Also dubbed Bomb City, Rotor City, or Yellow Rose of Texas, Amarillo is a city in West Texas located on a sandy playa.
It acquired its name courtesy of its yellowish soil, as ‘Amarillo’ means yellow in Spanish.
Today, there is so much to do and see in the city that there is something for everyone; history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and art enthusiasts.
Personally, what really attracted me to the town was its rich history.
The city sits along Route 66, which makes it not only accessible but also a great learning hotspot.
1. Tour The American Quarter Horse Hall Of Fame & Museum
If you are an equine enthusiast like me, this museum is the perfect place to learn about horses.
Texas is one of the states in the US known for its horses, so it only makes sense to learn about them in their home.
The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum honors the local legacy of the quarter horse and its significance in Amarillo.
There are artifacts, paintings, and candid photographs of the quarter horse all around the museum. During your rounds, you will also learn about the anatomy of the horse and how to ride one properly.
2. Explore The Don Harrington Discovery Center
In this six-story complex, you will learn about science, and it is a perfect destination for the whole family. There are many topics to explore – from astronomy to animals.
The center has both indoor and outdoor attractions. One of the outdoor highlights is the Science Park, where you can explore life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and fossils of various ancient animals.
Inside, you will find galleries on different animals, such as ants. There is even a giant ant maze that should give you a feel of what it is like to be an ant in the underground. Also, at the Critter Row, you can hold and explore small animals such as spiders.
However, what really intrigued me the most was the Planetarium in the space theater.
The full-dome planetarium gives you a chance to take a voyage to the furthest reaches of our universe. You will learn about black holes, planets, stars, and more.
3. Visit The Amarillo Museum of Art
This museum is located on the campus of Amarillo College. The museum is open to the public, and entry is absolutely free.
It has art collections from all over the world, but most of the art is from the Far East. You will find sculptures from southern Asia displayed, as well as second-century Buddhist and Hindu pieces.
If you like olden-day paintings, you will be in for a treat. The museum holds a collection of paintings from the 17th to 19th centuries. Additionally, there are displays of photographs by the talented photographer Russell Lee.
4. Learn More About Aviation At The Texas Air & Space Museum
This museum is a great stop for those of you who are interested in aviation.
It has a collection of aircraft and a myriad of pieces related to aviation. While small, the museum has both an indoor and outdoor space.
It also has an impressive collection, such as:
- DC-3 from 1945
- C-7 Caribou from 1958
- An ejection seat from a B-52 bomber.
Visitors get the chance to get into the planes for a full hands-on experience. You can play around with the controls and ask whatever questions you may have – the staff are friendly and ready to indulge with you.
You will also learn about the local astronaut Rick Husband, who died in the Columbia space shuttle as it re-entered Earth.
5. Visit The Panhandle Historical Museum
The Panhandle Historical Museum is the largest museum in Texas, and it offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of Amarillo and the whole of Texas.
It holds art collections that mark different times in the state’s history.
You will learn about the people of Texas, including the American Indians, who were among the first to settle in Amarillo. You will also learn about the economic activities of the region and innovations that have contributed to its development.
The museum hosts regular exhibitions to showcase art and teach people the history of Amarillo.
6. Take A Stroll At The Amarillo Botanical Gardens
The Amarillo Botanical Gardens is a must-visit, especially if you want to connect with nature.
This four-acre space has different types of gardens:
- A Japanese Garden
- A Xeric Garden
- A Fragrance Garden
- A Butterfly Garden
It also has a beautiful diamond-shaped conservatory made of glass and silver, which dominates the grounds. Inside the conservatory are tropical plants.
This place, only down the street from the Don Harrington Discovery Center, is a beauty during the Christmas festivities because of the kaleidoscope of colors used as decorations.
If you are visiting around Christmas, it is advisable to visit in the evening to enjoy the full glory of these colors. Besides that, you gather adequate plant knowledge and gardening skills from visiting this place.
7. Visit The Amarillo Zoo
One of the things my family enjoyed the most during our trip was spending the afternoon at the Amarillo Zoo.
Situated on a 15-acre space, the zoo is home to 88 species and 150 individual animals.
Some of the animals you will encounter include:
- Lions
- Tigers
- Monkeys
- Kangaroos
- Foxes
Other animals, such as bison, gray foxes, and longhorns, are native to Amarillo.
