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17 May 2025
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10 best places for weekend getaway from Amarillo, TX

Trip Itinerary Overview: Cadillac Ranch, Texas

Embark on an adventure to one of Texas's most iconic roadside attractions—Cadillac Ranch. Situated along the historic Route 66 near Amarillo, this unique art installation is a must-see for travelers exploring the Texas Panhandle. Cadillac Ranch features ten vintage Cadillac cars buried halfway into the ground, nose down, with their tail fins proudly jutting towards the sky. Created in 1974 by a group of artists known as The Ant Farm, this quirky landmark is a testament to creativity and the spirit of the open road.

As you approach, you'll notice an array of colors and designs covering the cars, each one a canvas for visitors from around the world. Bring your own spray paint to contribute to the ever-changing landscape—an act encouraged by the artists themselves. The vibrant graffiti, combined with the stark contrast of the Texan horizon, offers a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to leave your own mark on this living artwork.

Beyond its visual appeal, Cadillac Ranch invites reflection on the intersection of art, freedom, and americana culture. Embrace the spirit of spontaneity and creativity as you explore this landmark, where each visit offers a fresh experience. From art lovers to road-trippers and everyone in between, Cadillac Ranch is a testament to the expansive possibilities of artistic expression and the enduring allure of the American road trip.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Known as the 'Grand Canyon of Texas,' it offers stunning natural beauty, excellent hiking, and scenic vistas. It's a great place for outdoor activities like camping, horseback riding, and picnicking.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Santa Fe, New Mexico

    Santa Fe is a cultural hub with vibrant arts, unique architecture, and rich history. Visitors can explore galleries, museums, and enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant festivals.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Lubbock, Texas

    Lubbock boasts a rich musical heritage as the hometown of Buddy Holly and offers attractions like the Buddy Holly Center, wineries, and cultural institutions like the Texas Tech University Museum.
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Red River, New Mexico

    Red River is a picturesque mountain town known for its skiing, hiking, and outdoor activities. It's a perfect destination for adventure seekers and those looking to enjoy the tranquility of mountain landscapes.
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Caprock Canyons State Park

    Home to the Texas State Bison Herd, this park offers breathtaking canyon views and miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and enjoying natural beauty.
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Ruidoso, New Mexico

    Ruidoso is a resort town nestled in the Sierra Blanca Mountains, offering skiing in winter, horse racing in summer, and year-round opportunities for hiking and relaxation amidst gorgeous landscapes.
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

    This refuge offers diverse wildlife, including bison, elk, and longhorn cattle, in a stunning natural setting. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives through the beautiful terrain.
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  • Trip Point Pin8

    The Oklahoma City National Memorial

    A somber and important site dedicated to remembering the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, the memorial provides a place for reflection and education on the impact of the event.
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    Taos, New Mexico

    Known for its unique adobe architecture and vibrant art scene, Taos offers cultural attractions like the Taos Pueblo and scenic beauty in the surrounding mountains, ideal for outdoor activities.
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  • Trip Point Pin10

    Cadillac Ranch, Texas

    This quirky art installation features a row of vintage Cadillacs buried nose-first into the ground, making it an iconic and interactive art piece. Visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint to create their own marks on the cars, making it a dynamic and evolving artwork.
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Restaurants

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    The Big Texan Steak Ranch - Amarillo, TX

    4.3
    $$$$

    The Big Texan Steak Ranch - Amarillo, TX

    Famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge, this iconic restaurant offers a true Texas dining experience with a Wild West atmosphere.
    4.3
    $$$$
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    Coyote Bluff Cafe

    3.9
    $$$$

    Coyote Bluff Cafe

    A hidden gem known for its mouthwatering burgers and quirky, laid-back vibe that embodies the spirit of Amarillo.
    3.9
    $$$$
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    The Rancher's Club

    The Rancher's Club

    Located in Lubbock, this upscale steakhouse offers a refined Western ambiance and expertly prepared steaks.
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    Doc Martin's Restaurant

