Amarillo, Texas
If you ask any Texan about Amarillo, you might hear the city’s motto—“Step Into the Real Texas.” Amarillo’s beauty is only a tiny portion of the reason why tourists come to Amarillo and fall in love. Whether you want to spend your time indoors or out exploring the countryside, Amarillo is packed with attractions suitable to all ages. You’ll come to the city looking for the best Amarillo restaurants, Amarillo hotels, and even things to do while in Amarillo. Believe me, you’ll not be disappointed with the selection!
Most travelers start their vacation by seeking things to do in Amarillo during their stay. A fun-filled day of shopping is always an option. Amarillo has many shopping centers and a large mall with far more than 100 stores. There are many boutiques where you can purchase handcrafted goods; perhaps a pair of Texan crafted cowboy boots? While shopping is fun on a rainy day, you may be seeking more activities during your stay in Amarillo.
Among the many things to do in Amarillo, the Amarillo Zoo is a family favorite. The fifteen-acre zoo is home to many animals and the brand new Herpetarium. Before heading to the zoo, why not head to Elkin Ranch, an authentic cattle ranch, for a chuck wagon breakfast and glimpse into a cowboy’s daily routine. Older children love Wonderland Park, a Texas themed amusement park complete with water slides, roller coasters, and rides for the younger crowd. Wonderland Park has been an Amarillo attraction for more than 56 years!
If you are seeking more unique Amarillo attractions, head to the Cadillac Ranch. This old-fashioned ranch isn’t what most tourists think. The highlights of this ranch are the buried Cadillac automobiles whose rears point to the sky. Then hit the historic Route 66 district for a glimpse into yesteryear. End your night at one of the most popular Amarillo attractions, Amarillo’s answer to Opryland. The Big Texan Opry is held every Tuesday night at the Big Texan Steak Ranch. Guests are treated to some country western music and a delightful steak dinner with all the trimmings.
Palo Duro Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the United States. The canyon is also packed with things to do in Amarillo. Nature trails abound, but there are also many cattle and horse ranches in the area that offer wagon rides, chuck wagon breakfasts, and much more. Palo Duro Stables allows visitors to rent horses for the day. This is a perfect way to view the beauty of the canyon. Beginners receive lessons before heading out. Adventurous souls can pitch their tent in the Palo Duro Canyon and experience a sunset and sunrise from their own campsite, living just like the cowboys do.
While you are hunting for things to do in Amarillo, don’t miss out on the chance to attend a rodeo. Throughout the year, professional rodeos are held at the Tri-State Expo in Amarillo. Bull riding, horse cutting competitions, dog shows, monster trucks, roping, and other rodeo events are scheduled for every month of the year. The PRCA Rodeo usually brings in a huge crowd, so purchase tickets early. Entrance fees to many of these events are minimal, so it is a nice way to get out with your family and friends without having to pay a lot of money.
Dozens of Amarillo restaurants await hungry travelers who want to sample regional fare. Recently, a local favorite shut its doors. At first some feared Randy’s was gone for good, but there is good news. Randy’s simply moved downtown to the old Paramount Theatre where the talented chefs are whipping up extravagant steak and seafood meals. Standing out among the selection of rustic Amarillo restaurants is Amarillo’s Stockyard Café located adjacent to the Amarillo Livestock Auction. Meals at Stockyard Café are extremely inexpensive and portions are more than ample. Seek authentic Mexican Amarillo restaurants, head to La Frontera. Meals at La Frontera are excellent and rarely cost more than $10 per person with beverages.
After a hearty meal at the fine selection of Amarillo restaurants, you will want to snuggle in for a cozy’s night’s sleep. There are literally dozens of Amarillo hotels from which tourists can choose. When pondering the wide array of Amarillo hotels, it pays to listen to the advice of other tourists. There are three Amarillo hotels that continually receive rave reviews from other travelers. Surprisingly, their prices are not always the highest. Many tourists state that high-priced Amarillo hotels are not always the best. Ambassador Hotel Amarillo, Ashmore Inn & Suites Amarillo, and Quality Inn & Suites West consistently gain rave reviews from guests.
