One Day in El Paso, Texas

El Paso offers a wide variety of tourist attractions, outdoor activities and cultural groups. Its located on the Mexican border right next to Juarez, one of Mexicos largest cities. When I originally planned to visit El Paso, I wanted to take advantage of this fact by planning at least one day in Juarez to see the sights and do some shopping in Mexico. I found that it was very easy to visit. There is plenty of parking on the American side of the border, so you can just walk across. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of outdoor activities existing near El Paso. There are lovely parks along the Rio Grande, and just outside the city is the Franklin Mountains State Park, making it the obvious choice of destination if you are looking for mountains in Texas.

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Franklin Mountain State Park
Franklin Mountains State Park is a pleasant surprise in the city of El Paso. Apparently it is the largest urban park in the country, with about 37 square miles of hiking, biking and scenic driving, all within the city limits. The Franklin Mountains are the only sustained mountains in Texas, making it unique in the big state. Take no... More >
Franklin Mountains State Park is a pleasant surprise in the city of El Paso. Apparently it is the largest urban park in the country, with about 37 square miles of hiking, biking and scenic driving, all within the city limits. The Franklin Mountains are the only sustained mountains in Texas, making it unique in the big state. Take note that they charge a fee of $4.00 per person, but it is more than worth it. I recommend taking the hike to the Aztec Caves. It is moderately challenging terrain and only 1.5 miles round trip. When I went in the hot summer, this hike provided a needed escape from the heat in the city below, as well as beautiful scenery and good exercise.
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Wyler Aerial Tramway
The Wyler Aerial Tramway is located inside the Franklin Mountains State Park. It is a Swiss gondola that takes you to the top of Ranger Peak. During the ride, I was fascinated by the views it offered of Mexico, New Mexico and El Paso. It costs $7.00 in addition to the $4.00 regular admission fee, but well worth it in my opinion, esp... More >
The Wyler Aerial Tramway is located inside the Franklin Mountains State Park. It is a Swiss gondola that takes you to the top of Ranger Peak. During the ride, I was fascinated by the views it offered of Mexico, New Mexico and El Paso. It costs $7.00 in addition to the $4.00 regular admission fee, but well worth it in my opinion, especially if you have kids with you, or people who are unable to hike or dont want to hike. At the top, there is a great observation deck where you can get food, souvenirs, and gifts. I recommend riding the tramway after dark if you want to see a panoramic view of El Pasos lights against a gorgeous desert backdrop.
The Holiday Inn at Sunland Park Shopping Center in El Paso is a great value, especially if you are traveling with kids.
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El Paso-Juarez Trolley
The El Paso-Juarez Trolley Company offers Border Jumper Tours that leave the Civic Center in El Paso every hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. These trolleys are a fun and affordable way to see some of the more popular sights in Juarez. There are seven stops along the route, each of which is at a decent tourist attraction... More >
The El Paso-Juarez Trolley Company offers Border Jumper Tours that leave the Civic Center in El Paso every hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. These trolleys are a fun and affordable way to see some of the more popular sights in Juarez. There are seven stops along the route, each of which is at a decent tourist attraction. However, what I really loved about the trolley is that you can spend as long as you want at any given stop, explore to your hearts content, and just catch any trolley that stops there later, at no extra cost. We had a blast wandering around Juarez, finding a great little place to eat that had live music playing. When we were ready to move on, we just walked back to the same stop where we got off and finished out the route.
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Fellini Film Cafe
If you are a film lover, Fellini Film Caf should definitely be on your list of places to visit in El Paso. It is a combination art-house film boutique and caf located on a very cool street and filled with European influence and flavor, very unique for the southwest. They have a huge selection of DVDs for rent and they have daily scr... More >
If you are a film lover, Fellini Film Caf should definitely be on your list of places to visit in El Paso. It is a combination art-house film boutique and caf located on a very cool street and filled with European influence and flavor, very unique for the southwest. They have a huge selection of DVDs for rent and they have daily screenings at 7:00 pm and also at 4:00 pm on some days. Take note, however, that the focus here is independent and foreign films, not Hollywood blockbusters. I recommend that you allow plenty of time to enjoy a meal in the caf before you browse the DVD selection.
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Holiday Inn El Paso Sunland Park
The Holiday Inn at Sunland Park Shopping Center in El Paso is a great value, especially if you are traveling with kids. The food is surprisingly good, as far as hotel food goes. They have a great exercise facility, so bring your workout clothes. For keeping the kids entertained, you cant beat the outdoor pool. I understand the hotel was recently refurbished, which comes as no surprise because the rooms are clean and comfortable. The affordable rates and friendly staff added to my overall happiness with our choice to stay here.
Both were absolutely delicious.
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Forti's Mexican Restaurant
I had to try Fortis Mexican Restaurant because it has such a great reputation. El Paso locals love this place and I was not disappointed by the food one bit. I could taste how fresh the guacamole was. I had the gorditas, while my wife had the chile con queso steak. Both were absolutely delicious. The prices are a bit on the high side, but considering the quality of the food and the atmosphere, Id say it is well worth i... More
I had to try Fortis Mexican Restaurant because it has such a great reputation. El Paso locals love this place and I was not disappointed by the food one bit. I could taste how fresh the guacamole was. I had the gorditas, while my wife had the chile con queso steak. Both were absolutely delicious. The prices are a bit on the high side, but considering the quality of the food and the atmosphere, Id say it is well worth it. I highly recommend it for delicious gourmet tex-mex fare during your visit to El Paso.
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About the Author

Ross Pincock
Ross Pincock
I love music! I have spent most of my life either playing and writing music or listening to a live performance. I also love the outdoors, particularly camping, hiking, bicycling and sitting around the campfire. I am a father and I love spending time with my kids.
Websitemyspace.com/rosspincock
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