The capital of the Texas Panhandle, and the gateway to a spectacular canyon
Amarillo is pure Texas Panhandle: wide skies, cowboy heritage, and a generous helping of Route 66 nostalgia. For older travelers it is best understood as two things at once, a genuinely spectacular natural wonder a short drive south, and a string of friendly, affordable, quintessentially American roadside attractions in and around town. It is not a big-city destination, but as a stop on a Route 66 road trip it delivers a surprising amount of character in a day or two.
The single greatest reason to come is Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon in the United States, about half an hour south of the city. Its red-and-orange walls, mesas, and hoodoos rival the famous canyons of the Southwest, and much of its beauty can be enjoyed from a scenic drive and a series of accessible overlooks, without a demanding hike. For many visitors it is the highlight of the entire Panhandle.
Back in town, Amarillo leans happily into its Route 66 heritage. The graffiti-covered Cadillac Ranch is one of the most photographed roadside attractions in America, the Big Texan Steak Ranch and its 72-ounce steak challenge is gloriously over the top, and the historic 6th Street district keeps the Mother Road spirit alive with antique shops and cafes. It is fun, unpretentious, and easy to enjoy.
Practically, Amarillo is a driving city, flat and spread out, which suits road-trippers who already have a car. Prices for hotels, steaks, and gas are gentle, the people are warm and unhurried, and the pace is relaxed. Give it a night or two, add a morning in Palo Duro, and you will have seen the best of the Panhandle comfortably.
Palo Duro Canyon is the reason to build in an extra day, and the good news is that you do not need to be a hiker to enjoy it. A paved scenic road drops from the rim down to the canyon floor, with overlooks, pullouts, and picnic areas along the way, so a great deal of the grandeur can be taken in from the car and a few short, easy walks. If you would like to stretch your legs, the visitor center and the lower loop offer gentle, mostly level paths, while the famous Lighthouse trail is longer and more strenuous and best left to able hikers. Go early in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the light on the red rock is at its finest and the heat is bearable, carry plenty of water, and remember that summer midday in the canyon can be very hot. One more thing worth knowing: Amarillo's sights are spread out and there is essentially no public transit, so a car is not optional here, which is no hardship on a Route 66 trip where you already have one.
The areas worth your time
Palo Duro Canyon. About 30 minutes south, this is the star: a vast, colorful canyon with a scenic drive to the floor, accessible overlooks, gentle lower trails, and, in summer, the outdoor musical TEXAS. Give it a morning at least.
Historic Route 66 and 6th Street. Amarillo's stretch of the Mother Road runs along 6th Street in the San Jacinto district, a walkable strip of antique stores, cafes, and vintage signs that is pleasant for an unhurried browse.
The Cadillac Ranch corridor. West of town along I-40 sits the famous Cadillac Ranch, and the quirky Slug Bug Ranch lies a short way east. Both are free, open-air roadside art, easy to reach by car.
Canyon, Texas. The small college town of Canyon, on the way to Palo Duro, is home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in Texas, and makes a natural pairing with a canyon visit.
The best things to do in Amarillo
These are the sights that appear again and again in older travelers' reviews, chosen for the quality of the experience and how comfortably it can be enjoyed. Several can be taken in largely from the car.
Where to eat
Amarillo is steak country, and proud of it. The Big Texan Steak Ranch is the famous name, as much a spectacle as a restaurant, but the city is full of honest, hearty places serving Texas steaks, barbecue, and chicken-fried steak at gentle prices. Portions are generous, and a good dinner rarely costs what it would in a bigger city.
The Panhandle's ranching roots and its proximity to Mexico mean excellent Tex-Mex as well, with plenty of family-run spots around town. Along the historic 6th Street district you will find easygoing cafes and diners with Route 66 character, good for a relaxed lunch or a slice of pie.
For a bit of Mother Road fun, Pop-culture stops abound: a diner breakfast before Palo Duro, a milkshake along Route 66, or barbecue after a day in the canyon all fit the easy, unhurried rhythm of a Panhandle visit. Wherever you eat, the welcome is warm and the pace is relaxed.
Day trips from Amarillo
Palo Duro Canyon (about 30 minutes south) is the essential outing, a spectacular canyon best enjoyed on the scenic drive and from its overlooks, with gentle lower trails and, in summer, the outdoor musical TEXAS under the stars.
Canyon, Texas (about 20 minutes south) pairs naturally with Palo Duro and is home to the excellent Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state.
The Route 66 Midpoint at Adrian (about 45 minutes west) marks the exact halfway point of the Mother Road between Chicago and Santa Monica, a fun photo stop with a classic midpoint cafe.
Lake Meredith and the Alibates Flint Quarries (about 45 minutes north) offer water, wide Panhandle scenery, and a fascinating national monument preserving ancient flint quarries, for a quieter day in nature.
