Looking for the best things to do in Amarillo, Texas?! We have you covered!
The City of Amarillo is in the heart of the Texas panhandle in West Texas.
Amarillo encompasses a blend of wild west cowboy vibes with the historic, moto-culture of iconic Route 66.
From natural wonders to quirky art and museums, there are so many fun and unique things to do in Amarillo, Texas!
Visit the Palo Duro Canyon
Many people don’t realize that Amarillo is home to the second largest canyon in the United States
Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas”, Palo Duro Canyon is a must-visit destination.
There are a number of ways to explore this geological destination.
Hikers and mountain bikers flock to Palo Duro Canyon State Park to admire the gorge and the rock formations like the famous “lighthouse”.
The canyon ranges from 800 to 1000 feet deep and was once the battleground for the red river war, which means there are interesting rock formations and even Comanche Native American artifacts found in the area.
Only 17% of the Palo Duro Canyon is government owned, the majority of the area is private land where you can find additional ways to explore the scenic vista, such as the offroad jeep and horseback riding tours that we also experienced.
Go Offroading with a Palo Duro Jeep Tour
Add some speed under your wheels with a Jeep Tour from Spirit of the Canyon Tour.
Let’s be straight with you, this is not a leisurely jeep ride, it’s actually a military humvee which took us from the canyon rim down to the canyon floor in the most adventurous way possible.
We were squealing with excitement and holding on for dear life as the vehicle rolled down the treacherous mountain terrain while showcasing some spectacular views.
The tour is also a great place to learn about the American West Texas history as well as the geological changes that occurred to bring the Palo Duro to life.
If you love a good roller coaster, this is the way you want to see the canyon.
Go Horseback Riding in West Texas
For a romantic way to explore Palo Duro Canyon, go horseback riding at a private ranch.
We explored the equestrian trails during our Horseback ride at Cowgirls & Cowboys in the West.
This woman-owned ranch offers horseback riding adventures even if you’re a beginner in the saddle.
Starting from the equestrian sites and riding to the canyon rim, it is the perfect place to pretend that you’re cowboys and cowgirls for a few hours.
We’ve ridden horses many times, and these were by far the most calm horses we’ve ever been on so don’t be nervous.
Just be prepared for a romantic journey around the Palo Duro canyon.
Partake in the 72 oz Steak Challenge
Are you a beef lover? Could you conquer the 72-ounce steak challenge?!
The rules are simple, you have one hour to consume a 72 ounce steak, a salad, a baked potato, a dinner roll and three fried shrimp. And if you do so, it’s free!
Originally located on the historic Route 66, Big Texan Steak Ranch has been hosting this challenge to determine who the real cowboys are for the past 65 years!
Prior to the clock starting you are allowed to taste one bite to ensure it is cooked to your liking. Then it’s a race to clean your plate.
11% of people attempting the challenge completely finish the whole steak (plus sides) in the allotted hour.
This contest has been going on since 1960, which means a whopping 10,413 winners have prevailed!
While this challenge needs to be tackled solo, we attempted to complete the challenge as a duo just to see how difficult it really is.
The steak was delicious and we were able to tackle about a third of the meat in the first ten minutes.
However, as our bellies filled, the time started to tick away.
We were able to consume all of the side dishes but about 8 ounces of steak remained as the time ran out.
Anyone who can complete this challenge achieves quite the feat.
In fact, the record for the fastest time is 4 minutes and 18 seconds.
Molly Schuyler, a 125 pound housewife, set the record and then continued on to eat a total of THREE 72 ounce steaks, plus all the side dishes in only 20 minutes. Talk about impressive!
Go Glamping in a Covered Wagon
One of the most unique things to do in Amarillo is to stay in a covered wagon.
Head to the Big Texas Steak Ranch for this unique glamping experience.
They offer a number of Amish-made wooden cabins as well as two covered wagon accommodations.
The covered wagon glamping sites offer modern luxuries like air conditioning, a mini fridge, and hot water in the private bathhouse.
There are even a set of bunk beds inside the wagon if you are bringing your family.
Outside of the wagons are relaxing adirondack chairs nestled under string lights and peaceful tree canopies.
