About El Paso, USA | El Paso travel guides

History

El Paso was formerly known as El Paso del Norte The Pass of the North and was named by Spanish travelers in 1581. The area wasn't colonized by Europeans until 1598 when Don Juan de OÃ±ate led an expedition into the territory. In 1848, El Paso formally became part of the United States and a military post was erected there which eventually became Fort Bliss. The city was actually incorporated in 1873. El Paso Public Library (http://www.elpasotexas.go...) was the first Public Library in Texas.

Climate

Climate	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Daily highs Â°F	57	63	70	79	87	96	95	93	88	79	66	58
Nightly lows Â°F	31	35	41	49	58	66	70	68	62	50	38	32
Precipitation in	0.4	0.4	0.3	0.2	0.3	0.7	1.6	1.5	1.4	0.7	0.3	0.6
Check El Paso's 7 day forecast at NOAA

El Paso is part of the Chihuahuan Desert. It receives on average about 8.5 inches of rainfall a year. The sky is usually clear and cloud-free. Summer temperatures can reach 100Â°F 37.7Â°C or more. Winter rarely sees snow and temperatures drop to around 40 or 50Â°F. During periods of rain, flash flooding can occur.

Understand

Spanish for Travelers

The Spanish language is an important part of life to El Pasoans. It's not always necessary to know Spanish, but it can help in some situations! To say yes is Si, No is No. Gracias is thank you in Spanish. Given that Spanish tends to be a more formal language than English, you will be even better received if can manage "Si/no, seÃ±or/seÃ±ora/seÃ±orita" "Yes/no, sir/ma'am/miss", and "No, gracias" "No, thank you", rather than a curt "Si" or "no." To ask for the restroom, say Â¿DÃ³nde estÃ¡ el baÃ±o?. When asking for directions, you might need a mapa, or map. The calle or street you are looking for may be izquierda left or derecha right. You may want to take an autobus which is cerca de la plaza, or the bus is near the town square.

And if all else fails, and communication is at a stand still, smile and say Lo siento. No hablo EspaÃ±ol.

El Paso is geographically divided into several parts with the Franklin Mountains and Fort Bliss cutting the city into distinct sections. Each area has its own style and culture.

West Side

is between the Franklin mountains and Mexico and New Mexico includes El Paso's most affluent neighborhoods along the side of the mountain. Providence Memorial Hospital, Sierra Medical Center, Las Palmas Medical Center, El Paso Country Club, and the University of Texas at El Paso UTEP are located here. The UTEP area "Kern Place" is emerging as an entertainment district with restaurants and nightclubs also known as the "Cincinnati Entertainment District". The Sun Bowl, Don Haskins center, and Centennial Gardens are all located on the UTEP campus.

Downtown

is in the southern part of El Paso, just below the tip of the Franklin Mountains. The streets of Downtown are often difficult to navigate for first time visitors, especially with the current construction. Parking there are many cheap areas to park your car for the day is probably the best bet. Walking through Downtown, there are many little shops reminiscent of Mexico and many small cafes. Many of the buildings are historic and very beautiful. The Downtown area boasts a beautiful plaza in the center of the city. The El Paso Museum of Art, the Plaza Theater, El Paso Civic Center and a children's science museum, Insights, are all located here. Extensive renovations are taking place in the Downtown area. Nearby on Paisano Street is the El Paso Zoo (http://www.elpasozoo.org).

North East

El Paso is home to Fort Bliss Military Base. Fort Bliss is one of the largest US Military bases in the world and Northeast El Paso is home to many active and retired servicemen and women. Fort Bliss located near the airport with adjacent Biggs Army Airfield has a great influence on Northeast El Paso culture. Tours of Fort Bliss can be arranged, or if you know a service member, have them give you a tour. . Outside of base are many military surplus stores.

East Side

of El Paso is the fastest growing area mostly home to middle class working families. The Socorro Student Activities Complex SAC, Del Sol Medical Center, Las Palmas Marketplace, Cielo Vista Mall and Bassett Center are all located in East El Paso. It is close to the Mission Trails area and Hueco Tanks State Historic Site.