The Sun City Is Shining

Travel through the wide-open plains of West Texas and you'll reach the border town of El Paso. Sitting in the foothills of the majestic Franklin Mountains, picturesque El Paso is home to a range of cultures unlike anywhere else in the Lone Star State.

Nicknamed the "Sun City" for its year-round sunshine, El Paso is a paradise for those who appreciate nature, history, architecture, the arts and delicious food. Add vibrant music festivals, a revitalized downtown with brand-new hotels, a stunning array of other annual events and an easy-going desert vibe, and you've got a one-of-a-kind destination with something for everyone.

History is one of El Paso's main attractions and part of what makes the Sun City so unique. Native American tribes, Spanish explorers, the decline of a once great European power and the emergence of a new republic have all left an indelible mark on El Paso. Visiting groups can discover more than 14,000 years of prehistory at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology before learning about the town's multicultural and multinational past with a visit to the El Paso Museum of History.

Finally, groups could marvel at the white adobe walls and Spanish Colonial architecture of two missions and one chapel on the historic El Paso Mission Trail. The silver-domed Ysleta Mission is the oldest mission in Texas, dating back to 1682. The mission honors Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American to receive sainthood from the Catholic Church. The Socorro Mission contains the oldest relic in the state, hand-painted cottonwood ceiling beams (or vigas) from the 17th century. Finally, the Presidio Chapel at San Elizraio (established 1877) served as a spiritual sanctuary for troops stationed at the garrison.

Do your groups love exploring the great outdoors? Then El Paso is the place to be. You can enjoy rugged trails and spectacular views at the 27,000-acre Franklin Mountains State Park, a haven for hiking, biking and rock climbing. Uniquely located within the city, the park is one of the largest urban parks in the country. Speaking of rock climbing, few places are better than Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site, which draws competitive climbers from all over the world. If going vertical isn't your thing, the park offers hiking, biking, bird watching and a chance to view over 2,000 pictographs dating back thousands of years.

Need more adventure? El Paso is gateway to four jaw-dropping national parks. Located within easy driving distance, groups can experience the stunning dunes of White Sands National Park or the enchanting caves of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Groups could also see the tallest peaks in Texas at Guadalupe Mountains National Park or take in the majestic limestone cliffs of Big Bend National Park.

If urban adventure is more to your liking, downtown El Paso is a great place to explore. After investing in a half billion dollars in renovations and new amenities, downtown has become a mecca for historic hotels, new restaurants and shopping.

When it comes to shopping, El Paso is the boot capital of the world, so if you need a pair of boots off the rack or handcrafted by a local artisan, this is the perfect place to find the boot that's perfect for you. Sports fans could enjoy El Paso's award-winning Southwest University Park, home field for the El Paso Chihuahuas Triple-A baseball team and the El Paso Locomotive FC soccer team. All around town, groups can also find golf courses, art galleries, museums, shopping centers and attractions for all ages.

Visit El Paso and you'll discover our unique history, lively culture, a revitalized downtown and a region with an abundance of travel opportunities for everyone.

Come see why the Sun City is shining.

Written by Jose Garcia, President & CEO, Destination El Paso.

Courtesy of Destination El Paso.

 Photo Courtesy of Destination El Paso.