Summer is right around the corner! This El Paso summer guide has you covered if you’re looking for things to do in El Paso this summer. I’ll mix it up between indoor and outdoor activities since our summers are veeery hot. I’ll also give you summer ideas that range between free, affordable and on the higher end. There’s bound to be something for everyone in this El Paso summer guide!
GO HIKING
Like I mentioned, El Paso’s summer’s hot as hell. You can definitely still hike in the summer in El Paso. But it’s important to take all safety precautions, such as bringing enough water and snacks; hiking early in the morning or later in the afternoon (not too late where it’s too dark though, ’cause we don’t want you to have to call in a helicopter rescue!); and making sure you know the trail well enough. Some beginner-friendly El Paso hiking trails include the Chain Trail and North Mountain Trail at Hueco Tanks, Lazy Cow Trail, and Thousand Steps Trail. Although it’s technically not in El Paso, I’m including my favorite hike — Dripping Springs in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
BRUNCH IT OUT, DUH
OK, I know brunch is not unique to summer. However, just think about it: you’re indoors (or on a nice patio), sippin’ on a mimosa or bloody Maria (or a suero for my sober peeps), and living your best El Paso summer life! Some El Paso summer brunch spots that come to mind are Grove Brunch Cafe, The Junction Brunch House, Malolam, Piedmont, Hoppy Monk, Salt & Honey or Chilaquiles Buen Día!
DO AN EL PASO STREET ART & MURAL CRAWL
There are many beautiful murals throughout El Paso — with a large number of them concentrated Downtown. This is one of my favorite El Paso summer activities because it’s FREE! Follow my El Paso mural list this summer to do your own El Paso mural crawl. Get to know the gorgeous work of talented local artists like Christin Apodaca, El Cimi, Lxs Dos and more throughout El Paso.
VISIT ALL OF EL PASO’S MUSEUMS
El Paso’s museums are a perfect indoor activity for this El Paso summer guide because A/C, hello?! You can hide out from the blazing sun and check out the Siempre Selena/Selena Forever exhibit at El Paso Museum of Art (on until February 2025). Learn about the rich and deep history of the Paso del Norte region at El Paso Museum of History. Another option is the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. Plus, what’s cooler than free admission to all of these museums?! Last but not least, add La Nube, El Paso’s new children’s museum, to your late-summer El Paso activities list — it’s set to finally open to the public on August 10, 2024!
GO SUMMER SHOPPING AT THE FARMERS MARKETS
We have many talented local vendors and a fair share of farmers markets to choose from in El Paso. The most-well-known market is the Upper Valley Farmers Market, which happens on Sundays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., at 7930 N. Mesa St. Another option is Ardovino’s Desert Crossing‘s First Wednesdays Desert Nights Market, happening at 6–10 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month. You can shop for organic produce, meats, freshly baked bread, salsas and more. The newest (ish) market and one more on this El Paso summer guide is The Market: El Paso Artisan and Farmers Market, happening every Saturday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., at Camp Cohen, 9700 Gateway Blvd. N. Shop for locally harvested honey, fresh salsas, produce, jewelry and so much more at this market.
Here are some amazing local vendors to check out at the markets throughout El Paso! Mi Sol y Luna for beautiful, one-of-a-kind candles, jewelry, crystals and more. Vibras Bonitas for the coolest sassy totes, cute cups/mugs and more. Raiz Bakery for delicious, handcrafted pastries and bread (they have a MATCHA morning bun, hello?!). Valley Farms NM for the most beautiful flowers from Southern New Mexico’s only flower truck. Cultura Candle Co. for amazing candles inspired by la cultura. High Desert Apothecary for woman-owned natural skin-care products with El Paso’s dry desert air in mind. And Paw Bakery for premium, homemade treats for your furry friends. And of course, pickup a coffee or matcha latte from Glia’s Coffee trailer!
GET WILD AT EL PASO ZOO
El Paso Zoo has a special place in my heart because I grew up in Cd. Juárez and my elementary school would bring us on field trips to the zoo. Those are some of my favorite memories growing up. They added a few exhibits and new animal areas in recent years, including Magellanic penguins and a one-horned rhino. Head out there if you haven’t been in a while! The zoo is open Wednesday–Sunday. Admission costs range between $8.95 and $13.95 for El Paso residents.
JOIN A CERAMICS CLASS
Taking a ceramics class is pretty high on my personal El Paso summer bucket list! I have a few friends who have taken these classes and loved them. Cantareras is a craft school and studio run by Cassandra Adame, an artist that offers ceramics classes and workshops in Mexico and the U.S. They offer summer workshops (you can learn to make your own coffee mug or dog water bowl), monthly classes (such as a throwing wheel class that meets multiple days throughout the month), and one-day classes/events. Check out their instagram to see the upcoming schedule! Prices range between approx. $50 and $200 depending on the length and type of workshop.
LOUNGE IT UP AT THE ELMONT’S SWIM CLUB
The Swim Club at the Elmont is a perfect place to spend a day in the sun and in the water! Located at Montecillo in West El Paso, the self-proclaimed “true oasis” offers a pool, private cabanas, a “not-so-lazy river,” water slides and a splash pad. They’re also hosting electronic music events a la Vegas-pool-club style with names like Afrojack, Green Velvet and Deorro throughout the summer. I know I’ll definitely be partaking some time this summer! You can buy an Elmont adult day pass for $20 or a children’s day pass for $10 (plus fees).
