum of Art, the murals at El Segundo Barrio Street. El Paso also has the Border Patrol Museum, which is the only museum of its kind in the United States. The fascinating El Paso Mission Trail dates back to 1598, and guests can walk the trail and learn about the missions, the local history, and have some fun along the way.
Tex-Mex Cuisine at Its Finest
Since El Paso is adjacent to the Mexican border, the influences of the neighboring country are alive here. This is reflected in the local cuisine. The L&J Café is a local favorite serving great red enchiladas and tasty fajitas. There are also many Mexican markets located just down the road from San Jacinto Historic Plaza where locals and tourists can purchase the amazing local produce.
Besides Tex- Mex cuisine, El Paso has many dining establishments that have other local specialties. Guests can enjoy the delicious BBQ at State Line Restaurant. Diners can also have an upscale dining experience at Taft Diaz, or a hot tasty pie at Grimaldi’s Pizza, plus many more.
Festivals Galore
The people of El Paso love to celebrate life with many festivals happening all year. Highlights include the El Paso Film Festival, the Billy the Kid Festival, and the tasty El Paso Ice Cream Fest. During the holiday season, Winterfest offers holiday cheer at the Downtown Arts Festival Plaza. In the summer, the temperature heats up during Viva! El Paso. This outdoor musical extravaganza celebrates the Native American, Mexican, Western American and Spanish Conquistador cultures that make up the influences of El Paso.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.