El Paso, TX, is located in the extreme western tip of Texas. If you stand at the southern border of El Paso, you can step into the state of New Mexico or into the country of Old Mexico. Its location gives it an opportunity to enjoy the diverse cultures of America's old west, the Native American communities, and the traditions of Mexico. When you visit El Paso, bring plenty of sunscreen - the sun shines more than 300 days of the year.

Historic Cultural Destinations

El Paso is an old city with quite a few historic, and even ancient, destinations. The Mission Ysleta is the oldest church that is still used regularly in the United States. Built by the Spanish, in the late 1600s it served as a refuge for warring Native American tribes. The Concordia Cemetery is the largest in the southwest, and is home to the remains of settlers from as early as 1853. The Mogoffin Home State Historic Site is a fully preserved mansion that was originally built in 1875 for a prominent El Paso citizen. The rooms of the Mogoffin home are still furnished with original items from the late 1800s.

Southwest Shopping Excursions

Some of the most entertaining places in El Paso, TX, are the shopping venues. You can find upscale fashion showcases that carry the latest designs, but you can also find clothing stores filled with handcrafted items that were created by natives of El Paso. The collections of southwestern items is second to none, with selections that range from authentic Mexican sombreros to custom made cowboy boots. Just browsing the shelves at some of the shops is an adventure. Open air markets with fresh vegetables are also a common sight in El Paso, and you could collect all of the ingredients for a traditional southwestern meal in one afternoon.

Local and International Art Scene

The El Paso art world is as diverse as the populations that make up the city. Native American treasures are housed side by side with Mexican artifacts and items from the days of the wild west. The Carlos M. Ramirez TecH20 Water Resources Learning Center is a unique look into the complicated technology that brings plenty of drinking water to this desert city. The El Paso museum of Archeology and Wilderness Park is a fun destination for all ages, and provides a glimpse into the ancient people and animals that used to roam the area.