El Paso abounds with FREE fun! Explore the historic Plaza Theater, discover El Paso’s past at the Museum of History, take a scenic drive for an amazing view of three states and two countries – and even visit the downtown pool where live alligators once frolicked!
One of the things I like most about El Paso is the abundance of free fun to be had there. You can enjoy an entire day exploring this thriving city for just the price of lunch!
In two previous “Discover El Paso” posts, I’ve shared our experiences on the Mission Trail and at the historic Concordia Cemetery, both free activities. Today I’m tying our west Texas tour in a bow by sharing an itinerary (read: loose outline) for a completely FREE DAY of activities.
If you have one day to spend in El Paso, and you don’t want to spend a lot of money, you have come to the right place!
NOTE: Sometime during your day, you’re probably going to need to buy lunch and/or dinner, which are not free. To that end, I’ve listed a few El Paso Good Eats at the bottom of the post.
This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.
ONE FREE DAY IN EL PASO
- Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown El Paso.
- Explore the El Paso Museum of History.
- Tour the Plaza Theater.
- Check out the El Paso County Courthouse.
- Grab some lunch at Rosa’s Cantina or Salt & Honey.
- Wander through Concordia Cemetery.
- Cruise up El Paso’s Scenic Drive & Overlook.
- Drive El Paso’s historic Mission Trail **
- Treat yourself to a dinner at Cattleman’s. (Be sure to go early and explore the grounds!)
** El Paso’s historic Mission Trail is well worth your time, and if you are visiting town for only one day, you can see it all in a couple of hours if you are dedicated. However, if you have more than a day in town, I suggest that you reserve an entire morning or afternoon for the Mission Trail and just take it casual.
Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown El Paso
One of the best ways to explore a new city is boots on the ground. Get out there and walk!
This map illustrates our walking route through downtown El Paso, and will take you by all of the locations listed above.
If you take this route, plan for at least two hours, especially if you are lucky enough to score a tour of the Plaza Theater! This is an easy, level walk that covers just under one mile one way.
Be sure to see:
- San Jacinto Plaza
- Los Lagartos [Gator Statue] (in San Jacinto Plaza)
- DIGIE – Digital Information Gateway in El Paso
- El Paso Museum of History
- Fray Garcia de San Francisco [Statue] (Right outside the Plaza Theatre)
- Plaza Theater
- El Paso County Courthouse
NOTE for Nervous Travelers: El Paso often gets a bad rap for its proximity to Juarez, Mexico; however, it actually has a crime rate significantly lower than the national average, and ranked as the 7th safest metropolitan city in the United States in 2018.
SAN JACINTO PLAZA
San Jacinta Plaza opened in 1883 in the heart of downtown El Paso as a place where visitors could relax amid a walled pond and gazebo, seventy-five Chinese elm trees, and a small congregation of alligators.
Because yes: there were alligators.
Live alligators.
Alligator Pool, San Jacinta Plaza, El Paso, Texas [postcard, circa 1913]
The alligators were moved to the El Paso Zoo in 1965, and after a brief, failed attempt to bring them back in the mid-70’s, their pond was permanently removed.
The plaza is still fondly known to locals as “La Plaza de los Lagartos,” or Alligator Plaza. Today, a fiberglass sculpture by nationally acclaimed El Paso artist Luis Jiménez honors the original alligators.
Many interesting and historical building are just steps away from San Jacinto Plaza.
SAN JACINTO PLAZA TRAVELER NOTES
San Jacinto Plaza is located on the corner of Oregon and Mills in the heart of Downtown El Paso, Texas. Visitors should be aware that (to my knowledge) there are no restrooms in the Plaza. At the time of our visit, the nearest restrooms appeared to be the ones at the Starbucks across the street.
EL PASO MUSEUM OF HISTORY
The El Paso Museum of History is a small but interesting local museum that promotes the understanding and significance of the rich, multicultural and multinational history of the border region known as “The Pass of the North.”
Like all the attractions on this itinerary, the museum is free. It is also clean, air-conditioned, and has a public bathroom – making it a bargain at twice the price, as my dad used to say. (Especially on a hot day in August!)
The museum is very kid-friendly, especially on the ground floor, where you will find a number of interactive displays. We spent about forty minutes there, which is about all you will need.
We probably would have spent longer at the museum, but we didn’t know that there was a second floor. This, I came to learn after the fact, is where much of the historical information and artifacts are found. That brings me to my only complaint about the museum: it would be helpful to visitors to have clear directions or discovery paths so they don’t miss half the exhibits. But really, that’s on us for not exploring more.
DIGIE – Digital Information Gateway in El Paso
Immediately outside the entrance to the El Paso Museum of History, you will find The large touchscreen digital wall. Known as DIGIE [Digital Information Gatewayin El Paso] it is the second digital wall in the world and the first in the United States.
The wall is made up of five huge touch screens that offer an interactive view of the history of El Paso, with images, video, and information covering from present day back through the 1600’s.
This display is extremely well researched and curated, and we all enjoyed interacting with it immensely. (I definitely should have taken video. Next time!)
