Mexico · 2026 itinerary
El Paso 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for El Paso: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Holds a solid permanent collection of European, American, and Mexican works. Rotating exhibitions keep it fresh. The building itself is a handsome Beaux-Arts former federal courthouse.
🕐 Tue–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 12pm–5pm, closed Mon
Free entry💡 Head to the rooftop terrace for views of downtown and the Franklin Mountains. The gift shop sells affordable prints by local artists.
Hotels near El Paso Museum of Art →Traces the region's story from indigenous peoples through Spanish colonization, the railroad boom, and border life today. Clever interactive maps and timelines make it engaging for all ages.
🕐 Tue–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 12pm–5pm, closed Mon
Free entry💡 Don't skip the 'Digital Wall' — a 30-foot touchscreen that lets you explore photos and documents from the archives. Allow 90 minutes.
Hotels near El Paso Museum of History →Starbucks · ££
Village Inn · ££
Deeper Into El Paso
Brand-new, hands-on science and art centre set inside a giant cloud-shaped building. Exhibits cover weather, flight, and local ecology. Designed for kids 2–12 but interesting enough for adults to tag
🕐 Tue–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 12pm–5pm, closed Mon
💡 Book tickets online in advance to avoid queues. The ground-floor 'Tumble Town' area is free for under-2s. General admission $14. Closed on Mondays.
Cable car ride up Ranger Peak to 5,632 feet. Panoramic views of El Paso, Juárez, and the Rio Grande. The car holds about 50 people and the ride takes 4 minutes each way.
🕐 Wed–Sun 12pm–6pm, closed Mon–Tue
💡 Go just before sunset to watch the city lights flicker on. Bring a windbreaker — it's often 10°F cooler at the top. Tickets $12 adults, $8 kids.
Tamales el Sinaloense
Roberto's Steak House
Final Favourites & Departure
Largest urban park in the US (24,000 acres). Offers hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking on over 100 miles of trails. Rugged desert terrain with saguaro c
💡 Try the Ron Coleman Trail for a moderate 3-mile loop with summit views. Entry is $5 per vehicle. Bring at least 2 litres of water — there's no shade.
Casa de Empeno
Peking Kitchen
Getting Around El Paso
The bus stops a short walk from the hotel but it's a slow ride through traffic. Only worth it if you're on a tight budget and don't mind a bit of waiting.
Fix the fare before you get in. Official airport taxis charge a flat rate, but drivers sometimes quote higher for gringos. Have small bills ready.
This shuttle company is the only direct cross-border service from El Paso airport to Juárez hotels. Book online at least 24 hours ahead — walk-up isn't available. They handle the paperwork for crossing the border.
Uber is cheaper than street taxis and safer. The app works in Juárez. Expect surge pricing near the border crossings, but still cheaper than a taxi for short hops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for El Paso?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like El Paso Museum of Art and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit El Paso?
See our full best time to visit El Paso guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Red Roof Inn - El Paso West, Quality Inn Airport East, Homewood Suites El Paso Airport. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.