Amarillo, Texas Travel Guide
City City in Texas, United States
Route 66 slices through Amarillo; people come for Cadillac Ranch, the Big Texan steakhouse, and nearby Palo Duro Canyon hiking. Expect meat-heavy diners, wide skies, and honest roadside bars.
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Why Visit Amarillo, Texas? #
Out in the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo draws travelers with cowboy culture, wide skies and a range of oddball and natural attractions. Art seekers stop at the roadside installation Cadillac Ranch while food challengers test the 72-ounce steak at the Big Texan Steak Ranch, and outdoor lovers head to nearby Palo Duro Canyon for hiking and dramatic overlooks. The mix of kitsch, ranching heritage and canyon country defines its regional appeal.
Who's Amarillo, Texas For?
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, just south of Amarillo, offers big canyon hiking, biking and horseback rides - an excellent alternative to western national parks. Outfitters run guided rim hikes and multi-day backpacking.
Panhandle fare leans Texan: steaks, barbecue and Tex-Mex dominate local menus. Roadside diners and churrascarias serve generous portions at inexpensive prices; try local steak houses on historic Route 66 and pies.
Kids enjoy the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, Wonderland amusement park and interactive museums along the Route 66 corridor. Wide roads and affordable motels make family road trips simple.
Sunset drives along the canyon rim or quirky photo stops at Cadillac Ranch make for quirky, fun date ideas. Several steak restaurants offer classic Texas dinners for relaxed evenings and cocktails.
Best Things to Do in Amarillo, Texas
All Attractions ›
Amarillo, Texas Bucket List
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park - Spectacular canyon hiking, biking, and amphitheater performances set in the state's second-largest canyon.
- Cadillac Ranch - Row of ten half-buried, painted Cadillacs encouraging public spray-paint creativity beside Route 66.
- The Big Texan Steak Ranch - Famous for the 72-ounce steak challenge, lively western atmosphere, and quirky decor.
- Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum - Extensive exhibits on regional history, ranching, and paleontology housed in an impressive complex.
- American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum - Interactive displays tracing the quarter horse's role in ranching and equestrian sports.
- Don Harrington Discovery Center - Hands-on science exhibits and planetarium shows popular with families and school groups.
- Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum - Private collection showcasing vintage motorhomes and travel trailers from early twentieth century.
- Wildcat Bluff Nature Center - Trails through mixed prairie and riparian habitats with birdwatching and educational programs.
- Cactus Theater - Restored historic theater hosting live music, plays, and community events downtown.
- Amarillo Botanical Gardens - Quiet themed gardens, conservatory, and seasonal events tucked into Thompson Park.
- Crockett Street Entertainment District - Cluster of historic brick buildings housing bars, live music venues, and nightlife.
- Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument - Ancient flint quarries and guided tours illuminating prehistoric toolmaking, about one hour north.
- Lake Meredith National Recreation Area - Water-based recreation, scenic bluffs, and camping around a reservoir roughly one hour northwest.
- Caprock Canyons State Park - Red rock canyons, bison viewing, and hiking trails about two hours southeast.
- Buddy Holly Center (Lubbock) - Museum celebrating Buddy Holly's life, music archives, and rock'n'roll history roughly two hours.
Regions of Amarillo, Texas #
Downtown Amarillo
Downtown Amarillo is compact and practical with a few galleries, restaurants and event venues. It’s a good base for regional sightseeing and sampling Texan comfort food, especially the town’s famous steakhouses.
Top Spots
- Historic Downtown - local eateries, murals and small galleries.
- Amarillo Civic Center area - events and performances.
- Local cafés and steakhouses for Texas classics.
Route 66 & Sixth Avenue
This stretch celebrates Amarillo’s Route 66 legacy: vintage signage, diners and quirky roadside stops. It’s an entertaining slice of Americana and perfect for photos, a long lunch and browsing nostalgic shops.
Top Spots
- Historic Route 66 / 6th Avenue - neon signs, diners and retro shops.
- Roadside attractions and local museums celebrating the Mother Road.
- Eclectic eateries along the corridor.
Canyon & West Amarillo
West of the city you get the big attractions: open‑air art, the Big Texan and access to Palo Duro Canyon. These are the highlights most visitors plan for - day trips and photogenic stops that define an Amarillo visit.
Top Spots
- Cadillac Ranch - the iconic spray‑painted car installation just outside town.
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park (nearby) - hiking and dramatic landscapes.
- Big Texan Steak Ranch - the famed 72‑ounce steak challenge.
Plan Your Visit to Amarillo, Texas #
Best Time to Visit Amarillo, Texas #
Late spring and early fall are the best times to visit Amarillo - you get mild, sunny days and wildflowers without the extreme heat. Summers are hot and storm-prone, winters are cold, often windy, with occasional snow.
