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The city remains a romantic crossroads, where the cultures of Texas, Mexico, and the American Southwest converge like few other locales in the world. El Paso boasts a colorful history and a bright future as an economic center, underscored by its robust business, Fort Bliss expansion, reinvigorated downtown, and commitment to the arts for its growing population. The city also attracts more visitors than ever for business and pleasure.
Here, the world’s largest metroplex brims with international sophistication, exciting cuisine, and a community that invites guests to experience the qualities of life that make up the city.
El Paso, at 400 years old, is the birthplace of the margarita; Franciso “Pancho” Morales was credited with creating the concoction at Tommy’s Place Bar on July 4, 1945. El Paso also holds the distinction (from CNNMoney.com) of being the seventh fastest-growing U.S. city with appreciating real estate. Conrad Hilton built his first hotel here (Plaza Hotel), and outside the airport stands the world’s largest equestrian statue, the 42-foot-tall depiction of Spanish Conquistador Don Juan de Oñate by John Houser that was erected in 2007.
Fort Bliss, more than 70 Fortune 500 companies, and University of Texas at El Paso form a sophisticated economic nucleus for the metro area, which has a population of 740,000.
Culture comes in abundance, including the El Paso Museum of History, Gene Roddenberry Planetarium, Insights Science Museum, and Fort Bliss Museum. El Paso Museum of Art is a must-see showcase of American, European, and Mexican art — plus the recent gifts of Chicano art from the collection of Cheech Marin. (See “Attractions” for a complete list of museums.) The El Paso Symphony Orchestra shares its stage with the best mariachi musicians in the world.
Take a walk on the wild side at the newly expanded 18-acre El Paso Zoo. Or, for a truly wild time, explore Franklin Mountain State Park, 37 square miles that form the city’s backdrop. The outdoor playground surrounded by El Paso attracts hikers, rock climbers, mountain bikers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking solitude. In the spring, orange desert poppies blanket the foothills, and other wildflowers splash color throughout the year. The view of sparking city lights from the mountains is spectacular. The Wyler Aerial Tramway takes visitors to the top of 5,632-foot Ranger Peak to enjoy a 360-degree view of three states and two nations.
After all of this exploring, satisfy your appetite with fare of all flavors. Our advice: go Mexican! Chefs here grew up making authentic dishes from literally just over the border.
El Paso works hard by day and plays hard at night. The nightlife features Texas blues bars to Latin hip-hop and alternative music clubs. Of course, salsa, jazz, and live Latin music abound, as does flamenco dancing.
So find one of any number of outdoor dining patios, order a margarita, guacamole, and some sizzling fajitas, and take in a legendary El Paso sunset as you contemplate your next El Paso adventure.
