what to do in amarillo

Visit Amarillo, The Symbol of Route 66 in Texas

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Amarillo, located along the I-40 in Texas, is famous for its Historic Route 66 attractions and is perfect for experiencing the atmosphere of the Wild West. Themed restaurants, classic cars and curious installations make it a fun stop for those who are traveling the Mother Road from Chicago to Los Angeles.

The city is located in the northern region of Texas, called Panhandle because of its shape. In addition to the roadside attractions, here we also find the second largest canyon in the United States, interesting museums, and events related to the western-country world. Let’s discover all the things to do in Amarillo!

Historical background

Amarillo may seem like a small provincial town, but it actually has 190,000 inhabitants, an airport, and a university campus.

Its original name was Oneida, and it was founded in 1887 by J.T. Berry, as a commercial hub along the railroad route between Fort Worth and Denver City. Since the area was prone to flooding, some forward-thinking businessmen began to purchase land nearby for residential purposes. When, indeed, some heavy rains rendered the original settlement of Berry uninhabitable, the population naturally moved to the new settlement, which is now the Polk Street area. It was at this point that the town changed its name to Amarillo, a name due to the large expanses of yellow flowers in the surrounding prairies. In Spanish, amarillo actually indicates a shade of yellow.

With the discovery of natural gas and oil, Amarillo became one of the state’s major manufacturing centers, thanks in part to its favorable location for railroad trade. Later, like other cities, it was hit by the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, and saw a gradual decline. What saved it was the production of war material during World War II, and the establishment of the Amarillo Air Force Base in 1951.

And, of course, the legendary US Route 66, the road that embodies the myth of road trips and the American dream, made its contribution. With the frequent passage of travelers, many stores, restaurants and curious roadside attractions were opened to entertain visitors and extend their stay in the city. It is precisely these attractions that still make it a popular tourist destination today.

How to get there

things to do in Amarillo

As we mentioned, Amarillo has an airport, the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. However, you are more likely to arrive here by car, as part of a larger road trip itinerary. Therefore, I will give you directions to get to the city via road.

Getting there is easy, as Amarillo is located on interstate I-40, the very long highway that cuts horizontally across the U.S., connecting California and North Carolina. Extending horizontally, Amarillo has several exits, from 62 to 80, leading respectively to the Cadillac Ranch and the airport.

  • If you are coming from the east, for example from Oklahoma City, take I-40 westbound, and continue for about 250 miles to the exit closest to your destination. The travel time is about 3h 45.
  • From the west, for example from Albuquerque, you will have to take I-40 again, but this time heading east. In this case, the distance is 280 miles, and travel time just over 4 hours.
  • From the south, for example from Lubbock, take I-73 for 120 miles. This highway ends right in the center of Amarillo, so it is impossible to go wrong. Travel time is almost 2 hours.

Which itinerary to include it in

Amarillo is an obligatory stop on any trip on Route 66, in fact it has several themed attractions. If this is your itinerary, put it between Oklahoma City and New Mexico.

Other possibilities are a trip entirely to Texas, or one that also includes New Mexico. The two states are adjacent, and are often combined. In the case of the Texas itinerary, put Amarillo between Dallas – Fort Worth and a destination further south, which could be Lubbock or Midland. If, on the other hand, you also include New Mexico, stay on Route 66, then move to Tucumcari, and then on to Santa Fe or Albuquerque, or go south to White Sands National Park.

Best time to visit Amarillo

Best time to visit Amarillo

Amarillo is located on a plateau, about 1,000 feet above sea level. Its climate is very different from the rest of Texas, and not very favorable in the winter and spring. It is semi-arid, but unpredictable due to strong winds and with a significant temperature range.

  • Winters are dry, with frosts at night but temperatures around 50°F during the day. Occasional snow and ice blizzards can occur during this season.
  • Spring, on the other hand, is prone to tornadoes. In fact, Amarillo is located along Tornado Alley, the Midwest corridor where tornadoes are most likely to form. The most violent tornadoes occur in May, so it would be prudent to avoid this period.
  • Summers are hot and dry, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms and peaks of 100-104°F.
  • Fall should be considered somewhat of a continuation of summer, but with lower temperatures.

Therefore, the best time to visit Amarillo is from June to October-November.

