Amarillo, Texas Vacation Rentals
Explore 322 rental homes and villas in Amarillo, Texas for your next vacation or business travel. With private vacation home rentals, enjoy a more personalized stay and a wide range of amenities such as Best Affordable Homes, Great for Groups and Homes with Parking. With a wide range of homes to offer, pricing can start as low as $61 per night with homes containing as many as 7 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. However you're looking to experience your stay, Homes and Villas by Marriott has your next vacation home waiting.
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Amarillo Overview
Nestled in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo stands as a beacon of Western heritage and modern charm, offering an experience that is both unique and unforgettable. The city is a treasure trove of attractions, from the iconic Route 66, adorned with neon-lit relics of a bygone era, to the awe-inspiring Palo Duro Canyon, a natural wonder that rivals the grandeur of its more famous cousin in Arizona.
Amarillo's stretch of Route 66 is a vibrant homage to the "Mother Road," lined with vintage shops and classic diners that transport visitors back to the golden age of American road trips. This historic corridor is a must-see for anyone seeking a taste of nostalgia and Americana.
Art enthusiasts will revel in the city's cultural offerings, with the Amarillo Museum of Art presenting a diverse array of works that span continents and centuries. The city's commitment to the arts is further evidenced by its bustling calendar of music and arts festivals, ensuring that there's always a celebration of creativity to be found.
History buffs will be drawn to the majestic Palo Duro Canyon State Park, where the rich tapestry of North American history is etched into the very walls of the "Grand Canyon of Texas." Here, adventurers can traverse the rugged landscape on foot, by bike, or on horseback, exploring trails that reveal breathtaking vistas and echoes of ancient inhabitants.
Culinary adventurers will find their calling at The Big Texan Steak Ranch, where the legendary 72-ounce steak challenge awaits the brave (and hungry). It's a quintessential Amarillo experience that's not to be missed.
For those traveling with family, Wonderland Amusement Park offers thrills for all ages, while the Don Harrington Discovery Center engages curious minds with hands-on science exhibits.
Enhancing your stay in Amarillo, consider the luxury and privacy of renting a private home, where you can bask in the comfort of your own space. Many of these homes come with the added bonus of swimming pools, perfect for cooling off under the Texas sun, and a number of them are pet-friendly, ensuring that your furry companions can join in on the fun.
While Amarillo may not boast beaches or waterfronts, its unique landscape and attractions more than compensate, offering a getaway that's rich in character and full of surprises. Whether you're soaking in the local culture, exploring natural wonders, or simply enjoying the tranquility of a private poolside oasis, Amarillo invites you to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Cultural Attractions in Amarillo
Amarillo, Texas, is a city that offers a rich cultural experience for those who appreciate arts, history, and local traditions. The city's art scene is vibrant and diverse with the Amarillo Museum of Art hosting a variety of exhibitions from local and international artists. For those interested in contemporary art, The Galleries at Sunset Center offers over 50 studios and galleries featuring works from regional artists.
History enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Amarillo. The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum is the largest history museum in Texas and showcases the state's history from the age of dinosaurs to the present day. Visitors can also explore the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum which celebrates the impact of horses on Western heritage.
Live music is an integral part of Amarillo's culture. Starlight Ranch Event Center hosts concerts featuring various genres including country, rock, and blues. Hoots Pub is another popular venue for live music performances.
Local traditions are best experienced at events like the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo which showcases traditional rodeo events along with live music and food vendors. While Cadillac Ranch is an iconic public art installation featuring ten graffiti-covered Cadillacs buried nose-down in a field, it should be noted that it's more of a popular tourist attraction than representative of local customs.
While Amarillo does offer opportunities for walking tours particularly in historic Route 66 district filled with antique shops, restaurants and boutiques, it should be noted that due to its size and spread-out attractions, having a car would be beneficial for getting around Amarillo efficiently. Despite some areas being walkable like Route 66 district, overall Amarillo tends to be more car-centric.
In essence, Amarillo provides an engaging blend of arts, history and local traditions making it an ideal destination for cultural enthusiasts.
Family friendly activities in Amarillo
Amarillo, Texas, is a city with a unique blend of Western heritage and modern amenities that offers a variety of activities for young adventurers. However, it's worth noting that while there are family-friendly attractions, it may not be as extensive compared to other major Texas cities.
