Are you looking for fun and exciting things to do on your trip to Amarillo? Then look no further, this list of awesome things to do in Amarillo is sure to make your trip one to remember! Amarillo is full of unique experiences for everyone to enjoy!
Whether you want to explore a majestic canyon, learn about Amarillo history, or experience the arts and culture of this vibrant Texas town, this list has it all! These stops are perfect for a quick day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer vacation!
If you are looking for historical sites, immersive art experiences, outdoor adventure, or one-of-a-kind museums, we have got you covered with these wonderful things to do in Amarillo. There are also plenty of great things to do with kids in Amarillo, so don’t hesitate to bring them along!
From unique historical sites to gorgeous landscapes, adventure awaits at these great places to go in Amarillo and they are sure to make your visit memorable!
15 Best Things To Do In Amarillo You Shouldn’t Miss
Cadillac Ranch
If you are looking for a truly unique Amarillo experience, Cadillac Ranch is one of the best things to do in Amarillo! With its ten, vibrantly decorated Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground, it is worth a visit!
Created by a group of artists known as The Ant Farm in the 1970s as a piece of public art, it has transformed over the decades. It started as a tribute to the evolution of Cadillac design, but over the years has become a new work of art entirely. People have painted and graffitied the cars along with takes parts through the decades, which was eventually encouraged by the original artists.
This attraction is of the most popular things to see in Amarillo. Cadillac Ranch brings visitors from all over the world who want to add their art to the installation. If you stop by Cadillac Ranch make sure to bring some paint and snap some photos!
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is one of the most beautiful places to go in Amarillo! It is the second-largest canyon in the United States and is full of beauty and adventure!
With over 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, you can explore Palo Duro Canyon in a variety of ways! And if you love hiking, check out our list of 14 scenic trails for hiking in Texas! This beautiful state park also hosts the TEXAS Outdoor Musical during the summer telling the stories of the early settlers. Palo Duro Canyon also has family-friendly ranger programs making it one of the best things to do in Amarillo with kids!
And if you want to visit Palo Duro Canyon for more than a day, there are several lodging options to meet everyone’s needs. From tent and backpacking campsites, campsites with water and electricity, rustic cabins, and even glamping sites, you’re bound to have a pleasant stay at Palo Duro Canyon State Park!
Amarillo Museum of Art
Amarillo Museum of Art is one of the most interesting things to do in Amarillo! It is home to an art collection of over 1,800 works and hosts multiple exhibitions every year!
You can enjoy Asian, Western, and contemporary, and modern American art. The best part is that admission is free! The Amarillo Museum of Art also features several outdoor sculptures which provide a unique backdrop for a picnic lunch on the grounds.
Whether you are visiting alone, coming with a group, or bringing the kids, the Amarillo Museum of Art is one of the best free things to do in Amarillo!
Amarillo Botanical Gardens
If you are wondering what to do in Amarillo, look no further than the Amarillo Botanical Gardens! Covering 4.4 acres, Amarillo Botanical Gardens has a variety of plants, trees, and flowers to enjoy.
Spending the afternoon at Amarillo Botanicals Gardens is sure to be one of the most relaxing things to do in Amarillo! You can either explore at your leisure with a self-guided tour or reserve a spot for a guided tour. Amarillo Botanical Gardens also hosts different events throughout the year, from musical performances to things like breakfasts with butterflies!
Whether you are a plant lover or just want to spend some time in the fresh air, the Amarillo Botanical Gardens is definitely one of the best Amarillo attractions to visit!
Harrington House Historic Home
The Harrington House Historic Home is one of the essential activities in Amarillo. Built in 1914 and occupied by the Harringtons from 1940 onward, it is a monument to Amarillo history.
Don and Sybil Harrington were pillars of Amarillo society through much of the 20th century. The Harringtons were philanthropists and were large supporters of several initiatives and especially the arts. Sybil Harrington made the Harrington House a pinnacle of design by including many design elements from her European travels. The beauty of the home is still well preserved today!
The Harrington House Historic Home is an excellent way to learn and experience the history of Amarillo and it is one of the best free things to do in Amarillo! Tours do have to be arranged in advance and participants do need to be at least 14 years old, but a visit is worthwhile!
Don Harrington Discovery Center
Speaking of the Harringtons, the Don Harrington Discovery Center is one of the best things to do in Amarillo with kids! With exhibits focusing on science, math, and space it is one the most educational things to do in Amarillo.
Kids can crawl through a giant ant maze, get an up-close look at a variety of small critters, or learn about different space phenomena! The Don Harrington Discovery Center also has an Outdoor Science Park featuring two life-size animatronic dinosaurs and plenty of other fun for kids to explore. Even little ones will enjoy the discovery center’s KinderStudio created for children ages 0 to 6, filled with blocks, tubes, and other materials for imaginative playtime!
You can even check out the Space Theater, a full-dome planetarium that hosts a variety of shows the whole family will enjoy. The shows are included with general admission as well. The Don Harrington Discovery Center is definitely one of the best places to go in Amarillo!
Jack Sizemore RV Museum
If you are looking to experience some true Americana, the Jack Sizemore RV Museum is one of the ultimate things to do in Amarillo! It has something for everyone to enjoy!