How much time to dedicate to the city

The main things to see in Amarillo will take about half a day, a little more if you visit all the museums. However, if you want to take advantage of it to see some natural attractions, such as Palo Duro State Park, plan on at least a full day.

Things to do in Amarillo

Big Texan Steak Ranch

things to see in amarillo texas

It’s not just a hotel, and it’s not just a restaurant. The Big Texan Steak Ranch is a western-style village, welcoming you with its giant cowboy-shaped illuminated sign. Even if you don’t stay or eat here, this is the first place to visit in Amarillo.

It’s about as over-the-top and tacky as it gets, and it’s absolutely unmissable. The exterior is bright yellow, and the parking lot is home to a huge cow, a pair of boots, a windmill, and an unknown number of Texas flags.

The interior resembles the most classic of Wild West saloons. Peek into the restaurant, decorated with cowhide tablecloths and stuffed animal heads. On the stage in the center you’ll see the daredevils taking part in the 72oz Steak Challenge: a 4.5 lb steak to be devoured, along with the side dishes, in less than an hour. If they make it, the meal is free, and they get a special mention on the Wall of Fame. If they give up, however, they’ll have to foot a $72 bill.

To the left is the cafeteria, gift store and an arcade with some carnival rides. You can play shooting gallery, slot machines, or press a quarter. Further along is a hallway of oddities, such as portraits that turn into zombies by changing perspective. The place is decked out depending on the season; if you stop by in September-October, you’ll see the fun Halloween decorations. Big Texas State Ranch is located at exit 74 off of I-40.

Cadillac Ranch

things to see in amarillo

The second thing to see in Amarillo is the Cadillac Ranch, an undisputed symbol of Route 66.

This work dates back to 1974, conceived by three San Francisco architects and funded by local millionaire Stanley Marsh 3. It consists of 10 Cadillacs planted nose down in the ground in single file. The cars are installed in chronological order of production, and at the same angle as the pyramid of Cheops at Giza. Originally, the ranch was located about 1.2 miles further east, but was moved to the current site in 1997 due to the expansion of the city.

What’s unique about Cadillac Ranch is that visitors are encouraged to leave their own mark on the cars, creating their own personal graffiti with spray cans. In all likelihood, you’ll find some there. Pick a car, and unleash your creativity. Don’t forget to take a souvenir photo, because before long your work will be covered by someone else’s!

To get to the Cadillac Ranch, take exit 62 A off of I-40. To learn more you can read our article on Cadillac Ranch.

2nd Amendment Cowboy

attractions amarillo

About a mile east of Cadillac Ranch, on the street corner you will notice a cute statue of a cowboy, inviting tourists to enter the gift shop.

This is one of the Route 66 Muffler Men. Muffler Men are fiberglass sculptures, about 20 feet tall, that have an advertising function. They are placed outside roadside businesses to attract attention, and usually depict a profession. The first example, from 1962, was located in Flagstaff, Arizona, and depicted Paul Bunyan, a lumberjack and folk hero of American folklore.

amarillo tourist attractions

Along Route 66 you will find others, these are the best known:

  • astronaut Gemini Giant at the Launchpad Cafe, l810 East Baltimore Street in Wilmington, Ill.
  • the man with the giant hot dog at 115 SW Arch Street in Atlanta, Illinois.
  • the Lauterbach Giant in front of a tire store at 1569 Wabash Avenue in Springfield, Illinois.
  • the Golden Driller in the Tulsa, Oklahoma fairgrounds at the intersection of 21st Street and Pittsburgh Avenue.
  • the space cowboy in front of a gift store at 1347 E 11th Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
  • the lumberjack outside Granny’s Closet restaurant at 218 S Milton Road in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Have fun photographing them all!

Route 66 Historic District

historic route 66 amarillo

Today, Route 66-themed attractions are located along the interstate. But in reality, the Mother Road used to run through downtown, and to be precise what is now 6th Avenue. The 13 blocks between Georgia Street and Forrest Street are the true hub of Route 66 in Amarillo, this was the commercial street that welcomed tourists with motels, restaurants and stores.

