Date Ideas in El Paso: 20+ Things To Do for Couples

El Paso is a beautiful city located in the western part of Texas state. It is the sixth largest city in the state, with more than 600,000 people who call it home.

The city is quite famous for its delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine, and it is home to Aaron Sanchez, one of the country’s leading Latin chefs and the host of multiple Food Network shows. 

El Paso has become a good tourist attraction as it is known for its unique blend of Texas and Mexico. Being at the border of two states and two countries, it is a thriving city with cultural diversity and a rich heritage.

Another thing that the so-called Sun City is known for is the air of romance that fills the enticing city. If you don’t want to go to Paris just yet, El Paso is an option that would not let you down in any way. 

This post explores more than 20 romantic date ideas in El Paso, so sit back, relax, and get ready to start planning an amazing date. And some of these places are free, so you get to spend less on your vacation. 

20 Things To Do for Couples: Date Ideas in El Paso 

1.  Visit the El Paso Museum of Art.

The El Paso Museum of Art, located in downtown El Paso Museum, is the only accredited art museum in its vicinity. They offer various exhibition collections, including modern & contemporary, European, Latin American, and American exhibitions.

Admission to the Museum is free, and if you think museums are not romantic, wait till you hear the story behind the Bernice Promise, a painting by Bernardo Strozzi.

2. Take a romantic hike in Franklin Mountains State Park.

Long walks are always good to get the conversation going, and a romantic hike in the Franklin Mountains State Park is definitely a splendid date idea. Two hiking trails can be accessed from Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive, with miles of beautiful views.

And if you get tired of hiking, you can settle for a wonderful picnic at any of the various picnic spots and campsites available.

3. Explore the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens at the University of Texas at El Paso.

The Chihuahuan Desert Garden is a cultural history museum on the campus of the University of Texas. The beautiful gardens, divided by themes, depict the usefulness of native plants in landscaping.
Nothing is more satisfying than a stroll through an exhibit of over 600 species of desert plants, and it is totally free to enter.

4. Have a romantic dinner at Cafe Central.

Sometimes, an old-fashioned dinner is the best way to go about a romantic evening. It doesn’t get older than Cafe Central, which is the oldest restaurant in the region.

They boast to have the best fine dining experience in El Paso, and they are not wrong. They have an impressive international wine selection and feature various international cuisines. If you are thinking of date night ideas in the city, you can’t go wrong here, and make sure to try their signature Dungeness crab cakes.

5. Take a stroll at the El Paso Rose Garden.

Walking hand-in-hand through the breathtaking and color-filled view of over 1400 rose bushes and over 500 varieties of roses is one of the most romantic date ideas in El Paso as a couple, especially since admission is totally free.

6. Watch a movie at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.

A classic date night is not complete without a movie, and you can take it a notch further with the Alamo Drafthouse cinema.

Not only does it serve you dinner and drinks during the movie, but you can also book for a private event if you’re planning something a little more special.

7. Take a sunset horseback ride in Hueco Tanks State Park.

The Hueco Tanks State Park is a park and historic site in El Paso. It offers hiking, birdwatching, rock climbing, stargazing, and even picnics, but you wouldn’t have truly visited Texas if you didn’t ride a horse, and the mesmerizing sunsets make the whole experience even more beautiful.

8. Visit the El Paso Zoo.

If you are looking for cute first date ideas in El Paso, a visit to the zoo is just perfect for you. The El Paso Zoo is a 35-acre facility that contains over 220 species of animals, including the African lion and the endangered Sumatran orangutan.

It also has other fun attractions like the Foster Treehouse playground and a cocktail area for a cozy dinner.

9. Explore the El Paso Museum of History.

The El Paso Museum of History is a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the 400 years of history of the United States and Mexico border region.

It has an impressive interactive digital wall which is the first in America and one of four in the world.  Another bonus is its free entry, so you don’t have to worry about admission fees.

10. Go on a ghost tour of downtown El Paso.

There are a number of ghost tours in the city, which usually start at night and last four an hour or two. The Sun City Ghosts, Gunfighters and Ghosts, and many others.
A good thriller story is just the right thing to spice up that date, from haunted buildings to urban legends!

11. Take a cooking class at the Cooking Time.

Cooking Time is a cooking class in El Paso that offers date-like cooking classes for couples.
Learning new recipes and cooking techniques together has to be one of the most romantic dates ideas in El Paso.

12. Relax at the Hot Springs in Truth or Consequences, NM

Truth or Consequences is a city in New Mexico. It was formerly called “Hot springs” because it was noted for having the best hot springs.

Its name got changed to “Truth or Consequences” in the 1950s after a radio show, but it still has amazing hot springs. Though it is not technically in El Paso, it is only a short drive from the city.

13. Attend a live performance at the Plaza Theatre.

As one of the oldest historic buildings in the city, the Plaza Theatre is El Paso’s most well-known landmark and a great attraction to visitors. It shows various live performances and also has a couple of special events periodically.

You can be sure to catch a view of Hamilton or other more romantic shows.

14. Visit the Ysleta Mission.

The Ysleta Mission is the oldest parish in the whole of Texas that is still being operated. It was first used as a refugee camp in 1675 and has a rich history of the Spanish mission and the church.

And if that is not convincing enough for you, admission is free.

15. Take a salsa dance class at El Paso Dance Works.

El Paso dance works is a dance studio on the west side of the city with certified and experienced instructors in teaching dance.

Learning a new skill as a couple is already romantic enough. Adding salsa to the mix is just explosive!

16. Go on a brewery tour at DeadBeach Brewery.

If you have a taste for beer, you can visit the Deadbeach Brewery for an evening of drinks and meats. They offer beers in all forms and sizes, paired with brisket, turkey, pork, pastrami, and other delicacies.

They offer something different and unique every week and are always thinking about how to make the most out of a beer-drinking experience.

17. Partake in a Scavenger Hunt.

What is more romantic than going on a Sun City scavenger hunt with your partner? You’ll get to walk around the city and discover great spots and facts while learning about the city’s historical and cultural landmarks.

18. Play mini golf at Western Playland Amusement Park, NM

The Western Playland Amusement Park is an amusement park on 30 acres of land in Sunland Park, New Mexico. The park opens seasonally between March and October and hosts many crazy and thrilling rides.

It also has an amazing mini golf course which is great for couples who might not yet be comfortable screaming their lungs out together. 

If you’re a couple that likes to have fun and let your inner child out, then this is one of the most perfect date ideas in El Paso for you. 

19.  Visit the National Border Patrol Museum and Memorial Library.

The National Border Patrol Museum and Memorial Library is a museum established to preserve the heritage and history of the US Border Patrol.

The exhibitions showcase pictures, books, documents, and equipment relating to the US Border Patrol, including weapons and vehicles used.

Though it is a change of pace, it is still a wonderful way to add some serenity to a date.

20. Take a scenic drive through the mountains to Cloudcroft, NM.

Cloudcroft is a village in New Mexico, and it is located in the Lincoln National Forest. It is an open forest known for horseback riding, hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

A scenic drive through the mountains, viewing the quaint town with shops and restaurants, sounds like a perfect end to a wonderful date. It is also a great place to go ice skating and skiing during the winter. 

El Paso is a city filled with various activities to stir the love pot. From first dates at the Chihuahuan Gardens, to horseback rides for newlyweds on their honeymoon, to cooking dancing classes for married couples who want to spice things up.

Whatever you do, make sure you decide on the locations with your partner, or at least with them in mind. That is the most important traveling tip for couples.