El Paso Museum of History
510 N Santa Fe St
El Paso, TX 79901-1145
Phone: 915.212.3120
HOURS
Tuesday-Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
Thursdays: 9 am to 9 pm
Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm
Closed Mondays & City Holidays
More than a hundred brightly-painted murals can be found throughout El Paso. Reflecting a rich Mexican storytelling tradition, these pieces of public art depict El Paso’s history and community pride.
FRAY GARCIA de SAN FRANCISCO MONUMENT
Fray Garcia Monument honors the priest who founded the El Paso area’s first mission. Located the corner of El Paso and San Francisco Streets just outside the entrance to the Plaza Theater.
Sculpted in 1996 by El Paso native John Houser, the 14-foot bronze sculpture is a testament to the great legacy of this Spanish missionary who was known for his kind heart.
PLAZA THEATER
{Officially, The Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center}’
The Plaza Theater is one of El Paso’s most iconic landmarks. This grand monument to old world elegance hosts two theaters: the 2,050-seat Kendall Kidd Performance Hall, and the smaller 200-seat Philanthropy Theatre. The Plaza hosts concerts, Broadway shows, individual performers, and the annual Plaza Classic Film Festival.
The ladies working at the theater that morning seemed almost excited to show us around.
Tours for the public are held every Tuesday at 12pm, and if you can work your schedule around that, by all mean, do so. Unfortunately, we were there on Friday morning, with no Tuesdays in sight. However, when my BFF Jenny asked at the ticket booth, we were immediately invited us inside.
From the outside, you would never know what awaits you beyond the doors. Once you enter, the opulence and grandeur of the space is stunning.
The Plaza Theater first opened September 12, 1930, with advertisements touting it to be the largest theater of its kind between Dallas and Los Angeles. Over the decades, it presented everything from burlesque shows to stage plays to movies.
In the 1950’s the theater began to fall into disrepair, and at one point in 1989 was scheduled for demolition before the community support was able to raise enough finds to save it. The theater was completely refurbished, with great attention and care given to preserving both its structure and history, and reopened in 2006.
One of my favorite spaces at the Plaza was the ladies lounge.
Additional Information
The Plaza Theatre
1 Civic Center Plaza
El Paso, TX 79901-1153
PHONE: 915-534-0600
Weekly public tours on Tuesdays at 12:00 pm. For information on tours of the Plaza Theatre, please call 915-534-0660.
EL PASO COUNTY COURTHOUSE
While I don’t typically make it a point to stop at the county courthouse when I visit a new city, in El Paso’s case I made an exception. Because their county courthouse is exceptional.
The mural inside the atrium of the El Paso County Courthouse are simply beautiful. Spanning three walls and protected by a glass ceiling, “Our History” depicts artist Carlos Callejo’s vision of El Paso’s history in a vibrant, dynamic blend of past, present, and future.
Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only
as it first resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens.
~ Inscription over the entrance to the US Dept of Justice, Washington, DC.
CRUISE EL PASO’S SCENIC DRIVE & OVERLOOK
“Not many cities have a mountain range right in the middle of their city,
and still fewer have a spectacular drive around the rim of their mountains.
El Paso has both.”
El Paso’s spectacular Scenic Drive winds along the southern tip of the Franklin Mountains, affording visitors a stunning view of El Paso, Juarez, Mexico across the Rio Grande, and just a bit of New Mexico.
To get the most out of your drive, pull over at the small park and scenic overlook for a spectacular view across El Paso and Juarez. If you are driving, look for the US flag that will likely be flapping in the relentless wind – you will find a small parking lot at its base, and an extended viewpoint that is ideal for capturing that perfect panorama.
Be aware that the drive is closed to cars on Sundays, making for a pleasant pedestrian stroll or bicycle ride. On hot days, you may welcome the ice cream truck that is often parked there.
Also, and I cannot emphasize this strongly enough: dress for the weather. In cooler weather, it can be VERY windy! And for Pete’s sake, DO NOT (as I did) wear anything that even resembles a dress. (Thank goodness for leggings!!) We visited during the cooler months, but if you are there when it’s hot, be sure to bring sun protection.
Visit El Paso – More Info
Union Depot Visitor Information Center
400 W. San Antonio
(915) 534-0661.
Mon-Fri 9 am-4 pm
Sat 9 am-2 pm
Airport Visitor Information Center
El Paso International Airport – Main Lobby
(915) 534-0658.
Mon-Fri 8 am-8 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am-5 pm
VISIT EL PASO APP: El Paso has a handy “Visit El Paso” app, available for Android or IOS. The app provides up-to-date information about things to see and do in El Paso, and you can also get more information on El Paso’s culture, attractions, hotels, and restaurants.
EL PASO GOOD EATS
As promised, here’s a quick overview of three of the places we dined while visiting El Paso. One is a sentimental favorite, one is a West Texas institution, and one is a Must Try!
Must Try: SALT + HONEY BAKERY CAFE
When I walked into Salt + Honey for the first time, I felt like I had been transported to a new hip-n-trendy Portland brunch spot! Located in El Paso’s historic Five Points, the trendy local favorite is a modern bakery and café that brings together delicious, world-inspired cuisine in an urban-style cafe setting.
