Why go: Amarillo is the largest urban hub on Texas’s Route 66. Its revitalized downtown is packed with trendy cafes, restaurants, historic buildings, and public art.
Highlights:
- Historic Polk Street – lined with old theaters, churches, and Art Deco buildings.
- Sixth Street Historic District – this is Route 66’s original alignment, now full of antique shops, cafes, and murals.
- The Barfield Hotel – a restored 1920s high-rise turned boutique hotel, perfect for the urban-chic vibe.

Why go: Urban Explorers love hidden gems, and Amarillo’s murals, sculptures, and installations don’t disappoint.
Highlights:
- Hoodoo Mural Festival Art – check out massive, colorful murals across downtown buildings.
- Downtown Amarillo Murals – vibrant street art that tells the story of the city’s cowboy, railroad, and Route 66 roots.

Why go: It’s one of the most iconic urban-meets-rural art installations in the country. A row of half-buried Cadillacs, nose-first in the dirt, all covered in layers of spray paint.
Urban Explorer tip: Bring your own spray paint and leave your mark. It’s legal and encouraged!

Why go: A stunning piece of restored Art Deco architecture that’s as photogenic as it is historic. Built in 1936, it was once a gas station and café, and now functions as a visitor center and small museum.
Urban Explorer tip: It inspired Ramone’s Body Shop in Cars—perfect for pop-culture-meets-architecture buffs.

Why go: Urban decay, neon signs, and mid-century relics? This is your vibe.
Where to explore:
- Groom – check out the leaning water tower and giant cross.
- McLean – walk the near-ghost town streets and see restored neon like the Cactus Inn Motel sign.
- Alanreed – ruins, signs, and remnants of old service stations perfect for photographers.

Why go: Trendy, industrial-chic taproom with local craft beer and a social vibe.
Bonus: It often hosts open mic nights, trivia, and live music—great for mixing with locals.

Why go: While it no longer functions as a theater, the Paramount Building is a historic treasure with amazing architecture and nostalgic vibes.

Why go: An Instagram-worthy stretch of alleys and buildings covered in Route 66-themed murals, cowboys, cars, and Texas pride.
Pro tip: Visit during golden hour for the best photo ops.

Where: Try The Big Texan Motel or The Route 66 Inn in Shamrock.
Why: Many of these spots keep the mid-century aesthetic alive—ideal for Urban Explorers who want to live the vintage road trip dream while staying in town.

Why go: Quirky antiques, vintage signs, old postcards, and Route 66 collectibles.
Favorites: Lile Art Gallery, Alley Katz Emporium, and Antique Emporium.

Why go: Touristy? Yes. But an essential Route 66 experience. It’s huge, flashy, and full of character. The kind of place that screams urban roadside Americana.
Bonus: Try the 72 oz steak challenge—or just grab a drink in their saloon.

Urban Explorer bonus quest: Amarillo has a small network of underground maintenance tunnels under its downtown area. While not officially open to the public, urban legends abound. Some locals offer historic walking tours that hint at these secret spots.

Where: Amarillo’s Historic Sixth Street
Why go: You can follow old sidewalk plaques that tell the story of the businesses and people who once made Route 66 thrive here. It's like a historical scavenger hunt.

Wear good walking shoes – downtown Amarillo and historic Sixth Street are very walkable.
Bring a camera or phone with lots of storage – you’ll find photo ops everywhere.
Talk to locals – Urban Explorers thrive on stories, and the people in these towns have amazing ones to share.
Visit in fall or spring – Summer in Texas can be blazing hot, so aim for cooler months for more enjoyable city exploring.

Wandering Souls