    3.9
    $$$$

    Doc Martin's Restaurant

    Located in Taos, this restaurant offers unique Southwestern cuisine in a historic adobe building.
    3.9
    $$$$
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    Cowboy Gelato Smokehouse

    4.2
    $$$$

    Cowboy Gelato Smokehouse

    Combining smoked meats with homemade gelato, this Amarillo spot offers a unique culinary twist.
    4.2
    $$$$
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Hotels

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    The El Cosmico

    4.5

    The El Cosmico

    In Marfa, this hotel offers a unique glamping experience with vintage trailers, yurts, and teepees under the vast Texas sky.
    4.5
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    Hobbit House

    Hobbit House

    Located near Amarillo, this whimsical, Tolkien-inspired underground dwelling offers a charming and cozy escape.
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    The Hotel Paisano (Marfa, Texas)

    4.4

    The Hotel Paisano (Marfa, Texas)

    In Marfa, this historic hotel is known for hosting the cast and crew of the Giant film in the 1950s, offering a retro, elegant atmosphere.
    4.4
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    Taos Earthships

    4.5

    Taos Earthships

    Located near Taos, these unique eco-friendly homes are made of natural and recycled materials, providing a sustainable stay.
    4.5
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    The Blue Swallow Motel

    8.8

    The Blue Swallow Motel

    In Tucumcari, this classic Route 66 motel boasts vintage charm and neon lights, perfect for a nostalgic road trip experience.
    8.8
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Zach Williams w/ We The Kingdom

    Zach Williams w/ We The Kingdom

    The event will take place at Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum in Amarillo.
    Map IconAmarillo Civic Center Coliseum in Amarillo (44.35 mi)
    Calendar Icon4 Oct 2025
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    God Did It Tour with Micah Tyler ft. Jordan St. Cyr & Emerson Day - Pampa, TX

    God Did It Tour with Micah Tyler ft. Jordan St. Cyr & Emerson Day - Pampa, TX

    Get ready for the God Did It Tour with Micah Tyler, featuring Jordan St. Cyr and Emerson Day. Hear Micah perform his hits like Different Walking Free and Even Then along with Jordans powerful songs like Weary Traveler and Fires. Emerson Day brings he...
    Map IconFirst Baptist Pampa in Pampa (93.15 mi)
    Calendar Icon3 Nov 2025
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    Micah Tyler

    Micah Tyler

    The event will take place at First Baptist Church - Pampa in Pampa.
    Map IconFirst Baptist Church - Pampa in Pampa (98.16 mi)
    Calendar Icon3 Nov 2025
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    MANIA: The ABBA Tribute

    MANIA: The ABBA Tribute

    The event will take place at The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences in Lubbock.
    Map IconThe Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences in Lubbock (110.08 mi)
    Calendar Icon21 Jan 2026
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    Parker McCollum: The Parker McCollum Tour

    Parker McCollum: The Parker McCollum Tour

    The event will take place at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock.
    Map IconUnited Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock (110.16 mi)
    Calendar Icon5 Sep 2025
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  • Event Icon

    Parker McCollum

    Parker McCollum

    The event will take place at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock.
    Map IconUnited Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock (110.4 mi)
    Calendar Icon5 Sep 2025
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    Phil Wickham - Air1 Worship Now Tour

    Phil Wickham - Air1 Worship Now Tour

    The event will take place at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock.
    Map IconUnited Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock (110.4 mi)
    Calendar Icon16 Oct 2025
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    191 votes, 26 comments. My family and I hit up Cadillac Ranch as we left Amarillo the day after Christmas. Despite the frigid weather (22 degrees and

    Cadillac Ranch

    191 votes, 26 comments. My family and I hit up Cadillac Ranch as we left Amarillo the day after Christmas. Despite the frigid weather (22 degrees and

    /r/texas
  • Reddit Icon

    309 votes, 19 comments. 4M subscribers in the roadtrip community. /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy

    Cadillac Ranch on Route 66

    309 votes, 19 comments. 4M subscribers in the roadtrip community. /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    12 votes, 12 comments. I read that Cadillac Ranch had been moved to its present location in 1997. Out of curiosity, where was the original location?