Best Time to Visit Amarillo, Texas #
Amarillo, Texas's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 33°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with 84 mm of rain and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 33°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -4°C. The driest month with just 13 mm.
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How to Get to Amarillo, Texas
Most visitors arrive via Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA), about a 15-20 minute drive from downtown. There is no Amtrak service in the city; intercity travel is handled mainly by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines bus services or by driving in from nearby regional airports like Lubbock (LBB).
Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA): The city’s primary airport, about 10-15 minutes (roughly 8-12 miles) east of downtown Amarillo. Options to reach downtown include taxis (typically $25-35), rideshares like Uber/Lyft (commonly $15-30 depending on demand), and onsite rental cars (typical daily rates $40-90). Some hotels offer complimentary or low-cost shuttles for guests; expect a 15-20 minute drive to most central hotels.
Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB): A regional alternative about 110-130 miles south of Amarillo (roughly a 2-2.5 hour drive). Many travelers use rental cars (daily rates similar to AMA) or intercity bus services (Jefferson Lines / Greyhound) to connect LBB-Amarillo; typical bus fares run in the $20-40 range and journey times are about 2-3 hours by bus or about 2 hours by car.
Train: Amarillo has no direct Amtrak passenger service. The nearest long‑distance Amtrak stops are many hours away (for example, Albuquerque on the Southwest Chief or Fort Worth on the Texas Eagle), so most rail travelers connect by car or bus to those stations rather than arriving by train directly in Amarillo.
Bus: Intercity bus carriers (notably Greyhound and Jefferson Lines) serve Amarillo from a downtown bus stop/terminal and link the city with Lubbock, Oklahoma City, Dallas/Fort Worth and Albuquerque. Typical fares vary by route and advance purchase (roughly $20-$60); travel times are route dependent (Lubbock ~2-3 hours, Oklahoma City ~4-5 hours, Dallas/Fort Worth ~6-7 hours). Local connections and transfers are generally available at the downtown terminal.
How to Get Around Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo is best navigated by car - renting a vehicle gives the most flexibility to reach sights and nearby natural areas. Rideshares and taxis are convenient for short trips and airport transfers, while the local bus network is cheap but can be slow or infrequent. Intercity buses connect Amarillo to regional cities; there is no direct Amtrak service.
- Rental car ($40-90/day) - Driving is the most flexible way to get around Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle - useful for reaching attractions and nearby natural areas. Major rental companies operate at AMA and downtown; expect typical daily rates around $40-90 depending on season and vehicle. Parking is widely available and inexpensive in most parts of the city, making a car the preferred option for most visitors.
- Uber / Lyft & Taxis ($12-35) - Rideshare services and local taxis cover the city and are convenient for airport transfers or short trips within town. Typical fares from the airport to downtown run about $15-35 depending on demand and time of day. Rideshares are often quicker than waiting for a taxi, but expect surge pricing on weekends or during events.
- Amarillo City Transit (local bus) ($1-2) - The city bus network serves core corridors and neighborhoods and is the most affordable option for local trips. Fares are low (typically $1-2 per ride) but service can be infrequent outside peak hours and certain routes. If you're staying centrally, the bus can work for museum and shopping districts; plan schedules in advance and allow extra time for connections.
- Intercity Bus (Greyhound / Jefferson Lines) ($20-60) - Greyhound and Jefferson Lines provide scheduled coach service linking Amarillo with regional hubs such as Lubbock, Oklahoma City, Dallas/Fort Worth and Albuquerque. Fares vary by route and how far in advance you book, commonly $20-60. Buses are the main public option for long-distance travel into and out of Amarillo if you prefer not to drive.
- Biking ($0-25/day) - Amarillo has some bike lanes and shared-use paths, and short rides around central neighborhoods are feasible, especially early morning or evening. The city is generally car-oriented, so on‑road cycling on major streets can be busy; bring reflective gear and stick to quieter side streets where possible. Bike rentals are limited, so check with local shops or your hotel in advance if you need a bike.
- Walking - Downtown Amarillo and some nearby districts are compact and pleasant to explore on foot for short outings, restaurants and a few attractions. Summer temperatures can be extreme, so plan walks for cooler parts of the day and carry water. Walking is fine for short trips, but most visitors rely on a car or rideshare for longer distances.
