The El Paso You Won't Find in a Guidebook: A Local Insider's Look into Ol' El Paso

I've visited El Paso repeatedly over the years and have fond memories of the time our family spent there. It's small compared to giant Texas metropolitan areas such as Houston and Dallas, but not too small to offer plenty of great amenities without the horrific traffic jams that plague the state's largest cities. The city's rich cultural heritage, combined with its friendly, neighborly vibe, will leave you with great memories no matter how long you stay in town. My name is Lori, and as your apartmenthomeliving.com expert for El Paso, I'd like to tell you a bit about some of the city's best-known attractions and hidden gems.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in El Paso

Getting to Know El Paso

Take a walk through downtown El Paso, and you might be surprised to find yourself in a neighborhood that's not too different from a neighborhood in Mexico. That's because El Paso was founded (as a small village) in the 1600s, when Spain still ruled over Mexico and what's now most of the southwestern United States. Even after the city became part of the United States and an American company hired someone to make a street plan for it in the mid-1800s, it was a long time before a significant number of Americans moved into town. In fact, El Paso is still very ethnically diverse, so don't be surprised if you hear people talking in Spanish or Spanglish (a mix of Spanish and English words and phrases) when you're out and about.

However, the Spanish weren't the first people to settle in the area. Far from it. Native Americans were living there thousands of years before Westerners set foot in the New World, and their cultural influence is still felt to this day. The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo were some of the first to start successful farming in the region. The Piro and Tiwa people worked with Spanish settlers to build the town's famous Socorro Mission. Not surprisingly, the city marks October 12 as Indigenous People's Day (instead of Columbus Day) and hosts cultural events to pay tribute to the area's original inhabitants and their continued influence.

Popular Neighborhoods

Downtown El Paso

Downtown El Paso ("El Centro") is perhaps one of the most popular neighborhoods in town, but you need to drop in at the right time to enjoy it to the full. If you're not familiar with Texas weather, let me tell you that it's literally, unbearably hot during the summer. You don't want to step out of your car until at least 5 in the afternoon, and maybe not even then. Fall and Spring are ideal times to visit, but if you do come in the summer, wait until evening. You'll be parking your car and walking around, enjoying the mix of small mom-and-pop shops and local eateries. There are several theaters downtown if you want to catch a show, or you can check out the local museums, such as the El Paso Museum of History. Be sure to grab a bite to eat or something to drink from the unique eateries. Hallelujah BBQ! Texas is a great spot if you're looking for grilled food at a great price. Barrio Eats and Drinks offers authentic Mexican and Texan dishes; it might not be quite as fast as you'd like, but the wait is well worth it.

Ysleta

Ysleta is another unique neighborhood you don't want to miss. It's a fusion between local Native American and Mexican cultures, so don't be surprised if you hear a lot of Spanish. Mission Trail is a must-see walk if you're a history buff. The Ysleta de Sur Pueblo Cultural Center is a great place to get to know the city's older cultures. Local parks such as Capistrano Park and Pueblo Viejo Park are ideal if you want to relax and enjoy a bit of nature, or you can drive a few miles south and visit Rio Bosque Park. It's a bird-lovers' paradise; from burrowing owls to snow geese, you never know what you'll see on any given day.

Washington Park

If relaxation, nature, and great theatrical performances are your thing, the small neighborhood of Washington Park is sure to be well-worth your time. The El Paso County Coliseum has shows, concerts, and family-friendly events. We loved our visit to the El Paso Zoo; there are plenty of animals, but it's not as overwhelming as a zoo in a large metropolitan area. My oldest also had a blast on the Foster Tree House Playground, and I think it's a shame that it's currently closed until further notice. Ascarate Park is also well-worth a visit; we loved walking around and stopping at various playgrounds on the path to relax. Plus, the area is easily accessible via public transportation, and it's also not far from the Cielo Vista Mall if you want to do a bit of shopping, watch a new movie, or grab a bite to eat from your favorite fast food restaurant.

Off the Beaten Path

If you're new to the area, I highly recommend making the most of your trip by paying a visit to Ciudad Juarez, right across the border from El Paso. There's nothing to it; you can walk across the bridge or drive across without a visa or even showing your passport (although you'll need that or at least a U.S. driver's license to get back into the United States). Once in town, check out the local street vendors. I've always been amazed by the unique handmade wares and paintings, and they cost far less to buy than they would in the U.S. If you're serious about going on a shopping spree and trying out the local cuisine, Mercado Juarez is the place to visit. If you enjoy events and cultural activities, be sure to visit during one of the city's many festivals. Public transportation isn't hard to come by, but you'll need to know at least some Spanish to avoid getting lost. You'll also want to plan your visit carefully; the lines to get back into the United States can be pretty long (especially for cars), so don't wait too long to cross the border, or you may find yourself having to spend the night. You should have no problem bringing back anything you bought; from my experience, the border guards are far more concerned about perishable food or plants (that could carry harmful organisms or pests) than your cool new souvenirs.

If you want to head off the beaten path without crossing international borders, be sure to pay a visit to the El Paso Museum of Archeology. It's not in the same vicinity as the city's other cultural attractions, which means you're unlikely to get a large crowd. In fact, our family went on a weekend, and there weren't too many people visiting. Even so, the exhibitions were amazing. There were village models and multiple, detailed exhibits showing how people lived from prehistory up until Europeans discovered the New World. The small gift shop has some great finds, and the grounds are a great place for a walk, as there are native gardens and cool lookout points. My oldest even found an old Indian arrowhead during our walk.

Franklin Mountains State Park is the go-to spot for any nature lover. Rock climbing is allowed in designated areas, and there are over a hundred miles of hiking/biking trails. The road going west to east through the park has some amazing lookout points where you can see in just about any direction, for miles around. You can also camp out overnight, either in an RV or a tent, but be aware you'll have to make a reservation first and be prepared to rough it. Campsites for tents don't even have running water, let alone electricity.

Since I enjoy reading and have always tried to impart that same love to my kids, the small Books are Gems store has always been near the top of our list of places to visit when in town. It's a non-profit, and kids can get a free new book and ten free used books on every visit. There aren't free books for adults (unless you're a teacher), but there are plenty of used books available at rock-bottom prices. And speaking of kid-friendly spots, Ally B Gators is my go-to spot if you need an indoor playground. My kids totally loved the multiple inflatables and play areas, and both the entry price and the food were very reasonable. Plus, there are no "hidden fees"; you pay to get in, and you can enjoy everything there. If you want a combined indoor pool/splash pad area, then Armijo Swimming Pool won't disappoint. It's indoors, so you don't have to worry about sunburns during the hot summer months, and bathrooms and changing areas are readily available. Of course, there are also plenty of water theme parks in town, and I have friends who have good things to say about them. If "fun in the sun" is your thing, be sure to pay at least one of them a visit.

El Paso is a mix of several worlds. The Cielo Vista neighborhoods and many neighborhoods on the western side (Such as Sundland Park North) look like any modern city, complete with malls, shopping centers, suburban homes, and commercial districts. Head downtown or to the eastern edge of the city, and the feel changes. You're in a small town from years past, with small mom-and-pop shops, little eateries with scrumptious dishes that chain restaurants can't match, and old-fashioned architecture that pays homage to peoples from years gone by. Head into Franklin Mountains State Park or Rio Bosque Park, and nature reigns. All in all, El Paso is a charming city with much to offer people of all ages and walks of life.