The neighborhood has been on the Register of National Historic Places since 1994, and includes some original 1920s Spanish Revival and Art Deco style buildings. Here are some of the most significant:

  • The Natatorium (604 South Georgia Street), a 1922 Gothic Revival-style structure that started as an indoor pool and was later converted to a dance hall.
  • San Jacinto Fire Station, next door to the Natatorium. Built in 1926, this fire station remained in operation until 1975.
  • Adkinson-Baker Tire Company (3200 West Sixth Avenue), a 1939 service station.
  • Texaco Gas Station (3512 West Sixth Avenue), from 1937, its special feature is that it is covered in white porcelain tiles. Today it is a restaurant.
  • Martin Phillips 66 Service Station (3821 West Sixth Avenue), in operation from 1930 to 1990. Its owner, Herb Martin, was known for his generosity. In addition to doing his job, he helped needy travelers by offering free gasoline, and the opportunity to spend the night at the gas station.

Just outside of downtown you’ll also find a typical Route 66 roadside attraction, it’s Huge Pair of Legs, a sculpture representing a portion of 2 giant legs; the work itself isn’t much but should still be noted among the kitschy Mother Road attractions.

American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum

amarillo route 66 texas

The quarter horse is a breed of American horse selected by cowboys in the 1800s to work with cattle by crossing mustangs with English thoroughbreds. The museum tells the story of breeding these animals through photos, costumes, accessories and the most prestigious awards. There is also a Hall of Fame, honoring horses and jockeys who have distinguished themselves throughout history.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 a.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for children and teens ages 6-18, and $6 for those over 55.

Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum

If you’re interested in the world of RVs and camping, this is the museum for you.

Jack and Trent Sisemore, father and son, have been collecting RVs for over 25 years. They select the most curious vintage models, refurbish them and then display them in the museum. The vehicles range from the 1930s to the 1970s, and the installations are especially detailed. In fact, each camper is complete with all the furnishings and everyday items, such as kitchens, porches and other camping accessories. In addition, bicycles, motorcycles and automobiles are also on display.

The museum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday until 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Texas Air & Space Museum

Located in the airport complex, the Texas Air and Space Museum has an extensive collection of aircraft, as well as documents, photos and newspaper articles about the development of the flight industry in the Panhandle.

A few new pieces arrive each year, but in general the collection includes airliners and military aircraft, and helicopters. The centerpiece is a training aircraft for NASA’s Shuttle program, used by astronaut Rick Husband, a native of Amarillo and after whom the airport was named.

The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but voluntary donations are accepted.

Bill’s Backyard Classics

This small classic car museum is relatively new to the scene of things to see in Amarillo, having only come into existence in 2015. The collection includes models from 1920 to 2012, including military jeeps, Corvettes, and hot rods, the historic cars tuned for more power. The cars on display are changed often to ensure an ever-changing experience.

The museum can be visited by guided tour Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last tour at 3 p.m.). Admission is $10 for adults, with free admission under 12.

Places to stay in Amarillo

The colorful rooms at the Big Texan Steak Ranch are arranged to depict a classic Wild West town, and furnished in the same manner. Staying here is a fun experience to stay with the cowboy and pioneer theme. Plus, in the summer you’ll have access to the famous Texas-shaped swimming pool. Meals are not included in the price.

If you prefer a more restrained and classic American motel, along I-40 you will find several alternatives, Among them, I recommend the Ashmore Inn & Suites, and the Best Western Santa Fe Inn, comfortable and clean, with the possibility to have breakfast included.

All accommodations in Amarillo

Places to eat in Amarillo

Places to eat in Amarillo

We start, of course, always with the Big Texan Steak Ranch. Aside from the 4.5-pound steak challenge, the restaurant also serves normal, affordable meals. The menu mainly includes steaks, ribs, and burgers, but there are also vegetarian entrees, seafood dishes, and Tex-Mex. Beware of the mountain oyster: despite the name, it’s not oysters at all, but fried bull testicles! There’s also a beer garden behind the main building, with a good selection of American beers.

Another very popular restaurant in Amarillo is the Coyote Bluff Cafe, which has also appeared on the popular television show Man vs. Food. This small restaurant is known for its hearty burgers. The highlight is the burger from hell, a super spicy burger, only for the brave.

