Once considered a sleepy little town on the border of Texas and Mexico, El Paso now stands as a premier destination for culture, dining, and outdoor exploration. Make the most of El Paso by staying at the Holiday Inn Express® Guesthouse on Fort Bliss, an IHG® Army Hotel. Whether you're traveling for business, TDY, PCS, or just enjoying a family trip, the Holiday Inn Express Guesthouse is comfortable and convenient. Get started with a complimentary hot breakfast, take a dip in the pool, or get a workout before exploring the best of what El Paso has to offer.
Here are a few great options to consider during your visit.
Take a nature break
Fort Bliss is adjacent to Franklin Mountains State Park, with nearly 200 acres of rugged mountain and rock formations to explore. Bring your binoculars—the area’s wetlands offer excellent birding opportunities, and there's nothing like watching an El Paso sunset from the park along the scenic Transmountain Road.
You can also enjoy a scenic escape with a historical twist at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site, situated in a high-altitude basin along the Franklin and Hueco Mountains. In addition to rock climbing and bird watching, visitors can explore ancient rock paintings throughout the area.
Take in some culture
Discover the rich history of El Paso at the El Paso Museum of History, including exhibits showcasing the deep impact of the military on the growth and development of the area. The museum gives visitors a look at what the borderlands are all about, with historical details dating back 1,000 years.
At the El Paso Museum of Art, visitors explore exhibits including still-life paintings by modernist leaders Max Weber, Abraham Walkowitz and Milton Avery. The museum was founded in 1959 and is the only accredited art museum within a 250-mile radius, making it an easy choice for art lovers looking to soak up both global and regional artists.
Pay your respects at Fort Bliss National Cemetery
The idyllic Fort Bliss National Cemetery serves as the final resting place for nearly 50,000 veterans across 83 acres. It’s conveniently located adjacent to Fort Bliss and hosts special events, including a Memorial Day Ceremony and Wreaths Across America in December. If you're looking for a loved one, you can find the names of veterans buried at the cemetery, which has a 24-hour informational kiosk located inside the main gate.
Experience the El Paso Mission Trail
Get to know the area along the 9-mile, historic El Paso Mission Trail, named after the Ysleta Mission, Socorro Mission, and San Elizario Chapel, which are the oldest churches in Texas. You can tour the missions and nearby galleries and shops featuring local artists. Stop and eat at El Bandido Cantina and Restaurant, the only patio eatery on the Mission Trail.
For a look at five centuries of Pueblo history and culture, visit the Tigua Cultural Center. You'll learn more about the heritage of the oldest federally recognized tribe in Texas. You can also join in scheduled events including pottery making, bread baking and bead looming. When you're ready to head out to see the rest of El Paso, take home some authentic Tigua attire and artifacts from the on-site store.
Visit the animals at the El Paso Zoo
The El Paso Zoo sits on 35 acres with animals from Africa, Asia, the Americas and the nearby Chihuahuan Desert. Families especially love the African Star Train, Foster TreeHouse Playground, and the Hunt Endangered Species Carousel. If you need to beat the heat, the zoo is locally recognized as the best place to take the kids and cool off with the help of the seasonal Hunt Family Splash Pad.
Indulge in authentic Southwestern cuisine
El Paso is known for its local Tex-Mex delicacies and regional specialties at renowned restaurants and food trucks boasting the unique flavors of the Southwest. Begin in the downtown Horseshoe District to start sampling the local fare. Or grab some food and head to an outdoor seasonal concert at McKelligon Canyon.
You can also stroll through the newly renovated San Jacinto Plaza, located in the heart of downtown, for dining and shopping options. Whenever you’re out exploring the city, look for the famous rolled tacos at any Chico's Tacos location. They’ve stood as a wildly popular staple of El Paso for over 50 years and attract both tourists and locals.
Root for the El Paso Chihuahuas
Baseball fans root for the El Paso Chihuahuas, a Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres and part of the Pacific Coast League (PCL). The team plays at Southwest University Park, situated in downtown El Paso. The family-friendly setting also boasts dazzling views of the Franklin Mountains and downtown skyline.
Take a day trip from Fort Bliss
There are several world-renowned attractions located within just a few hours of El Paso and Fort Bliss. The unique White Sands Monument is located about an hour and a half away from Fort Bliss at the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert in New Mexico. The otherworldly white dunes look like fresh snow, which visitors can explore along short trails.
For another unique adventure, head to Carlsbad Caverns National Park to explore bat-filled caves. Or you can cool off just north of the park at Sitting Bull Falls or Lake Carlsbad Beach Park, with swimming areas and an adjacent water park.
There’s plenty to see and do around El Paso while staying centrally located on Fort Bliss. Bring the whole family or enjoy some time away from work to explore your location along the Rio Grande—either way, the IHG Army Hotels team will be ready to welcome you to the Lone Star State.