Amarillo offers a vibrant entertainment scene that blends Western heritage with modern amenities. The city's shopping landscape is anchored by Westgate Mall, featuring over 90 retail stores and national chains. For a more local shopping experience, the historic Route 66 district and Wolflin Village offer unique boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores. Premium grocery options include United Supermarkets, Market Street, Natural Grocers, and Whole Foods Market.
The city's cultural scene is headlined by the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, a state-of-the-art facility that hosts the Amarillo Symphony, Amarillo Opera, and Lone Star Ballet. The venue regularly welcomes nationally touring productions and acclaimed musical artists. Recent performances have featured well-known artists across various genres, from country music stars to classical ensembles.
Museum enthusiasts will appreciate the Amarillo Museum of Art, which showcases both permanent collections and rotating exhibitions of regional and international artists. The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum celebrates the city's equestrian heritage, while the Don Harrington Discovery Center combines science education with interactive exhibits and features a space theater. The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, located in nearby Canyon, is the largest history museum in Texas.
Sports fans can cheer for the Amarillo Sod Poodles, the Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, at the modern HODGETOWN stadium in downtown. The Amarillo Bulls ice hockey team provides exciting winter entertainment, and West Texas A&M University offers NCAA Division II sports action throughout the academic year.
The city hosts several significant annual events that draw visitors from across the region. The Tri-State Fair & Rodeo, Texas's oldest running fair, brings traditional rodeo action and family entertainment each September. The Chamber of Commerce Good Times Celebration Barbecue Cook-Off showcases the region's best pit masters, while the Amarillo Chamber Summer Celebration features local food and music.
Amarillo's dining scene offers an impressive array of options. For fine dining, OHMS Café & Bar serves sophisticated contemporary cuisine in an elegant setting, while Public House offers modern American fare with an extensive wine list. The Big Texan Steak Ranch, famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge, has been featured on numerous national television shows. Local favorites include Tyler's Barbeque, recognized by Texas Monthly as one of the state's top 50 barbecue joints, and Yellow City Street Food, known for its innovative fusion cuisine.
For casual dining and nightlife, the historic Route 66 district features numerous options including Six Car Pub & Brewery, which offers craft beers and gastropub fare. The Golden Light Café, one of Texas's oldest continuously operating restaurants, serves legendary burgers. Polk Street, in downtown Amarillo, hosts several popular bars and music venues, including Butler's Martini Bar and Esquire Jazz Club.
Coffee enthusiasts can enjoy local roasters and cafes such as Palace Coffee Company, winner of multiple national awards, and Evocation Coffee Roasters, known for their artisanal approach to coffee. The city also features several craft breweries, including Long Wooden Spoon Brewing and Pondaseta Brewing Co., offering locally crafted beers in welcoming taproom environments.
For movie buffs, the United Artists Amarillo Star theater and Cinemark Hollywood 16 show the latest releases, while the Tascosa Drive-In Theater offers a nostalgic movie-watching experience under the Texas stars. The city also hosts an annual film festival that showcases independent films and local talent.
Amarillo's location in the Texas Panhandle provides exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation, with Palo Duro Canyon State Park serving as the crown jewel of the region's outdoor attractions. Known as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the United States, offering over 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails ranging from easy to challenging. Popular trails include the Lighthouse Trail, leading to the park's iconic rock formation, and the Givens, Spicer & Lowry Running Trail for more advanced hikers.
Cycling enthusiasts find numerous opportunities in and around Amarillo. The city maintains several dedicated bike paths, including the Rock Island Rail Trail, spanning 4.5 miles through the heart of the city. Mountain bikers particularly enjoy the trails at Palo Duro Canyon and the Wildcat Bluff Nature Center. The Amarillo Bicycle Club organizes regular group rides and cycling events for all skill levels.
Fishing opportunities abound in the Amarillo area. Lake Meredith, located 30 miles north of the city, offers excellent fishing for walleye, bass, and catfish. Medical Center Park Lake and Southeast Park Lake provide convenient urban fishing opportunities. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regularly stocks these waters and requires a Texas fishing license, available online or at local sporting goods stores. Local fishing guides like Panhandle Plains Fishing offer guided trips and equipment rentals.
