Three Days on Texas Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas

THE ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

By Nicole Partis

Experience true Texas charm in Amarillo, where legendary landmarks, local flavors, and the iconic spirit of Route 66 come together in one unforgettable stop. If your road trip leads you this way, give yourself three days to explore.

For more great stories about Route 66, check out our Route 66 Tour Planner

Day-to-Day Amarillo Itinerary

DAY 1: Icons, Art Cars & Retro Nights

Kick off your Texas stretch of Route 66 at Cadillac Ranch, the legendary art installation with ten vintage Cadillacs standing nose-down in the dirt. At this tribute to car culture, visitors are encouraged to leave their mark, so bring a can of spray paint and add your own splash of color.

Continue west to Vega for the Milburn Price Culture Museum, an eclectic stop packed with local history and Route 66 charm. Inside, you’ll find a working 1896 printing press (you can even print your own postcard), a 1923 Ford Model T, a giant branding-iron display, antique signage, and plenty of small-town memorabilia.

Just down the road, grab lunch at the Midpoint Café. As its name suggests, it sits at the exact halfway point between Chicago and Los Angeles: 1,139 miles either direction. The café has served hungry travelers since 1928 and is famous for its homestyle comfort food and decadent pies.

Back in Amarillo, car lovers can dive into Bill’s Backyard Classics, a privately owned collection featuring more than 90 restored automobiles. From hot rods and muscle cars to elegant vintage cruisers, it showcases the craftsmanship, creativity, and passion behind America’s automotive heritage.

Wrap up your day with a nostalgic stop at the Tascosa Drive-In Theater on Friday and Saturday nights. Grab some popcorn, tune your radio, and settle in for a classic retro movie night to close out your first day on Route 66.

DAY 2: Western Adventure & Classic Eats

Kick off your second day at Cowgirls & Cowboys in the West, where your group can saddle up for a scenic ride along the rim of Palo Duro Canyon. Enjoy sweeping views from horseback and trails suited for riders of all skill levels.

Head to the GoldenLight Cafe for lunch, a Route 66 staple since 1946 that still serves up juicy burgers. Its glowing neon sign, timeless charm, and a lively lineup of local music make it a must-see stop.

Next, make your way to the Historic Route 66 District, a lively 13-block stretch filled with antique shops, retro boutiques, and local art. From vintage signs to classic cowboy boots, this walkable district is full of finds.

For dinner, make your way to The Big Texan Steak Ranch, celebrated for its bold atmosphere, in-house brewery, and its famous 72-ounce steak challenge, should you dare to try it.

For more great stories about Route 66, check out our Route 66 Tour Planner

DAY 3: Canyon Wonders & Road-Trip Nostalgia

On your final day, head to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, home to the second-largest canyon in the United States, where hiking, horseback riding, and scenic views make it an unforgettable stop on your Route 66 adventure.

Afterward, stop at the Rockin’ Zebra Soda Shoppe, a charming 1950s-style pharmacy and soda fountain where dessert first is highly encouraged. Milkshakes, sundaes, and hand-mixed sodas make this a sweet slice of Americana.

Next, stop by the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, where interactive exhibits and striking art honor the horses and people who shaped Western riding. Then head to the Jack Sisemore RV Museum, home to vintage campers, classic motorcycles, and the very first Airstream ever made. Together, they make for a nostalgic journey through the evolution of American road-tripping.

Wrap up your Amarillo adventure with dinner and live music at the Western Horseman Club, a friendly, boots-optional venue where travelers and locals mingle over delicious Texas dining.

If Route 66 is a love letter to the American road, Amarillo is one of its brightest highlights.