If you want to try the famous Texan barbecue while avoiding the crowds of the Big Texan, try Tyler’s Barbecue. This is a spartan restaurant where food is served on plastic plates and trays, but is of excellent quality. On the menu you will find ribs, pulled pork and brisket, accompanied by classic southern side dishes: cole slaw, mac n’ cheese and beans.

Amarillo in the American culture: events, songs and movies

Amarillo is linked to Route 66, but also to the country atmosphere and the world of cowboys. In fact, the city hosts several themed events, including the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo in the third week of September, and the World Championship Ranch Rodeo, held in November. If your trip coincides with these dates, it’s worth attending, to witness an authentic American rodeo.

The city is also mentioned in several songs, including:

  • Amarillo by Morning, a great country classic. Recorded in 1973 by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser, it was brought to success by former rodeo champion George Strait ten years later.
  • Get Your Kicks on Route 66, composed by Nat King Cole in 1946. The song lists the major cities through which the Mother Road passes, including Amarillo. The song is so famous that it has been rearranged by countless artists, including Chuck Berry, the Rolling Stones, and Depeche Mode.

Finally, not everyone knows that the prairies around Amarillo appear in the final scene of 1989’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Things to Do Near Amarillo, Texas

Here are some of the main attractions that you can visit within a short distance of Amarillo.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Things to Do Near Amarillo, Texas

Palo Duro Canyon is a state park in Texas, and is located 40 miles south of Amarillo.

At 120 miles in length and 6 miles in average width, it is the second largest canyon in the United States, after the very famous Grand Canyon in Arizona. It represents a pleasant natural detour from the Route 66 route, and allows you to see beautiful views of red rocks that are somewhat reminiscent of Utah.

Here you can take the 15-mile scenic drive through the canyon floor, ride horses or mountain bikes, and venture out on one or more of the 16 hiking trails.

The most iconic is the Lighthouse Trail, a 5 miles linear trail with a 500 feet elevation gain that leads to the rock formation known as the Lighthouse. 

Panhandle Plains Historical Museum

This important museum on the history of the Panhandle is located on the campus of West Texas A&M University in Canyon, a small town 20 miles south of Amarillo.

Its collection has over 3 million items including artifacts, vehicles, Native and American art, firearms, furniture pieces, and more. The items on display tell the story of the lives of the people who inhabited the region, from prehistoric times and early settlements, through cowboy times and on to the oil boom. There’s even a reconstruction of a 19th century pioneer town, complete with schoolhouse, saloon, and barn.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12.50 for adults, $6 for children ages 4-12, and $10 for those over 65.

Caprock Canyon State Park and Trailway

attractions Near Amarillo, Texas

Located 100 miles southeast of Amarillo, Caprock Canyon is famous for its bison herd. It is a wide canyon characterized by high red rock walls, grasslands, and the small Lake Theo. Here you can take the scenic route, go hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and swimming activities by the lake.

There are 11 official hiking trails, the most popular of which is the Eagle Point Trail, 2 miles and 450 feet of elevation gain. A small natural rock arch and some bison can be seen along the trail.

The park is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm. Admission is $5 per person for adults, with free admission under 12 years old. This is also a state park, so you will not be able to use the America the Beautiful pass.

Adrian and the Route 66 Midpoint

A must-see stop along Route 66 in Texas, but which I recommend even if your itinerary is not focused on the Mother Road, is the small town of Adrian, 50 miles west of Amarillo. It is very popular because it is located exactly halfway between Chicago and Santa Monica. Take exit 23 off of I-40, and continue on Service Road, which is nothing more than dear old Route 66. After a couple of miles, you’ll see a huge sign on the right, showing you how the distance to the two cities is identical: 1139 miles.

Opposite is the Midpoint Cafe, a restaurant where time seems to have stood still in the 50s. You can stop for lunch, but what you must try are the ugly crust pies. I recommend a classic Apple Pie in full Granny Duck style, unbeatable in its simplicity.


Our Tip:
Looking for accommodations for your trip from California to other parts of the Southwest? Read our guide that contains reviews of hotels and strategic tips for finding accommodations near major attractions: Where to Stay: Our Tips for the SouthWest Area

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

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Valeria Rovellini

I'm Valeria and I love road trips. My favorite trip? The Historic Route 66.

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