Things to Do in El Paso

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

💡 Head to the rooftop terrace for views of downtown and the Franklin Mountains. The gift shop sells affordable prints by local artists.

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

💡 Don't skip the 'Digital Wall' — a 30-foot touchscreen that lets you explore photos and documents from the archives. Allow 90 minutes.

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 along.

🕐 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.

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 cacti and views across two countries.

🕐 Daily 6:30am–8pm (or sunset, whichever is earlier)

💡 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.