You may come to Amarillo for a quick getaway, but once you’ve experienced the fine Amarillo restaurants and Amarillo hotels you’ll find that it truly feels like a home away from home. In fact, it can be pretty hard to leave. The good news is that the friendly locals would love to have you back!
Panhandle Plains
Most travelers start their vacation by seeking things to do in Amarillo during their stay. A fun-filled day of shopping is always an option. Amarillo has many shopping centers and a large mall with far more than 100 stores. There are many boutiques where you can purchase handcrafted goods; perhaps a pair of Texan crafted cowboy boots? While shopping is fun on a rainy day, you may be seeking more activities during your stay in Amarillo.
Among the many things to do in Amarillo, the Amarillo Zoo is a family favorite. The fifteen-acre zoo is home to many animals and the brand new Herpetarium. Before heading to the zoo, why not head to Elkin Ranch, an authentic cattle ranch, for a chuck wagon breakfast and glimpse into a cowboy’s daily routine. Older children love Wonderland Park, a Texas themed amusement park complete with water slides, roller coasters, and rides for the younger crowd. Wonderland Park has been an Amarillo attraction for more than 56 years!
If you are seeking more unique Amarillo attractions, head to the Cadillac Ranch. This old-fashioned ranch isn’t what most tourists think. The highlights of this ranch are the buried Cadillac automobiles whose rears point to the sky. Then hit the historic Route 66 district for a glimpse into yesteryear. End your night at one of the most popular Amarillo attractions, Amarillo’s answer to Opryland. The Big Texan Opry is held every Tuesday night at the Big Texan Steak Ranch. Guests are treated to some country western music and a delightful steak dinner with all the trimmings.
Palo Duro Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the United States. The canyon is also packed with things to do in Amarillo. Nature trails abound, but there are also many cattle and horse ranches in the area that offer wagon rides, chuck wagon breakfasts, and much more. Palo Duro Stables allows visitors to rent horses for the day. This is a perfect way to view the beauty of the canyon. Beginners receive lessons before heading out. Adventurous souls can pitch their tent in the Palo Duro Canyon and experience a sunset and sunrise from their own campsite, living just like the cowboys do.
While you are hunting for things to do in Amarillo, don’t miss out on the chance to attend a rodeo. Throughout the year, professional rodeos are held at the Tri-State Expo in Amarillo. Bull riding, horse cutting competitions, dog shows, monster trucks, roping, and other rodeo events are scheduled for every month of the year. The PRCA Rodeo usually brings in a huge crowd, so purchase tickets early. Entrance fees to many of these events are minimal, so it is a nice way to get out with your family and friends without having to pay a lot of money.
Dozens of Amarillo restaurants await hungry travelers who want to sample regional fare. Recently, a local favorite shut its doors. At first some feared Randy’s was gone for good, but there is good news. Randy’s simply moved downtown to the old Paramount Theatre where the talented chefs are whipping up extravagant steak and seafood meals. Standing out among the selection of rustic Amarillo restaurants is Amarillo’s Stockyard Café located adjacent to the Amarillo Livestock Auction. Meals at Stockyard Café are extremely inexpensive and portions are more than ample. Seek authentic Mexican Amarillo restaurants, head to La Frontera. Meals at La Frontera are excellent and rarely cost more than $10 per person with beverages.
After a hearty meal at the fine selection of Amarillo restaurants, you will want to snuggle in for a cozy’s night’s sleep. There are literally dozens of Amarillo hotels from which tourists can choose. When pondering the wide array of Amarillo hotels, it pays to listen to the advice of other tourists. There are three Amarillo hotels that continually receive rave reviews from other travelers. Surprisingly, their prices are not always the highest. Many tourists state that high-priced Amarillo hotels are not always the best. Ambassador Hotel Amarillo, Ashmore Inn & Suites Amarillo, and Quality Inn & Suites West consistently gain rave reviews from guests.
You may come to Amarillo for a quick getaway, but once you’ve experienced the fine Amarillo restaurants and Amarillo hotels you’ll find that it truly feels like a home away from home. In fact, it can be pretty hard to leave. The good news is that the friendly locals would love to have you back!
Panhandle Plains
