Get ready to plan your ultimate El Paso adventure. When I tell people about my trip to El Paso, one of the first things they often say is, “I’ve never been,” or “I’ve never really thought about visiting.” After being in one of the most hospitable of cities, rich with culture and mouthwateringly memorable food, I feel my mission is for everyone who reads this to not just “think about” visiting El Paso, but to book their plane ticket or plan their road trip to this border city gem.

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Need more? Read more: Hideaway Round Top blends Texas heritage and design in a modern retreat

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El Paso travel: Safe, charming and culturally vibrant

One thing I’d like to dispel out of the gate is the notion that El Paso is a dangerous travel destination. Having the good fortune to spend several days there, I not only felt completely safe but also loved learning about the unique relationship between El Paso and neighboring Ciudad Juárez. These two cities share a deep and meaningful connection that has shaped the culture, cuisine, architecture and history of El Paso.

Where to stay: The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park

Established in 1930, The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park reflects the dynamic history of the original property with modern flair. Once hosting Elizabeth Taylor (during her marriage to Nicky Hilton), the vintage decor and regal feel of the property reflect why it remains a mainstay hotel today.

The rooms are spacious with amenities a minibar, fridge and Nespresso coffee makers. My room overlooked the San Jacinto Plaza, once named Plaza de los Lagartos (Alligator Plaza) for housing live alligators! A fiberglass alligator sculpture by artist Luis Jiménez, now stands in its place and serves as a gathering place for running groups, lunch meet-ups and more.

The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park’s ámbar restaurante is renown for serving the “best flavors of Mexican cuisine,” such as the Ancho Rack of Lamb and Carnitas Platter. Guests can also grab breakfast Sun-Mon starting at 6 a.m. On the 17th floor, rooftop bar La Perla is the go-to for captivating views of El Paso, light bites and cocktails.

Other highlights of the downtown hotel includes a fitness center and weekly Agave tastings every Thursday at 5 p.m. (reservations required: ambarelpaso.com/home).

Taking the El Paso food scene to the next level

Foodies will find a treasure trove of delights within El Paso’s dining scene. What’s fascinating is that while the city offers an eclectic range of culinary options, from Mexican to Mediterranean, modern to classic dishes, they’re all consistently delicious.

A gold star should go to the city for its best coffee shops, wowing with some of the tastiest lattes and cappuccinos but also for menu standouts such as pozole, gluten-free banana bread, avocado toast, fruit bowls and more.

Here are a few must-visit El Paso restaurants and coffee shops:

Salt + Honey: Mediterranean dishes like Baklava Pancakes mixed with exceptional plates like Tacos Borrachos and Pecan-Encrusted Salmon made my taste buds sing. This eatery has a diverse and flavorful menu including yummy espresso drinks, notably the Salted Honey Latte.
Taconeta: Prepare your palate for tasty tacos in a charming, trendy atmosphere. Visitors can sample favorites like suadero brisket confit, pollo achiote and vegan mushroom tacos. But what I will forever remember and crave: The grilled sweet potatoes with pumpkin seed salsa macha, cilantro-lime aioli and crispy kale.

provecho: A Spanish expression for ‘enjoy your meal’

SAY THIS PHRASE BEFORE YOUR NEXT EL PASO MEAL

Savage Goods: Oh my, my, is the coffee ever delicious, the environment lively and the food (like gluten-free banana bread) next level.
Doña Tota: You haven’t had gorditas until you’ve had a Doña Tota gordita combo plate.
Casa Cafetzin: From freshly made conchas, breads and some of the best pozole I’ve ever tasted, this coffee stop is a must-try with a warm atmosphere and tasty coffee.
Park Tavern: A fine dining, historic spot since 1918, this upscale restaurant serves hearty, elevated cuisine like Elk Tenderloin with chimichurri, top-tier Brussels Sprouts, mac ‘n’ cheese and Smothered Chicken Breast. This is an ideal date night locale during your trip. Kudos to Anthony, our server, for offering delicious recommendations for our standout meal.
Taqueria El Cometa: Flauta fans will find themselves in heaven at Taqueria El Cometa, enjoying crispy, flavor-packed flautas and a variety of mild to spicy salsas.

