Amarillo stands like a fortress in the midst of a wide and magnificent expanse of Texas plains–and it feels so far away in many respects that it seems impossible that there are fascinating weekend and day trips waiting to be discovered from Amarillo.
A fast road journey from Amarillo can take you to a range of great day and weekend trips, from intriguing cities to lovely state parks.
One of these short road trips from Amarillo is for you, whether you’re looking for one of the best day trips from Amarillo or an overnight weekend getaway!
Best Amarillo Day Trips (Under 2 Hours Distance)
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is located in the state of New Mexico.
Palo Duro Canyon is located around 25 miles south of Amarillo. It is the United States’ second-largest canyon, and it is known as “The Grand Canyon of Texas.”
Hike, cycle, camp (tent and RV sites), or simply drive through this amazing natural phenomenon to see the spectacular cliffs and rock formations.
Make sure you find the Lighthouse, and if you’re visiting during the summer, the TEXAS Outdoor Musical performs a superb dramatic recreation of the story of the area’s early settlers, followed by a spectacular firework display against the backdrop of the towering canyon cliffs.
Palo Duro Canyon is without a doubt one of the top day trips from Amarillo, Texas!
It takes 25 minutes to drive from Amarillo.
Lubbock, Texas
Lubbock, like Amarillo, is a city established around ranching, and the presence of Texas Tech University keeps this plains metropolis hopping.
Make a point of visiting one of Lubbock’s museums while you’re there. A scientific museum and a glider museum are both available.
The Joyland Amusement Park, a classically structured park with old-fashioned wooden rides and fair games, is another entertaining visit.
The Buddy Holly Museum is a must-see for music fans, and the historic Cactus Theatrical is a must-see for theater fans.
It takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive from Amarillo.
Lake Meredith
In the western Great Plains, bodies of water huge enough to experience watersports are hard to come across, but Lake Meredith, due to the Sanford Dam and the Canadian River, provides just such a chance for visitors searching for fun Amarillo day outings.
Speed boats, water skiing, and jet skis are available on the lake, providing a welcome respite from the summer heat.
Lake Meredith also has trails, beaches, camping, and fishing.
It takes 50 minutes to drive from Amarillo.
Ute Lake State Park
Ute Lake is also located along the Canadian River. This is the spot to go if you want to do some serious fishing on a quick day trip from Amarillo.
Because it’s a state park, there are some of the greatest RV and tent camping places in the area.
Birdwatching is extremely popular here, as the natural surroundings provide a haven for a diverse range of birds.
It takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive from Amarillo.
Weekend Getaways From Amarillo, TX
Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell, New Mexico, is a unique destination that is one of the coolest weekend getaways from Amarillo, TX. It is the famed home of one of the USA’s initial UFO sightings.
The International UFO Museum is located in downtown and allows visitors to go through a wealth of data and evidence to determine whether or not we are alone in the universe.
The Downtown Historic District has enough intriguing things to see and do to keep you occupied for at least a day. There are lovely buildings and excellent restaurants, as well as a winery and a variety of excellent shops and boutiques.
Other museums in Roswell include those dedicated to art and aviation.
Bottomless Lakes State Park includes locations to hike, fish, and enjoy the water if you’re seeking an outdoor adventure.
It takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Amarillo.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos is a charming mountain town where visitors may experience a fusion of Native American, Mexican, and Spanish traditions.
The Taos Pueblo, an old Native American adobe settlement, is one of several historical monuments in the vicinity.
Taos is a well-established art hub with a long history of artists residing there dating back to the late 1800s.
The Taos Ski Valley, where skiers and snowboarders may experience probably the greatest slopes in the New Mexican Rockies, will be the highlight of many visitors’ visits.
Hiking, mountain biking, hot springs, and a steam-powered railroad journey through the mountains are just a few of the various outdoor activities accessible.
It takes 5 hours to drive from Amarillo.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City is a short drive east of Amarillo, and if you’re searching for a weekend getaway in a bigger city, it’s a terrific alternative.
The state’s past as a Native American homeland and a frontier for settlers is commemorated through a plethora of museums and historical attractions.
Visit the Paseo Arts District and Bricktown, a historic district with stores, entertainment venues, and a waterway, in downtown Oklahoma City, and be sure to attend an OKC Thunder game if you’re in town between October and July.
Travel time from Amarillo is 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas
It wouldn’t be a full list of the greatest Amarillo weekend getaways if it didn’t include Dallas and Fort Worth.
Although they are two separate cities, Dallas and Fort Worth operate as one metro area, and a weekend is long enough to get a taste of each.
Admire the skyline from Reunion Tower, stroll through the Bishop Arts District, and visit one of the many museums in Dallas.
Billy Bob’s Texas, a massive western-themed complex with various attractions in and of itself, is a terrific place to go for great nightlife.
Visit one of the many professional sports complexes for something family-friendly, or visit Six Flags Over Texas in nearby Arlington for an adrenaline experience.
Visit the historic Stockyards, the gorgeous Water Gardens, and the renowned Sundance Square in Fort Worth.
It takes 5 hours to drive from Amarillo.
Austin, Texas
One of the best weekend trips from Amarillo is to Texas’ capital city, which is bustling with activity and excitement.
Austin has grown into a lively and gorgeous landmark as one of the country’s fastest-growing cities.
Austin hosts numerous city-wide festivals and events, celebrating anything from beer to pecans.
The cultural landscape is enriched by vibrant music and theatrical scene.
Visit the Texas State Capitol during the day and the numerous restaurants, breweries, and nightclubs when the sunsets.
An overnight journey from Amarillo to Austin will undoubtedly be a great experience!
It takes 7 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Amarillo.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Although Colorado appears to be far away from anything in Texas, it is only a morning’s journey from Amarillo to Colorado Springs.
The natural beauty of the surrounding area is well-known in Colorado Springs. The Royal Gorge, a vast canyon carved out by the Arkansas River, is a must-see for anybody visiting the area.
You may raft down the river through the Gorge or walk out across it on a bridge. Colorado Springs is also close to a number of excellent ski resorts.
Close by is the famed Pikes Peak, where visitors can climb, drive, or take a train up through a variety of climates.
The Garden of the Gods, with its towering cliffs and hills, is another must-see natural wonder. Colorado Springs is a great place to visit if you enjoy the mountains.
Travel time from Amarillo is 5 hours and 20 minutes.
