An El Paso staycation if you live here or are PCSing to the area is a must!

While there are a lot of fun things to do in El Paso the best part is easy to identify, it’s the people. El Paso is a diverse border town where strangers are more than happy to lend a hand and welcome newcomers into the community.

The views aren’t bad either, actually…

The Views are Breathtaking

Actually, my absolute favorite activity in El Paso is to wake up before the sunrise and walk through my neighborhood. It’s quiet and cool during this time and the views are breathtaking!

I live in the Northeast right on the side of the mountain, which means I can see the horizon clearly for miles. While the sunset requires a drive to the top of the mountain or to the otherside to see it’s full beauty, the sunrise is a daily treat I only have to open my eyes for.

El Paso sunrises will stay with me no matter where I end up <3

You can see for miles! Which means the kids and I have adopted the practice of chasing rainbows. We jump in the car and take off to see if we can catch it and find that pot of gold.

And when the city shoots off fireworks! We can watch from the porch or from a neighbors. On the fourth of July you’ll see people at the end of a street out with their folding chairs and snacks, enjoying the best seat in town with neighbors.

I’m Learning to See the Beauty in Front of Me

I have to admit, while the desert lends a beauty all it’s own, I sometimes struggle with the dry dusty climate. So when it is time for vacation plans I start looking for trees, water, and a blueberry bush or two. (I am from Arkansas after all, where berries grow wild along the side of the road.)

This year we were hoping to return home to see the hubbies parents, it’s been over 4 years now. But things changed and fell out of place. Leave was moved and did not coincide with my work dates (Military Life).

So we started looking for somewhere a little closer. I thought we could put to the test guest blogger Janelle’s 10 Things to do in Colorado Springs, CO, and then the truck died.

I am determined to find joy in every day of this summer, despite the Army and despite vehicles that won’t cooperate.

An El Paso Staycation!

We’ve decided to try a good El Paso Staycation this year. Instead of just haphazardly touring the city we’ve lived in for near 10 years I decided to approach it as a tourist.

I wanted to feel like I was on vacation rather than sticking to our already established favorites. So I did what we always do before a vacation, some online research.

I was surprised by all there is to do here! It’s easy to get complacent and think that you have to get out of town to have a little fun.

Food, Baseball, Hiking, Movies Under the Stars, and More

Whether your PCSing to El Paso for the first time or have lived here nearly a decade like us, here is a list of fun things to do:

• El Paso: Fun Things to Do on a Texas Weekend Getaway. This travel blogger packed in their weekend touring downtown, wineries, Cattleman’s, Missions, and more. There were a lot of neat things I learned about downtown El Paso from this article. My adventures downtown have been for Chihuaha Baseball, Anson 11, and the Art Museum. To be honest, the construction has been keeping me away, but perhaps it’s time to venture out. The hotel mentioned at the end of the article sounds like the perfect retreat.
• Hiking on the North Franklin Peak This is an 8 mile hike to the highest point in El Paso. There’s a video and a description of some hidden sites along the way. If you’re an avid hiker and looking for more then just a one time challenge be sure to check out the El Paso Hiking Group.
• Free, or at least really cheap, Things to do with the Kids in El Paso this Summer Here you will find a list of Splash Parks and free showings of family-friendly movies.
• Alfresco! Fridays, free downtown concert series
• Viva! El Paso happens Friday and Saturday nights every summer. This is a yearly El Paso tradition that began in 1978.
• Great local restaurants like The Ode Brewery, L & J Cafe, Carlos & Mickeys, Tio Juans, and more. This Texan says the Mexican Food here is the best

Why El Paso is a Great Place to Call Home

And here are some fun facts/statistics about our city of El Paso. They are great to share with skeptical friends and family who ask, “you’re moving where?”

• Best large city to raise a family in. This has to do with free spray parks, museums, and various child friendly activities. Personally, I have found that El Paso is very homeschool friendly.
• Top 5 Best Cities for Parks. Why? Because we are warm enough to grow things year round. Our backyard garden is producing for most of the year.
• El Paso is the 8th best city for trick or treating
• 10th Best Small American City in 2017 El Paso was the only city in Texas to make it into the top 10. We manage to be a large city who maintains a small town feel.
• And if you are looking to move to El Paso and not just visit, here’s some good news! El Paso is ranked among the best for first-time home buyers.

How do you not love a place that claims fame to the invention of the margarita, where we have our very own country song about a local cantina, and mariachi bands perform at local restaurants (including fast food) on weekends!

Overall, El Paso is just a great place to live with a lot of friendly people and year long sun.

Great Quotes about El Paso, TX

Part of the job for me and others from El Paso who live along the border is to dispel the myths about how supposedly dangerous the border is. - Beto O’Rourke

I’m just a kid from El Paso, Texas. - Ron Stallworth

I didn’t feel like I had a home until I moved to El Paso. - Khalid

What do you love about El Paso? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to add some more places to visit throughout the city and near by.