El Paso means “The Pass” in Spanish. The El Paso area, initially named El Paso del Norte (Pass of the North) was inhabited by various Indian groups before the Spaniards arrived. By the mid-eighteenth century, about 5,000 people (Indians, Spaniards, and Mestizo) lived in the El Paso area, where they cultivated vines. Agriculture flourished in El Paso thanks to the Rio Grande River, although it would frequently overflow and damage the crops and fields. El Paso was considered part of New Mexico until the Texas Revolution, which saw Texas gain independence from Mexico and become part of the United States in 1848. In 1850, the present New Mexico-Texas boundary was drawn, and El Paso was placed on the Texas side. In the same year, El Paso County was established, with San Elizario as the first county seat. The years that followed saw major developments such as the construction of the San Antonio - El Paso Road, The Post Opposite El Paso (a military post), schools, and the San Antonio-San Diego Mail Line. The arrival of railroads in 1881 saw rapid growth in El Paso, and by the 1890 Census, 10 000 people lived in El Paso. Great climate, plentiful natural resources, and cheap Mexican labor attracted professionals, merchants, entrepreneurs, and people seeking to cure respiratory ailments in the warm and dry El Paso climate. El Paso experienced another population boom in the 1910s when at least 60,000 people sought refuge from the Mexican Revolution carnage. After the second world war, El Paso continued to flourish, and part of its growth is attributed to the military establishment in the area. By 1986, one-fourth of El Paso’s population was composed of military personnel.

Viva! El Paso
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in El Paso’s rich culture than attending Viva! El Paso, which happens yearly from July to August. It’s an entertainment event that attracts over 25,000 people who gather to celebrate El Paso’s history through song, dance, and drama. It’s a colorful celebration that educates people and tells the city's story from way back when the Native American settlers inhabited the region.

Magoffin Home State Historic Site
The Magoffin Home is a magnificent adobe structure built in 1875 by Joseph Magoffin. The 19-roomed home still has original family furnishings such as an 11.5-foot-tall half tester bed, portraits, and eight fireplaces. In this home, you’ll learn about the multicultural family that lived here and get taken back to life in the 1800s.

El Paso Zoo
Are you wondering what you’d be doing with kids over the weekend in El Paso, TX? El Paso Zoo is a family-friendly place where you could take your kids to have fun and learn a few things. Sitting on 35 acres, El Paso features small and big animals from America, Asia, the Chihuahuan Desert, and Africa. Some fun activities for kids at the El Paso Zoo include; feeding the giraffes, playing at the foster tree house grounds, and cooling down at the Hunt Family Desert Spring.

Hueco Tanks Historic Site
People relied on the rainwater captured in the natural tanks known as “hueco” for years. Apart from feasting your eyes on the striking geological formations, you can see the pictographs designed on the rocks by the hunters and gatherers as they trekked through the region. For an even better experience, you can camp overnight at one of the 20 available camping sites. Other activities you can partake in while at the Hueco Tanks Historic Site include; rock climbing, hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching.

Franklin Mountains State Park
If you are a hiker, you will love exploring the Franklin Mountains. You could spend an entire day hiking through the 27 acres of the park with your friends, family, or your little furry friend. But if hiking is not your thing, you could still enjoy the beautiful view of the city from the mountains, go rock climbing, biking, nature watching, or camp for a few days in one of their 14 camping sites.

El Paso Mission Trail

The El Paso Mission Trail is a nine-mile stretch that tells the story of the oldest missions in the U.S that are still operational: Ysleta Mission, Socorro Mission, and San Elizario Presidio Chapel. Built in 1862 by the Tigua Indians, the Ysleta Mission is the oldest of all, and it’s considered the first mission established in Texas. Initially, the El Paso Mission Trail was part of Mexico. However, with the Rio Grande River changing its course over the years, the trail is now part of the U.S.