This glamping park also features one of the few hotel pools in Amarillo if you need to take a dip to escape from the Texas heat.
Take Photos at the Cadillac Ranch and Slug Bug Ranch
Speaking of quirky and unique things to see, be sure to grab a tripod or drone and head to the iconic Cadillac Ranch to make your own art.
This public art installation has national acclaim and features brightly colored cars covered in spray paint sticking out of the earth, much like stonehenge.
Bring your own spray paint and gloves (to keep the paint off of your fingers) or buy some supplies at the trailer selling merchandise and gifts.
If you like Cadillac Ranch, you might also want to swing by Slug Bug Ranch near the Big Texan.
Spray paint the Volkswagen beetles and vintage limos sticking out of the ground.
Those limos once transported hungry patons to the Big Texan for massive steak dinners. After the limos’ demise, they were placed in the earth at Slug Bug Ranch.
These interactive art installations are some of the unique things that make Amarillo so special.
Discover Amarillo’s Beautiful Murals
Another artsy and creative highlight of Amarillo are all of their murals.
We don’t think we’ve ever been to a town with so many beautiful, well-maintained murals.
The HooDoo Mural Festival originated in 2019, which has been contributing to the city’s widespread collection of public art.
Also, if you see a mural done by Blank Spaces Murals, it’s an amazing non-profit that pairs up high school students as interns with professional artists.
Their work is truly incredible and you’d never guess it came from students.
Take a stroll on a lovely day and explore all the gorgeous art on your own mural crawl.
Head to a History-Filled Speakeasy
Located in the basement of The Barfield, An Autograph Collection Hotel, The Paramount Recreation Club is one of the most legit speakeasies we’ve been to.
Known as “The Dutchess”, Melissa Dora Callaway Oliver-Eakle, was the woman who played a prominent role in establishing the city in Amarillo.
Using the alias M. D. Oliver, since back in the late 1800s it was unheard of for women to partake in business deals, she concealed her gender to use her wealth for philanthropy and to expand development and real estate in Amarillo.
She completed the city’s first skyscraper, the ten-story Barfield building in 1927, which hid a prohibition-era speakeasy in the basement.
Today, mosaic bullets encased in the floor lead the way to the secret entry of this watering hole that has been remodeled with elegance.
Once you find your way through the secret entrance, enjoy a craft cocktail in the Paramount Recreation Club’s posh, leather lined interior.
What’s also great about the location is that once you’ve properly experienced the cocktail menu you should stay at the upscale boutique hotel upstairs.
Their staff is extremely friendly, and when you book an Autograph collection hotel you know it’s going to be a great night’s sleep.
Enjoy a Mead Tasting
Instead of a traditional wine tasting, try a mead tasting!
Mead is an alcoholic beverage that is derived from honey.
A visit to Creek House Honey Farm showcases the mead making process and provides you an opportunity to taste a number of their mead flavors.
Our beverage flight included eight different house-made meads, including some award-winning selections.
Our favorites were the Peach, Queens Revenge (a higher alcohol mead), Smoke Show (honey that is smoked prior to being made into mead), and the somewhat spicy Screaming Bee.
Creek House Honey Farm also offers a cafe with sandwiches and baked goods that feature their honey as well as their hot mustard.
We enjoyed a pretzel with their house made hot mustard and homemade chocolate honey, which was reminiscent of a tootsie roll.
They have everything you need to enjoy a picnic overlooking the field of wildflowers and lavender.
Take a Hike through the Texas Wildflowers
Enjoy the natural beauty of seven miles of trails at the Wildcat Bluff Nature Center.
It’s a lovely way to burn off all the delicious food consumed in Amarillo!
Various trails will take you through grasslands, small canyons and bluff vistas.
The nature center is pet friendly for leashed animals and biking is allowed on certain days.
We were even there for a butterfly release and live music during the Cheers to Mariposa event. Be sure to check out their event schedule because they have a number of different events scheduled throughout the year.
Explore the Iconic 66 Historic District
Route 66 is celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2026 so be sure to allocate some time for exploring Route 66 in Amarillo.
Whether you’re taking a road trip through all of Route 66 or just visiting the stretch in Amarillo, you’ll find plenty of things to explore such as art galleries, antique stores, gifts, cafes, and cold beers waiting for you.
