Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Sun City & Southwest Gems: Epic Eats, Scenic Walks, and Hidden Adventures from El Paso to New Mexico
60
items Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or you’re a local looking for new adventures, El Paso offers a perfect mix of history, culture, outdoor activities, and delicious food. From hiking in the rugged Franklin Mountains to exploring centuries-old miss...
Map
Sections
4
Epic Eats & Culinary Adventures
Fresh Air Adventures
Sip & Snack Spots
Culture, Beats & Creative Vibes
Epic Eats & Culinary Adventures
Explore the best dining spots El Paso has to offer! From fine steakhouses and upscale American cuisine to authentic Mexican and Mediterranean flavors, this list highlights must-visit restaurants around the city. Whether you’re looking for a romantic ...
Fresh gyros, bold Mediterranean flavors, and hearty bowls.
Urban Gyros - El Paso, TX
A beloved BBQ spot known for slow-smoked brisket, ribs, sausage, and hearty Texas-style plates, a go-to for rich flavors and authentic smokehouse goodness.
Desert Oak Barbecue
Coffee, breakfast, and casual drinks spot known for homemade goods and a welcoming community vibe.
Savage Goods
(915) 532-2090
ELEMI – Restaurant – El Paso, TX
A Mediterranean eatery offering a variety of flavorful dishes in a cozy downtown location.
LAMEZZE - Updated April 2025 - 171 Photos & 109 Reviews - Yelp
A modern steakhouse known for its premium cuts and stylish ambiance.
West Texas Chophouse: Home
An elegant, historic fine‑dining destination downtown combining a century‑old tradition with contemporary flavors, known for white‑tablecloth service, a deep wine list, seafood & steak dishes, and refined ambiance that’s ideal for date nights, ce...
Cafe Central | The best fine dining experience in El Paso, TX
A bakery Café offering freshly baked breads, pastries, sandwiches, soups, salads, coffee, and other cafe-style meals. Convenient for dine-in, takeout, or delivery.
Panera Bread
Located in The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park, this restaurant offers a modern take on Mexican cuisine with an open-kitchen concept.
Ambar Restaurante: Mexican Restaurant in El Paso Tx
A contemporary restaurant blending Mexican and American flavors, situated in the Stanton House Hotel.
Taft Diaz - Stanton House
A cozy spot offering authentic Thai cuisine, including popular dishes like Pad Thai and fried rice.
Tara Thai Kitchen
A local favorite known for its hearty Mexican dishes and welcoming atmosphere.
Kiki's Restaurant
Known for its Cajun-inspired seafood dishes, Mac’s Downtown delights with offerings like jambalaya and gumbo, complemented by a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Mac's Downtown - DOWNTOWN, El Paso, TX
Experience authentic New Mexican flavors at The Shed, where traditional red and green chile dishes, enchiladas, and tamales are served in a warm, historic setting. A must-visit for food lovers seeking a true taste of Santa Fe.
The Shed
Fresh Air Adventures
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or you’re a local looking for new adventures, El Paso offers a perfect mix of history, culture, outdoor activities, and delicious food. From hiking in the rugged Franklin Mountains to exploring centuries-old miss...
A beautifully maintained garden featuring thousands of rose varieties, peaceful walking paths, and a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxing, photos, and quiet time outdoors.
El Paso Municipal Rose Garden
A winding road that offers stunning panoramic views of El Paso, New Mexico, and Juárez, Mexico. Best spot for a romantic sunset or city lights view at night.
Scenic Drive - Visit El Paso
Large park with a lake, walking trails, seasonal kayaking, and a golf course.
Ascarate Park - El Paso County Parks & Recreation
The tramway is closed, but you can still hike around the area. When open, it offers a breathtaking cable ride up Ranger Peak.
Wyler Aerial Tramway Tramway Updates - Texas Parks and Wildlife
National park site featuring a museum, theater, art galleries, and festival events.
Chamizal National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)
Park with access to mountain biking trails and desert scenery.
Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park - Visit El Paso
Desert botanical gardens and historic wetlands with walking trails.
Keystone Heritage Park and the El Paso Desert Botanical Garden
Recreation center, pool, sports fields, and open spaces.
Nations Tobin Park - Visit El Paso
Park with trails, tennis courts, swimming pool, playground, and a memorial garden.
Memorial Park - Visit El Paso
One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., perfect for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and scenic desert views. Great for sunrise or sunset adventures.
Franklin Mountains State Park — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Tour three of the oldest churches in Texas — Ysleta, Socorro, and San Elizario Missions — and experience El Paso’s rich Spanish and Native American heritage.
El Paso Mission Trail
Downtown has vibrant murals, cute shops, coffee spots, historic theaters, and San Jacinto Plaza, a lively square filled with art, food trucks, and events.
San Jacinto Plaza - Visit El Paso
A vibrant community park known for its beautiful Chicano-style murals, cultural heritage, lowrider events, and open green spaces perfect for walks, photos, and gatherings.
Lincoln Park
A peaceful nature preserve with wetland trails, wildlife sightings, and beautiful scenic views, perfect for birdwatching, photography, and quiet outdoor walks.
Rio Bosque Park
A beautiful hike up to a view over Santa Fe, great mix of mountain‑forest scenery and a solid workout.
