How to Spend 24 Hours in El Paso, Texas

I always jump at the chance to check out a new city. So, when I flew into El Paso to meet up with my dad, I made a whole day out of the stop. As always, it was one of my whirlwind visits, but not without lots of action-packed activities and recommendations for everyone else who might stop by. What I took away from my short time there is that El Paso, Texas, is a city incredibly rich in history, with some of the friendliest residents you’ll come across in your American travels. So, what can one do in 24 hours in El Paso? Keep reading for some of the best things to do in El Paso. And a huge thank you to Visit El Paso, who couldn’t have been more welcoming and hospitable.

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Start Your 24 Hours in El Paso Off Right!

You Can’t Go Wrong With A Southwestern Breakfast At Sabor

You know, I’m not a huge breakfast fan in general, but the simple, classic omelet I had at Hotel Paso del Norte’s Sabor was beyond exceptional. I mean,… really good.

The restaurant offers Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, and I can’t even imagine what a complete brunch or dinner would be like. Nothing short of amazing, I’m sure. So get a little pep in your step with brekkie at Sabor before heading out on your morning excursion.

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Visit Franklin Mountains State Park – The United States’ Largest Urban Park

Yep, you’re reading correctly. El Paso, Texas, is home to a 24,000+ acre state park, all within city limits, called Franklin Mountains State Park. More than that, the highest point in the park is just under 7,200 feet. Almost 2,000 feet higher than Denver.

It’s a small but imposing mountain range that hovers over the city and is only a short drive from downtown. There are multiple trails worthy of a quick morning hike, including a simple 1.2-mile round trip to some Aztec caves.

There’s also an easily accessible rock-climbing wall called Sneed’s Cory if that’s your jam. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll be greeted with expansive views of both El Paso, Texas, and Juarez, Mexico.

This panoramic image captures a wide, arid landscape with rugged mountains in the background under a bright blue sky. The foreground consists of rocky desert terrain with sparse vegetation, and a single white cloud floats above the mountains. A small, red object—possibly a vehicle—appears near a dirt road on the right side of the image, adding a sense of scale to the vastness of the scene.

This image depicts a rocky, uphill trailhead in the Franklin Mountains under a bright, sunlit sky. The sunlight creates a glowing effect at the top of the image, adding intensity to the clear blue sky. Sparse desert vegetation, including tall yucca plants and low shrubs, lines the path. The mountain peaks in the distance provide a striking contrast to the rugged terrain in the foreground.

A wooden sign in the desert-like area of Franklin Mountains with the text "WATCH FOR SNAKES" in bright yellow letters. The sign is mounted on two posts with yellow tops, surrounded by dry brush and rocks. The surrounding vegetation appears sparse and rugged, matching the arid environment where snakes might be present.

A steep, rocky cliff with reddish-brown terrain called Sneed's Cory, which is a famous rock climbing destination, under a clear blue sky. The sun creates a glowing effect as it peeks over the top of the cliff, casting a bright halo. Yucca plants and other desert vegetation are scattered along the rugged hillside, contributing to the arid, remote feel of the landscape. A small structure, possibly a lookout point or building, is faintly visible in the distance atop the cliff.

Recharge With Lunch At L&J Café

Now, admittedly, I didn’t get my desired meal in at L&J Café as intended. But I did stop by to check out their digs. And I feel entirely comfortable making a recommendation to dine there—despite not having done so myself—simply because of what all the locals had to say about the place. (Did I mention it’s been featured on a bunch of TV shows, too?)

So it’s clear this café is a legendary El Paso favorite that sits, literally, right next to a cemetery and the Mexican border. Stop by the cemetery while you’re there, and check out some of the famous “eternal residents” and gunslingers buried there.

Vintage L&J Cafe signs that advertises "Beer & Wine" and "Specializing in Mexican Food" in bold, colorful letters. The sign hangs on a pole near a yellow building, with a street sign reading "Missouri Ave" visible on the right. The bright blue sky contrasts sharply with the red, green, and yellow tones of the sign and building, giving the scene a vibrant, retro feel. Palm trees and power lines are also visible in the background, adding to the urban atmosphere.

