El Paso, Texas is overlooked way too much. Being my hometown I have learned to see its many attributes that it brings to Texas. It really gives a feel of a small town in a big city. If you ever take a trip here, there are a few locations to see while you are here.

1. Scenic Drive

There’s always a part in an Indie movie where the group of teens go to the outskirts of town and get an amazing view of the city; this is that place. Not only is the sight something to see, but the journey up the mountain is amazing. It is the central part of the city, so this is the spot if you want to see the true beauty of El Paso.

2. San Jacinto Plaza

This plaza was under construction for so long, but when it opened early this year it brought in a new life to El Paso’s city life. In the center of the plaza, you will see a fountain and a statue of three alligators. There used to be live ones in the fountain, but due to the animals being old and blind and having stuff thrown at them, when they passed the board decided not to replace them. This is an amazing centerpiece for Downtown El Paso.

3. Sunland Park Mall

Every city needs a mall, that is just a rule. If you are looking for somewhere to waste time and hang out with friends, then this mall is your place to hang. It is a quaint mall with major stores, but the possibilities are endless.

4. El Paso High School

This is one of the few treasures of El Paso. It is the first high school built in El Paso. It is a beautiful and marvelous sight with its architectural design. Rumor has it that this high school is haunted, so watch out for ghosts!

5. Transmountain/ Franklin Mountains

If you love the view from Scenic Drive. Then you will love Transmountain. It is what divides the city in half. You get a great view of the city, and you can also take a hike on the Franklin Mountains if you are an outdoorsy type.

6. Chicos Tacos

This is the jewel of El Paso. Locally owned, there is no another place that you will find a Chicos Tacos except in El Paso. Comedian Gabrielle Iglesias always raves about this place in his sketches. This place serves some of the best rolled-tacos, submerged in a tomato sauce, sprinkled with cheese on top.

7. El Paso Zoo

If you want to take your kids somewhere, or you just want to experience wildlife, then you should go to the zoo. Even though there have been many naysayers that don’t appreciate the zoo, there is still a charming aspect to it.

8. County Coliseum

When there are events here this is a great place to go. The environment is great, and it is a fun place to see a show. Behind the coliseum, there is an ice skating rink that you can go to and when the El Paso Rhinos are playing hockey you can go and see a game.

9. Natural History Museum

Before you start hitting the snooze button, you have to take a chance on the wondrous beauty that is the museum. It is a nice Saturday morning, you get to look around and see the history of El Paso, and of science. I am personally a fan of all of the school trips I took here.

10. Star on the Mountain

There isn’t any way to actually go up to the start, but there are locations in Central El Paso that allow you an amazing spot to view this. The star is shown brightly on the side of the mountain. This is the focal point of El Paso, where it truly gives the name to Texas as the Lone Star State.