36 Fun Date Ideas in El Paso, TX

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While not one of the most well-known cities in Texas, El Paso is a fun place to explore, with lots to offer to all types of visitors, including couples. If you're visiting the area soon or live in The Sun City and are looking for unique things to do with your other half, this list of fun date ideas in El Paso, TX, is for you!

Just a few of the activities to enjoy together include visiting the pretty El Paso Municipal Rose Garden, having drinks and dinner at Hotel Paso del Norte, and catching a football game at Sun Bowl Stadium. To discover all the things to do on a date in and around El Paso, keep reading for 36 date ideas.

Are you on your way to El Paso last-minute?

Before traveling to El Paso, book your accommodations and experiences ahead of time. We've pulled together top suggestions below.

🏨 Top accommodations in El Paso

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites - el Paso North (relax by the pool)
• The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park (5-star rating)
• Holiday Inn Express - el Paso - Sunland Park Area (rated highly)

☂️ Top tour and experience in El Paso

• UTV Adventure Tour Rental

36 El Paso Date Ideas

Romantic Things to Do in El Paso, TX

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Sip Cocktails at The Dome Bar

The Dome Bar is a stylish and romantic place to go for drinks in Hotel Paso del Norte. The bar serves signature and classic cocktails as well as wine and small plates. While enjoying your drinks, you can marvel at the interior architecture and design, which includes opulent chandeliers and marble columns.

Stay at Hotel Indigo

Couples visiting the city will find an array of romantic places in El Paso to book a room at, and lots of these hotels are centrally located downtown. If you can't decide which to choose, booking a room at Hotel Indigo is an excellent idea.

The stylish boutique hotel has trendy and comfortable rooms, plus amenities like an outdoor pool, a gym, and a restaurant. The hotel is also pet-friendly if traveling with your pup.

Taste local wine at Zin Valle Vineyards

Wine lovers will be pleased to learn that there are some wineries in the El Paso area, like Zin Valle Vineyards. Located in Canutillo, Texas, the vineyard offers tastings, after which you and your date can choose a glass or bottle of your favorite to enjoy in the outdoor courtyard.

You can also purchase charcuterie boards or sweet S'mores boards with various candies, graham crackers, and marshmallows.

Appreciate the flowers at El Paso Municipal Rose Garden

Going to the beautiful El Paso Municipal Rose Garden is a Texas bucket list activity and one of the most romantic things to do in the city. The garden is located in Memorial Park and features approximately 500 varieties of roses that accumulate in a garden of over 1,900 rose bushes. As you and your date walk around, you'll also see waterfalls, koi ponds, and other floral displays.

Relax with spa treatments at Blush Boutique & Spa

Unwinding at the spa with some treatments is one of the most relaxing and romantic things to do in El Paso, Texas. At Blush Boutique & Spa, you can choose from an extensive treatment menu that includes massages and facials. There's also a float room, with hour and hour and a half long sessions available.

Romantic Restaurants in El Paso, TX

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El Mirador

El Mirador is located at Hotel Paso del Norte and specializes in small plate dishes, perfect for sharing with your other half! The eatery also has a rooftop to dine on, which offers stunning views over the city. If you and your date want a larger meal, you can also check out 1700 Degrees or Sabor, also located within the hotel.

🏨 Places to stay near El Mirador Bar

• The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park (exceptional rating)
• Courtyard by Marriott el Paso Downtown Convention Center (rated very highly)

Taft-Diaz

Located inside the upscale Stanton House Hotel, Taft-Diaz is a stylish eatery that serves contemporary Mexican-style dishes. With your meal, you can enjoy drinks from an extensive list of signature cocktails, with wine and beer also available. Delicious desserts are also on offer, and you can dine at Taft-Diaz for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, as well as dinner.

Thyme Matters

Thyme Matters is another of the most romantic restaurants in El Paso, Texas. The eatery serves dishes like tuna ceviche, roasted corn-poblano soup, and pan-seared scallop risotto. You can also get craft cocktails, and there's a patio to dine on if you want to enjoy your meal al fresco.

Anson 11

Anson 11 is a unique eatery with two restaurants under one roof. You can choose to take your date to a charming and relaxed bistro or opt for the fine dining restaurant on the second floor. No matter which option you choose, you'll have a fantastic meal and can return to the bistro for brunch on Sundays.

Fun Places to Go on a Date in El Paso

Hike through Franklin Mountains State Park

Outdoor activity enthusiasts will have a great time exploring the stunning Franklin Mountains State Park together. The mountainous attraction has various trails that can you can hike, bike, or go horseback riding along while taking in the views.

If you have experience, you can also rock climb here, and camping spots are available for couples that want to spend the night in nature.

