The 9 Best Weekend Getaways from El Paso, Texas (2023)

El Paso, on the western tip of Texas, is the gateway to multi-state adventures.

Beyond the city of El Paso, the borders of Texas, Mexico and New Mexico meet, and for those heading west on I-10, this will be the last farewell to the Lone Star State. 🇧🇷 Just to give you a better idea of ​​what it really means to be this far west within the state, El Paso is actually closer to San Diego (three states more) than Houston.

All of this means that if you're looking for a shore excursion from El Paso, don't limit yourself to just Texas, but additional options in New Mexico and even Arizona are also just a short drive away.

If your dream is to spend the weekend in a picturesque national park, a bustling metropolis or a quirky small town, at least one of these weekend trips from El Paso will catch your eye.

Related reading:5 must-do Texas scenic train rides

1. Las Cruces, New Mexico

The 9 Best Weekend Getaways from El Paso, Texas (1)

In less than an hour you can drive from El Paso to Las Cruces, the second largest city in New Mexico. Las Cruces is known for its rich history as it was home to many indigenous nations and their descendants and was a stop on the Camino Real. You can learn about local history atNew Mexico Ranch and Ranch Heritage Museum,the zuhl museum, jold town of Mesilla.

Las Cruces is also a place where nature lovers can wander and see for themselves why New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment. Hike to an abandoned mountain camp or a cave in theArea natural drip fountains🇧🇷 See fossilized footprints from the Paleozoic EraNational Monument of Prehistoric Paths🇧🇷 Explore hectaresOrgan Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument🇧🇷 You'll find more than enough for a weekend.

  • Entfernung von El Paso:47 miles
  • Non-stop travel time:60 minutes

Related reading:9 Beautiful Hikes Near Albuquerque, New Mexico

2. White-Sands-Nationalpark

The 9 Best Weekend Getaways from El Paso, Texas (2)

Who says you have to go to the beach to enjoy beautiful white sand? More than offering its visitors forests or mountains,White-Sands-Nationalparkin New Mexico has 275 square miles of sand dunes, making it the largest gypsum dune field in the world. Don't even think about bottling this beautiful sand as a souvenir, as it is a federal crime. What you can do, however, is slide across the sand on one of the plastic snow discs available at the gift shop, hike one of the established trails, and bike or drive along picturesque Dunes Drive.

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The park offers primitive camping inside, unfortunately not at this time. Don't worry, you can find outsome other campsites in the areaPost for the weekend.

  • Entfernung von El Paso:95 miles
  • Non-stop travel time:1 hour 30 minutes

Related reading:The 9 Best Hot Springs in New Mexico to Leave Your Cares Behind

3. Guadeloupe-Mountains-National Park

The 9 Best Weekend Getaways from El Paso, Texas (3)

Everyone talks about Big Bend National Park, but many forget that Texas has another national park within its borders:Guadeloupe-Mountains-National Park.

One of the notable features of this park is that it has the highest natural point in the state, Pico Guadalupe, which stands at 8,751 feet above sea level. It usually takes six to eight hours (mostly strenuous) to hike to the summit and back, but boy are the views from the top worth it. If you're looking for something a little less challenging, there are over 80 miles of trails to choose from.

The park has three campgrounds designed for tents and RVs, as well as wild campgrounds for backpackers. Anyone staying at the park should look forward to some spectacular starry skies.

  • Entfernung von El Paso:113 miles
  • Non-stop travel time:2 hours

Related reading:13 Great Things to Do in Lubbock, Texas

4. Carlsbad-Caverns-Nationalpark

The 9 Best Weekend Getaways from El Paso, Texas (4)

Keep going through Guadalupe Mountains National Park and before long you will be in another national park, this oneCarlsbad-Caverns-Nationalpark🇧🇷 Nearly half a million people visit this site every year to see the incredible underground rock formations. An interesting aspect of the experience is that you don't need to take a guided tour to explore the cave. Instead, you can set up your own site along one of two 1.25-mile trails: the Big Room Trail and the Steeper Natural Entrance Trail.

To ensure your visit runs smoothly, make reservations online or by phone in advance. You cannot enter without this reservation, and you cannot make one in the park either! If you plan on camping, you should also know that only primitive and rudimentary camping is available locally. Otherwise, you'll be staying in White's City or Carlsbad.