Hunting is popular in the region, with opportunities for deer, turkey, dove, and waterfowl. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department manages hunting seasons and licensing. Popular hunting areas include the Gene Howe Wildlife Management Area and various private ranches that offer hunting leases. Hunting seasons typically include:
- Deer: November through January
- Turkey: Spring and Fall seasons
- Dove: September through January
- Waterfowl: Varies by zone, typically October through January
While Amarillo doesn't have immediate access to downhill skiing, winter sports enthusiasts can reach Angel Fire Resort in New Mexico within a 4.5-hour drive. The resort offers skiing and snowboarding from December through March, making it feasible for weekend trips.
Water activities are available at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, where visitors can enjoy boating, jet skiing, and swimming. The lake offers boat ramps and marina facilities, with equipment rentals available through local vendors. Kayaking and canoeing are popular at both Lake Meredith and Palo Duro Canyon during the wet season.
Golf enthusiasts have access to several excellent courses in the Amarillo area:
- Ross Rogers Golf Complex offers two 18-hole courses: the Mustang Course and the WildHorse Course
- Comanche Trail Golf Complex features the Tomahawk Course and the Arrowhead Course
- La Paloma Golf Club provides a challenging 18-hole layout in a private club setting
- The recently renovated Amarillo Country Club offers an exclusive members-only experience
Additional outdoor attractions include the Amarillo Botanical Gardens, featuring native and adapted plants in themed gardens, and the Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, offering 600 acres of native habitat with hiking trails and educational programs. The center provides guided nature walks and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Rock climbing opportunities can be found at Palo Duro Canyon, with routes suitable for various skill levels. Local climbing groups offer instruction and group outings, while gear can be purchased or rented from local outdoor retailers like Get Fit and Go Outside.
Amarillo provides numerous recreational opportunities for individuals and families, with facilities and programs designed to promote an active, healthy lifestyle. The Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department maintains over 58 parks throughout the city, offering various amenities for year-round enjoyment.
The Amarillo Town Club, with multiple locations across the city, stands as a premier fitness facility offering state-of-the-art equipment, indoor pools, tennis courts, and a wide range of group fitness classes. Planet Fitness, Crunch Fitness, and Anytime Fitness provide additional options for fitness enthusiasts, while specialized facilities like CrossFit 806 and Amarillo Yoga Center cater to specific workout preferences.
Family-oriented recreation centers are abundant throughout the city. The Warford Activity Center features a full-size gymnasium, weight room, game room, and hosts various community programs. The Southwest Branch YMCA offers comprehensive facilities including an indoor pool, basketball courts, and extensive youth programs. The Wesley Community Center provides additional recreational options with its gymnasium and various sports programs.
For families with children, Amarillo offers numerous engaging activities. The Don Harrington Discovery Center features hands-on science exhibits, a space theater, and regular special events for children. The Amarillo Zoo, located in Thompson Park, houses over 150 animals and offers educational programs and special events throughout the year.
The city maintains several public pools and splash pads, including the Southeast Pool and the Southwest Pool, which are particularly popular during summer months. The newly renovated Thompson Park Pool features modern aquatic amenities including slides, lazy river, and designated children's areas.
Pickle ball enthusiasts can enjoy dedicated courts at various locations including the Amarillo Town Club and the Southwest Branch YMCA. These facilities offer both open play and organized leagues for players of all skill levels.
For indoor recreation, Western Bowl and Western Plaza Bowl provide family-friendly bowling environments with modern lanes and cosmic bowling nights. Urban Air Adventure Park offers trampolines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses for active family entertainment.
The city's dedication to recreation extends to its community centers, including the North Branch Library's dedicated children's area and the Amarillo Public Library system's regular children's programming. The Wildcat Bluff Nature Center offers educational programs and nature trails for families interested in outdoor learning experiences.
Medical Center Park, adjacent to the hospital district, features walking trails, playground equipment, and open spaces perfect for family picnics. Memorial Park includes a fishing lake, walking paths, and multiple playgrounds, while John Stiff Memorial Park offers additional sports fields, a dog park, and jogging trails.