Spending one day in Amarillo?
You might be surprised how much you can pack in. From classic roadside oddities to canyon hikes and speakeasy cocktails, this town’s got layers. We’ve put together four different ways to spend your day—pick one, mix and match, or use them all as inspiration for your own adventure.
For us, Amarillo is almost unavoidable. Every time we head west, we end up rolling through, sometimes by choice, sometimes because there’s just no better route.
At first, we weren’t sure Amarillo was worth more than a fuel stop or a free overnight stay at Walmart. (If you’re looking for that, we cover Free Overnight RV Parking too.) But now? It’s one of our favorite places to slow down and explore. If you’re wondering the same thing, we’ve got a full breakdown in Is Amarillo Worth Visiting?
4 Itinerary Ideas for
One Day in Amarillo
Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve already seen the Cadillac Ranch and eaten the steak, there’s always a new way to experience Amarillo. This guide gives you four different ways to spend one day in town—from must-see classics to quiet hidden gems.
- Just passing through? Hit the quirky roadside stops Amarillo is known for.
- Craving nature? Spend the day hiking Palo Duro Canyon and sipping local wine.
- Looking for something different? We’ve got off-the-radar spots that most people miss.
- Prefer a creative vibe? Head downtown for street art, vintage finds, and cool cocktails.
However you like to travel, Amarillo’s got something to match your mood.
Your One Day in Amarillo
Starts Here
Now that you’ve got the options in front of you, let’s dive into the details. Whether you’re looking for weird and wonderful, wide-open landscapes or artsy hangouts, these four one-day itineraries show just how much Amarillo has to offer.
1. Quirky Amarillo Classics
This is “The Amarillo” that people come to see. Spray-painted Cadillacs. Giant fiberglass cowboys. A steak challenge that’s been on TV more times than we can count.
These are the quirky, iconic stops that define Amarillo for first-time visitors. And yes, we think they’re absolutely worth it.
Cadillac Ranch
Graffiti-covered Cadillacs buried nose-first in the dirt. It’s quirky, it’s iconic, and it’s one of the most photographed spots in Texas. Go ahead, bring your own spray paint or grab a can from the vendor out front.
VW Slug Bug Ranch + Big Texan Steak Ranch
These two go hand in hand, and they’re best saved for later in the day. The VW Slug Bug Ranch is a quick, fun stop where a row of colorful, crumbling Bugs stand nose-down in the dirt, kind of like a smaller, scrappier version of Cadillac Ranch. It’s tucked right on the property of the Big Texan Steak Ranch, so once you’ve snapped a few photos, head inside.
It’s home to the famous 72-oz steak challenge (yep, you can watch brave souls attempt it live), a massive gift shop full of over-the-top Western charm, and a whole Wild West atmosphere that’s impossible to ignore. Even if you’re not in the mood for a 4½-pound steak, the regular menu has burgers, ribs, and all the classic Texas comfort food.
👉 Pro Tip: Save this stop for lunch or dinner. You’ll want to come hungry—rolling in right after breakfast would be a rookie mistake, and you’d miss the full experience.
Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum
This place is a hidden gem. It’s free, it’s got a ton of personality, and the vintage RVs and campers will take you straight back to the golden age of road trips.
Giant Pair of Legs
Yep, just a pair of giant legs standing in a random field. No signs, no plaque, no explanation. That’s exactly why we love it.
2nd Amendment Cowboy
A towering fiberglass cowboy guards the front of Cadillac RV Park. It’s weird, it’s vintage, and it makes for a great roadside selfie. The vintage Cadillacs hold some interesting passengers. Take a peek in the window, you might even spot Elvis!
Robb’s Take: If you’re short on time, hit Cadillac Ranch, Big Texan, and the RV Museum. That trio gives you the full Amarillo oddball experience in just a couple of hours.
👉 Pro Tip: Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dusty. None of these stops are fancy, and that’s the point.
👉Want more quirky stops? Check out our full post: Top Things to See in Amarillo-The Ultimate Guide 2025.
Where to Stay in Amarillo
(If You’re Overnighting)
Only have a day to explore Amarillo? We get it, but if you’re rolling in the night before or extending your stay, there are a few easy options to consider.
Mid-Range: Courtyard by Marriott Amarillo Downtown – Walkable to murals, coffee shops, and local eats.
RV Travelers: Overnight parking at The Big Texan or check nearby campgrounds like Amarillo KOA or Oasis RV Resort.
Something Funky: Barfield Hotel – Historic downtown with easy access to Paramount Recreation Club and Polk Street art.
👉Planning a longer stay? Check out our Trip Planning Services for custom itineraries, RV routes, and quirky stops you won’t want to miss.