  • Entfernung von El Paso:156 miles
  • Non-stop travel time:2 hours, 30 minutes

Related reading:8 secluded New Mexico cabins for a relaxing getaway

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5. Ruidoso, New Mexico

The 9 Best Weekend Getaways from El Paso, Texas (5)

Located in the Sierra Blanca mountain range, Ruidoso is popular with skiers who flock to town.Ski-ApachePowder ski resort in warm climates. But Ski Apache isn't just winter fun. During the summer season, the resort opens trails for mountain biking, zip lines and gondola rides. Another spot for some family activities isnoisy winter park, which offers hoses all year round.

For more things to do in Ruidoso seeThe Hubbard Museum of the American West, swimming in Grindstone Lake, hiking aWetzsteinställeand walk aroundLincoln NationalforstÖTwo Rivers Park🇧🇷 With all these options at your fingertips, you won't have time to get bored.

  • Entfernung von El Paso:139 miles
  • Non-stop travel time:2 hours, 30 minutes

Related reading:10 Relaxing Cabins for Rent Near Taos, New Mexico

6. Maria

The 9 Best Weekend Getaways from El Paso, Texas (6)

If there's one town that seems to embody the magic of West Texas, it's Marfa. Despite its small size and relative remoteness, Marfa increasingly attracts tourists with its eclectic charm and unique attractions.

For starters, there's all the amazing art, even in thechinese foundation,Marfa Salon,Judd Foundation, jayn foundation🇧🇷 Then there is the whole mystery of the Marfa lights that attracts people. Head to the Marfa Mysterious Lights Viewing Area at night and see if you too can spot the mysterious, distant glowing orbs that have intrigued people for over a century. Heading back to El Paso, you must stop at Prada Marfa, the famous facility built to look like a Prada store in the middle of the desert.

  • Entfernung von El Paso:194 miles
  • Non-stop travel time:3 hours

Related reading:Top 10 Texas Hikes for Prime Scenery in the Lone Star State

7. Monahans SandhĂĽgel State Park

The 9 Best Weekend Getaways from El Paso, Texas (7)

No,Parque Estate Monahans SandhillsIt's not as big as White Sands, but that doesn't mean it's not worth a visit. Standing between soft sand dunes stretching to the horizon, you might not believe you're still in Texas. To make the most of the unique environment, borrow a sand disc from the site and slide down. Otherwise, you are free to roam wherever you like as there are no designated hiking trails.

Monahans Sandhills State Park has powered campgrounds and you can reserve one online. Otherwise, you can find some cheap hotels in Monahans town. While you're in town, you might want to check this out.Museum of Millions of Barrels, where you can see a huge oil tank the size of three football fields.

  • Entfernung von El Paso:253 miles
  • Non-stop travel time:3 hours, 45 minutes

related reading:10 Places to See Native American Pictographs and Petroglyphs in the West

(Video) Best Things to Do in El Paso, Texas

8. Big-Bend-Nationalpark

The 9 Best Weekend Getaways from El Paso, Texas (8)

Big-Bend-NationalparkIt may not be one of the most visited parks in the country, but that says more about its remoteness than the wonders it has to offer. And there really is a lot, considering the park is bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island.

Here you can hike in the mountains, along the river and through the desert. You can kayak, canoe or raft through the river gorges. In the night sky you can see an incredible number of stars. You can take a drive on one of the scenic roads, some of which are paved and some of which are not. Basically, you'll realize early on in your visit that one weekend isn't enough to experience Big Bend. But two days is certainly better than nothing, and there are campsites within the park so you can spend more time adventuring and less time driving back and forth from your lodge.

  • Entfernung von El Paso:318 miles
  • Non-stop travel time:4 hours, 45 minutes

Related reading:12 Great Airbnbs Near Big Bend National Park

9. Tucson, Arizona

The 9 Best Weekend Getaways from El Paso, Texas (9)

In about the same time it would take you to drive from El Paso to Big Bend National Park, you can drive in the other direction and arrive in Tucson. This great city is full of attractions for all ages. TheArizona-Sonora Desert Museum,Pima Air and Space Museum, jTucson Botanical Gardenare just some of the popular destinations for visitors and locals alike.

If you crave a wilder wilderness amidst all the big city action, take the short trip there.Saguaro-Nationalparkwhere you can greet the largest cactus in the country: the giant saguaro. Another option would be to visitSabino Canyon Recreation Area, which offers great hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities (try to spot a Gila monster!).

