If a road trip to the Southwest is on your list, I’d highly recommend visiting El Paso, Texas. Known for cowboy boots, rich history, delectable food, shopping, and breathtaking hiking spots. And the invention of the margarita – need I say more?
To plan your weekend, here is the perfect girls weekend in El Paso.
To start with, book one of these cool hotels for your fun base camp for adventure.
What to Do in El Paso, Texas for Your Weekend Getaway
El Paso is a cultural crossroads between the U.S. and Mexico and there is no lack of history, culture and fun activities from thrill seeking, outdoor recreation, shopping, dining and arts and culture.
These Boots Are Made for Walking
El Paso is known as the boot capital of the world, so if you’re in the market for a pair of authentic cowboy boots, you’ve come to the right place. Boots made in El Paso include Tony Lama, Black Jack Boots, Lucchesse, JB Hill Boot Company and more.
I recommend touring the Lucchese Boot Factory, one of the oldest boots factories in Texas. The Lucchese is one of the premier brands for cowboy boots, so quality is guaranteed.
A tour will show you how boots are made from start to finish and you’ll see first hand the level of craftsmanship infused into these world-renowned boots. Of course, you’ll probably need to buy yourself a souvenir.
Go on an Off-Road Adventure
If you’re a thrill-seeker, El Paso delivers with outdoor activities such as ATV rentals and hiking tours. Visit the Red Sands area and rent an ATV for a tour which was fun and surprisingly easy even for beginners. We had a blast riding an ATV over the great open plains of Red Sands.
Explore almost 27,000 acres (about 40 square miles) on over 100 miles of trail at Franklin Mountains State Park. If you’re into rock-climbing you can climb at McKelligon Canyon or Sneed’s Cory.
If you want to keep your feet on the ground, I suggest taking one of the hikes to explore the park.
Remember you’re in the desert, please carry plenty of water and a cell phone, wear good shoes, dress for the weather, and travel with a partner. Be prepared for rugged desert terrain.
Go Spelunking
Also at the Franklin Mountain State Park is a cave tour of the abandoned copper mine. This tour would test your mettle as the mine features some uncomfortably narrow passageways. Spelunking – the practice of exploring caves – is a unique experience. The Aztec Cave Trail is not long, but it is steep. The views from the cave are worth the effort.
Ride the Tramway
Ever want to ride a tramway a thousand feet above the ground? Check out El Paso’s Wyler Aerial Tramway, located on Ranger Peak, 5,632 feet above sea level. At the top of the tramway, you will view Arizona, Mexico, and New Mexico. It gets pretty chilly up there, so bring a jacket to ride the Wyler Aerial Tramway.
Visit the Iconic Indian Cliffs Ranch
The Indian Cliffs Ranch is one of El Paso’s most prominent tourist attractions and undoubtedly a destination that should be part of your itinerary. The ranch boasts views that will make you feel like you’re part of an Old Western movie. Check out the Old West memorabilia including an antique wagon collection, a western town, old working stable areas, an aviary and even a snake pit. After touring around the farm, you can dine at their famous Cattleman’s Steakhouse for good old-fashioned BBQ.
Dive into El Paso’s Delectable Foods
El Paso features a delicious selection of cuisines inspired by traditional Mexican and classic All-American dishes. El Paso is also home to casual and fine dining, so you are covered no matter what your palate is craving.
I highly recommend you go to L & J Café, a local favorite in El Paso, voted as the best-tasting Mexican food in the area.
Take a Shot of Margarita
It is pretty much an unspoken rule for a girl’s weekend getaway to do some beverage tasting. In El Paso, it must include a margarita as legendary has it
So it is only natural to take a shot of margarita in any of the dozen fantastic restaurants in town. Also, you can take part in some wine tasting found in places such as the Zin Valle Vineyards. Zin Valle Vineyards offers an excellent selection of sweet white wine to counter Texas’s hot climate.
Watch a Broadway Show
Go to the Plaza Theater and enjoy a classic Broadway show. The architecture of the Plaza Theater harkens back to its 1920s roots and adds to the overall vibe of the place. Just make sure to pick a good seat in advance.