Welcome to Amarillo, Texas
Located in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo is a city where western heritage meets the classic spirit of Route 66. Famous for its roadside attractions, rich cowboy culture, and stunning high plains landscape, Amarillo has become an iconic stop for travelers exploring the Mother Road. Whether you’re chasing neon signs, savoring local cuisine, or reliving mid-century Americana, Amarillo is a Route 66 destination that blends nostalgia with bold Texan charm.
A Detailed History of Amarillo
Founded in 1887 as a railroad town, Amarillo became a vital hub for cattle shipping, quickly earning the nickname “The Yellow Rose of Texas.” The name “Amarillo” itself is the Spanish word for yellow—likely a reference to the region’s yellow wildflowers or yellow soil.
The arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver City Railroad solidified Amarillo’s early prosperity, and by the 20th century, the city was booming due to the oil, gas, and helium industries. Amarillo played a strategic role during WWII as well, with the establishment of the Amarillo Army Air Field.
Today, Amarillo preserves much of its cowboy past while embracing a vibrant arts scene, Route 66 preservation efforts, and a deep connection to the open roads of Texas.
Weather in Amarillo
Amarillo experiences a semi-arid climate, characterized by:
- Hot summers (average highs of 88–95°F in July and August)
- Cold winters (average lows around 20°F in January)
- Frequent wind and occasional dust storms
- Occasional snowfall in winter and dramatic thunderstorms in spring
Best times to visit are spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October) when temperatures are milder and perfect for exploring.
The History of Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas
Introduction
Amarillo, often called the “Yellow Rose of Texas,” has long been one of the most important stops on historic U.S. Route 66. Sitting in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo became a vital hub for travelers along the Mother Road. Its motels, gas stations, diners, and roadside attractions made it a welcoming stop for motorists traveling between Chicago and Los Angeles. Over the years, Route 66 took several different alignments through Amarillo, reflecting the growth of both the highway and the city itself.
Early Years of Route 66 in Amarillo (1926–1930s)
When Route 66 was officially designated in 1926, Amarillo was already a thriving cattle, railroad, and oil town. The earliest alignment of Route 66 followed Amarillo Boulevard along the northern edge of the city, roughly paralleling the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway tracks. This route entered Amarillo from the east near Triangle Motel (at today’s Lakeside Drive) and continued westward through town toward Soncy Road, exiting toward Vega and the New Mexico state line.
In this period, Amarillo Boulevard quickly filled with gas stations, auto repair shops, and tourist courts catering to motorists. Businesses such as the Triangle Motel and the Old English Inn flourished along this corridor.
Route 66 Moves Downtown (1930s–1950s)
By the mid-1930s, Amarillo sought to route traffic closer to its downtown district. An alternate alignment of Route 66 was created along 6th Avenue, a street running right through the heart of Amarillo. This new route passed through what is now the 6th Street Historic District, an area still filled with original Route 66-era buildings, including art deco service stations, cafes, and motor courts.
The 6th Avenue alignment allowed travelers to experience Amarillo’s city life rather than just skirting its northern edge. Businesses such as the Natatorium (a large entertainment hall later converted into shops and clubs) and the Avalon Theater thrived during this era.
For about two decades, both Amarillo Boulevard and 6th Avenue carried Route 66 traffic. This dual alignment meant that businesses along both corridors competed for the steady stream of motorists.
Expansion and Realignment (1950s–1970s)
As traffic increased after World War II, Amarillo faced congestion in its city center. By the late 1940s and 1950s, federal and state planners sought to streamline Route 66 through Amarillo with a straighter, faster path.
The official alignment was shifted north again to Amarillo Boulevard, which was widened and developed into a major thoroughfare with larger motels, modern gas stations, and restaurants. Classic mid-century establishments such as the Sands Motel, the Heart of Amarillo Motel, and iconic neon signs popped up along this stretch.
During this period, 6th Avenue declined as a primary highway route but remained active thanks to its many long-standing businesses. Today, it survives as one of the most intact historic Route 66 business districts in Texas.
The Interstate Era and the Demise of Route 66 (1970s–1985)
The final chapter for Route 66 in Amarillo came with the construction of Interstate 40. Completed in the Amarillo area in the 1960s and 1970s, I-40 bypassed the slower city streets and drew traffic away from both 6th Avenue and Amarillo Boulevard.
