Must-see Route 66 Attractions in Texas

Situated right in the middle of the Mother Road, the Texas stretch of Route 66 delivers vintage thrills and down-home charm.

Saddle up for some truly Texas adventures on your Route 66 road trip. You can explore nearly 240 kilometers of the Mother Road in the North Texas panhandle, with many attractions in and around the city of Amarillo paying homage to the famous motorway. Whether you’re sightseeing in town, riding horses through towering canyons or digging into a barbecue plate, the sights and sounds of Amarillo lend a distinct Texas flair to this stretch of Route 66.

Classic Attractions in Amarillo

In Amarillo, classic Americana meets authentic Texas culture. Historic 6th Street offers 13 blocks of treasure-filled antique shops, local art galleries and down-home eateries serving up Texas flavors. Stroll past buildings showcasing architectural styles from Art Deco to Spanish Revival while browsing eclectic shops and admiring colorful murals that celebrate the Mother Road. Each June, the district hosts the Texas Route 66 Festival, a 10-day celebration filled with vintage cars and live music. Don’t miss the Coors Cowboy Club Cattle Drive, a highlight of the festival, where 60 Texas Longhorns make their way through downtown Amarillo as a nod to the town’s Western roots. Year-round, savor delicious burgers and a live show at GoldenLight Cafe and Cantina, or unwind with weekend tunes and Cajun cuisine at The Drunken Oyster. Old Tascosa Brewing Company adds to 6th Street’s local flavor with house-made beers and a taproom. Just minutes away, Bill’s Backyard Classics showcases over 100 classic and custom cars, offering a fascinating look at automotive design from the Roaring Twenties to the mid-century models that helped define Route 66. You can explore the collection at your own pace or take a guided tour for a deeper dive into this automotive history.

Tastes of Texas

No road trip through Texas is complete without indulging in its bold and smoky cuisine. For award-winning slow-smoked barbecue, look no further than Tyler’s BBQ, where everything is made fresh daily. The brisket is tender, the ribs are rich with flavor and the homestyle sides—like jalapeno cream corn and baked beans–complete the meal. Save room for their sweet Southern desserts, but be sure to arrive early before food sells out for the day.

Just a short drive away, the Big Texan Steak Ranch is a full-service stop complete with classic steaks, local beer and live entertainment. Known for its famous 72-ounce steak challenge, this Route 66 landmark serves generous portions in a Western-themed setting. Enjoy craft beers and live music at the Big Texan Brewery onsite or visit Starlight Ranch for outdoor concerts and family fun, including an 18-hole mini-golf course. If you’re looking to extend your stay, you’ll find overnight options ranging from themed cabins and covered wagons to the Big Texan Motel and a fully equipped RV park—making it an easy place to settle in and enjoy a little more Texas hospitality.

Open-Air Adventures

The Texas Panhandle delivers unforgettable outdoor experiences, headlined by Cadillac Ranch just west of Amarillo. This striking art installation is a quintessential Route 66 experience featuring 10 vintage Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground. It’s not just a photo stop—visitors are encouraged to purchase a can of spray paint on-site, or to bring your own and add a splash of color to this playful roadside attraction. For a deeper dive into Texas’ natural beauty, drive 30 minutes south of Amarillo to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the second largest canyon in the USA. Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” this geological wonder offers nearly 80 kilometers of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding with panoramic views of red rock formations and rugged cliffs. You’re likely to cross paths with some of the park’s wildlife residents, which include deer, wild turkeys and roadrunners.

Getting There

If you’re starting your Route 66 adventure in Texas, fly into Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA) and pick up your rental car. Amarillo, Texas, is roughly the halfway mark on Route 66, about a 15-hour drive from both the route’s start in Chicago, Illinois, and its terminus in Santa Monica, California.