With an extensive collection of RVs, campers, cars, and motorbikes, the Jack Sizemore RV Museum has a little bit of everything. Jack Sizemore and his son have collected and restored this collection over the past 25 years making it something truly special. You can even take a tour of the inside of most of the RVs!
This museum is definitely an excellent way to spend an afternoon and with free admission, it is one of the best free things to do in Amarillo!
Tacosa Drive-in Theater
If you are looking for a relaxing way to spend the evening, look no further than the Tacosa Drive-in Theater. A relic of the past, this drive-in offers a step back in time!
Cruising into a double feature at the Tacosa Drive-in is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Amarillo! With an extensive concession stand and the show starting at sundown, what’s not to like! It is also home to the largest screen in the Texas Panhandle.
While the drive-in itself may be a blast from the past, the Tacosa Drive-in features new movies at an affordable price. With two films for the price of one of the neatest activities in Amarillo!
Amarillo Art & Elms Scavenger Hunt
The Amarillo Art & Elms Scavenger Hunt is one of the most fun things to do in Amarillo! If you love exploring a new city on foot, this is definitely a must-do activity. This scavenger hunt will let you explore the history of Amarillo in a totally new way! By searching through Amarillo, you will be sure to see important landmarks, locations and maybe come across one of the city’s hidden gems. The Amarillo Art & Elms Scavenger Hunt is great for small groups and families as it is fun for all ages!
If you want to make sure you don’t miss out on all the cool things to do in Amarillo, this scavenger hunt is one of the neatest things to do in Amarillo!
Click here to book Amarillo Art & Elms Scavenger Hunt!
Texas Air & Space Museum
The Texas Air & Space Museum, located near Rick Husband International Airport, is one of the best places to go in Amarillo! With its wide array of aircraft and indoor exhibits, it is sure to be fun for the whole family.
Featuring exhibits on important pilots and astronauts, visitors are bound to learn something new. The museum also is home to exhibits on different American wars and the history of the airport as well. It is also home to a wide variety of awesome aircraft that are sure to delight anyone who visits!
The Texas Air & Space Museum also hosts special events on occasion, so make sure to check before you go! You won’t want to miss out on one of the best things to do in Amarillo!
Wildcat Bluff Nature Center
If you enjoy a nice day hike or even just an easy morning hike, Wildcat Bluff Nature Center is one of the best places to go in Amarillo! Wildcat Bluff offers a few hikes for a variety of skill levels and is easily accessible off the highway.
Visitors can admire the local plants and wildlife, birdwatch, and learn about prehistoric Texas at the Wildcat Bluff Nature Center. Libb’s trail at Wildcat Bluff is an excellent hike for beginners and is also handicapped accessible and free to use! More advanced hikers will enjoy the Bluff, Prarie Loop, and Windmill trails which do cost a small fee.
The Windmill Trail even has a working windmill! Wildcat Bluff Nature Center also offers a science education building for the whole family to check out. Wildcat Bluff Nature Center is definitely one of the best things to do in Amarillo!
Ross Rogers and Comanche Trail Golfing
Amarillo is home to four great public golf courses! Ross Rogers and Comanche Trail are both home to award-winning golf courses making them one of the best places to go in Amarillo!
The Wildhorse and Mustang Courses at Ross Rogers both offer 18 holes with a beautiful backdrop and engaging course design. Comanche Trail is home to the Tomahawk and Arrowhead Courses. Comanche Trail offers professional-level practice facilities as well such as a driving range and practice greens!
You should definitely hit the green on one of the four stunning golf courses and not miss out on one of the best things to do in Amarillo!
Route 66 Historic District
A trip to Amarillo wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Route 66 Historic District. Amarillo was one of the first large cities built on Route 66, making a visit to this historic district one of the coolest things to do in Amarillo!
Filled with antique stores, art galleries, and one-of-a-kind shops, visitors are sure to find something that fits their tastes. Speaking of taste, the Route 66 Historic District is home to a variety of restaurants and bars. You can pop into Marshall’s Tavern for a beer or stop by Smokey Joe’s for a Texan burger! If you want to explore more delicious Texan cuisine check out our list of best restaurants in Amarillo!
Whether you want to find an Amarillo treasure to take home or spend a night on the town the Route 66 Historic District is one of the best places to go in Amarillo!
Bill’s Backyard Classics
If you are wondering what to do in Amarillo during your stay, look no further than Bill’s Backyard Classics. This unique collection of automobiles is a singular experience!
Bill and Linda Pratt grew this awesome collection of cars from the ground up with the goal of providing enjoyment and entertainment for families living in and visiting Amarillo. Bill’s Backyard Classics is home to not only classic cars but hot rods and custom-built cars as well. With kids 12 and under getting in free and the family-friendly atmosphere it is one of the best things to do in Amarillo with kids!
Helium Time Columns Monument
The Helium Time Columns Monument is definitely one of the most interesting things in Amarillo. It is a great example of art and history combined.
Amarillo was home to a major helium plant that played a significant part in helium and gas production for the U.S government dating back to the 1920s. The monument itself was created in 1968 to honor the 100th anniversary of the discovery of helium. The sculpture is also 4 separate time capsules that are filled with objects to show what life was like back in 1968.
This neat monument is currently located at the Don Harrington Discovery Center and tells an interesting part of Amarillo’s vibrant history. It is one of the must-do tourist attractions in Amarillo!
