Located on the western tip of Texas and right by the Mexican border, the city of El Paso, TX, is a melting pot of cultures and a great place to explore the spirit of the American south. Whether you’re planning a trip with your family or friends, El Paso is close to numerous beautiful and nearby destinations you should not miss while in the area! These are some of the most popular day trips among locals and visitors.
1. Las Cruces
The second-largest city in the state of New Mexico is one of the most popular day trip destinations among El Paso residents, as well as visitors from all over the country! The main cultural and economic hub of the Mesilla Valley, El Paso is home to plenty of local attractions, including museums, performing arts centers, galleries, and seasonal festivals that make it an excellent spot for all types of visitors.
Getting from downtown El Paso to the city of Las Cruces takes about 45 minutes by car, driving north along route I-10. One of the main local landmarks is the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, which features a permanent exhibition on the agricultural history of the Rio Grande Valley over the past 3,000 years. Other popular attractions include the Museum of Nature & Science, the White Sands Missile Range Museum, and the nearby town of Mesilla.
2. Franklin Mountains State Park
If you’re looking for a breathtaking destination where you can go on scenic drives – perhaps in your brand-new 2022 Acura ILX?! – Franklin Mountains State Park is undoubtedly a view that you won’t want to miss! Located a little under 20 miles north of downtown El Paso, this place can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, driving along routes TX-375 and US-54. Established in 1987, this state park is a popular destination among visitors from all over the region.
Franklin Mountains State Park covers an area of over 24,000 acres and is open year-round for plenty of recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking, as well as wildlife watching and photography. Some of the key spots you should check out while in the area include the Ron Coleman hiking trail and the Ranger Peak viewpoint, which offers a beautiful panorama of the El Paso metropolitan area and its surroundings.
3. White Sands National Park
Covering an area of over 145,000 acres and welcoming over 780,000 visitors each year, White Sands National Park is another excellent day trip destination among El Paso residents. This breathtaking destination is covered with sand dunes composed of gypsum crystals dating back approximately 12,000 years. This national park is located about 100 miles north of downtown El Paso, making it possible to reach it in about an hour and a half along route US-54.
Start making your weekend plans to visit these natural beauties surrounding El Paso while the weather is enjoyable!
Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License
Connect with us