Experience indoor skydiving

Are you looking for unique and memorable date ideas? If so, booking a session at iFly Indoor Skydiving is a must! At the venue, you and your partner will be taught how to dive in a wind tunnel before giving it a go yourselves. Couples that have a good time could plan to try traditional skydiving on their next date!

🏨 Place to stay near iFLY Indoor Skydiving - El Paso

• Holiday Inn Express - el Paso - Sunland Park Area (well-regarded)

Adventure around the Red Sands area of El Paso

While you can find lots to do in the central El Paso area, adventure activity enthusiasts may be interested in enjoying some activities outside of the city. One great option is going on an ATV tour around Red Sands. During the excursion, you can explore the desert while spotting wildlife and native plants.

Tour the Magoffin Home State Historic Site

There are many historical places to visit together in El Paso, like Magoffin Home State Historic Site. Dating to 1875, the site includes an Adobe and Greek-Revival-style home that was constructed by pioneer Joseph Magoffin.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Today, the home and grounds can be toured, allowing you to learn more about the site's history.

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Admire artworks at the El Paso Museum of Art

Going to the El Paso Museum of Art is one of the best things to do in El Paso as a couple, whether you're art lovers or simply like visiting top attractions. Founded in 1959, the gallery houses artworks of various mediums, from paintings to photographs and multi-media displays.

You can see both contemporary pieces from the last century or so and works that date from the 12th through 19th centuries. There's also a focus on Latin American art, and temporary exhibitions are hosted regularly.

View ancient artifacts at El Paso Museum of Archaeology

El Paso Museum of Archaeology is another interesting attraction to visit with your other half. This museum covers the prehistory of the El Paso area, with exhibits covering history dating back 14,000 years. You can also see artifacts, including ancient pottery, clothing, and jewelry.

🏨 Accommodation close to the El Paso Museum of Archaeology

• Candlewood Suites el Paso (highly rated)

Go rock climbing at Cave Climbing Gym

If your partner likes adventure activities, take them to Cave Climbing Gym for a fun rock climbing date. At the rock climbing gym, you can tackle a range of walls for all abilities. Classes are also offered for all levels, whether you both want to learn to climb or are looking to improve your skills.

Visit Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site

Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site is a fascinating Texas landmark that's located about 45 minutes from downtown. The site has a rich history and has been home to civilizations for over 10,000 years. Today, visitors can hike, bird watch, and discover pictographs that date as far back as 6,000 BC.

Explore San Jacinto Plaza

Hanging out at San Jacinto Plaza is one of many fun things to do in El Paso for couples on a nice day. The park features some walking paths and lots of grassy areas to sit down and chat with your date. There's also a cafe and some fun garden games, like giant chess and ping-pong.

Check out the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

Located on the campus at the University of Texas at El Paso, the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens are a must-visit attraction.

The museum is the oldest in El Paso and has exhibits on the area's history, indigenous communities, folk cultures, and more. After seeing the exhibits, you can wander around the gardens, which include more than 600 species of plants native to the area.

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Follow the El Paso Mission Trail

Walking along the El Paso Mission Trail is a great way to see some of the city's historical sites while taking in the fresh air. The nine-mile trail will take you and your date past three missions: Ysleta Mission, San Elizario Mission, and Socorro Mission. You'll also pass some other landmarks and attractions and can enjoy the surrounding natural scenery.

Share brunch at Grove Brunch Cafe

If you're planning a daytime meet-up, one of many cute date ideas in El Paso, TX, is going to Grove Brunch Cafe. At the cafe, you can order dishes like sweet potato pancakes, chicken and waffles, or French toast with Bailey's mascarpone. Lunch dishes, like salad bowls and pizza, are also on offer, as are brunch cocktails and other delicious beverages.

Learn new things at the El Paso Museum of History

If you and your partner are interested in learning more about the area, plan a visit to the El Paso Museum of History. As you look around the museum, you'll learn about over 400 years of history relating to the city and modern-day El Paso County and can view a variety of artifacts.

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Catch a UTEP Miners game at Sun Bowl Stadium

Sports-loving couples can enjoy a college football game in El Paso at Sun Bowl Stadium. The University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) Miners play at the stadium and compete in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. The school also has other teams if you want to see more games, including basketball and baseball teams.

Go to Keystone Heritage Park and El Paso Desert Botanical Garden

Another excellent outdoor attraction to visit together is Keystone Heritage Park and El Paso Desert Botanical Garden. Covering 52 acres, the park and gardens feature wetlands, an array of plants and flowers, and even the remains of an ancient village. You can also see some interesting sculptures and mosaic art as you explore.

🏨 Nearest accommodation to Keystone Heritage Park and the El Paso Desert Botanical Garden

• La Quinta Inn by Wyndham el Paso West (well-priced for the area)

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Chat over coffee at Coffee Box

A coffee date is always a good idea, especially if you're looking for first-date ideas in El Paso. One of the most popular coffee shops in the city to check out is Coffee Box.