  • Entfernung von El Paso:318 miles
  • Non-stop travel time:4 hours, 45 minutes

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FAQs

What is 4 hours away from El Paso? ›

State parks 4 hours from El Paso
  • Manzano Mountains State Park.
  • Cibola National Forest.
  • Monahans Sandhills State Park.
  • Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Roper Lake State Park.
  • Apache National Forest.
  • Escudilla Mountain.

What is 3 hours away from El Paso? ›

Cities 3 hours from El Paso
  • 2 hr 58 min: Encinoso, NM.
  • 2 hr 57 min: Virden, NM.
  • 2 hr 56 min: Alamillo, NM.
  • 2 hr 55 min: Verhalen, TX.
  • 2 hr 54 min: Marfa, TX.
  • 2 hr 53 min: San Simon, AZ.
  • 2 hr 53 min: Lincoln, NM.
  • 2 hr 50 min: Franklin, AZ.

What is a good length road trip? ›

The perfect amount of time to spend on a road trip completely depends on where it is you're travelling to, but anywhere from one week to ten days is usually ideal for most destinations. If you're still unsure how long you should go on your road trip for, read on.

How do I spend a weekend in El Paso TX? ›

25 Best Things to Do in El Paso, Texas
  1. Hueco Tanks State Historic Site, El Paso, Texas. ...
  2. El Paso Museum of Art. ...
  3. El Paso Zoo, El Paso, Texas. ...
  4. Things to Do in El Paso: Franklin Mountains State Park. ...
  5. Plaza Theatre, El Paso, Texas. ...
  6. El Paso Holocaust Museum. ...
  7. Magoffin Home State Historic Site, El Paso, Texas.
26 Oct 2022

What city in Mexico is close to El Paso? ›

Juárez, also called Ciudad Juárez, city, northern Chihuahua estado (state), northern Mexico. It is located on the Rio Grande (Río Bravo del Norte) opposite El Paso, Texas, U.S., with which it is connected by bridges.

What city in Mexico is close to El Paso Texas? ›

Ciudad Juárez, Mexico

The city lies on the Rio Grande (RĂ­o Bravo del Norte), south of El Paso, Texas.

How long is too long for a car ride? ›

As a general rule, it's best to take a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours, and to not drive for more than eight hours in a day, to ensure you stay alert and avoid the associated risks of driving for too long without a rest.

Are longer trips better for your car? ›

Are long road trips bad for your car? It's a question we get asked a lot. In general no, they're not. In fact, taking your car for one long drive can be better for it than making many short trips.

What is the number 1 attraction in Texas? ›

1: The Alamo

San Antonio is home to one of the most famous attractions in Texas, the Alamo. The Alamo is the site of a former Spanish mission, now converted into a museum experience.

Does El Paso have a heat island? ›

This is known as the urban heat island effect. An urban island is a city area that is warmer than the areas surrounding it. This effect is formed when rural areas are replaced with asphalt, concrete, and buildings, much like El Paso.

How do you plan a 3 day weekend? ›

The following are some ideas for what to do on this upcoming three-day weekend.
  1. Make quality time. ...
  2. Unplug from your work email. ...
  3. Tackle a new project. ...
  4. Go on a mini-vacay. ...
  5. Prepare for new projects. ...
  6. Kickstart a hobby. ...
  7. Veg out. ...
  8. Plan your next vacation.
10 Feb 2016

What is 5 hours away from El Paso? ›

Places to visit about 5 hours from El Paso
  • 273 miles north of El Paso: Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Tia Sophia's. Santa Fe Plaza. ...
  • 273 miles north of El Paso: Field Tract Campground. Dalton Canyon - Pecos Complex Wildlife Area. Cow Creek Campground. ...
  • 270 miles north of El Paso: Seton Village. Hyde Memorial State Park. Pigeon's Ranch.

How many hours is El Paso to Mexico? ›

Distance between El Paso and Mexico City is 1556 kilometers (967 miles). Driving distance from El Paso to Mexico City is 1839 kilometers (1142 miles).
...
Estimated Travel Time Between El Paso and Mexico City.
Average SpeedTravel Time
40 mph (64 km/h)28 hours 43 minutes
50 mph (80 km/h)22 hours 58 minutes
4 more rows

Where should I stop between El Paso and Austin? ›

The top stops along the way from El Paso to Austin (with short detours) are Mission San Jose Church, National Museum of the Pacific War, and Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels. Other popular stops include Circuit of the Americas, E Main St, and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

Is El Paso mostly Mexican? ›

El Paso, a city of nearly 700,000 people at the juncture of Texas, New Mexico and the Mexican state of Chihuahua, is 80 percent Hispanic, and the overwhelming majority are U.S. citizens.