Where to Stay in Amarillo, Texas #
- Roadhouse Inn Amarillo - Budget-friendly motel near highways
- Americas Best Value Inn Amarillo - Low-cost, basic accommodations
- Drury Inn & Suites Amarillo - Reliable chain, breakfast included
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Amarillo - Suite-style rooms, good amenities
- Hilton Garden Inn Amarillo - Upscale rooms and full services
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Amarillo - Higher-end suites and facilities
- Drury Inn & Suites Amarillo - Central, easy access to Route 66
- Embassy Suites Amarillo - Convenient, good for newcomers
- Drury Inn & Suites Amarillo - Family rooms and pool access
- Embassy Suites Amarillo - Spacious suites, complimentary breakfast
- Drury Inn & Suites Amarillo - Good Wi‑Fi and workspaces
- Hilton Garden Inn Amarillo - Business facilities and steady internet
Where to Eat in Amarillo, Texas #
Amarillo’s food identity is big beef and Texan portions - the Big Texan Steak Ranch is the town’s most famous stop, where steaks are a spectator sport. Cattlemen’s and other steakhouses keep the focus squarely on grilled meat, but there’s also a solid offering of Mexican taquerias and Chinese-American spots for everyday eating.
For lighter fare, look to local cafés, a farmers market or salad-focused spots; vegetarians should plan on building meals from sides, grains and seasonal soups.
- The Big Texan Steak Ranch - Home of the 72-oz steak challenge
- Cattlemen's Steak House - Classic Texas steaks and cowboy atmosphere
- Ye Olde Pancake Station - Hearty breakfasts, local favorite
- Ming's Chinese - Popular local Chinese-American dishes
- Taquerias on S Polk St - Authentic tacos and Mexican street food
- Local pizza joints - Family-run pizzerias and delivery favorites
- Vinaigrette (salad-focused) - Build-your-own salads and bowls
- Local cafés with vegetarian soups - Seasonal soups and sandwiches
- Farmers market stands - Fresh produce for DIY options
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Amarillo, Texas's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Amarillo, Texas #
Amarillo’s nightlife mixes Texan hospitality, honky-tonks and casual bars. Expect lively beer-and-burger joints, a few country-western bars, and iconic road-trip stops that double as late-night hangouts. Polk Street and the downtown area concentrate most after-dark options, while The Big Texan remains a popular destination for visitors.
Practical tip: many venues have a relaxed dress code; boots and casual shirts fit right in. Weekends are best for live country music and late-night crowds.
Best Bets
- The Big Texan Steak Ranch - Iconic steakhouse with bar and late-night dining tradition.
- Polk Street downtown - Cluster of bars, pubs and live-music venues downtown.
- Waxy O'Connors (Irish pub) - Lively spot for drinks and nightly entertainment.
- Local breweries and taprooms - Casual craft-beer venues popular with locals and visitors.
- Country bars and honky-tonks - Live country music and dancing on weekend nights.
- Historic Route 66 district - Retro diners and late-night spots along the old highway.
Shopping in Amarillo, Texas #
Amarillo’s shopping combines regional malls, Route 66 tourist shops and specialty stores for Western wear and ranch supplies. Amarillo Mall and Westgate Plaza are the primary indoor shopping destinations; the Big Texan Steak Ranch also operates a popular gift shop for Route 66 souvenirs. For vintage and antique hunting, explore local flea markets and independent stores scattered around town. Prices are straightforward; expect good selections for boots, hats and outdoor gear.
Best Bets
- Amarillo Mall - Primary indoor mall with national retailers and a food court.
- The Big Texan Steak Ranch (gift shop) - Route 66-themed shop with tourist gifts and memorabilia.
- Western wear and boot stores - Good selection of boots, hats and ranch apparel.
- Antique malls and flea markets - Antique hunting for vintage Texan and Western items.
- Local farmers' markets - Seasonal produce, baked goods and specialty food vendors.
- Outlet and discount stores - Discount shopping and factory outlets around the city.
Digital Nomads in Amarillo, Texas #
Amarillo suits remote workers who want affordability and an easygoing lifestyle. The U.S. has no specific digital nomad visa; visitors typically use ESTA for up to 90 days (if eligible) or apply for a B‑2 tourist visa for stays up to about six months.
Costs are low by U.S. standards: expect total monthly expenses in the $1,000-1,700 USD range (one‑bedroom rents often $600-1,000). Home internet via cable (Suddenlink) commonly reaches 100-300 Mbps; mobile LTE/5G provides broad coverage for backups. The local community is small - civic groups, the chamber and universities run most networking activities.
- Amarillo Public Library - downtown study areas, free Wi‑Fi access
- Regus Amarillo - flexible offices, meeting rooms available
- Texas Tech/Local university spaces - quiet daytime spots, student energy in term months
- Local cafés (Yellow City Coffee) - long hours welcome, decent internet, local vibe
- Suddenlink/Cable - primary cable provider, speeds up to several hundred Mbps
- AT&T DSL/Fixed Wireless - available in many neighborhoods, variable speeds
- Mobile LTE/5G (Verizon, AT&T) - wide coverage across city, good for remote backups
- Public library Wi‑Fi - free, consistent, suitable for focused work
- Amarillo Chamber of Commerce - business events, local entrepreneur contacts
- Local meetup groups - occasional tech and business meetups
- University community events - guest talks, workshops, networking chances
- Public library programs - workshops, community classes, small networks
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