| El Paso stands on the U.S. and Mexico border flanked by the Franklin Mountains and the Rio Grande River. Originally inhabited by Native Americans, the site was claimed by the Spanish in the 1500s and named El Paso del Norte (North Pass). It was a stop along the El Camino Real, the King’s Highway, serving as a trade route north from Mexico. In 1821, Spanish control ceased and a Mexican flag flew over the area. Following the Mexican-American War, the land was ceded to the United States, essentially dividing the city in half. Cuidad Juarez was in Mexico and El Paso del Norte became El Paso, Texas. When the railroad came to town in the late 1800s, El Paso was notorious for brawls, brothels and bar rooms and gunslingers like Billy the Kid and John Wesley Harden.
Today, the city is a center for agriculture. Cotton, vegetables, fruits and pecans are principal crops. It is also a manufacturing city and one of the largest corporate call centers in the United States. Through the centuries, El Paso has retained it dual Mexican/American heritage. El Paso and Cuidad Juarez make up the largest metropolitan area on the U.S. and the Mexico border. The two towns are within walking distance.
El Paso International Airport offers non-stop service to 18 cities with about 136 flights per day. Ground transportation options include rental cars, taxis, shuttles and buses. Sun Metro bus service and rental cars are best for getting around El Paso. The Sun Metro Trolley offers scenic trolley routes around downtown El Paso and the El Paso Juarez “Border Jumper” trolley leaves hourly for roundtrips between the El Paso Convention Center and Juarez . (Important note: If you plan to cross the border into Mexico, bring proper proof of citizenship. Passports are now required for air travel to Mexico. As early as January, 2008, a passport may be required for travel by car or on foot into Mexico.)
Things to Do in El Paso
Most El Paso attractions feature a southwestern flair. For an introduction to the city, grab an El Paso travel guide and take a walking tour of the historic downtown area. The El Paso Mission Trail also offers a step back in time at three mission churches built between the 1600s and 1700s. From the center of El Paso, it’s an easy walk to downtown Juarez for some shopping and a few margaritas.
Western Playland Theme Park, the El Paso Zoo, Wet-n-Wild Waterpark are family-fun favorites in El Paso. The El Paso Museum of Art features permanent and traveling exhibits and an array of classes and workshops. War Eagles Air Museum is the home of WWII and Korean War memorabilia. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy camping and rock climbing at Hueco Tanks State Historic Site. Experience life on a working cattle ranch or an ostrich farm. Head for the ski slopes at nearby Ski Apache in New Mexico. And, save your appetite or southwestern and Mexican specialties at El Paso restaurants.
Places to Stay in El Paso
El Paso hotels range from basic to luxurious. The El Paso Camino Real Hotel is an elegant, historic landmark in the city. Best Western, Days Inn, Red Roof Inn, Travelodge, La Quinta and Howard Johnson are examples of value-priced El Paso accommodations. Kids Stay Free and Kids Eat Free at El Paso Holiday Inn locations. Marriott El Paso, Wyndam El Paso, Hyatt Place El Paso and Radisson Suite Hotel are examples of three-star lodging near the airport and city. And, Chase Suites offers home-away-from-home comfort in one and two bedroom suites.
El Paso travel packages offer savings on airfare, lodging, dining and local attractions. AAA, AARP and military/corporate discounts also provide discounts on El Paso accommodations.
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