Things To Do
in Amarillo
Amarillo is a city located in the Texas Panhandle, known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene. The city is home to attractions such as the Cadillac Ranch, a quirky roadside art installation, and Palo Duro Canyon State Park, offering stunning outdoor recreation opportunities. With a rich cowboy and ranching history, Amarillo embraces its western heritage with events like the annual Tri-State Fair and Rodeo.
The city also boasts a variety of delicious Texan barbecue and steakhouse restaurants for visitors to enjoy.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café. Then, head to Cadillac Ranch to see the iconic spray-painted cars.
Enjoy a visit to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum to learn about the area's rich history. Take a stroll through the scenic grounds of Amarillo Botanical Gardens.
Dine at The Big Texan Steak Ranch, famous for its 72 oz steak challenge. End your day with some live country music at a local bar.
Kick off your day with a visit to the Route 66 Historic District for breakfast. Don’t forget to snap some photos of vintage neon signs.
Visit the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame to appreciate the history of this famous breed. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a diner along Route 66.
Catch sunset views at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the second-largest canyon in the U.S. Enjoy a picnic dinner surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Low cost of living compared to national averages
- Friendly community and a strong sense of local pride
- Access to outdoor activities and parks, including nearby Palo Duro Canyon
- Rich cultural history with a variety of museums and events
- A growing job market, particularly in healthcare, education, and agriculture
- Limited entertainment and dining options compared to larger cities
- Hot summers can be uncomfortable for some residents
- Potential for severe weather, including tornadoes and heavy storms
- Public transportation options are limited, requiring personal vehicles for most travel
- Job opportunities can be limited in certain sectors
Best Activities in Amarillo
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the second largest canyon in the United States, offering hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as opportunities for camping and wildlife observation.
Enjoy amusement park rides, including roller coasters and water rides, as well as games, food, and entertainment for the whole family.
Stroll through beautiful gardens featuring a diverse collection of plants and flowers, with educational programs and events for nature enthusiasts.
Places to Visit in Amarillo
Visit one of these nice places.
Palo Duro Canyon is a picturesque location with stunning views, especially at sunrise or sunset, offering numerous photo opportunities.
Cadillac Ranch is a unique art installation where visitors can capture creative and colorful photos with the vintage Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch features a giant 72-ounce steak and offers a fun photo opportunity for visitors looking for a classic Texan experience.
Food in Amarillo
Amarillo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Amarillo's iconic dish featuring a tender steak breaded and fried, served with creamy gravy and often accompanied by mashed potatoes and green beans. Must-try at The Big Texan Steak Ranch.
Must-Try!
A spicy and hearty stew made with chunks of pork, green chiles, and various seasonings. Enjoy a delicious bowl at The Golden Light Cantina.
A deep-fried burrito filled with shredded beef or chicken, cheese, and flavorful spices. Delight in this dish at El Tejavan Mexican Food.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant downtown market offering diverse street food options, artisanal products, and fresh local produce. Open on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Look out for the Elotes (Mexican street corn) carts around town, where you can savor delicious grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayo, cotija cheese, and spices.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Amarillo, it's important to respect people's personal space and maintain a comfortable distance when interacting with others.
It is customary to greet others with a smile and a pleasant 'hello' or 'how are you?' as a sign of respect in Amarillo.
Tipping is a common practice in Amarillo, and it is customary to tip around 15-20% at restaurants and for other services to show appreciation for good service.
Safety
Tipping in Amarillo
Ensure a smooth experience
In Amarillo, tipping is customary in restaurants, bars, hotels, and for other service providers such as taxi drivers and hairdressers. The standard tip is around 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment methods commonly accepted in Amarillo include cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment options. Checks may also be accepted in some places, but it's always best to confirm beforehand.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Amarillo is in spring, when the weather is mild and wildflowers are in bloom. Expect comfortable temperatures and outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing.
During summer, expect hot temperatures in Amarillo. It's a good time for outdoor activities like visiting Palo Duro Canyon and attending local events and festivals.
Fall brings cooler, pleasant temperatures to Amarillo, making it a great time to explore outdoor attractions and enjoy fall foliage. It's also a popular time for attending local fairs and events.
Winter in Amarillo can be cold and occasionally snowy. It's a quieter time for tourism, but visitors can enjoy holiday events, indoor attractions, and seasonal festivities.
Amarillo at Night
Hiking in Amarillo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States, offering stunning views and a variety of hiking trails. Popular hikes include the Lighthouse Trail and the Juniper/Rim Trail.
Located approximately 90 miles southeast of Amarillo, Caprock Canyons features rugged landscapes and scenic trails, including the popular Caprock Canyons Trailway.
An outdoor recreational area that provides numerous hiking opportunities with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding landscapes, featuring trails like the Fritch Fortress Trail.
This refuge offers hiking trails where visitors can enjoy the diverse wildlife and scenic views of the wetlands and surrounding plains.
Located in the nearby city of Canyon, this trail follows the banks of the Palo Duro River, providing a peaceful hiking experience amidst nature.
Aiports
How to reach Amarillo by plane.
Located approximately 605 miles southeast of Amarillo, DFW is one of the largest and busiest international airports in the United States, serving as a major hub for American Airlines.
Located about 600 miles northwest of Amarillo, DEN is the largest airport in the United States by land area and the second-busiest airport in the country.
Located approximately 610 miles southwest of Amarillo, PHX is a major airport that serves the Greater Phoenix area and is a hub for American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
Situated about 600 miles southeast of Amarillo, IAH is an important international gateway and a hub for United Airlines.
Located around 550 miles southeast of Amarillo, SAT serves the San Antonio area and is a focus city for several airlines.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Amarillo, representing a significant portion of the population.
A sizable demographic group, often includes individuals of Mexican descent and other Latin American origins.
A notable demographic present in Amarillo, contributing to the cultural diversity of the city.
A smaller demographic group in Amarillo that includes individuals from East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
A smaller population group that includes members of various tribes native to the Americas.
Includes various other racial and ethnic backgrounds not classified above, such as multiracial individuals.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
American football is hugely popular, particularly at the high school and college levels, with the local teams fostering a strong community spirit.
Basketball enjoys a vibrant presence, with both recreational leagues and organized school teams attracting widespread participation.
Baseball is a favorite pastime, with local youth leagues and amateur teams contributing to a rich baseball culture in Amarillo.
Soccer has been growing in popularity, offering youth leagues and recreational activities for families and kids in the area.
Rodeo is a significant part of the local culture in Amarillo, celebrating the region's ranching heritage with events like the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo.
Ice hockey has a dedicated following in Amarillo, with local teams competing in various leagues providing entertainment for fans.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Amarillo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Several restaurants in Amarillo offer dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus, including The 806 Coffee + Lounge, where you can relish plant-based dishes and specialty beverages.
For gluten-free options, visit Yellow City Street Food, celebrated for its imaginative gourmet street food offerings, with several gluten-free choices available.