PIZZAs on the patio AT DESERTO PIZZERIA
No El Paso summer guide is complete without some delicious patio pizza! Don’t worry — they got fans and some indoor seating if you prefer that. Get the most decadent wood-fired pizza at Deserto Pizzeria, a popular, locally owned neo-neapolitan pizzeria that started out as a pop-up and has since grown to have a permanent location. With a thin crust cooked to perfection and fresh ingredients, it’s becoming one of my favorite pizza spots in El Paso!
TAKE A COOKING CLASS AT TEXAS CULINARY INSTITUTE
I love food and I love cooking! Even though this is not the most-affordable option on this list, your money goes a long way here. Texas Culinary Institute offers cooking classes for adults and children. Classes cost $95 per person per class and they’re about 3 hours long. Depending on the class you sign up for, you’ll walk away with a full belly and three new recipes under your belt. The chefs are all amazing and very knowledgeable. I took a Korean noodle stir-fry and dumplings class with Chef Hannahe, and it was super fun! Additionally, I did their Galentine’s Day class with my girlfriends where we learned how to cook Marry-me chicken and made pasta from scratch. I loved it so, so much.
The chefs explain the recipes step-by-step and also demonstrate before you get to cook everything yourself. It’s a perfect hands-on El Paso summer activity for a girls’ night out, a first date or even a birthday celebration. Did I mention it’s BYOB?! They have different classes every month with so many cuisine options. You can pick anything from sushi night, pasta/Italian nights, French cuisine, Mediterranean, Mexican, pizza and sooo much more. Check out their calendar to see what’s on the menu this month!
SOAK AT RIVERBEND HOT SPRINGS
This summer activity is not in El Paso, but the Riverbend Hot Springs in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, is one of my favorite things to do! Only 2 hours away from El Paso, this hot springs resort and spa offers private and common pools where you can soak in high-temperature, mineral-rich waters. I love the private pools because they’re Whisper Zones, meaning you get optimal relaxation as you soak. If you get too hot, you can even pull the cold shower handle and freshen up. Rent a private pool at $40/50 per hour or get a property pass with access to the common pools for $30/40. I usually make this a day trip out of El Paso. I recommend you book a sunset soak so you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Rio Grande as the sun goes down. Bring mosquito repellent!
ATTEND AN EP LOCOS MATCH OR CHIHUAHUAS GAME
Whether you’re a soccer fan or a baseball enthusiast, a hometown-sports match definitely should be on everyone’s El Paso summer guide. Hot dogs, loaded nachos, beer and our hometown teams on the field, what more do you need? Plus, you’ll catch a perfect view of the beautiful El Paso sunsets. Check out El Paso Locomotive FC‘s and El Paso Chihuahuas‘ game schedule and get tickets online!
TAKE A DIP AT ONE OF EL PASO’S WATER PARKS
El Paso’s four water parks — Camp Cohen in Northeast, Chapotéo in the Lower Valley, Lost Kingdom in East Central and Oasis in Far East — opened for the summer starting on June 1. With water fun for people of all ages, making a splash or relaxing in the sun at one of the lounge chairs this summer is a great idea! Enjoy lazy rivers, pools for laps and a different theme per park. You can purchase a day pass or a season pass online. The price range is $15–18.
TRY A FANCY COCKTAIL AT THE TIKI ROOM
The Tiki Room El Paso is a tropical-themed bar in Downtown El Paso that offers classic tiki drinks and island-inspired food. I recently tried out this place for the first time and I fell in love with the food. My super official El Paso foodie recommendations are the Island Ribs, the pork wings and the Musubi Nori tacos. They were all super delicious! I was especially surprised by how tasty the Island Ribs were. Tiki drinks are traditionally made with rum, real fruit juice and homemade syrups. I’m not huge on rum or gin, but I tried their one tequila drink (Cactus Kooler) and loved it! The Tiki Room is located at 115 Durango St., Suite D, and reservations are required.
‘ROID OUT AT ROARING RAGE
Need a healthy outlet for all that rage as a result of the 100-degree temperatures? I have the perfect addition to this El Paso summer guide. Book a rage room session at Roaring Rage Room and smash items for some relief! At $25 per 20 minute session, you can choose from their options of glass breakables or you can even bring your own items to destroy. Roaring Rage also offers axe throwing and rage painting!
hop into a local brewery
Try some locally brewed beers at one of the many cool breweries in El Paso this summer! Check out Three Missions Brewery in Socorro, Texas, DeadBeach Brewery‘s new tavern in Central El Paso, Blazing Tree Brewery on the Eastside, Old Sheepdog Brewery also in Central El Paso, or Aurelia’s Bottle Shop & Brewhouse in the Westside. All of these breweries are born and raised in La Frontera and that’s pretty awesome in and of itself.
JUMP DIMENSIONS AT PARADOX IMMERSIVE ART
Paradox Immersive Art is an art gallery in Central El Paso that is hosting three new immersive exhibits this summer. The exhibit opened on June 1 at 3915 Rosa Ave. It features brand-new work by local artists Laura Turón (Enchanted Skies), Isadora Stowe (Spaciousness), Gitzel Moncisvais (Starter Home) and Alejandra León. This art gallery is a perfect idea for a Friday night out with friends or a date night. Get your tickets online for $10 plus fees.
DID YOU ENJOY THIS EL PASO SUMMER GUIDE?
I hope you did! Let me know what else I missed and should add to this list!
-Valeria