2. A Day at Palo Duro Canyon
(With Wine!)
If you’ve got a full day to spare and love wide-open views, red rock canyons, and a good glass of wine, this itinerary delivers a big dose of Texas nature with a laid-back finish.
Palo Duro Canyon is about 30 minutes outside Amarillo. The drive is easy, and the scenery makes it well worth the trip.
Know Before You Go
- Entry Fee: Palo Duro requires a paid entrance fee for all visitors.
- Reservations: Highly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. The park limits capacity to avoid overcrowding.
👉You can check current hours, conditions, and make day-use or camping reservations through the Texas State Parks website.
- Camping: You can stay overnight with a tent, RV, or cabin—sunset views here are unforgettable.
- Connectivity: Cell service is spotty in the canyon. Download your maps and bring a paper backup as a precaution.
Morning: Canyon Hikes and Scenic Views
Start your day at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the second-largest canyon in the U.S.
If you’re up for a hike, take on the Lighthouse Trail—a 6-mile out-and-back route that leads to a rock formation that’s become the park’s signature landmark. It’s moderately challenging, so bring plenty of water, wear solid shoes, and go early to beat the heat.
Prefer a lighter option?
Drive the scenic 16-mile loop, which offers incredible overlooks, pull-offs, and picnic spots. Even the steep descent into the canyon is dramatic and memorable. Take your time and soak in the views.
👉 Pro Tip: Check the weather before you go. Conditions can change fast, and summer heat is no joke out here.
Afternoon: Wine with a View
After exploring the canyon, head to Bar Z Winery, located just outside the park.
It’s casual, scenic, and serves up locally produced Texas wines, including some surprisingly bold reds. You can sip outside on the patio overlooking the High Plains (weather permitting), or tuck into the cozy indoor space when it’s windy.
Maureen’s Take: I wasn’t expecting much from Texas wine, but Bar Z’s reds really impressed me. The view and the vibe made a perfect wind-down.
Dinner: Comfort Food in Canyon, TX
Instead of heading straight back to Amarillo, make a dinner stop in Canyon, the charming little town nearby. Two local favorites stand out:
Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner
📍 2100 N 2nd Ave, Canyon, TX
Quirky décor, kid-friendly, and pure comfort food. Think chicken-fried steak, burgers, catfish, and peach cobbler—with a toy train running above your head as you eat.
The Lumberyard
📍 850 N 23rd St, Canyon, TX
Set in a repurposed lumber building with a chill vibe and outdoor patio. People rave about the smashburgers, fast service, and the self-serve beer wall.
Bonus Stop: Say Hi to Tex Randall
Before heading back to Amarillo, swing by Tex Randall, the 47-foot cowboy who’s been standing tall since 1959.
He’s been freshly restored and now anchors a tidy little park perfect for a quick selfie or group shot. Totally free, totally fun—and yes, it’s pet-friendly.
Robb’s Take: The drive out had me wondering if we were being pranked, flat plains forever. Then bam, the massive canyon. Coyotes howled at sunset, and it was spooky and magical all at once. Absolutely unforgettable.
👉 Pro Tip: Go early, bring more water than you think you’ll need, and if you’re bringing pets, double-check the forecast. It gets dangerously hot by noon.
👉Want more details on Palo Duro and beyond? Check out: Things to See in Amarillo – The Ultimate Guide
3. Off the Beaten Path Amarillo
Ready to get off the main drag? If you’ve been through Amarillo before—or prefer your adventures with fewer crowds and more curiosity—this itinerary takes you a little farther out. It’s peaceful, surprising, and 100% worth the detour.
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Long before cattle drives and Route 66, this land was home to ancient peoples who quarried colorful flint for tools and trade.
Book a guided tour to hike into the hills and see the quarry pits, along with sweeping views of the Canadian River valley. It’s educational, serene, and reveals a side of Texas most visitors miss.
👉 ProTip: Tours are required to access the quarry sites. Check the schedule and book in advance.
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Just a short drive from Alibates, Lake Meredith is perfect for a peaceful break. You’ll find picnic spots, scenic overlooks, and quiet corners ideal for relaxing or dipping your toes in the water.
Bring your kayak or paddleboard. When the weather cooperates, it’s a beautiful place to float. Bonus: some areas offer free camping if you’re looking to spend the night.
Mariposa Eco-Village
Curious travelers will love this tiny off-grid community just outside Amarillo. Built around permaculture and sustainable living, Mariposa features Earthship-style homes, desert gardens, and rainwater collection systems.
