El Paso is located in the
Chihuahuan Desert of extreme western Texas, along the Rio Grande River. It
adjoins both the state of New Mexico and the country of Mexico with the Franklin
Mountains, the southern tip of the Rockies, slicing El Paso nearly in two.
With its classic Western
geography, and because it shares an international border with Ciudad Juarez,
Mexico's rich culture pervades everything in El Paso, from its art and
architecture to its celebrations and cuisine. El Paso's area is 248 square
miles, making it the fourth largest city in Texas, and 22nd in size in the
United States. It is the nation's third fastest growing metropolitan areas. El
Paso is midway between Los Angeles and Houston.
Shielded by mountains on
three sides, the dual cities of El Paso in the US and Juárez, on the Mexican side, are
rewarded with more than 200 days clear days of sunshine annually and a dry
climate, making it possible to enjoy most outdoor activities year-round.
Visitors can sample some of
the best Tex-Mex cuisine in the state of Texas and go bargain-shopping in Juárez,
Mexico, just across the river. There are many historical and unique sites to be
seen from the unusual Bhutanese-style architecture of the University of Texas at
El Paso to the three Spanish colonial missions of Yselta, Socorro and San
Elizario.
The Adventure Zone is one
of El Paso's largest and finest family oriented arcade experiences. It
features a game zone with virtual reality simulator games, a speed zone with
go-karts, and a bumper zone for a water themed play. For roller coaster fans,
Western Playland Amusement Park has rides for kids of all ages. Roller coasters,
water slides, trains, rides, go-carts and more in a well maintained and
exceptionally clean park. This is a great place to let the kids unwind after
long stretches of time in the car! How about a day at the zoo? The El Paso Zoo
is home to over 175 species of animals, including many endangered species, in 18
acres of natural habitat exhibits. The zoo focuses on animals of the Americas
and Asia.
For just enjoying the
scenery, be sure to take a ride along “Scenic Drive”. Visitors can see all of
El Paso and Juarez, plus some of New Mexico. From downtown, take Stanton St.
north, then go right on Rim Road. Another nice trip by car is “The Mission
Trail”. Located just 15 minutes east of downtown El Paso, the Mission Trail is
rich in history dating back 400 years. Visitors can see three active missions,
plus numerous other historic sites. A variety of local shopping and dining
establishments are also nearby.
Of national fame is the
University of Texas El Paso. This renowned University is home to the annual Sun
Bowl held on New Year’s Eve. The school opened in 1914 as the Texas School of
Mining and Metalurgy. The buildings were designed to resemble those seen in the
city of Lhasa in the Himalayas.
El Paso is in many ways
represents the authentic Southwest, standing in contrast to the wealth and
glitz of Santa Fe or Tucson. El Paso is unpolished, undiluted, and honest. El
Paso and Ciudad Juárez each represent their country's largest border city. The
local culture, a fusion of Mexican and American traditions, is unique in
comparison to the way of life in eastern Texas.
Vacationers should be sure
to allow enough time to see it all: exploring, just wandering downtown,
enjoying a Tex-Mex meal, or whatever the particular interest. By spending time
in El Paso, the visitor is bound to gain a better understanding of what a border
town is all about.
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