The trendy cafe serves a range of hot and iced coffee drinks, with plant milk available for all. You can also choose from an extensive tea menu, and smoothies, frappes, and agua fresca are on offer as well.

Enjoy tea at Caffe Fioretti

Caffe Fioretti is a charming spot to stop at for tea with your other half. The cafe has many options to choose from, including cherry rose green tea, apricot black tea, and strawberry rooibos tea. You can also get coffee drinks and beverages like matcha lattes and chai tea lattes.

Snuggle with cats at Sun City Kitty

Sun City Kitty is the perfect place to go if your date is an animal lover. The cafe is home to adoptable cats that you can pet and play with.

If you and your partner have been thinking of adopting a cat, you may find a new feline family member during your visit! While at the cafe, you can also order tea and coffee drinks or fresh lemonade.

🏨 Accommodation near Sun City Kitty

• The Hotel at Sunland Park Casino el Paso, Ascend Hotel Collection

Things to Do on a Date Night in El Paso

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Watch a performance at The Plaza Theatre

Constructed in 1930, The Plaza Theatre is a renowned performance venue in the city. If you're looking for memorable date night ideas in El Paso, TX, going to the theater to see a show is a must.

Things to watch range from concerts to musicals and ballets. As the venue is located downtown, you'll also find bars and restaurants nearby to go to before or after the show.

Get drinks at 1922

1922 is a stylish bar serving a variety of craft cocktails. It's the perfect place to go for a romantic drinks date. Along with unique cocktails, you can get classic ones as well as beer and wine. Sharing plates are also available, and the bar often hosts live music acts.

Tackle an escape room

Playing an escape game at Red Door Escape Room is a great date night activity. You can choose from various themes, including a fairy tale adventure room and a murder mystery game. You have an hour to solve the game, and even if you and your date don't complete it, you'll have a fun time trying.

Dare to go on a ghost tour

Going on a ghost tour is an excellent idea if you want to do something unique in the evening with your other half. El Paso Ghost Tours will take you to a range of historical sites that are connected to spooky events and paranormal activity. At each place, you'll learn more about their history and the eerie things that have been experienced in the area.

Plan a movie date at Cinemark El Paso

Spending an evening at the movies is always a good idea, and you can see a range of films together at Cinemark El Paso. The theater shows all the new releases, and you can pick up classic movie snacks before the film begins. You can also order food and drinks to your seats, including alcoholic beverages.

🏨 Place to stay near Cinemark East Montana and XD

• Tru by Hilton el Paso Northeast

Spend the evening at El Paso Comic Strip comedy club

There are many bars and restaurants to visit in the city; however, if you're looking for more unique date night ideas in El Paso, plan an evening out at El Paso Comic Strip.

The comedy club hosts a variety of shows, from those by local comedians to performances by well-known national acts. You can also purchase food and beverages, including alcoholic drinks, to enjoy while watching the show.

🏨 Nearest accommodation to the El Paso Comic Strip

• Embassy Suites by Hilton el Paso (highly acclaimed)

Fun Things to Do Near El Paso, TX, for Couples

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Drive to Albuquerque

There are many things to do together in El Paso; however, if you're happy to travel, there are some great locations nearby for a romantic weekend getaway, like Albuquerque.

You can reach the New Mexico city in about four hours when driving. Fun and romantic things for couples to do in Albuquerque include taking a hot air balloon ride, exploring Old Town Albuquerque, and seeing a show at the KiMo Theatre.

🏨 Accommodations near Albuquerque

• The Monterey Motel (soak up the sun poolside)
• El Vado Motel (well-rated)

Go to Las Cruces for the weekend

Las Cruces in New Mexico is another option for a weekend or even a day trip. You can reach the city in around an hour when driving and will find no shortage of fun things to do once you arrive. Activities to enjoy range from shopping at farmers' markets or visiting art galleries to hiking in parks and going to local wineries and breweries.

🏨 Stay near Las Cruces

• Comfort Suites of Las Cruces I-Two5 North (relaxing pool)
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Las Cruces (rated very highly)

Have a fun day at Western Playland

Western Playland is a fun place to spend the day with your date and feel like a kid again! The 30-acre amusement park has an array of rides, from thrill-seeking rollercoasters to more laid-back rides.

After enjoying the amusements, you can get theme park snacks, and sometimes there are DJs on-site in the evenings. Do note that the park is across the state border in New Mexico but is only 15 minutes away when driving from El Paso.

In Conclusion

As you can see, there are many fun and romantic spots in El Paso to visit with your other half. No matter what you like doing together, this list should have given you many ideas for your next date in The Sun City!

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