Here are some of the best places along the stretch:
- Old Tascosa Brewery: If you’re looking for a cold beer, head to Old Tascosa Brewery. This laid-back brewery is located in the Route 66 Historic District and serves craft beer brewed on-site alongside some pool tables and arcade games.
- The Nat: This former ballroom turned into The Nat, a gigantic antique mall. Explore booth after booth in this 20,000 square foot historic building.
- Aunt Eeks: For books and quirky gifts and oddities, check out Aunt Eeks.
- High Fidelity: Music lovers will adore High Fidelity for vinyl records and vintage music gear. Be sure to stop and say hi to Stevie, the record store pup!
- Texas Ivy: Another one of the classic Antique shops with a focus on Route 66 items.
- Lile Art Gallery: Local artist Bob Lile’s gallery. He is known for turning paint chips from Cadillac Ranch into jewelry.
- 806 Coffee Lounge: A funky coffee shop with local art and live events, the 806 Coffee Lounge is a great stop day or night.
Listen to Live Music and Watch Two-Stepping
Grab your cowboy boots and get ready to dance to some live music.
You’ll find live music at stops all across Amarillo, including formal concerts at Starlight Ranch, Amarillo’s large outdoor live music venue.
We caught live music at The Western Horseman Club while visiting.
This spot feels like a fancy Texas retreat with posh cowboy-chic furnishings and craft cocktails.
We listened to the Jon Young Band and enjoyed watching couples do the Texas two-step on the dance floor.
Visit a Unique Museum
Amarillo has a number of museums and a variety of exhibits to choose from.
If you like art, you will likely enjoy the Amarillo Museum of Art, and if you’re a lover of horses, the museum from the American Quarter Horse Association is also located in Amarillo.
But, if you love to travel like we do (and you’re a little quirky), discover the Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum.
You’ll be able to explore retro RVs, cars and motorcycles. Some of the notable items on display include the retro RV that Robin Williams filmed the 2006 movie “ RV” in.
You’ll also find the world’s oldest airstream. We loved how the museum felt interactive by allowing you to wander inside the vintage motorhomes!
Dine at Tasty Amarillo Restaurants
Amarilo is the beef capital of the world. The grass in the area is the most nutrient dense for cattle and buffalo, which has led to decades of ranching in the area.
Across Amarillo restaurants you’ll find quality prime beef, as well as southern classics like chicken fried steak.
With the border of New Mexico just a mere 50 miles away, you’ll also find some influence from New Mexico cuisine, with many chile menu offerings across numerous restaurants.
From casual breakfast spots, to iconic juicy burgers, to upscale dining, here are the dining spots to visit when in Amarillo:
Girasol Cafe
For a cheery sunshine-filled patio head to the Girasol Cafe.
This is a great spot for breakfast and lunch lunch options. For a taste of both, we ordered the brunch burger.
Served on a house-made aloha bun, this egg-topped burger featured homemade bacon jam and cream cheese.
Another bonus of this cafe? The pastry case is loaded with sweets.
Without a doubt, the sweet and gooey iced homemade cinnamon roll is a must-order menu item!
OHMS Cafe
Short for On Her Majesty’s Service, OHMS cafe is an upscale American bistro and favorite of locals.
We started by ordering some craft cocktails. The Bloody Mary martini and the rhubarb gin rickey were both deliciously well balanced.
For appetizers, we couldn’t resist ordering the massive jumbo shrimp cocktail with a smoky mezcal cocktail sauce.
If you’re in West Texas, you gotta taste the beef. Our ribeye steak was massive, juicy and topped with cowboy butter.
And for a lighter entree, the Chilean sea bass was flaky and flavorful.
This is a great stop for an upscale date night.
GoldenLight Cafe
A visit to Amarillo isn’t complete without a stop to the GoldenLight Cafe. This Route 66 roadhouse has been famous for decades for their seriously delicious burgers.
The menu is centered around just about every burger combination you can dream up. The menu also features french fries and chili.
We ordered a cheeseburger with bacon and green chiles to split, but after one bite we immediately ordered a second.