A friendly and fortified cultural experience

Before diving into the rich, dynamic cultural experiences El Paso offers, I must reiterate how hospitable and kind the people are in this city. When you walk down the street, you’re greeted with smiles, nods and hellos. It’s additionally clear that local communities are tight-knit, exhibiting great pride in their city’s offerings.

Now, for El Paso museums, street art, missions and more

Mexican American Cultural Center: Dive into El Paso culture with a variety of exhibits like the recent “Maletas Migrantes.” Here, visitors see the complex and often heartbreaking experiences of migrants, immigrants and transmigrants through artistic expression of their conceptualization of a suitcase. Powerful and moving, it’s a must-see.
El Paso Museum of History: This time capsule teaches onlookers anything and everything they want to know about El Paso’s abundant cultural history, including a special military exhibit and the artistry, customs and costumery of charrería (all-female sidesaddle horseback riding).

Jamaica: A hibiscus-flavored drink (sweet and a little tangy)

TRY THIS REFRESHER BETWEEN ACTIVITIES

Mission Trail: The Ysleta Mission, Socorro Mission and San Elizario Presidio are all within driving distance, each with distinct architecture and backgrounds with gorgeous interior design. Be sure to say hello to the gift shop operators, who are incredibly knowledgeable and happy to answer questions about the missions.
Downtown Trolley: This free and irresistibly cute public transportation mode wraps around the city, stopping frequently at historic, shopping and dining locales.
Street art and murals: For a unique and heartwarming insight into El Paso’s Hispanic culture, touring the street art and murals throughout the city is a must. These artistic expressions of El Paso’s past, present and Mexico connectivity can be found throughout neighborhoods, public spaces and commercial areas. One of my favorites: Albert “Tino” Ortega’s 3D balloon murals.

Shopping: Get a true taste of Western wear and El Paso memorabilia

Whether seeking to supplement your Western wear or wanting to grab mementos from your time in El Paso, the city is ready to serve (and trust me, you’ll be ready to spend).Rocketbuster Boots: Let’s start with Nevena Christi, the dynamo owner and artist behind Rocketbuster Boots. Her personality shines as bright as her custom-made boots that you simply have to see to believe! Do not miss this El Paso staple. It’s more than a shopping stop — it’s an experience!
Lucchese: Western fashionistas will be in their element at Lucchese. From high-end luxury fur and leather jackets to boots and accessories, it’s an optimal place to explore and shop.
Starr Western Wear: This store is chock-full of any and every Western wear item you can think of and most things are moderately priced.
Chuco Relic: Chelsie Evaldi perfects the art of “frontera,” the space where Mexican and U.S. cultures blend, providing homages to El Paso in inspired t-shirts, sweatshirts, socks and a host of novelty items. To get a taste of El Paso’s pride, cross-border love, humor and overall personality, Chuco Relic is the place to go. I loved it so much, I brought three t-shirts home with me plus several Estar Guars Lotería Star Wars postcards.

Outdoor adventures: Hike the scenic Franklin Mountains

Hiking Franklin Mountains was one of my favorite El Paso travel activities. Franklin Mountains State Park covers some of the most beautiful desert terrain over 27,000 acres with 100 trail miles. In addition to hiking, visitors can mountain bike and rock climb. During my guided tour along the Aztec Cave trail — a 1.2-mile out-and-back route — Cesar, a treasure of a human, taught me all about the flora and fauna found throughout the park.

There are numerous other trails to explore, varying from mild and moderate to more extreme-level hiking opportunities.

El Paso travel wrap-up

As you can likely tell, El Paso has found its way into my heart as a unique and special place to visit. Stay tuned for more coverage as we take a more in-depth look at El Paso’s numerous travel sites and experiences. In the meantime, to learn more, check out visitelpaso.com.