If you are planning to spend some time in El Paso then the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of the places for you to go. It gives you a chance to leave behind city life and spend a day around animals, plants and open spaces. It is close to Washington Park. The zoo has an area where people can walk through different animal homes and have a calm time with loved ones.
The zoo has a mix of animal exhibits, garden areas and things for families to do. There is a lot to see and do no matter if you are going for a little while or staying for a few hours. The visit stays interesting because of the many different options.
In this travel guide, we will talk about the history of the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden. We will also list the things to see and do. Here, we will also explain tickets and opening times. This guide will also cover the best time to visit and visiting tips for you need to get the most out of your visit.
Note: Getting to the zoo does not have to be complicated. If you are planning a group trip with your friends and want a stress-free way to arrive, then booking with a BUSXOXO El Paso charter bus makes your trip easier and more efficient. So you can skip the hassle of parking and driving and just focus on enjoying your day with the animals and gardens.
History of El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden
It has a long history that started in 1910. That is when the city got some deer that people donated which made it the foundation of the municipal zoo. These deer were the start of a zoo that the city would run. At first, the animals were kept near the north end of Washington Park. Then the city decided to build a special place just for the zoo in that same area.
When time passed, the people started calling it the Washington Park Zoo and then the El Paso Zoological Gardens. The zoo got animals and got better facilities as the years passed. Some people and the city helped the zoo when it did not have the money to feed the animals. They built places for the animals and renovated the old ones.
Then something big happened in 2000 when people voted to give the El Paso Zoo 33.4 million dollars to make it bigger. They used this money to add a lot of things to the zoo including a big area for African animals, which opened in 2010. The zoo is still growing today and it has been over a hundred years since it started. This is still a great destination to see animals, learn things and help take care of the environment. The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden is a place where people can go and connect with nature and see all the things it has to offer.
Why Visit El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden
This Zoo is one of the places to visit because it has a lot of different things to do all in one location. You can watch animals, walk around the gardens and see all the different kinds of environments they have at the Zoo. This is a choice for families who want to do more than just look around the animals. At this zoo, you can do things like ride the African Star Train, go on the carousel and play in the splash areas. But it depends on what time of year you are going and what the daily schedule is at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden.
You can also learn about animals and how to help and protect them when you are in the wildlife. This Zoo has animals like giraffes, lions, zebras, and jaguars and some animals from the Southwest. This makes you excited to spend a lot of time looking at all the exhibits at this Zoo and learning things about it.
Top Things to See and Do at El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden
There are many different things in this zoo that can make your visit more enjoyable:
Explore the Zoo’s Themed Habitats
This Zoo is split into different areas that show parts of the world including Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Chihuahuan Desert. Each area shows visitors a different way of looking at animals and the places where those animals live naturally.
The special areas help people walk through the zoo in parts and see all the exhibits together as one big group. As you walk around the park, you can see many landscapes and animals from all over the world while learning about the habitats where those animals depend.
See Giraffes and Other Popular Animals
Giraffes are beautiful creatures that many people are really excited to see at the zoo. Their height and unique look make them very popular with families and children and watching them walk around their home can be a moment during a visit.
The zoo also has a lot of animals including African lions, zebras, meerkats, greater kudus, red river hogs, jaguars and many other interesting creatures. These animals might be more active at times of the day and depending on the weather and other factors. So spending enough time and checking out different areas can make your time at the zoo better.
Discover the Chihuahuan Desert
This Desert is also a good part of the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden experience. It is not a dry spot but it is a desert area that has many kinds of animals and plants. These animals and plants can live in that weather and that conditions of desert.
The zoo has special exhibits that focus on the desert. These exhibits help people learn about the place around El Paso. They also show us how important it is to take care of the animals that live there. This part makes the zoo feel more connected to the area. It helps visitors see the land that is near the city.
