If you’re over mainstream news (and who wouldn’t be by now?), then there’s one remarkable city that always seems to slip through the cracks as more than just a pass-through city.
Chances are, if you’ve ever taken a road trip on I-10, then you’ve passed through one of the Southwest’s top hidden gems, yet nearly 700,000 people call it home.
Largely ignored even by its own state, with locals commonly mislabelling it as “Mexico” and misinformed characterizations since it’s lined by “the wall”, fellow Texans and general travelers have long been missing out on the cultural delights and affordable luxury of El Paso.
Yes, El Paso – the one often portrayed as a run-down desert town and unsafe hub for illegal migrant crossings.
As a former resident, I can attest that, yes, there are occasional border issues, but one small sub-section of a city shouldn’t represent the masses when there’s astounding nature, prideful, friendly locals, and an ever-changing downtown district beginning to buzz again.
The Forgotten City Of Texas
Despite breaking tourism records in 2023, El Paso still flies well under the radar except when talking heads spew negative depictions of what’s actually an awesome city to visit.
Even if you haven’t brushed up on Rosetta Stone lessons lately, you can probably surmise El Paso translates to “The Pass” in English, and that’s largely how El Paso has been visited – just a stayover on to somewhere else.
But El Paso deserves to be your next weekend getaway, at the very least. If you enjoy phenomenal Mexican food ranging from classic hole-in-the-walls and cart vendors to high-end Michelin-worthy eateries, El Paso has you covered, and it exudes authenticity, unlike that other record-breaking Mexican-influenced city.
No offense, San Antonio, but El Paso’s food is unmatched, and one hike in the Franklin Mountains puts your “river” to shame.
Despite many Texans pretending the Lone Star State’s southwest tip doesn’t exist, popular Texas publication Texas Monthly had the huevos to recognize two El Paso restaurants with the best tacos in the state:
Of course, indulging in local cuisine is great way to experience any destination, this is only a tidbit of El Paso’s cultural delights.
Not Just Margs & Tacos: Discover Historic Neighborhoods & Important Landmarks
You’ll find every legitimate Mexican dish under the sun in El Paso, with a special emphasis on Southwestern and Chihuahua influence, given the close proximity to Ciudad Juarez.
Texan and Mexican history blend timelines, and there’s no better place to experience the best of both worlds than a plate served in El Paso, but to witness the history itself is another story, and you can do that too.
One overlooked gem, even for locals, is in the next town over, Socorro. Here, you’ll find the El Paso Mission Trail home to an immaculately preserved glimpse of the past, with stunning historic Missions playing a significant role in a former trade route spanning from Mexico City to Santa Fe.
Make sure to check out all 3 missions, each with their own unique relevance:
- Ysleta Mission
- Socorro Mission
- San Elizario Presidio
In El Paso proper, the beauty of exploring the city’s historic neighborhoods is you never know what you’ll find.
Check out Sunset Heights, Manhattan Heights and my old stomping grounds, Segundo Barrio, for rows of streets oozing timeless charm and hidden gems like my favorite restaurant you’d otherwise never know about, Jalisco Cafe (only open on weekends).
Free Public Transit & Affordable Luxury
Downtown has continued to undergo a mass transformation since the pandemic’s ghost town vibes.
As WinterFest recently transformed downtown into a desert’s version of a winter wonderland, there are also many new bars, restaurants, cafes, and the city’s first-ever capsule hotel, breathing new life into formerly barren streets.
Getting around in El Paso’s splendid winter weather is easy, but if you plan to visit in the scorching summer, you may want to take advantage of the city’s free Streetcar connecting downtown to the high West Side.
Downtown is likely where you’ll want to make your base no matter the season. With a plethora of upscale hotels and rooftops with sweeping views, you’ll be shocked by how nice El Paso really can be – a far cry from its reputation as a bland desert town.
My favorite is The Plaza Pioneer Hotel (commonly referred to as “The Plaza”), recently awarded a Michelin Key and can be booked in the low $100s.
These 5 hotels offer affordable luxury in downtown El Paso: (under $150 per night)
- Hotel Paso Del Norte (check out the European-esque Dome Bar)
- The Plaza Pioneer Hotel
- DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel El Paso Downtown
- Hotel Indigo El Paso Downtown
- Aloft El Paso Downtown
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.