Concordia Cemetery next to L&J Cafe in El Paso, Texas, a large, flat cemetery under a bright, clear sky. Gravestones of varying shapes and sizes are scattered across the barren, dusty ground, with some more prominent monuments standing out among smaller markers. Sparse trees are visible in the background, along with structures and a highway overpass in the distance.

Spend The Afternoon Touring The Arts District Of El Paso, Texas

The central downtown of El Paso, Texas, is really culturally rich, and you’d be missing out if you didn’t take a wander. Not only is there a considerable amount of historic architecture (just Google “Henry Trost”), but there’s an official Art Walk as well.

The route takes you by multiple downtown highlights, including the El Paso Museum of Art (which holds at least one Filippino Lippi and Lorenzo Lotto) and the sombrero-shaped convention center.

Entrance to the El Paso Museum of Art, with a large red triangular sculpture prominently displayed in front. The building has a modern design with beige walls and large dark windows. Metal barricades line the front of the museum, and the sky above is partly cloudy with sunlight filtering through. The museum's name is clearly visible on the facade in bold, capital letters.

A colorful, whimsical sculpture of a large alligator wearing a wizard hat is positioned in the center of a fountain at San Jacinto Plaza in downtown El Paso, Texas. The water around the statue reflects the surrounding structures, including nearby buildings and trees. The backdrop includes tall buildings, blue skies with clouds, and a partial view of a canopy overhead, adding to the lively outdoor scene.

A vibrant mural in downtown El Paso decorates the side of a building, depicting a fierce jaguar and a woman with blue hair facing each other, both appearing to roar. The background features bright pink, red, and orange geometric shapes, adding energy to the scene. The mural is located along a quiet street with nearby buildings, streetlights, and banners, all under a partly cloudy blue sky.

A detailed mural on an El Paso art walk adorns the side of a building, featuring a man in traditional Mexican attire, complete with a large hat, and a young girl standing beside him. The background incorporates a nighttime scene with a reflective body of water and distant city lights. A passage of text in Spanish is painted on the left side of the mural. Small trees and shrubs are planted in front of the building, adding greenery to the scene.

Recharge With A Mid-Afternoon Treat at Coffee Box

After your downtown stroll, have a seat and a snack. There’s a great little coffee shop right in the middle of downtown El Paso called Coffee Box. It’s literally graffitied, stacked shipping containers off San Jacinto, the city’s central plaza.

It has some inventive coffee drinks, tasty snacks, and just plain charming people. Once there, you can stay out of the sun and sit inside or catch some rays on the train car’s upper deck outside. Either way, I guarantee you’ll enjoy an afternoon stop here.

Delight In A Classic Cocktail Hour At The Dome Bar

After recharging and enjoying some afternoon sun on the plaza, you’ll probably need to rehydrate – so make the quick walk over to Hotel Paso Del Norte’s Dome Bar for a tasty craft cocktail and a little light jazz.

The super classy marble bar is literally crowned with a 25-foot Tiffany glass dome overhead. And there’s a cigar bar just off it, too. In other words, it’s—quite simply—a gorgeous space with excellent service and pleasant company.

The elegant interior space of the Dome Bar in Hotel Paso Del Norte showcases a grand bar area with high-backed chairs, framed by arched windows and columns in rich shades of red and gold. The ceiling features an intricate, stained-glass dome, casting a soft, colorful light over the room. A black grand piano is visible in the foreground, adding to the sophisticated atmosphere. Chandeliers and wall sconces with warm lighting enhance the luxurious and historic feel of the space.

A stunning Tiffany stained-glass dome ceiling at Dome Bar dominates the scene, with intricate patterns of blue, purple, and green creating a swirling, kaleidoscopic effect. The dome is framed by ornate, gold-trimmed molding, adding to the grand and opulent design of the space. Below the dome, glimpses of arched windows and decorative chandeliers contribute to the luxurious atmosphere. The rich detailing and vibrant colors of the ceiling make it a focal point of the room.

A glass of white wine sits on a marble bar counter next to a brass lamp with a vintage design. The glass rests on a napkin with an emblem, and beside it is a menu from "The Dome Bar" featuring a list of cocktails. In the background, various bottles and bar tools are visible, adding to the classy, upscale ambiance of the bar setting. The warm lighting and elegant decor create a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere.