Enjoy a Ride on the African Star Train
The African Star Train is a nice way to see the zoo. You do not have to walk to every exhibit in the zoo but you can ride this Train and look around. This is a thing that is very popular with families which provides a relaxing experience.
It is really good for families with young kids. The track runs around the African savanna area which offers the best close up views of animals like zebra, lion and giraffe. This Train is not running all the time. So you should check the schedule when it is running.
Explore the Botanical Garden
The El Paso Zoo has these nice botanical areas that make it even better. When you walk around the Zoo, you can see plants and nice landscaping that looks like the desert around El Paso.
The botanical areas at this zoo are nice and quiet which is great if you want to take a break from all the animals. You can look at all the desert plants that grow in the Southwest when you are in the Zoo. If you like gardens, nature and animals, you should really check out these areas at the El Paso Zoo. It will make your visit more fun.
El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden Tickets and Hours
Here is the information that you should know about visiting this place:
Visitor Information | Details |
| Opening Hour | Monday-Sunday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Last Admission | 4:00 PM |
| Adult Ticket (18-59) yrs | $13.95 and for non-residents $15.95 |
| Child Ticket (2-12) yrs | $8.95 and for non-residents $10.95 |
| Senior Ticket (60+) yrs | $10.95 and for non-residents $12.95 |
| Teen Ticket (13-17) yrs | $10.95 and for non-residents $12.95 |
| Children Under 2 | Free |
| Parking | Free |
| Closed on | Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. |
How to Get to the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden
The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden is located at 4001 E. Paisano Drive in El Paso, Texas, near Washington Park.
By Car
Going to the zoo by car is really easy. The zoo is a place to visit for families because they can bring everything they need. The zoo has parking so people can stay for a long time and have fun. Visitors driving on Interstate 10 or US Route 54 can exit onto Paisano Drive and stay right to join the entrance.
By Public Transport
Going to the zoo using transportation is also a good option. People can use the Sun Metro buses in El Paso to get to the zoo. People should check the bus schedule before they go to the zoo because the schedule can change.
By Charter Bus
Going to the zoo by charter bus is a good idea for school picnics and big groups. It is a place to visit and enjoy seeing the animals, and people can see other nice things in the city too while exploring Texas. Our Texas charter bus provides multiple benefits to a lot of people by traveling together to the zoo.
Dining Options at and Near the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden
There are many dining options near this zoo where you can relax and enjoy your food:
| Dining Option | What it Offers | Approx. Distance |
| Mesa 915 | Salad, sandwich, pizza, burger, chicken strips, snacks, and drinks. | On site |
| Beastro Kiosk | Beverages, Icee, Dippin ‘ Dots ice cream, and snacks. | On site |
| Char | Burger, hot dog, kids’ meal, fountain drinks, and icees. | On site |
| Good Luck Cafe | Mexican Food and Casual Dining | 1 Mile |
| L & J Cafe | Traditional Mexican cuisine in a casual setting. | 2 Miles |
Top Attractions Near El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden
There are many different attractions near this Zoo where you can go after your visit:
Chamizal National Memorial
This is a nice place for you to visit if you want to know more about the history of the United States-Mexico border. It is a special spot because it shows how the United States and Mexico were able to solve their problem about their border in a very friendly way.
You can go to this memorial and learn all about what happened there. People can also teach you about the Chamizal settlement. They also have programs that show you about the culture. You can walk around outside and it is near the Rio Grande which makes it more important. So if you are in El Paso you should really visit there.
El Paso Museum of Art
This museum is an option for people who want to bring culture and art into their trip. El Paso Museum has pieces that are related to arts like Mexican, American and modern art. This is a beautiful place for people to see many different types of art in one location.
It is in the downtown area of El Paso which is in the art district. This museum gives you a very different experience than the zoo. So for people who like art, culture and history, this is a place for them.
Downtown El Paso
In this area you can see different historical buildings, museums, cultural attractions and many more things in El Paso. It will give you a chance to see the city after spending time in the zoo.