This restaurant is rustic and unassuming, but was probably our favorite lunch restaurant in Amarillo.
Savor
If you’re looking for a legitimate taste of Spain, head to Savor, an upscale tapas bar in Amarillo.
The interior is chic and moody with an illuminated bar as the centerpiece where they are whipping up some fun, theatrical cocktails.
Some of the drinks are served with flaming citrus twists or change color when mixed right before your eyes.
We opted to enjoy our tapas and libations out on the patio.
Our cocktails were served with an olive tapenade crostini as complimentary tapa, and even our pup got a free tapa of sliced bacon (which, to be honest, Gavin ate most of!)
Not only is the patio dog friendly, they even have a dog menu!
Choose between chicken, hamburger or bacon and let your pooch enjoy the tapas bar alongside you.
To test out the restaurant’s true Spanish cooking chops we ordered their seafood paella, and it was huge and delicious.
Be prepared to wait 20-30 minutes for it, but it’s huge and easily shareable for 2-3 people.
Metropolitan Steakhouse
For fine dining, steaks and chops, visit the Metropolitan Steakhouse & Seafood.
Curiosity led us to order one of the most unique appetizers we’ve seen: the fried shrimp cocktail. The shrimp were slathered in peanut butter, then crusted with bacon and panko bread crumbs. Then it was fried and served with a Thai chili sauce.
It was a bright explosion of Asian flavors in a perfectly plump fried shrimp. We have no idea how they came up with this recipe, but it was delicious.
The Metropolitan Steakhouse is known for their steaks including Japanese A5 Wagyu.
Presented with its certificate of authenticity, we enjoyed our Japanese A5 wagyu served tableside on a hot rock.
The stone arrives piping hot alongside raw slices of wagyu beef.
The real party begins when diners get to sear, season, and sauce their beef right at the table.
Handle Bar and Grill
While wandering down Route 66, swing into The Handle Bar and Grill. This saloon-meets-biker-bar makes an impressively massive Bloody Mary.
Made with your choice of regular vodka or a spicy pickle vodka, the cocktail is topped with all the snacks you could ever imagine.
We sipped on the cocktail while we noshed on onion rings, crispy chicken wings, sliders, southwest egg rolls, fried pickles, and chicken-fried, cheese-filled jalapeno poppers.
As a lover of creative bloody marys, we were very impressed!
Toscana
If you’re craving Italian, Toscana Italian Steakhouse is a nice option.
Located inside the Barfield Hotel, this eatery mixes modern decor with some original historic architecture from the building.
Our table was nestled right in front of a large steel showpiece with “The Barfield” on display; it was the old boiler room for the historic skyscraper.
We started with some small plates like bursting-with-flavor Caesar salad deviled eggs and crab cakes.
Originally we came for the homemade pastas, but were surprised that one of our favorite dishes was actually the fennel dusted salmon on a white bean and puttanesca ragu.
Big Texan Steak Ranch
Yes, we visited the Big Texan Steak Ranch for the 72 ounce steak challenge, but we had to return the next day to actually sample the menu on a now (somewhat) empty stomach.
Not only does this iconic landmark serve up copious amounts of beef, but they’re also making their own beer.
A beer flight of TEN of their house-brewed beers was only $15, so we had to order the flight to taste each and every variety.
In addition to steaks, they offer breakfast items like chicken and waffles as well as a BBQ counter.
The pork ribs were fantastic and the green chile creamed corn and cheesy bacon potatoes were delectably filling side dishes.
Plan on spending about twice the expected amount of time at this restaurant.
From a real live rattlesnake in the gift shop, to a wild west laser shooting game in the entry, there is a ton to explore inside the restaurant.
Patio Vista Rooftop
We were lucky enough to be staying at the Barfield Hotel during the opening of Patio Vista, their rooftop lounge.
Overlooking downtown Amarillo, this rooftop lounge features beer, wine, and craft cocktails,
Small bites like flatbread pizzas, charcuterie plates, pimento cheese arancini, and tuna wonton tacos are also available to savor on this open air rooftop.
From an immersive art scene, to the natural beauty of stunning canyons, Amarillo offers something for everyone.
Be sure to leverage Visit Amarillo’s website for more resources for planning your trip.
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