Watch the Sunset From El Mirador’s Rooftop Patio

Oh, you thought the Dome Bar was closing the night out? No, no, my friend. Because what you’re going to do after your drink at the Dome Bar is head upstairs a few floors to El Mirador’s rooftop patio for dinner.

Once there, you can relax and catch the sunset. It’s a newly renovated, newly opened space on the 10th floor of Hotel Paso Del Norte. Not only that, but it’s literally where Pancho Villa would hang out, drink in hand, and watch the Mexican Revolution play out. True story.

You could turn the evening up a notch by ordering a margarita to go with your food, too, since El Paso is famous for its “Margarita Trail.” El Mirador may not be on the list (it should be), but L&J Cafe is!

A nighttime cityscape showcases brightly lit buildings in downtown El Paso, with the "Plaza" sign glowing in red on top of one of the tallest buildings. The streets below are illuminated with warm yellow lights, and the horizon reveals a dark mountain range against the deep blue sky following sunset. The scene captures a lively, yet serene atmosphere, with a mix of modern and historic architecture visible. Distant city lights twinkle across the landscape, adding depth to the urban view.

Trying to Squeeze More Into Your 24 Hours in El Paso?

While I gave it an honest effort to pack as much as possible into 24 hours, there was still so much more to do in this vibrant little city!

Everyone recommended a quick trip across the border to Juarez. There is also the El Paso Zoo, the Museum of History, the National Border Patrol Museum, the Holocaust Museum, and the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. You could spend an entire week in the city of El Paso, Texas, and only skim the surface of everything this town has to offer.

Again, a big thank you to Visit El Paso for their warm hospitality; I had such an exceptional stay!

Have any El Paso suggestions or recommendations of your own? Add them in the comments section below, or email me via my Contact page!

Where To Stay in El Paso

I stayed at the historic Hotel Paso Del Norte in the heart of downtown El Paso, and I can’t say enough good things about it. It’s in the center of everything, and it’s both beautiful and comfortable. It has newly renovated everything and is part of Marriott’s Autograph collection. Most importantly, it’s home to Sabor, the Dome Bar, and El Mirador!

A grand, curved staircase with glossy black marble steps and an ornate wrought-iron railing sweeps through Hotel Paso Del Norte's luxurious lobby. Large arched windows and marble columns enhance the elegant, spacious atmosphere, while a large chandelier with candle-style lights hangs overhead. Natural light streams through the windows, casting soft reflections on the marble floor and highlighting the refined architectural details of the space.

A dimly lit hallway at Hotel Paso Del Norte with dark textured walls features decorative longhorn skulls mounted on either side. Subtle lighting from above creates a warm glow around a door, contrasting with the shadowy surroundings. The hallway has a sleek, moody atmosphere, with minimal furnishings and a deep blue carpet visible at the far end. Natural light filters through a distant window, adding a soft touch to the otherwise dramatic setting.

A stylish bedside setup at Hotel Paso Del Norte includes a white nightstand with a sleek drawer, topped by a decorative antler-shaped lamp and a small digital clock displaying "12:50." The bed features a plush, tufted black headboard, and the wall behind it is adorned with a vintage-style map design. The overall aesthetic blends modern and rustic elements, creating a cozy yet refined atmosphere.

A vibrant blue couch sits in front of a wall featuring a large, vintage-style map of El Paso. In front of the couch is a cowhide-patterned ottoman with warm brown and white tones, adding a rustic touch to the modern seating area in a room at Hotel Paso Del Norte in El Paso. The map backdrop adds a sense of local character to the room, blending urban and cozy design elements.

A dark blue leather wingback chair is positioned beside a small round wooden side table in a cozy corner of a room at Hotel Paso Del Norte. Soft light filters through beige curtains near a window, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Above the chair, a framed black-and-white photograph of an old storefront adds a touch of vintage charm to the space. The overall setting exudes a classic, comfortable vibe.

Check Out The Visit El Paso App

As a creative director in my former professional life, I’ve both designed and used a thousand different apps in my time. I’ve definitely tested out a lot of traveling and city apps, but the Visit El Paso app was excellent, I’ll be honest.

It was easy to navigate, and the selected content was perfectly on point. More than that, they had a couple of additional cool features, like adding things to do to a personalized list within the app and even Facetiming visitor information specialists.

Definitely a solid starting point for a visit to El Paso. Download it the next time you’re in town and test it out!