The zoo, which was founded in 1955, also has cute miniature horses, donkeys, and skunks.
You will also see different species of reptiles, the likes of Burmese pythons and turtles. Amphibians such as salamanders are present in the Herpetarium.
8. Hike The Palo Duro Canyon State Park
The Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long, 800 feet deep, and 20 wide in some areas. This makes it the second-largest canyon in the US.
It makes for a perfect destination for outdoor activities like:
- Camping
- Hiking
- Geocaching
- Horseback riding
The state park boasts 150 campsites, and numerous hiking trails, the most popular of which is the Lighthouse Trail.
You can visit the Palo Duro Canyon State Park anytime around the year, but you want to avoid intense activities when it is too cold or too hot.
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9. Appreciate The Cowboys and Cowgirls Of The West
You can’t go to Texas and not experience this side of their culture. The cowboy and cowgirl culture is rampant in Texas, and you should have a taste of it while there.
Fortunately for you, the cowboys and cowgirls in the West will immerse you in the atmosphere.
The cowboys and cowgirls will guide you through fun horseback riding experiences. People of all skill levels are catered for throughout the year.
10. Unwind At The Amarillo Civic Center
For an afternoon or evening of fun and top-tier entertainment, the Amarillo Civic Center is the spot for you and the whole family. The center can host up to 2848 people.
There is an array of activities and shows you can catch here as something happens every other night.
If you are into performing arts, you catch the Amarillo symphony orchestra, the Amarillo Opera, or the lone star ballet.
For those into sports, you will enjoy football games, hockey matches, and ice skating shows. That said, I recommend you check the schedule when you are in town to know what will happen at different times of the day.
11. Watch A Movie At The Tascosa Drive-in
The Tascosa drive-in is a perfect romantic plot for the evening. It features vintage films showing during the evenings from Friday night to Sunday night.
The spot shows two movies per night, ranging from classic to modern or a mixture of both.
Gates open at 8 p.m. The darkness contributes to the overall experience. While there is a snack stand at the venue, picnics are allowed.
12. Challenge Yourself At The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is an iconic restaurant and was made popular by its 72-ounce steak challenge. As per the challenge, you should consume a 72 oz steak, salad, appetizer, and potato meal within an hour.
If you manage to do it, you are not charged for the meal. However, if you take longer than an hour to finish the meal, you will be required to pay $72.
Besides the challenge, the restaurant also has a standard menu from which you can choose from various Texas cuisines. It also offers locally brewed beer for the people who indulge.
The restaurant also provides an excellent backdrop for photos, with tons of colorful billboards and an interesting statue of a white cow.
13. Visit The Wonderland Amusement Park
Since I was traveling with my whole kids, I found myself engaging in activities that are family oriented.
The Wonderland amusement park is one such perfect getaway that is ideal for everyone.
There are two adrenaline-packed rollercoasters to choose from:
- Texas Tornado
- Mouse Trap
There are also water rides which are a delight, especially when it is hot.
These include:
- Rattlesnake Raft Ride
- Big Splash Log Plume
- Pipeline Plunge
Other activities you can take part in include mini-golf and bumper cars. Note that the Wonderland Amusement Park is only open during summer.
14. Explore The Cadillac Ranch
The Cadillac Ranch provides a unique form of entertainment where people get to do graffiti on old Cadillacs. The Cadillacs, 10 in total, are arranged in a row, stuck nose-first into the earth.
There are cans placed strategically around the place, and you can pick whichever and try out graffiti on any car. You can also bring your own paint can if you so wish.
Kids will have the time of their lives climbing into the cars, all of which have open interiors. The best part is that the Cadillac Ranch is free of charge.
No one is required to pay anything to have fun here. This is because it is funded by an eccentric millionaire, Stanley Marsh 3, in partnership with the San Franciscan art collective The Ant Farm. Note that Cadillac Ranch is accessible every day, 24 hours a day.
Final Words
If you are planning a trip to Amarillo, Texas, rest assured you will have a good time.
Ensure you plan your trip well, and confirm beforehand the availability and prices of different spots and activities. Most importantly, bring your energy and save your appetite for the different Texan cuisines.
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