El Paso is a city that surprises many visitors with its mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and lively streets. Unlike some tourist spots that rely on hefty bus tours or generic sightseeing, El Paso offers unique experiences that tap into its ghost stories, cross-border culture, and interactive fun. For example, the Sun City Ghosts Haunted Cowboys and Outlaws Tour hooks you with tales of restless spirits and historic landmarks. It’s a perfect way to explore the city’s shadowy past while enjoying a lively night adventure. We love how this tour combines history, local stories, and supernatural intrigue—all led by a passionate local guide.
El Paso’s proximity to the border and its colorful history make it an excellent choice for interactive, culturally immersive tours. Whether you’re into spooky stories, exploring neighboring Juarez, or solving city riddles, there’s a tour for every type of explorer. Below, we’ve rounded up the top five options, each offering a different way to get to know El Paso beyond the typical sightseeing.
1. Sun City Ghosts Haunted Cowboys and Outlaws Tour
This Ghosts Tour earns the top spot for its blend of history, legends, and ghost stories. For just $24, a local guide takes you on a roughly one-hour walk starting at San Jacinto Plaza, where you’ll get a quick introduction to Haunted El Paso. The tour then visits the De Soto Hotel, infamous for its sightings and ghostly tales, followed by stories of the outlaws and criminals that once roamed the city and their restless victims. You’ll also see Hotel Paso del Norte, one of El Paso’s most iconic buildings with a dark past.
What makes this tour stand out is the engaging storytelling—it’s not just ghost stories, but stories that connect closely with El Paso’s Mexican-American border history and famous landmarks. The reviews highlight enthusiastic guides and a fun, informative experience, with guests noting how the tour brings El Paso’s nighttime atmosphere alive. For those interested in a short, memorable, yet entertaining experience, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck.
Bottom line: Perfect for those interested in ghost lore, local legends, and a lively nighttime walk, this tour offers a fun, spooky glimpse into El Paso’s past.
2. Private Downtown City Sightseeing Tour of Juarez Mexico
At number two, the Private Downtown City Sightseeing Tour of Juarez is a 6-hour private experience that offers insights into both El Paso and its neighbor, Juarez. This tour starts with a visit to the Parque Publico Federal El Chamizal Land, a piece of land returned to Mexico—an interesting symbol of cross-border cooperation. Then, the guide takes you through Juarez’s bustling streets, visiting sites like the Mission of Guadalupe (built in 1659), the University of Juarez, and the Pope’s 2016 visit.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a personalized experience and a deeper understanding of border dynamics, culture, and history. It’s flexible, allowing you to customize the itinerary based on your interests. Guests have praised the guide’s knowledge and the opportunity to explore local manufacturing, commerce, medical, and tourism sectors—giving a well-rounded view of Juarez’s modern life.
Bottom line: Best suited for culturally curious travelers eager for an in-depth visit to both sides of the border, especially those interested in history and contemporary life.
3. El Paso City Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers
For a fun, interactive twist on city exploration, the El Paso City Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers offers a one-hour virtual adventure. You’ll use an app to find survival items around downtown El Paso needed during a zombie apocalypse, while tackling themed challenges. This game typically involves strategy, teamwork, and quick thinking, making it perfect for groups of up to 10 people.
This tour’s appeal lies in its unique theme, combining pop culture with local landmarks, and its flexible pace. It’s a great way for friends, families, or team-building groups to actively see El Paso’s streets, all while competing for points. Reviewers mention that the game is a blast, especially with the added challenge of fun zombie-themed tasks.
Bottom line: Ideal for groups and families looking for an energetic, playful way to discover El Paso’s downtown while testing their puzzle-solving skills.
4. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in El Paso by 3Quest Challenge
The Fun City Scavenger Hunt is a two-hour adventure that challenges you with riddles and tasks across different quests. Participants use an app to locate items and perform fun activities, earning points for each accomplishment. It’s designed for active explorers who enjoy riddles, puzzles, and a little friendly competition.
This tour stands out for its three separate quests, which provide a layered way of exploring the city’s streets and landmarks. You can set your own pace, and it’s flexible enough to fit into a busy schedule. Even though there are no reviews yet, the format is popular in other cities, and it’s especially suitable for groups, families, or team-building events. The price point of $10 per person makes it an accessible option for many travelers.
Bottom line: Perfect if you want a light, engaging, and flexible way to explore El Paso with a focus on problem-solving and fun.
$10.00 per person
5. Scavenger Hunt in El Paso by Operation City Quest
The Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest offers a self-paced exploration experience with an app that directs you to find items and complete challenges around El Paso. At just $10 per person, it’s an affordable and flexible way to see the city, perfect for families or groups who want to control their itinerary. You can set your own pace, giving you the freedom to linger or move quickly through different neighborhoods.
This experience is especially good for those interested in a rundown of El Paso’s key sights without the rigidity of scheduled tours. Since the host is remote and available for questions, it’s convenient for travelers comfortable with navigating independently. The challenge-focused format adds an element of competitiveness, making it engaging for all ages.
Bottom line: A budget-friendly, customizable option for travelers who prefer exploring at their own pace with a little friendly competition.
$10.00 per person
How to Choose the Right El Paso City Tour
Choosing among these options depends on your interests, budget, and travel style. If you’re after a spooky, atmospheric experience, the Sun City Ghosts Haunted Tour offers a vivid dive into El Paso’s haunted past. For those wanting a cultural cross-border experience, the Juarez private tour provides a comprehensive look at both cities.
If fun and active exploration appeal to you, the scavenger hunts—Zombie Scavengers and 3Quest Challenge—offer interactive ways to see the streets and challenge your problem-solving skills. The Operation City Quest is a good pick for self-guided, flexible exploration.
When booking, consider the time you have available—the ghost tour is quick and fits into a short evening, while the Juarez tour is best for a full day. Budget-wise, most scavenger hunts are affordable, while private tours like Juarez are more suited for groups eager to customize their experience.
Final Thoughts
El Paso offers a variety of engaging city tours that cater to different interests. For a quick, spooky evening, the Sun City Ghosts Tour is hard to beat. If you’re curious about border culture and history, the Juarez private tour provides an in-depth look. For interactive fun, the scavenger hunts are a great way to see the city with a twist.
No matter your choice, booking early ensures you get a spot, especially during peak travel times. With options ranging from ghost stories to cross-border adventures and challenge-based hunts, El Paso has a lot to offer looking to see this city in a way that’s memorable and authentic.