Local area

Western Playland is a beloved 25-acre amusement park in Sunland Park, New Mexico, across the border from El Paso, Texas. Established in 1960, it offers a nostalgic carnival atmosphere with over 30 rides and attractions, suitable for all ages. The park also provides carnival-style games, various food options, and seasonal events such as live music and fireworks.

Amusement venue with laser tag, go karts, bumper boats, batting cages, an arcade, snacks and more.

Keystone Heritage Park and the El Paso Desert Botanical Gardens is an archeological site, an archaic wetlands and a botanical garden. The 52-acre park in El Paso’s Upper Valley is a City-owned property leased to a volunteer Board of Directors who are charged with preserving and developing the Park.

Locally recognized as the Best Place to Take the Kiddos, the El Paso Zoo sits on 35 acres of fun and adventure. Bigger and better than ever, the El Paso Zoo is an expansive green space that is home to exotic animals from around the world and features family attractions such as the African Star Train, the Hunt Family Splash Pad, Foster Tree House Playground, and the Hunt Endangered Species Carousel.

The El Paso Museum of Art (EPMA) houses a permanent collection of over 7,000 works of art from the Byzantine era to the present. Among the collection’s strengths in American, Mexican, and European art are Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces from the likes of Botticelli, Canaletto, and Van Dyck, as well as 20th century works by notable natives like Tom Lea. In addition, the museum hosts a robust schedule of temporary exhibitions.

Situated in the valley of the Rio Grande, the back road of Highway 28 leads visitors to locally owned and operated Zin Valle Vineyards, El Paso’s only vineyard and winery. They offer several different varietals from their estate vineyards as well as wines from California and Europe.

Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, located just across the border from El Paso, Texas, offers a dynamic blend of horse racing, gaming, dining, and live entertainment. Established in 1959, Sunland Park hosts live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse races, with the Sunland Park Derby being a notable event on the racing calendar. The casino floor boasts over 700 slot machines, video poker games, and electronic table games such as Blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em, and Roulette.

Franklin Mountains State Park is a Texas state park in El Paso, Texas, in the United States. Park headquarters are located at an elevation of 5,426 feet with the highest peak reaching 7,192 feet. It is the largest urban park in the nation lying completely within city limits, covering 24,247.56 acres.

The Sun Bowl is an outdoor football stadium in the southwestern United States, on the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso. It is home to the UTEP Miners of Conference USA, and the late December college football bowl game, the Sun Bowl.

The University of Texas at El Paso is a public research university located on the U.S.-Mexico border. UTEP is renowned for its distinctive architecture, inspired by the fortresses of Bhutan. Visitors can explore the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, which showcase over 600 species of native plants and offer insights into the region's history. Additionally, the campus is conveniently accessible via the El Paso Streetcar, making it easy for visitors to explore the surrounding areas.

The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso is a popular outlet shopping center that combines retail, dining, and entertainment in one convenient location. As a premier shopping destination in the region, it features nearly 100 brand-name stores, including favorites like Nike and Coach. Visitors can grab a bite to eat at the food court or enjoy local favorites such as Frontera Coffee. In addition to shopping and dining, the center frequently hosts community events with local organizations.

The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a 35-acre attraction offering a blend of wildlife exhibits, interactive experiences, and educational programs. Home to over 220 species, the zoo features themed areas such as the Chihuahuan Desert, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Visitors can explore various exhibits and attractions, including the Wildlife Amphitheater and the Penguin exhibit. The zoo hosts seasonal events such as Brew at the Zoo and Summer Zoo Camps.