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Not only is El Paso the sixth largest city in Texas, it also borders Mexico. Juarez, Chihuahua is the next city across the border. Because of its location being so close to Mexico, there are a lot of Mexican influences on the city. The food, the music, and the liveliness all trickle over the border to make this city extra special. Plus the size makes this place full of energetic fun. When coming to El Paso it is important to fully understand the city layout. It is divided into sections since the Franklin Mountains cut into the city. The West Side, between the mountains and Mexico, is the most affluent area. Downtown is right next to that in the southern region of the city. Here you will find beautiful buildings, shops and restaurants that make you feel like you’re in Mexico, and an enchanting plaza in the middle of it all. There are many reasons to visit El Paso. It doesn’t matter if you’re here on spring break or just passing through on a road trip with some college buddies. El Paso is a great time with great people and definitely should not be missed.

El Paso Pictures

Things to do in El Paso

You could easily spend days just walking around the city and taking in the beauty. However, you will want to visit these next few things to truly get the whole sense of the city. The Franklin Mountains boast a lot of great day activities and trips. And they are relatively close by. If you and your college friends are interested in hiking and outdoor fun, this is the spot to go to. McKelligon Canyon aka the Tom Mays Unit is a short drive from El Paso. You will turn towards the mountain via McKelligon Canyon Road. Then you will be going up a windy, small road wrapping around the mountain. Once at the mountain, there are lots of things to do. Biking, hiking, and nature walks are some of the things to do here. There is a small park store and areas to have a picnic as well. Another cool place to drive to is the Transmountain Road. At night you can overlook El Paso all lit up like stars people say. During the day, you can use the hiking facility for a small park donation. Native cacti, yucca and agave surround the trails. It is really a great day trip for you and your friends. Closer to the city, Fort Bliss (an Army Base) is worth a stop. Not only is this place the largest military base in the world, it is also obviously home to the U.S. Air Defense Artillery. On any given day you may even see troops from fellow Germany and Japan, who come here for training. The Air Defense Artillery Museum and NCO Museum are here and allow tourists. If you are coming to El Paso during football season, check out a Miner’s game at the Sun Bowl. Mexico is a day trip every college student must embark on. Mostly because there is a lot of great culture, but also because the drinking age is 18 since most college students are not 21. Buses take tourists to Juarez, Mexico. Depending how close to the border you are staying you can walk across a pretty foot bridge as well or drive your own car. There are a lot of shops and nice places to grab a bite of food.

Nightlife in El Paso

Your best bet is to go across the border for a night out on the town. That is of course if you are not 21. Tequila is abundant both in El Paso and Juarez. The native agave plant produces the strong liquor that people love so much. And it is native to the land. Cincinnati Street is in El Paso. This is a really awesome place to go out at night. The street is littered with bars filled with cheap drink deals and inexpensive, greasy food. You can easily party the night away for minimal money, which is great for any college student.

Dining in El Paso

There are a couple popular local flavors in El Paso courtesy of Mexico. Menudo is in every restaurant. It is a type of soup made with hominy , chile and tripe. You can usually order it spicy or not. Burritos are also very big. Chile con queso is always a top rated burrito. And you will be able to get this dish for cheap, cheap, cheap. Don’t bother going to a nice restaurant. Any local digs will do. If you are going out for something else or maybe a bit more upscale go to Cattleman’s Steakhouse. There is an outdoor balcony, where you can sip drinks and watch the sun set. Their all time famous dish is the 2 lb. T-Bone steak. It may take a couple people to chow down on this. Forti’s Mexican Elder Restaurant is a lot of fun. Not only a restaurant, this piano bar has delicious tortillas and fajitas. Cheap food will steer you to Smokey’s Pit Stop and Saloon, a small chain with great tex-mex, Chico’s Tacos, which actually serves authentic Mexican food, and Avila’s Mexican Food, a family owned operation (try the enchiladas).

Shopping in El Paso

The shopping in El Paso is sparse, especially if you’re looking for upscale stores. El Paso Saddleblanket is kind of a neat alternative to the traditional shopping. Fine Southwest rugs, furniture, jewelry and folk art can be purchased here. Otherwise you will be seeing a lot of souvenir-type stuff, but not a whole lot else. So stick to spending your money on tequila and burritos and leave the shopping to malls back home.

El Paso Travel Tips

• The drinking age in El Paso is 21 and is strongly enforced. It’s a good idea to keep ID on you at all times.
• The summer heat is intense in El Paso so pack accordingly.
• Remember your passport for fun nights out over the border in Mexico!