Owner Maggie Asfahani has crafted an innovative menu that embraces influences from both her Lebanese heritage and her El Paso roots, and the result is slow food at its best: beautiful, surprising, comforting, and delicious.
Salt + Honey’s offerings include [below, clockwise from upper-left] Baklava Pancakes with baklava nut streusel, vanilla bean ice cream, house spiced honey; Spicy Chicken Sandwich with honey gochujang sauce and sesame ginger slaw (like many menu items, this can be ordered vegetarian as well, substituting cauliflower for the chicken); homemade baklava; and Salt + Honey Burger with angus pattie, sharp cheddar, tomato, arugula, and gochujang mayo on a brioche bun.
I prefer a savory brunch over a sweet one, so I went with the Tacos Borrachos with Michelada-braised brisket, green chile cheese hashbrowns, tomato, and cilantro-lime crema on corn tortillas. The combination was which was amazing – and easily enough for two to share. Tacos Borrachos can be ordered with an egg, too, which I think I will do if I ever get another chance to visit.
My brunch buddy, Dottie, had the Hummus Avocado Toast with tomato, arugula, zaatar, crushed red pepper, maldon salt, olive oil, on whole grain bread. So of course I had to have a bite (because Research), and found it to be amazingly tasty, with a satisfying blend of textures and fresh, bright flavors.
Hummus Avocado Toast with tomato, arugula, zaatar, crushed red pepper, maldon salt, olive oil, on whole grain bread
Service is friendly, prices are reasonable, and portions are generous to say the least.
Salt + Honey serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch all day, Tuesdays through Sundays, and offers locally roasted coffee and cold-pressed juices to compliment their pastries and cakes, which are all baked in-house. Be aware that this is hopping, especially for weekend brunch, so if you visit at peak hours, plan for a bit of a wait.
Salt + Honey
801 N. Piedras St. Suite 6
El Paso, Texas
PHONE: 915.313.4907
Restaurant Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Friday: 7:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday-Sunday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Sentimental Favorite: ROSA’S CANTINA
C’mon in, folks! With a blog named “The Good Hearted Woman” and a husband who listens to Marty Robbins far more than the average Joe, I couldn’t very well visit El Paso without stopping in at Rosa’s Cantina.
(NOTE: If this reference is lost on you, you are probably too young to visit Rosa’s anyway.)
From the outside, Rosa’s looks a little rough around the edges, but don’t let that put you off. Once inside, the vibe is relaxed, the margaritas are top-notch, and you can listen to Marty Robbins sing about Felina from the jukebox all day long if you have enough quarters. Our Tex-mex scored a solid Good on the foodie scale, and our service was fast and friendly.
Rosa’s Cantina
3454 Doniphan Dr
El Paso, Texas
There is a little merch corner where you can buy Rosa’s branded t-shirts, shot glasses, and the like.
Restaurant Hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: Noon – 7:00 pm
Bar Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Friday & Saturday: 12:00 pm – 2:00 am
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
PHONE: 915.833.0402
Texas Institution: CATTLEMAN’S STEAKHOUSE AT INDIAN CLIFFS RANCH
Cattleman’s is not just a restaurant – it is a Destination!
Cattleman’s Steakhouse is located at Indian Cliffs Ranch, an authentic, working ranch. Indian Cliffs has served as the location for many Hollywood movies, including The Border, Lone Wolf McQuade, Courage Under Fire, Glory Road, and The Jessica Lynch Story.
Apparently, there can be long waits at the restaurant at times, but we didn’t have any trouble getting in. We arrived at opening on a weeknight [5:00pm], gave our name to the front desk, and then spent about half an hour or so wandering the grounds. (To clarify, we didn’t have to wait to be seated – we wanted to see the grounds before it got dark.)
The ranch boasts an extensive petting zoo and an exotic bird collection, and there are free-roaming peacocks everywhere you look. During the day, they offer covered wagon rides that take you around to the areas where movies have been filmed. (The tour is free but the driver does accept tips. It is a first come first serve and leaves out every hour.)
When we finally went back inside to let them know we were ready to be seated, we were taken to our table immediately.
Service was friendly, efficient, and very prompt. I ordered my steak medium rare, and it arrived perfectly cooked. My meal came with a large baked potato, a delicious pineapple coleslaw, rolls, and baked beans. Portions are very generous, so you may want to share. (Or take some home for leftovers.)
While a steakhouse may be fancy by some standards, Cattleman’s has a very casual vibe. Dress up, dress down – either way, you’ll fit right in.
Also, before you leave, be sure to stop by the Movie Tribute Wall which showcases movie posters and other memorabilia from movies that have been filmed there.
Cattleman’s Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch
3450 S Fabens Carlsbad Road
Fabens, TX 79838
(Approximately 35 minutes from Downtown El Paso)
HOURS
Monday – Friday: 5pm – 10pm
Saturday: 12:30pm – 10pm
Sunday: 12:30pm – 9pm
Phone: (915) 544-3200
And finally, this – because when you have a legit reason to post a picture of Chuck Norris on your blog, you use it…
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