Is Juarez Mexico safe for tourists? ›

The survey also found that 11% of respondents reported being a victim of crime in 2021, down from 13% in 2020 and 15% in 2019. Juárez was ranked No. 6 on a list of the world's most violent cities in 2021 compiled by the Citizens Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice, a Mexican think tank.

Can you walk across the border from Texas to Mexico? ›

Texas and Mexico share 1,254 miles of common border and are joined by 28 international bridges and border crossings. This number includes two dams, one hand-drawn ferry, and 25 other crossings that allow commercial, vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

What town is on the other side of El Paso? ›

El Paso is the sixth largest city in Texas, with 682,000 residents (2018). It is on the United States-Mexico border. The city on the other side of the border is Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua.

What does the word El Paso mean? ›

The name comes from "El Paso de Norte", meaning The Passageway to the North. El Paso, Texas. City.

What is the safest city in Mexico? ›

Seven of the safest cities in Mexico
  1. Merida. Widely acknowledged as the safest city in Mexico (and even Latin America), your biggest safety concern in Mérida will probably be the busy traffic. ...
  2. Playa del Carmen. ...
  3. Mexico City. ...
  4. Puerto Vallarta. ...
  5. San Miguel de Allende. ...
  6. Sayulita. ...
  7. Huatulco.
15 Sept 2022

Is El Paso close to Arizona? ›

It's about 430 miles, or just about six and a half hours, to drive from El Paso to Phoenix.

How many hours is Mexico from El Paso? ›

The total flight duration from Mexico City, Mexico to El Paso, TX is 2 hours, 26 minutes. This assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing.

How far apart is Dallas and El Paso? ›

There are 570.11 miles from El Paso to Dallas in east direction and 635 miles (1,021.93 kilometers) by car, following the I-20 route. El Paso and Dallas are 9 hours 35 mins far apart, if you drive non-stop .

What city is 4 hours from El Paso? ›

Tucson, Arizona

Find yourself surrounded by the Sonoran Desert when booking a vacation rental in Tucson, located just four hours from El Paso. This vibrant city offers outdoor adventures in Saguaro National Park where you can hike and bike the trails or stop in at the Tucson Zoo to see the exotic animals.

Where should I stop between El Paso and Dallas? ›

Some of the major cities between El Paso and Dallas are Abeliene, Midland, and Odessa. As you might guess, Midland is roughly halfway and a great spot to stop overnight.

Why do they call it El Paso? ›

The strategic site was recognized in 1598 by Juan de Oñate, colonizer of New Mexico, who called it El Paso del Norte (Spanish: “The Pass of the North”).

What percent of El Paso is Hispanic? ›

Race and Ethnicity

81.5% of the people in El Paso, TX are hispanic (554k people).

Why is El Paso famous? ›

Today, El Paso is known for its large military presence that is anchored by Fort Bliss, but on the flip side has an up-and-coming culinary scene. With a growing list of top-notch restaurants, museums, and theaters this is a town worth getting to know.

How far is Cabo from El Paso by plane? ›

71 travel days available.
...
Travel Advisory.
Departing fromEl Paso International Airport (ELP)
Arriving atLos Cabos International Airport (SJD)
Distance630 miles

How far is Cancun from El Paso flying? ›

1414 miles

Can you see the Mexican border from El Paso? ›

El Paso lies in a narrow space between rugged mountains and the Rio Grande. From almost anywhere, you can see into Ciudad Juárez, a city of 1.3 million people just on the other side of a tall border fence.

What is the border town to El Paso? ›

El Paso stands on the Rio Grande across the Mexico–United States border from Ciudad Juárez, the most-populous city in the Mexican state of Chihuahua with over 1.5 million people.

Is El Paso worth living in? ›

Home to many fabulous beaches and historical sites, experience Mexican culture just minutes away from home. While living in a border city may have cons and bad stereotypes, El Paso is actually ranked as one of the safest cities in the United States.

What city is across the border from El Paso? ›

Managing the world's largest international border metroplex comprised of three international ports of entry connecting El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua.

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