Begin your journey at the Don Harrington Discovery Center. This interactive science center provides children with the opportunity to learn about various topics from space to dinosaurs. The Space Theater Planetarium and the outdoor Helium Monument are certainly worth visiting.
The Amarillo Zoo is another attraction you might want to consider. It houses over 150 species of animals from around the world and offers educational programs and interactive exhibits that can stimulate children's imaginations.
Wonderland Amusement Park, owned by Amarillo businessman David Hett, features more than 30 rides including roller coasters, water rides, and traditional fairground attractions. It's an ideal spot for a day filled with fun and excitement.
For those who prefer outdoor adventures, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is an excellent choice. Often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Texas Panhandle," this natural wonder provides hiking trails suitable for all ages and abilities. It's an exciting place for kids to explore as it is the second largest canyon in the United States.
Lastly, consider visiting the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum where children can learn about this iconic breed through interactive exhibits and live demonstrations.
While Amarillo does offer engaging museums and beautiful natural landscapes that will delight children, it's important to manage expectations when comparing its family-friendly offerings with other larger Texan cities.
Outdoor activities in Amarillo
Amarillo, Texas, is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. One of its key attractions is the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, often dubbed the "Grand Canyon of Texas." This park is the second largest canyon in the United States and offers a range of activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and geocaching.
For those who enjoy bird watching and wildlife observation, Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent choice. It serves as a habitat for various wildlife species and provides ample bird watching opportunities.
Water sports enthusiasts can head to Lake Meredith National Recreation Area for boating, fishing or swimming. The area also features hiking trails and campgrounds.
The Amarillo Botanical Gardens are perfect for those seeking tranquility amidst nature. The gardens showcase a stunning array of native and exotic plants.
Horseback riding enthusiasts can enjoy guided trail rides through Palo Duro Canyon at Old West Stables.
Lastly, Caprock Canyons State Park may be slightly distant from Amarillo city center but it's worth the drive. Visitors can hike or bike on over 90 miles of trails while observing bison in their natural habitat as part of the official Texas State Bison Herd.
In essence, Amarillo presents a diverse range of opportunities to engage with nature - from hiking in canyons to wildlife observation at refuges or water activities at lakes.
Weather in Amarillo
Amarillo, Texas is known for its semi-arid climate, with hot summers and relatively mild winters. This weather pattern is largely due to Amarillo's position in the Texas Panhandle, which results in a variety of weather conditions throughout the year.
During the summer months of June through August, temperatures often rise into the 90s Fahrenheit. Despite these high temperatures, humidity levels are typically low during this period, making the heat more tolerable. Rainfall during these months is not frequent but when it does rain, it can be quite heavy due to thunderstorms.
Winter in Amarillo, from December to February, is milder than many other parts of the United States. Average high temperatures are usually in the 50s while lows can drop into the 20s. Snowfall does occur but it's not a common occurrence.
Spring and fall serve as transitional seasons with temperatures varying from the 60s to 80s. Spring can bring severe weather including thunderstorms and even tornadoes due to Amarillo's location within Tornado Alley. Fall tends to be pleasant and dry.
Visitors often prefer coming to Amarillo during spring and fall when temperatures are most comfortable for outdoor activities such as hiking in Palo Duro Canyon or exploring Route 66 attractions. However, each season has its own unique charm depending on visitors' interests and their tolerance for heat or potential severe weather conditions.
Transportation in Amarillo
Visitors planning a trip to Amarillo, Texas, can expect a range of options for their journey. Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport serves the city with daily flights connecting several major American cities. Alternatively, Amarillo's extensive network of interstates and highways makes it conveniently reachable by car or bus. Greyhound also runs a bus station in downtown Amarillo for those traveling domestically.
Once in the city, there are various ways to navigate around. The Amarillo City Transit (ACT) offers public transportation with an extensive network of bus routes. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also easily accessible.
For visitors who prefer self-driving, car rental services are available at the airport and other locations across the city. However, be aware that traffic can get congested during peak hours.
Given its size and the dispersed nature of its attractions, Amarillo is not generally seen as a walkable city. Most attractions are not within walking distance from each other, necessitating some form of transportation for getting around.
In summary, whether you're flying or driving into Amarillo, you'll find it easy to navigate with public buses, taxis or rental cars at your disposal. While walking may not be feasible for covering large distances due to the city's layout and size, each transport option provides its own unique perspective on what Amarillo has to offer.