El Paso

When El Paso adopted the tourism slogan "Do Texas Different," it sought to express the essence of a sun-drenched city in West Texas that’s hundreds of miles away in both spirit and physicality from the traditionally Texan cities of San Antonio, Austin, Dallas and Houston. El Paso is different, and its locals beam with pride when they talk about the city’s appreciable culture and traditions.

El Paso was incorporated as a city in 1873, but it was born more than 400 years ago. Native Americans inhabited the area before explorers set out to discover the New World. The name El Paso comes from an early explorer, Don Juan de Oñate, a controversial figure who crossed the river and dubbed the land "El Paso del Norte," the pass of the north. Numerous explorers came through El Paso — and many stayed and made it their home, blending a variety cultures, languages and traditions. Visitors today marvel at the city’s roots, as well as its shopping, entertainment, and legendary Mexican food.

The arts have a special place in El Paso, with many museums and art galleries. Artists here find inspiration in the stark desert landscape, the deep-blue skies, and the sun that shines a constant stream of light. The performing arts are also a vibrant part of El Paso's cultural scene. The city has the oldest symphony orchestra in Texas, as well as a variety of performing groups — from community theater to chamber music to dance.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate three state parks and three national parks within a 200-mile radius of the city. The Franklin Mountains are the foothills of the Rocky Mountains range and home to thousands of species of plants and wildlife. El Paso has always been a place for exploration, and hikers, cyclists and adventurers will find plenty to stimulate the senses.

Sports fans always feel welcome and at home in the Sun City. El Paso’s climate is especially friendly to golfers; with 202 days of sunshine per year and an average temperature between 50 and 76 degrees, it’s always a good day to hit the links. El Paso is fiercely proud of its collegiate athletes. On the days of a UTEP football or basketball game, everyone in town wears orange and navy to support the home team. Indeed, the Texas obsession with football is alive and well.

There are many opportunities to learn about El Paso's colorful history. Mission Valley (home to one of the three oldest missions in the country) and Fort Bliss (which has the Fort Bliss Museum and Study Center) are both nearby. A stop at the downtown El Paso Convention & Visitors Bureau offers the lay of the land — and self-guided and guided tour books, including the self-guided walking tour through downtown El Paso, which showcases historical buildings.

El Paso is the largest international metroplex in the world. You can be in Mexico within minutes, and New Mexico — "Land of Enchantment" — is only 40 miles from the El Paso city limits. There are guided tours to both Juárez and nearby cities in New Mexico, but many people simply follow their feet.

El Paso is especially beautiful at night, particularly during the summer months when the sun goes down and leaves behind a warm glow that inspires music, laughter and fun. It’s also a great time to enjoy a margarita. Many bars in El Paso and Juárez claim to be the home of the margarita, and visitors love to put them to the test. The area has many nightspots. Many young professionals and university students frequent the bars and clubs near UTEP. There are also many dance halls and clubs on the West side near Doniphan, and the rapidly growing East side of El Paso is always hopping in the evenings, particularly near George Dieter and Lee Trevino.

Whatever the day brings you in El Paso, you’ll find people happy to see you and welcome you. So bienvenidos — welcome. We hope you enjoy your stay!