    Original Location of Cadillac Ranch

    12 votes, 12 comments. I read that Cadillac Ranch had been moved to its present location in 1997. Out of curiosity, where was the original location?

    /r/amarillo
  • Reddit Icon

    Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle, car, or recreational vehicle this is your destination for everything related to road trips! ... Archived post. New comments cannot b...

    Cadillac ranch. Amarillo Texas. My kids were not happy about the stop until they found out you could spray paint the cars!

    Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle, car, or recreational vehicle this is your destination for everything related to road trips! ... Archived post. New comments cannot b...

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    Right after you get out of Amarillo is Cadillac Ranch (on the eastbound service road of I-40). There's also Midway at Adrian, and an absolute must if you're into cla...

    cool stops between Amarillo and Albuquerque?

    Right after you get out of Amarillo is Cadillac Ranch (on the eastbound service road of I-40). There's also Midway at Adrian, and an absolute must if you're into cla...

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    10 votes, 40 comments. Hi all, Taking a road trip in August and will be spending 1 night in Amarillo. What are the must-do, can't miss suggestions?

    One Night in Amarillo

    10 votes, 40 comments. Hi all, Taking a road trip in August and will be spending 1 night in Amarillo. What are the must-do, can't miss suggestions?

    /r/amarillo
  • Reddit Icon

    132K subscribers in the trucksim community. Welcome to TruckSim Subreddit, the largest and definitive community for trucking simulators and SCS

    Cadillac Ranch - Amarillo - TX

    132K subscribers in the trucksim community. Welcome to TruckSim Subreddit, the largest and definitive community for trucking simulators and SCS

    /r/trucksim
  • Reddit Icon

    281 votes, 32 comments. 17K subscribers in the amarillo community.

    Cadillac Ranch this morning

    281 votes, 32 comments. 17K subscribers in the amarillo community.

    /r/amarillo
  • Reddit Icon

    What are yalls opinions on this place? I like to line dance and heard this was the place to do that.

    Cadillac Ranch

    What are yalls opinions on this place? I like to line dance and heard this was the place to do that.

    /r/Fayettenam
  • Reddit Icon

    Even if all they're doing is setting ... on travelers encounter. ... Was flying home from Seattle to Amarillo as I was checking in the attendant hands me my ticket and so...

    I actually really enjoyed going to Cadillac Ranch

    Even if all they're doing is setting ... on travelers encounter. ... Was flying home from Seattle to Amarillo as I was checking in the attendant hands me my ticket and so...

    /r/texas
  • Reddit Icon

    20K subscribers in the TXoutdoors community. Texas is better when you dont have cell signal

    Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, Texas - Its outside, but it ain't natural

    20K subscribers in the TXoutdoors community. Texas is better when you dont have cell signal

    /r/TXoutdoors

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    A classic road trip anthem that captures the excitement of travel.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    An upbeat, feel-good song perfect for long stretches of open road.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Chuck Berry - Route 66

    Chuck Berry - Route 66

    Celebrates the legendary highway and the sense of adventure it embodies.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    A smooth, laid-back track ideal for cruising through wide-open spaces.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Tracy Chapman - Fast Car

    Tracy Chapman - Fast Car

    A reflective song about freedom and the pursuit of a better life.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Garrett Hedlund - Ramblin' Man

    Garrett Hedlund - Ramblin' Man

    An ode to the wandering spirit and life on the road.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Eagles - Hotel California - 2013 Remaster

    Eagles - Hotel California - 2013 Remaster

    A captivating and mysterious song that complements the vast landscapes.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run

    Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run

    A high-energy track that encapsulates the thrill of escape and adventure.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    M83 - Midnight City

    M83 - Midnight City

    An atmospheric, synth-driven song perfect for sunset or night driving.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Don McLean - American Pie

    Don McLean - American Pie

    A nostalgic song with rich storytelling, perfect for a reflective drive.
    Listen on Spotify
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