As the sixth largest city in Texas, El Paso is quickly becoming a southwest hotspot for travelers, families, business, and fun. While spanning over 255 square miles of high desert terrain, El Paso is a standout city widely known for its unique history, delicious cuisine, lively culture, and boundless sights and wonders. No matter what your agenda holds for your next visit to the Sun City, here are five of El Paso’s most impressive attractions you won’t want to miss!

1. Scenic Drive

If you’re looking for the best view of El Paso, you’ll find it while cruising Scenic Drive, a winding two-mile road that skirts around the east side of the Franklin Mountains. Atop Scenic Drive, visitors can pull over along the mountain’s edge and overlook the stunning landscape of both El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. On weekends, the road is closed from the early morning hours through noon for joggers, cyclists, and walkers to enjoy full advantage of the open road. To access Scenic Drive, turn onto Rim Rd. from either Mesa St. or Alabama St.

2. El Paso Streetcar

Riding along the streets of Downtown El Paso through Uptown, the El Paso Streetcar is a vintage mode of transportation that travels a 4.8-mile looped route. Passengers may enjoy a free ride through the streetcar’s route while enjoying AC, free Wi-Fi, bike racks, and other modern amenities. All six streetcars are the original cars used back from the 1950s – 1970s but have each since been restored to become a fascinating addition to El Paso’s list of attractions.

3. Plaza Theatre

Standing as El Paso’s near-century old landmark, the Plaza Theatre is a regal beauty and National Historic Building of Significance. Sitting in the heart of Downtown El Paso, the Plaza remains as one of the remaining atmospheric theatres in the United States. Putting on an average of over 120 shows a year, the Plaza invites you to attend concerts, Broadway performances, comedy shows, and more any time you’re visiting. Notable past performances held include Goo Goo Dolls, Interpol, Broadway’s The Lion King and Hamilton, and dozens more.

4. El Paso’s Historic Mission Trail

Located in El Paso’s Lower Valley, the mission trail is rich in history dating back 400 years. In recent news, the mission trail was named the 2023 Best Historical Site in Texas, recognized by the Texas Travel Awards. Sure to take your breath away, these three adobe churches remain as living testaments to the faith of our Spanish and Indian ancestors. The El Paso Mission Trail Association is dedicated to the education, promotion, and preservation of the missions at Ysleta, Socorro, and San Elizario Chapel. To commemorate their history, all three missions were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

5. Franklin Mountains State Park

Franklin Mountains State Park, one of the largest urban state parks in the nation, boasts nearly 27,000 acres of serene canyons, towering peaks, and scenic views — and it’s right in the center of El Paso. With mountain biking, cave exploration, mine tours, paragliding, and everything else under the sun, the Franklin Mountains will satisfy even the most adventurous of thrill-seekers. If you’re looking for a night under the stars, tent and RV campsites are available by reservation. Take on the 100+ miles of trail and be sure to bring a camera, because the view from 7,000 feet above sea level is spectacular.