Where to stay in Amarillo
Amarillo is spread out and built around the car, so the most important thing is a comfortable, well-run hotel with easy highway access, rather than a particular walkable district. Downtown puts you near the restored Barfield and the Route 66 6th Street area, while the I-40 corridor is convenient for the Big Texan, Cadillac Ranch, and the drive south to Palo Duro.
Because this is a value-friendly part of the country, a comfortable room with free breakfast and an indoor pool costs very little, and suite hotels are common and good for a longer stay. Look for the amenities that ease a road trip: free parking, free breakfast, and simple access to the interstate.
For a bit of Route 66 fun, the Big Texan operates a kitschy motel with a Texas-shaped pool next to its famous steakhouse, an amusing, budget-friendly novelty if you want the full Mother Road experience.
The best time to visit Amarillo
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are the most comfortable seasons, with warm days, cool evenings, and the finest light in Palo Duro Canyon. These are the ideal months for the scenic drives and gentle trails.
Spring on the Panhandle can be windy, and the occasional strong storm rolls through in late spring, so keep an eye on the forecast. The upside is generally clear, dry air and big skies that make the canyon especially photogenic.
Summer (July and August) is hot, though the dry Panhandle heat is less oppressive than humid climates. Even so, plan Palo Duro for the early morning or late afternoon and carry plenty of water. Winter is cold, with occasional snow and sharp winds, but the roadside attractions and indoor museums remain open, and hotel rates are at their lowest.
Getting around Amarillo
A car is essential in Amarillo. The city is flat and spread out, the top attractions sit miles apart, Palo Duro Canyon is about 30 minutes south, and there is essentially no visitor-oriented public transit. On a Route 66 road trip this is no hardship, since you will already have a vehicle, but anyone flying in should plan on a rental car or rideshares.
The good news is that driving here is easy: traffic is light, roads are wide and flat, distances are short, and parking is plentiful and free almost everywhere. The historic 6th Street district is walkable once you park, but reaching it, Cadillac Ranch, the Big Texan, and the canyon all requires driving.
Rideshares are available in town but can be limited out at the canyon, so if you drive to Palo Duro, plan to keep your car with you for the day rather than relying on a pickup from a remote overlook.
Practical tips for older travelers
Plan on a car. Amarillo's sights are spread out and Palo Duro is a half-hour drive, so a vehicle is essential. On a Route 66 trip you already have one, which makes the city easy to enjoy.
Do Palo Duro gently and early. Much of the canyon's beauty is visible from the scenic drive and overlooks, so you need not hike. Go in the morning or late afternoon for cooler air and better light, and carry water.
Wear old shoes to Cadillac Ranch. The short walk from the road to the cars can be muddy after rain, so choose footwear you do not mind getting dirty, and bring a can of spray paint if you want to leave your mark.
Mind the wind and heat. The Panhandle is windy in spring and hot in summer, though the dry air helps. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water make outdoor stops far more comfortable.
Book the TEXAS musical ahead. If you visit in summer, the outdoor musical in Palo Duro is a memorable evening, but it sells out, so reserve seats in advance.
What travelers say about Amarillo: our review roundup
We read through hundreds of recent reviews from older travelers across TripAdvisor, Road Scholar, US News, AARP Travel, and the local tourism board to find the themes that come up again and again about Amarillo. Here is what stands out.
A relaxed Amarillo and Palo Duro itinerary
Day 1: Route 66 Amarillo. Spend the morning browsing the historic 6th Street district, then drive out to Cadillac Ranch for photos and, if you like, a can of spray paint. Visit the American Quarter Horse Museum in the afternoon, and cap the day with dinner and a bit of spectacle at the Big Texan Steak Ranch.
Day 2: Palo Duro Canyon. Head south early to Palo Duro, driving the scenic road to the canyon floor and stopping at the overlooks while the air is cool and the light is soft. Take a gentle lower trail if you wish, then drive to nearby Canyon for lunch and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in the afternoon.
If you are here in summer, book seats for the outdoor musical TEXAS, performed under the stars on the canyon floor, for a memorable evening. With only one day, combine the Route 66 sights in the morning with an afternoon and evening in the canyon.
Getting to Amarillo
Most visitors arrive in Amarillo by car, since the city sits squarely on historic Route 66 and Interstate 40, roughly halfway between the Mother Road's ends. For a road trip it is a natural, easy stop, with wide, flat highways and light traffic.
Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA) is small and lies about 10 minutes east of downtown, with connecting flights through hubs such as Dallas and Denver. If you fly in, you will need a rental car, as the city is spread out and there is no visitor transit to the attractions or the canyon.
Distances on the Panhandle are large but the driving is straightforward, so many travelers simply build Amarillo into a longer Route 66 or Southwest road trip rather than flying in for a standalone visit.
Check current fares and schedules from your home airport. Booking a few weeks ahead and flying midweek usually brings the best deals.
Compare flight deals →What to pack for Amarillo
Amarillo is a driving-and-canyon destination with strong sun, big temperature swings, and dusty roadside stops, so sun protection, sturdy shoes, and water matter most.