Palo Duro Canyon and Amarillo

Amarillo may be a bit out of the way in West Texas, but it’s worth the drive if you enjoy stunning scenery, nature, and a unique vibe. The hiking and biking trails and Palo Duro Canyon rock formations make you rethink your stereotypes of Texas and provide excellent outdoor opportunities.

The famous Route 66 roadside attraction, Cadillac Ranch, is also on the outskirts of town and a unique spectacle worth a quick stop for a photo opportunity. And one great place to stay is the Starlight Canyon B&B between Amarillo and Palo Duro Canyon.

The American Quarter Horse Museum & Hall of Fame and the Amarillo Zoo are other attractions you shouldn’t miss. And be sure to work up an appetite before going to the Big Texan, a restaurant famous for its free 72-ounce steak if you can eat it all within an hour.