From Desert Sunrise to Salsa Nights: My Day Trip from Phoenix to El Paso

Hey girl hey! You ever wake up and think, “What if I just hopped on a flight and shook things up today?” Well, that was me — carry-on packed, planner in tow, and ready for a quick reset. This time, my wanderlust pointed me toward the soulful desert city of El Paso, Texas — and baby, it did not disappoint.

✈️ Quick Travel Vibes: Flying Southwest to El Paso

I booked a same-day round-trip with Southwest Airlines from Phoenix, AZ to El Paso, TX — quick, easy, and smooth flying all around. Once I touched down at El Paso International Airport, the small but well-designed terminal made getting around super simple. There’s a historic installation on the ground floor, a cute café, a restaurant, and a little shopping area that adds a fun welcome to the city.

After exiting, I hopped in an Uber and headed into downtown for the day’s adventure.

🍔 First Stop: Rockstar Burger Downtown

Let’s talk about food in El Paso, because wow. My first stop was Rockstar Burger Bar — and yes, it lived up to the name.

I started with their margarita flight (because hello, day trip vibes), and then ordered the Cherry Habanero Fried Shrimp, which was the star of the show. Sweet, spicy, and fried to crispy perfection.

Then came the Western Burger, topped with juicy brisket, and served with crispy fries fried hard — just how I like 'em. The vibe inside was chill and laid-back with big open windows and a fun tavern twist. Whether you're grabbing a bite solo or meeting up with friends, this place is a whole mood.

🌳 Chill Moments at San Jacinto Plaza

After lunch, I took a short walk over to San Jacinto Plaza, which is just 5 minutes from Rockstar Burger. The weather was perfect, so I grabbed a seat and did a little people-watching and journaling. There’s a small Tex-Mex eatery right in the plaza if you want a snack and the sound of live music from a nearby festival made the whole moment feel extra magical.

🎨 Art, Culture, and Cars in Downtown El Paso

Here’s where the trip got even better — I accidentally walked right into a full-on cultural celebration.

The area around the Mexican American Cultural Center was alive with a street festival, complete with:

• A car show filled with colorful, custom-painted lowriders
• Food trucks serving up authentic Mexican and Texas-Mexican treats
• Live music and cultural performances
• Face painting, games, and educational booths about Company E, 36th Texas Division 141 Infantry
• And yes — Mexican wrestlers (Lucha Libre style) roaming around post-match in full costume!

I spent the bulk of the afternoon here, dancing, snacking, journaling, and soaking in all the love and pride being poured into the celebration. It was the kind of day that reminds you just how vibrant and welcoming local communities can be.

🧳 Why You Should Take a Day Trip to El Paso

If you're planning a quick getaway from Phoenix, El Paso should definitely be on your list. It’s full of flavor, culture, charm, and surprise moments that make the experience unforgettable.

📌 Quick Travel Tips:

• Fly Southwest for an easy round-trip experience for the low.
• Use Uber to get around the downtown area with ease.
• Rockstar Burger Bar is a must for great eats and a fun atmosphere.
• San Jacinto Plaza is the perfect stop for journaling, relaxing, and people-watching.
• Keep an eye out for local events and festivals — there’s always something happening.

📸 Coming Soon to YouTube:

Want to see the car show, that shrimp plate, and the festival in motion? I vlogged it all for you! Stay tuned for a quick Mz DottCalm vlog drop showing the day from start to finish 💃🏾