Canyon, neon, and the classic Panhandle road-trip stops
Things To Do in Amarillo
Explore Palo Duro Canyon, Cadillac Ranch, the Route 66 Historic District, downtown museums, and the arts of the Texas High Plains.
Start with the canyon and the roadside icons
Palo Duro Canyon supplies Amarillo's largest landscape, 30 miles south of downtown. In the city, Cadillac Ranch and the Route 66 Historic District preserve two very different chapters of roadside culture.
- → Palo Duro Canyon State Park for rim overlooks, the canyon-floor road, and exposed trails.
- → Cadillac Ranch for the most famous roadside stop.
- → Route 66 Historic District along Sixth Avenue for neon, shops, food, and live music.
Museums and public art fill the city hours
The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in nearby Canyon covers regional archaeology, ranching, oil, transportation, and art. East Amarillo adds the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, while downtown has public art and performance venues without repeating the roadside stops west of town.
- → American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame for the breed's history and its place in ranching culture.
- → Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum for a broad account of the region in nearby Canyon.
- → Downtown Amarillo for galleries, public art, performances, and restaurants around Polk Street.
Summer heat changes a Palo Duro trail day
Texas Parks and Wildlife can close the Lighthouse, Comanche, GSL, and Rock Garden trails from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. when the National Weather Service issues a Heat Advisory. Check the park alert page before leaving Amarillo. Start an exposed hike early, or use the scenic drive and overlooks when trails are closed.
For canyon views
Drive below the rim and stop at overlooks; reserve exposed hiking for an early, alert-free window.
For roadside history
Pair Cadillac Ranch west of town with the Sixth Avenue Historic District rather than treating them as one stop.
For regional history
Give the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum its own half day; its collections reach far beyond Route 66 nostalgia.
Bookable experiences
Guided Amarillo and Palo Duro experiences
Verify the departure point, route, duration, and current availability before booking any guided experience.
Amarillo Palo Duro Canyon Route 66 Day Trip
Explore Amarillo’s scenic Palo Duro Canyon and historic Route 66 on a full-day guided tour highlighting natural beauty and iconic landmarks.
Amazing Amarillo Scavenger Hunt
Explore Amarillo's landmarks and hidden gems through a fun, interactive scavenger hunt adventure.
More Amarillo guides
Open the guide that covers the next geographic or booking decision.
Palo Duro Canyon Guide
Trail alerts, scenic-drive stops, park reservations, and seasonal amphitheatre dates.
Where to stay in Amarillo
Compare downtown, west I-40, and airport-side hotels by the trip you are taking.
Restaurants in Amarillo
Compare steakhouses, barbecue, downtown kitchens, locations, and weekly hours.
Getting to Amarillo
I-40, I-27, US 287, AMA, and the separate drive south to Palo Duro Canyon.