People who come to downtown can explore many different things like the Arts District, enjoy local dining, and also see the culture of El Paso. Since this is not close to the zoo so make sure to have some extra time for transportation when planning to visit both locations on the same day.
Scenic Drive Overlook
The Scenic Drive Overlook is really a place to see El Paso and Ciudad Juárez from a distance. You can see these cities and the desert around them. It looks beautiful when the sun is setting and the light is good. It makes the city look really good.
This is a place to stop for a little while if you want to see El Paso from up high. It is different from the zoo. So it is a good idea to go to this place if you are already out seeing the sights.
Franklin Mountains State Park
This Park gives people a chance to discover the desert area near El Paso. It is famous for its mountain views and also has chances for walking, looking around and other things to do outside.
People who want to stay in the natural world can include this park in a longer trip to El Paso. Before coming, look at the information and get ready for the desert, especially when it is very warm. Here is the information in the table form that we discussed above:
| Nearby Attraction | Approx. Distance |
| Chamizal National Memorial | 2 Miles |
| El Paso Museum of Art | 3 Miles |
| Downtown El Paso | 4 Miles |
| Scenic Drive Overlook | 5 Miles |
| Franklin Mountains State Park | 12 Miles |
Best Time to Visit the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden
The best time to go to this Zoo is when the weather is nice and clear. This is because you will be walking around looking at the animals and the outdoor exhibits. If you pick a time of year to visit this zoo, you will have a better time.
Spring: Comfortable Weather for Exploring
It is one of the most comfortable times to go to this Zoo. The weather is generally good for walking around the grounds which makes it easier to explore different things. It helps you to see things like the animal habitats, botanical areas and other attractions without the intense heat of summer.
Summer: Visit Early in the Day
El Paso gets very hot in the summer afternoons. If you are planning to be there in summer, then it is better to go in the morning. You should also bring a lot of water with you, put on sunscreen, wear a hat and rest a lot when you are walking around the zoo in El Paso.
Fall: A Pleasant Season for a Zoo Visit
This season brings cooler temperatures, which makes it a comfortable time to spend several hours exploring the Zoo. The light weather of the fall season also makes it easier for you to see other nearby attractions after you visit the Zoo.
Winter: Comfortable for Outdoor Sightseeing
It is also a good time to go to a place because the weather is cooler. This makes it more comfortable to walk outside than when it is really hot. You have to remember that the animals at this place may be more or less active depending on what the weather is like on a particular day and how hot or cold it is during Winter.
Best Time of Day to Visit
Regardless of the season, mornings are usually a time to visit this Zoo. Going there early gives you time to walk around the area and can help you stay away from the hottest part of the day, mainly during the summer months.
Visiting Tips for the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden
Here are the following tips for you to make your visit more well-planned and have a good experience:
| Tips | Why it helps |
| Arrive early | It gives you more time to see the Zoo. |
| Wear comfortable shoes | It will give you relief and you can explore the zoo more comfortably. |
| Bring Sun protection | It helps you protect your skin from the strong desert sun. |
| Stay hydrated | It is very important to stay hydrated in the intense heat of El Paso. |
| Check the schedule of nearby attractions | Some activities have different operating times, so check before visiting. |
| Pack your meal | The operating hours of food outlets vary and most importantly, this also saves money. |
| Check current Zoo information | The opening hours, prices and attractions can change according to the season. |
Conclusion
This is a place to go for anyone who wants to see animals and nature on their trip to El Paso. It has many different displays, green areas and fun activities for families to do. This place is for everyone, including all kinds of people who are traveling.
It is a good idea to plan your trip before going. Things like looking up the recent ticket costs, the days it is open and picking a time that feels comfortable to walk around. You also have to make sure to leave enough time to see everything without feeling hurried. It is also possible to see nearby attractions along with the zoo to see more about El Paso during the same trip. If you are planning to go with your family, seeing the city for the first time or just wanting to spend time outside, then the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden can be a special part of your trip.