By 1985, Route 66 was officially decommissioned, and Amarillo Boulevard and 6th Avenue were no longer part of the U.S. Highway System. Many businesses along both alignments closed or fell into disrepair. Yet, Amarillo retained a deep connection to Route 66, and preservationists began efforts to restore and promote its history.
Route 66 in Amarillo Today
Today, Amarillo celebrates its Route 66 heritage through preservation and tourism. The 6th Street Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with dozens of original buildings restored as antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars. Meanwhile, remnants of classic motels, gas stations, and neon signage still line Amarillo Boulevard, reminding visitors of the city’s mid-century heyday.
Amarillo also boasts major Route 66 attractions such as the Cadillac Ranch, the Big Texan Steak Ranch, and the restored U.S. Route 66–Sixth Street Historic District, making it one of the top stops for travelers seeking the nostalgia and history of the Mother Road.
Route 66 Attractions to See in Amarillo
1. Cadillac Ranch
Location: I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124
A public art installation featuring 10 half-buried Cadillacs, nose-first in the ground. Visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and leave their mark on this ever-changing Route 66 icon.
2. The 6th Street Historic District
Location: 6th Avenue between Georgia and Western Streets
This restored stretch of old Route 66 is lined with antique stores, vintage neon signs, galleries, and cafes. It’s the heart of Route 66 in Amarillo.
3. The Big Texan Steak Ranch
Location: 7701 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX 79118
Home of the famous 72-ounce steak challenge, this kitschy, western-themed steakhouse has been a Route 66 legend since 1960. Includes a motel, gift shop, and brewery.
4. The Golden Light Cafe & Cantina
Location: 2906 SW 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79106
Established in 1946, this is Amarillo’s oldest restaurant, known for burgers, live music, and authentic Route 66 ambiance.
5. Lile Art Gallery
Location: 2719 SW 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79106
Located in the heart of the 6th Street Historic District, Bob Lile’s gallery features local Route 66 art and jewelry made from Cadillac Ranch paint chips.
6. Amarillo Route 66 Visitors Center
Location: 1900 SW 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79106
An ideal starting point for exploring Route 66 in town, offering maps, souvenirs, and history displays.
7. Old Motels and Signs
Amarillo’s East Amarillo Boulevard (old Route 66) is packed with abandoned motels, neon signs, and ghostly gas stations — perfect for a full afternoon photo tour!
Lodging on Route 66 in Amarillo
1. The Big Texan Motel
Address: 7701 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX 79118
Western-themed rooms next to the famous steakhouse. Colorful, cowboy-style décor and convenient for Route 66 travelers.
2. The Barfield, Autograph Collection
Address: 600 S Polk St, Amarillo, TX 79101
A luxury boutique hotel in a historic building downtown. Offers a high-end option with vintage flair.
3. Route 66 Inn
Address: 2806 E Amarillo Blvd, Amarillo, TX 79107
A budget-friendly, retro-style motel offering simple comfort on the original Route 66 alignment.
Places to Eat on Route 66 in Amarillo
1. The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery
Try the 72-ounce steak or enjoy craft beers in this legendary Route 66 eatery.
2. Golden Light Cafe & Cantina
A beloved dive bar and burger joint with live music and quirky Route 66 vibes.
3. Braceros Mexican Grill & Bar
Address: 2822 SW 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79106
A favorite for Tex-Mex cuisine right on historic 6th Avenue.
4. Smokey Joe’s
Address: 2903 SW 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79106
Casual dining with burgers, BBQ, and beer in a Route 66-themed setting with outdoor seating.
Tips for Visiting Amarillo
- Bring spray paint for Cadillac Ranch (and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty).
- Visit in spring or fall for comfortable temperatures.
- Take time to walk the 6th Street Historic District—great for photos and local shopping.
- Try local craft beers and Texas barbecue.
- Plan at least a full day to enjoy the major attractions and eateries.
Final Thoughts on Amarillo
Amarillo is more than just a stop on Route 66—it’s a gateway to Texas culture, art, and history. Whether you’re marveling at the buried Cadillacs, indulging in a cowboy-sized steak, or exploring neon-lit 6th Avenue, the city offers a rich blend of Americana and western flair. Amarillo continues to honor its past while inviting new generations of road-trippers to experience the magic of the Mother Road.
