El Paso, Texas, is a vibrant city located at the westernmost point of the United States. It is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful desert scenery. While the city is often overlooked by tourists, it offers a wealth of hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, here are seven secret places to visit in El Paso in July 2024:
1. Franklin Mountains State Park
Franklin Mountains State Park is a 24,000-acre park that offers a variety of hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and scenic overlooks. The park is home to a diverse array of plants and animals, including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and black bears. In July, the park is especially beautiful, as the wildflowers are in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy a picnic in one of the many picnic areas, or take a dip in the park’s swimming pool.
2. Chamizal National Memorial
The Chamizal National Memorial commemorates the peaceful resolution of a century-old boundary dispute between the United States and Mexico. The memorial is located on the banks of the Rio Grande, and features a beautiful park, a museum, and a monument to peace. Visitors can learn about the history of the dispute, and see how it was eventually resolved through diplomacy.
3. The El Paso Mission Trail
The El Paso Mission Trail is a self-guided tour of three historic missions that were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. The missions are located in different parts of the city, and each one has its own unique history and architecture. Visitors can learn about the history of the missions, and see how they played a role in the development of El Paso.
4. The El Paso Zoo
The El Paso Zoo is home to over 500 animals from all over the world. The zoo is divided into different habitats, including a desert habitat, a rainforest habitat, and an African savanna habitat. Visitors can see animals such as lions, tigers, elephants, and gorillas. The zoo also has a petting zoo, and a variety of educational programs for children.
5. The El Paso Museum of Art
The El Paso Museum of Art is home to a collection of over 7,000 works of art from around the world. The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and photographs. Visitors can see works of art from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Asia, and Europe. The museum also has a collection of contemporary art from the Southwest United States.
6. The Wyler Aerial Tramway
The Wyler Aerial Tramway is a gondola lift that takes visitors from the Sun Bowl Stadium to the Franklin Mountains. The tramway is 2.7 miles long, and it offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy a meal at the restaurant at the top of the mountain, or take a hike on one of the many trails.
7. The Plaza Theatre
The Plaza Theatre is a historic theater that was built in 1930. The theater hosts a variety of live performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts. Visitors can take a guided tour of the theater, or see a performance. The Plaza Theatre is a great place to experience the performing arts in El Paso.
Culture
El Paso is located on the border with Mexico and has a rich cultural mix. Along with its museums and art galleries, the city has a vibrant nightlife and music scene. There are also several cultural festivals throughout the year, such as the El Paso International Mariachi Festival and the El Paso Downtown Art and Music Festival.
Best Months to Visit
The best time to visit El Paso is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. The weather is still mild during these seasons, but the crowds smaller. July is a great time to visit if you are looking for a hot and dry climate.
Nearby Transportation
El Paso is served by El Paso International Airport (ELP). The airport is located about 10 miles from downtown. There are several airlines that offer flights to El Paso, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
Local Food
El Paso is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine, which is a blend of Mexican and American flavors. Some of the most popular Tex-Mex dishes include tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas. El Paso is also home to several excellent seafood restaurants.
Best Hotels
There are a variety of hotels to choose from in El Paso. Some of the most popular hotels include the Hotel Paso del Norte, the Hilton El Paso Airport, and the Hampton Inn & Suites El Paso Airport.
Conclusion
El Paso is a city with a rich history and unique culture. The city is home to several secret places that are waiting to be discovered. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in El Paso. So, if you are looking for a great place to visit in July 2024, be sure to add El Paso to your list.