Tours are limited and usually require advance coordination. Check their Facebook page for visit options. Even just a drive-by offers a look at a unique, low-impact lifestyle in the Texas Panhandle.
Food Note for This Route
There aren’t many food options out this way — unless you count gas station snacks (and we’ve been there).
We recommend packing a cooler with drinks, snacks, or even a full picnic lunch. The shaded tables at Lake Meredith make for a relaxing lunch spot.
After a full day of exploring, head back into Amarillo for dinner — or pair this route with one of the other itinerary options.
👉 Pro Tip: Don’t forget water, especially in warmer months. Cell signal is patchy out here, so it’s smart to download maps and bring a paper backup just in case.
Robb’s Take: These stops are low-key, but they leave a lasting impression. If you’ve already seen Amarillo’s flashier side, this is the slow, scenic version — and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
👉 For directions and more details, visit: [Things to See in Amarillo]
4. Artsy + Urban Amarillo
Want something a little more colorful and cool? Amarillo’s downtown is a creative mix of murals, music, vintage finds, and great drinks. It’s compact, walkable, and full of character, perfect for a laid-back day that still delivers plenty of personality.
Mural Walk (Self-Guided)
Downtown Amarillo is filled with vibrant murals that turn plain brick walls into bold, photo-worthy backdrops. Many of these came to life thanks to the Hoodoo Mural Festival. This local art event brings muralists from across the country to paint massive, original pieces throughout the city.
You’ll find everything from Texas pride to surreal desert dreamscapes, and most of it’s within a few blocks of Polk Street. It’s the kind of place where just walking around becomes part of the adventure.
The Nat Antiques
If you love vintage shopping or just poking around places with a past, The Nat is a must. Housed inside a former 1920s dance hall, this massive antique mall is bursting with retro finds, oddball treasures, and stories hidden in every corner.
From the worn floorboards to the whispers of old swing music, it’s a time warp in the best way. Some even say it’s haunted. You might hear a creaky floorboard… or ghostly laughter echoing from the ballroom above.
And tucked beneath it all? A long-forgotten indoor swimming pool sealed under the dance floor. Strange, fascinating, and just the right amount of spooky, The Nat never disappoints.
Amarillo Botanical Gardens
or Amarillo Museum of Art
If you’re in the mood for something quieter or indoors, both of these spots are worth a stop. The Botanical Gardens are especially peaceful and colorful in spring and early summer, with themed plant zones and seasonal events.
The Amarillo Museum of Art (located on the Amarillo College campus) features rotating exhibits, regional artists, and a surprising range of styles in a compact, easy-to-enjoy space.
Food + Drink Stops
Golden Light Cantina
📍 2906 SW 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX
One of the oldest spots on Route 66, Golden Light is part dive bar, part local legend. Expect gritty-cool vibes, burgers, and live music in the evenings.
Beard Luck
📍 410 S Polk St, Amarillo, TX
A trendier, artsy café with strong cocktails, craft coffee, and snacks. It’s a great midday stop or evening wind-down depending on your timing.
Paramount Recreation Club (Speakeasy)
Hidden in the basement of The Barfield Hotel at 600 S Polk St, the Paramount Recreation Club revives a Prohibition-era feel with a refined, modern twist. Inside, you’ll find handcrafted cocktails, curated spirits, and a cozy, upscale vibe that’s perfect for wrapping up your downtown Amarillo day.
Expect speakeasy ambiance without the gimmicks, velvet chairs, low lighting, and an ever-changing seasonal drink menu set the tone. It’s intimate, so reservations are a smart move.
Maureen’s Take: The murals are incredible. Some of the best we’ve seen. Bring your camera or phone, because you’ll definitely want to grab a few shots for the folks back home.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re planning to hit the speakeasy, double-check hours before you go. And wear comfy shoes as the best parts of this itinerary are meant to be wandered.
👉 Want more funky stops? Check out: Weird Things to Do in Amarillo
However You Spend It, One Day in Amarillo Can Go a Long Way
Whether you’re into spray-painted Cadillacs, canyon trails, vintage finds, or local wine and live music, Amarillo packs a lot into a single day. These four itineraries are just a jumping-off point. You can follow one from start to finish, mix and match your favorites, or build your own perfect route across the Panhandle.
If you’re road-tripping west, Amarillo makes a great overnight. If you’re passing through, it’s worth slowing down for. There’s way more here than meets the eye, and it just might surprise you like it did us.
👉 Grab our MAP IT-RV Journal to track your favorite stops along the way.
Whatever you choose, make it yours. That’s the best part of road life! Every turn, every stop, every random roadside leg statue is a story waiting to happen.
Travel Safe and Adventure Often.
Maureen & Robb
