Things to do · Amarillo, Texas
You’ve got plenty to do right here at the Cove. But if you’re ready to get out and explore, Amarillo has a few things worth leaving the pool for. From Route 66 stops to canyon views, here’s what’s close by.
Quarter Horse Museum · next doorRoute 66 District · ~8 minPalo Duro Canyon · ~36 min
Texas Panhandle
Closest first
Right next door
Next door · ~1 min walk
Right next door. Discover the horses, people, and stories behind one of the most iconic parts of Western culture.
Hours Tue–Sat, 9 AM–5 PM
Admission Adults $10 · Seniors (55+) $8 · Ages 6–18 $5 · Ages 5 & under free
The Mother Road
4.6 mi · ~8 min drive
Vintage signs, local shops, good food, and a little nostalgia along Amarillo’s stretch of the Mother Road.
Where A mile of SW 6th Avenue
Drive times are OpenStreetMap routing estimates (OSRM) from 2501 E Interstate 40, without traffic. Checked Nov 7, 2026. Museum hours and prices from aqha.com.
The classics
10.4 mi · ~16 minNo admission
Ten Cadillacs planted nose-first in the dirt. Bring some spray paint and leave your mark.
Open 24/7, all year (Visit Amarillo)
30 mi · ~36 min
Big Texas views, scenic trails, and a pretty good reason to get outside.
Entrance $8 adults (daily) · 12 & under free
Tip The park often fills up; Texas Parks & Wildlife recommends reserving a day pass.
Palo Duro time is to the visitor center on the canyon rim. Entrance fees from tpwd.texas.gov.
Family days out
4.7 mi · ~10 min
Big cats, reptiles, birds and more in Thompson Park. An easy morning with the kids.
Hours Daily, 9:30 AM–5 PM (last ticket 4:30)
6.8 mi · ~11 min
Hands-on science, space and weather exhibits built for curious kids (and their adults).
Admission Adults $16 · Ages 2–17 $10 · 1 & under free
Free First Monday of each month, 4:30–7 PM
7.6 mi · ~13 min
Aircraft, artifacts and the history of flight in the Texas Panhandle, out by the airport.
Hours Mon–Sat, 10 AM–4 PM
4.9 mi · ~11 min
Roller coasters, water rides, an arcade and mini golf, just up the road from the zoo.
Season Seasonal, so check the calendar before you go
Also nearby
6.1 mi · ~10 min
Fifty-two lanes, a big arcade, laser tag and a sports bar. Rain or shine, somebody’s winning.
3.6 mi · ~7 minShuttle stop: Starlight Ranch
Half-buried VW Beetles, open 365 days a year, spray paint welcome. Nearby, Starlight Ranch hosts concerts and events.
Drive times are OpenStreetMap routing estimates (OSRM) from 2501 E Interstate 40, without traffic. Checked Nov 7, 2026. Hours and prices from each attraction’s own website.
Plan by price
Cadillac RanchNo admission, open 24/7 (Visit Amarillo)
Don Harrington Discovery CenterFree the first Monday of each month, 4:30–7 PM
Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & MuseumAdults $10 · 5 & under free
Palo Duro Canyon State Park$8 adults per day · 12 & under free
Don Harrington Discovery CenterAdults $16 · Ages 2–17 $10
Amarillo ZooTickets sold on site; see the zoo’s website
Wonderland Amusement ParkDay tickets and season passes; see the park’s website
Only places whose own site (or Visit Amarillo, the city’s tourism office) says they’re free are listed as free. Prices checked Nov 7, 2026; confirm before you go.
Free hotel shuttle
Our free hotel shuttle handles airport runs and a couple of favorite stops nearby. Here’s where it goes and how to grab a seat.
Hours11 AM–9 PM
StopsRick Husband Amarillo International AirportStarlight Ranch
CostFree
How to rideCall the front desk or ask at the desk to save you a seat.
Heading somewhere that isn’t listed here? Ask the front desk, or plan on driving.
Back at the Cove
The best part? You don’t have to go far to keep the fun going. Come back to the Cove for pool time, games, mini golf, and plenty more ways to unwind.
Book direct
Explore Amarillo by day. Enjoy the Cove when you get back. Your West Texas getaway starts here.
Need an accessible room? Call 806-905-6089 to reserve.
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, cropped: Quarter Horse Museum by J. Nguyen (CC BY-SA 3.0); Route 66 on 6th by Renelibrary (CC BY-SA 4.0); Amarillo Zoo by Billy Hathorn (CC BY-SA 3.0); Discovery Center by SarahDHDC (CC BY-SA 4.0); Air & Space Museum by Richard Warner (CC BY-SA 3.0); Wonderland Park by Xnatedawgx (CC BY-SA 4.0); Cadillac Ranch by 좀비 브렌다 (CC BY-SA 4.0); Palo Duro Canyon by Fredlyfish4 (CC BY-SA 3.0). The Slug Bug Ranch and Western Bowl illustrations are our own.
.jpg){kind=link}
