Amarillo TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Amarillo, Texas.
1. Cadillac Ranch
ICONIC ROADSIDE ART INSTALLATION
Cadillac Ranch is an iconic public art installation featuring ten Cadillacs half-buried nose-first in the ground. Visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and leave their mark on these vintage automobiles, making it a constantly evolving art piece. This quirky roadside attraction has become one of the most photographed landmarks along Historic Route 66.
2. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
SECOND LARGEST CANYON
Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States, offering breathtaking views and outdoor recreation just a half-hour drive from Amarillo. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, camping, and biking while taking in the stunning red rock formations and natural beauty. The canyon's colorful layers of rock tell the geological history of the Texas Panhandle spanning millions of years.
3. The Big Texan Steak Ranch
HOME OF 72OZ CHALLENGE
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is a legendary dining establishment famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge where participants must consume the entire meal in one hour to get it free. This iconic restaurant has been serving Texas-sized portions since 1960 in a lively atmosphere complete with cowboy decor and live music. Visitors can also enjoy the onsite brewery while experiencing authentic Texan hospitality.
4. American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
EQUINE HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum celebrates the horse breed that helped tame the American West. Interactive exhibits showcase the quarter horse's history, versatility, and impact on western culture and ranching. Visitors can explore the beautiful facility with its bronze sculptures, educational displays, and tributes to legendary horses and the people who championed the breed.
5. Route 66 Historic District
MOTHER ROAD NOSTALGIA
The Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo preserves the charm and nostalgia of America's most famous highway. Spanning several blocks, this vibrant area features antique shops, boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries housed in historic buildings. Visitors can step back in time while exploring this well-preserved section of the iconic Mother Road that once connected Chicago to Los Angeles.
6. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
TEXAS' LARGEST HISTORY MUSEUM
The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum is the largest history museum in Texas, housing over three million artifacts that tell the story of the region. Exhibits cover everything from dinosaurs and Native American culture to pioneer life, oil boom history, and Western art. Located near Amarillo in Canyon, this impressive institution offers an immersive journey through the rich cultural and natural history of the Texas Panhandle.
7. Wonderland Amusement Park
FAMILY FUN AND THRILLS
Wonderland Amusement Park offers family entertainment with over 60 rides and attractions spread across four themed areas. Thrill-seekers can enjoy roller coasters and drop rides while younger visitors have plenty of kid-friendly options. The park also features water attractions, mini-golf, games, and food concessions for a complete day of family fun.
8. Amarillo Botanical Gardens
LUSH FLORAL OASIS
The Amarillo Botanical Gardens showcases beautiful plant collections and themed gardens across four acres in the Texas Panhandle. Its centerpiece is a tropical conservatory featuring exotic plants that provide a green retreat even during winter months. Throughout the year, the gardens host special events including concerts, educational programs, and the spectacular Christmas light display.
9. Don Harrington Discovery Center
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE LEARNING
The Don Harrington Discovery Center is an interactive science museum offering hands-on exhibits for visitors of all ages. Featuring over 8,000 square feet of exhibit space, the center explores topics ranging from astronomy and physics to biology and engineering. The facility also includes a space theater, outdoor science park, and a helium monument commemorating Amarillo's connection to the helium industry.
10. The RV Museum
VINTAGE CAMPING HISTORY
The RV Museum houses a remarkable collection of vintage recreational vehicles tracing the evolution of American road travel. Visitors can step inside restored campers, motorhomes, and trailers dating back to the 1930s, complete with period-appropriate décor and accessories. This highly-rated attraction offers a nostalgic journey through America's love affair with highway adventures and camping culture.
11. Amarillo Zoo
WILDLIFE IN THE PANHANDLE
Amarillo Zoo is home to over 150 animals representing more than 90 species from around the world. Spanning 15 acres within Thompson Park, the zoo features exhibits of big cats, primates, reptiles, and native Texas wildlife. Visitors can enjoy educational presentations, feeding experiences, and special events while supporting the zoo's conservation and education mission.
12. Slug Bug Ranch
QUIRKY VOLKSWAGEN DISPLAY
Slug Bug Ranch is a quirky roadside attraction featuring five Volkswagen Beetles buried nose-down in the ground, inspired by Amarillo's famous Cadillac Ranch. Located in nearby Conway, this offbeat installation allows visitors to leave their mark by spray painting the vintage vehicles. The site has become a popular stop for travelers seeking unusual photo opportunities along Route 66.
13. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts
CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts is Amarillo's premier venue for cultural entertainment and artistic performances. The architecturally stunning facility hosts the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra, Lone Star Ballet, and Amarillo Opera, as well as touring productions and concerts. With excellent acoustics and sight lines, the center provides a world-class performance experience in the heart of the Texas Panhandle.
14. Starlight Ranch Event Center
ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS COMPLEX
Starlight Ranch Event Center is a popular entertainment venue hosting concerts, festivals, and special events throughout the year. The spacious outdoor complex features multiple stages, food vendors, and recreational activities for visitors of all ages. Located on the eastern edge of Amarillo, this vibrant destination has become a hub for live music and community gatherings in the Texas Panhandle.
15. Historic Natatorium
VINTAGE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Historic Natatorium is a repurposed 1922 swimming facility now housing antique shops and boutiques in downtown Amarillo. This architectural landmark has been transformed into a unique shopping destination while preserving its historic character and charm. Visitors can browse through an eclectic mix of vintage items, collectibles, and locally crafted goods while appreciating this piece of Amarillo's past.