Map your own El Paso adventure with these top foodie and outdoor destinations

If you’re looking for somewhere to escape this winter – somewhere warm, welcoming, perhaps a place that you haven’t been before – your sights should be set on El Paso, Texas. Not only is it known as the Sun City thanks to its more than 300 days of sunshine, but it also frequently tops lists recognizing it as America’s Friendliest City. Further to that, El Paso shares a border with both New Mexico and Mexico, so the city is a beautiful blend of diverse cultures. Whether you’re looking for a culinary journey or outdoor adventure – or maybe both – gather your travel buddies and plan your perfect winter getaway with this choose-your-own-adventure guide.

For the outdoor adventurers

At Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest state park in an urban setting, you’ll find hundreds of kilometres of hiking and biking trails that lead to top-notch viewpoints surrounded by desert flora and fauna. Birders have the opportunity to spot more than 100 species, golden eagles and calliope hummingbirds among them. Other local wildlife includes mule deer, coyotes and mountain lions. For a quick visit, the 30-minute Nature Walk is an ideal introduction to the area. The Maze Loop is a half-day hike with sunrise or sunset views and park rangers often guide hikes – check their website for more details.

Leave the urban buzz behind for some quiet time exploring the canyon terrain of McKelligon Canyon just north of downtown. Routes for hiking, running, walking and biking will lead you by the canyon’s cracks and crevices. There are climbs if you want them – the park is known for rock climbing – but there’s also an eight-kilometre paved loop trail ideal for family walks.

Take a tranquil nature break in the heart of the city with a stroll through the colourful El Paso Municipal Rose Gardens. Truly a place where you can stop and smell the flowers, you’ll find more than 500 varieties of roses, along with walking paths that lead to waterfalls and a koi pond.

Another urban oasis, San Jacinto Plaza is a historic park in the downtown core. Find a spot under the shade of one of the park’s many trees and enjoy a snack from the café or fuel some friendly competition at the gaming areas, where you can play everything from ping-pong to chess to washoes, a game similar to horseshoes.

For the foodies

Just west of downtown you’ll find fresh and flavourful Peruvian-Mexican fusion restaurant Amar, with options for brunch, lunch or dinner. The dining room is as bright and colourful as the dishes the team in the kitchen create. For brunch, enjoy fruit bowls and fresh juice, Peruvian tamales and pistachio lattes. For heartier meals, choose between ceviche (including a plant-based option), tostadas and rich pastas topped with grilled seafood, beef or chicken. And don’t skip dessert, a beautiful blend of South and Latin American traditions can be found in torta de elote, authentic Mexican corn cake served with handmade ice cream, alfajores and avocado ice cream covered in chocolate.

One visit to Taconeta might not be enough to explore everything that’s on offer. Savour the Suadero taco, topped with luscious brisket confit, guacamole and fiery salsa goku, or the Baja fish taco filled with tempura fried cod, coleslaw and chile mayo. For veggies, there’s grilled elote, tempura green beans or the Jamaican tinga taco, which is a hibiscus flower stewed in chiles. The kitchen team has been named James Beard semifinalist in both 2024 and 2025 and makes their blue corn tortillas from scratch on-site every day.

Situated in Indian Cliffs, a working cattle ranch on a starkly beautiful desert plain, Cattleman’s Steakhouse has some of the city’s best steaks, alongside sides like corn on the cob, green chile strips, baked potato and more. But even further to that, there’s plenty to see and do here pre- or post-meal. There’s a petting zoo, maze and playground for kids to explore, a lake and walking trails that bring you up close to nature, plus an antique wagon collection and old working stables that offer a glimpse of historic ranch life.

Start planning your outdoor or foodie adventure at visitelpaso.com.

Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio with Visit El Paso. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.