Atalaya Mountain Trail, New Mexico - 3442 Reviews, Map
Wander endless, glimmering white gypsum dunes at White Sands National Park, perfect for sunset strolls, sand sledding, and breathtaking Southwest landscapes. A surreal desert escape that’s family-friendly, photogenic, and unforgettable.
White Sands National Park
Sip & Snack Spots
Discover El Paso’s vibrant culinary scene beyond traditional dining. From cozy coffee shops to delectable dessert spots and artisanal bakeries, these local favorites offer unique flavors and experiences.
A trendy café housed in a repurposed shipping container, offering specialty brews and a modern ambiance.
Experience the Best Coffee in El Paso | El Paso Coffee Box ...
Known for their oak-roasted coffee and signature Moon Milk, this local favorite offers a cozy atmosphere and quality brews.
2Ten Coffee Roasters | El Paso Specialty Coffee Roasters & Cafe
A charming spot offering a variety of coffees, teas, and boba drinks, perfect for study sessions or casual meet-ups.
Kinley's House Coffee & Tea | Best Coffee & Boba in El Paso
Serving authentic German pastries and breads since 1956, this bakery is a staple for European-style treats.
Marina's German Bakery
A vibrant, pink-themed café known for its Instagram-worthy desserts and lively atmosphere.
AMO Cafe - Corner of Kansas and Campbell, El Paso, TX
Specializing in rolled ice cream, this spot offers a unique twist on traditional desserts.
Fahrenheit 32 – Artisanal Rolled Ice Cream
A beloved local bakery known for its traditional Mexican pastries and breads.
Bowie Bakery
Locally brewed craft beer with a cool taproom vibe and an outdoor patio. A must-visit for beer lovers.
DeadBeach Brewery
A hidden speakeasy offering creative cocktails in a stylish, intimate setting. Perfect for a classy night out
1922bar | El Paso Texas | Downtown | 1922ep.com
A hip coffee shop downtown with strong artisanal brews, cozy atmosphere, and local pastries.
DisctrictCoffee
A trendy cocktail bar with an eclectic, artsy vibe. Great for unique drinks and music events.
LaterLater: Neighborhood Public House
A charming café known for its delicious pastries, cakes, coffee, and cozy atmosphere perfect for sweet treats, light bites, and relaxing hangouts
Bee's Pastry Café
A refreshing tea spot offering fruit teas, energy teas, boba, and an impressive selection of loose-leaf blends,great for a boost, a cool drink, or a flavorful sip on the go.
Tea2Go TeaN'ergy
A stylish café offering artisan coffee, fresh pastries, and a trendy, relaxed vibe perfect for brunch, meet-ups, or a cozy coffee moment.
La Fête Cafe (@lafetecafe) · El Paso, TX
A cozy, family-friendly breakfast spot serving fluffy pancakes, golden waffles, and classic breakfast favorites. Perfect for fueling up before a day of exploring White Sands National Park.
Waffle & Pancake Shoppe
Culture, Beats & Creative Vibes
Immerse yourself in El Paso’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. From world-class museums and historic theaters to dynamic art galleries and live music venues, the city offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences that reflect its diverse herita...
Home to a permanent collection of over 7,000 works, including European, Mexican, and American art. Admission is always free.
El Paso Museum of Art
Housed in a historic building, this museum showcases global art collections and hosts various cultural events.
The International Museum of Art
Explore El Paso’s rich history through interactive exhibits and the DIGIE digital wall, a touch-sensitive screen displaying images and videos of the city’s past and present.
digie - El Paso Museum of History
A restored 1930s Spanish Colonial Revival theater featuring Broadway productions, concerts, and classic films.
Plaza Theatre - El Paso Live
Known for its unique sombrero-shaped architecture, this venue hosts concerts, symphonies, and other live performances.
Abraham Chavez Theatre - El Paso Live
An open-air venue nestled in the Franklin Mountains, offering a stunning backdrop for concerts and theatrical performances.
McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre - El Paso Live
Features works by local artist Hal Marcus and other regional artists, showcasing vibrant Southwestern art.
Hal Marcus Gallery
Specializes in Mexican folk art, ceramics, and contemporary pieces, celebrating cultural heritage.
Mexican Art | Flor De Barro Gallery | United States
A historic district featuring multiple galleries and studios of award-winning artists, offering a diverse range of artworks.
San Elizario Art Galleries - Visit El Paso
An intimate venue hosting indie bands, local artists, and touring acts, known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Lowbrow Palace | 1006 Texas Ave., El Paso, TX 79901
A versatile venue for concerts, sporting events, and exhibitions, accommodating large audiences.
El Paso County Coliseum
An outdoor space between the El Paso Museum of Art and the Plaza Theatre, hosting festivals, concerts, and public art installations.
Arts Festival Plaza - El Paso Live
A lively downtown spot known for its live music, DJs, cocktails, and energetic nightlife, perfect for dancing, socializing, and weekend fun.
8O8ofc - 𝟷𝟷𝟻 𝙳𝚞𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚘 𝚂𝚝, 𝚂𝚞𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝙱
A laid-back bar with craft cocktails, a chill social vibe, and great music, perfect for relaxed hangs, casual nights out, and good conversation.
Later, Later
Urban walks, shopping, cultural immersion, a mix of history + modern local vibe.
Taos Plaza