Top 10 Things to Do in Amarillo, TX

Top 10 Things to Do in Amarillo, TX

Amarillo, TX, located in the Texas Panhandle, is a vibrant city that offers visitors a variety of things to see and do. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, there is something for everyone in Amarillo. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 things to do in Amarillo, TX, to help you plan your next trip.

Table of Contents

Visit the Cadillac Ranch

Explore Palo Duro Canyon

Experience the American Quarter Horse Museum

Take a tour of the Harrington House

Discover the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

Enjoy a night out at the Amarillo Civic Center

Stroll through the Amarillo Botanical Gardens

Explore the Don Harrington Discovery Center

Visit Wonderland Amusement Park

Experience the Big Texan

1. Visit the Cadillac Ranch

Located just west of Amarillo on historic Route 66, the Cadillac Ranch is a unique roadside attraction that is a must-see when visiting Amarillo. This public art installation features ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground, covered in graffiti, and ready for visitors to come and add their own touch of art.

2. Explore Palo Duro Canyon

Known as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," the Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. The canyon is 120 miles long and 800 feet deep, with stunning views of the red rock formations that make up the canyon walls. Visitors can hike, bike, or even horseback ride through the park's many trails and explore the natural beauty of the Texas Panhandle.

3. Experience the American Quarter Horse Museum

The American Quarter Horse Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the American Quarter Horse, one of the most popular horse breeds in the world. Visitors can learn about the breed's history, watch live demonstrations, and even see some of the world's most famous Quarter Horses.

4. Take a tour of the Harrington House

The historic Harrington House is a beautiful example of early 20th-century architecture, and visitors can take a guided tour of the house and its grounds. The house is filled with antique furnishings, artwork, and other artifacts, giving visitors a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy Harrington family who once called it home.

5. Discover the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum is the largest history museum in Texas and features exhibits on everything from the history of the Texas Panhandle to the evolution of the American West. Visitors can explore the museum's many exhibits, including a life-size model of a pioneer town and an exhibit on the history of the American cowboy.

6. Enjoy a night out at the Amarillo Civic Center

The Amarillo Civic Center is the hub of entertainment in Amarillo, featuring everything from live concerts and theater performances to sporting events and conventions. Check out their calendar of events to see what's happening during your visit.

7. Stroll through the Amarillo Botanical Gardens

The Amarillo Botanical Gardens offer visitors a chance to relax and unwind while enjoying the beauty of nature. The gardens feature a variety of plant species, including a cactus garden, a rose garden, and a butterfly garden, as well as a children's garden and a Japanese garden.

8. Explore the Don Harrington Discovery Center

The Don Harrington Discovery Center is an interactive science museum that offers visitors of all ages a chance to learn and explore the wonders of science. The museum features hands-on exhibits on a variety of topics, including space, energy, and the human body, as well as a planetarium and an outdoor park.

9. Visit Wonderland Amusement Park

If you're looking for a fun-filled day with the family, then look no further than the Wonderland Amusement Park. This amusement park features over 30 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and a giant Ferris wheel. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of carnival games and delicious food at the park's many concession stands.

10. Experience the Big Texan

No trip to Amarillo is complete without a visit to the Big Texan. This famous restaurant has been serving up delicious steaks and other Texas-style cuisine for over 60 years. Visitors can take on the restaurant's famous 72-ounce steak challenge, where if you can eat the entire meal in under an hour, it's free!

In conclusion, Amarillo, TX, has a lot to offer visitors, from its unique roadside attractions and stunning natural beauty to its rich history and cultural experiences. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or indoor activities, you're sure to find something to suit your interests in Amarillo. So start planning your next trip today and get ready to experience all that this vibrant Texas city has to offer!

FAQs:

Q: What is Amarillo, TX known for?

A: Amarillo, TX is known for its unique roadside attractions, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural experiences.

Q: What is the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo?

A: The Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation located just west of Amarillo on historic Route 66. It features ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground, covered in graffiti, and ready for visitors to come and add their own touch of art.

Q: Can you hike in the Palo Duro Canyon State Park?

A: Yes, visitors to the Palo Duro Canyon State Park can hike, bike, or even horseback ride through the park's many trails and explore the natural beauty of the Texas Panhandle.

Q: What is the Big Texan famous for?

A: The Big Texan is famous for its delicious steaks and other Texas-style cuisine, as well as its famous 72-ounce steak challenge, where if you can eat the entire meal in under an hour, it's free!

Q: What can you do at the Amarillo Civic Center?

A: The Amarillo Civic Center is the hub of entertainment in Amarillo, featuring everything from live concerts and theater performances to sporting events and conventions. Visitors can check out their calendar of events to see what's happening during their visit.