Panhandle Plains

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Courtesy of Visit Lubbock
Photo provided by Courtesy of Visit Lubbock
Photo provided by Courtesy of Visit Lubbock
Photo provided by Courtesy of Visit Lubbock
Photo provided by Courtesy of Visit Lubbock

Big skies, big landscapes and a big welcome await in the northernmost region of Texas, a place characterized by its stunning frontier wilderness.

Picture the American West and you may well be imagining Panhandle Plains. The region of Texas is covered in striking red-rock formations, rolling scrubland and colonial towns where cowboys still seem to roam. Set out in a car on its open roads and you may not encounter another town for miles, as vast stretches of the area remain untouched by human development.

Start your journey through the region in the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Exhibits here include a look at the area’s first inhabitants, prehistoric settlers from about 14,000 years ago, as well as displays on pioneer towns and the history of transportation.

Charming towns and cities lie in the heart of the Panhandle’s landscapes. Lubbock features the National Ranching Heritage Center, which recreates a working ranch, as well as the Buddy Holly Center. Amarillo is packed with museums, but also offers the thrills of roller coasters at Wonderland Park. Explore Abilene to find a zoo, a frontier museum and statues of famous characters from children’s literature.

Leave the cities behind to discover the weird and wonderful sights of the Panhandle’s rural regions. Watch the sides of the road to spot vintage cars buried upside down at Cadillac Ranch, an art project from the 1970s.

The region offers numerous beautiful state parks, including two stunning canyon networks. Palo Duro Canyon State Park is one of the state’s most impressive natural features. Bring your camera for photos of the red sandstone cliffs and towering rock formations. Caprock Canyons State Park isn’t as famous, but features similarly striking landscapes of red stone that have been recreated in many a classic western.

Spend a day by one of the region’s beautiful lakes. Lake Arrowhead State Park and Possum Kingdom State Park offer peaceful places to swim, dive and fish beneath the hot Texan sun.

The Panhandle Plains region has a milder climate than the southern regions of Texas, making it an accessible place to visit throughout the year, although winter can be cold and wet. Fly into Amarillo from other cities in Texas to land in the heart of the region.

Where to stay in Panhandle Plains

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Soncy

Travelers come to Soncy for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Westgate Mall and Shops At Soncy while you're in town.

Soncy
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Downtown Amarillo

While visiting Downtown Amarillo, you might make a stop by sights like Hodgetown Stadium and Amarillo Civic Center.

Downtown Amarillo
Lubbock which includes a windmill and interior views

Tech Terrace

While Tech Terrace might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like United Supermarkets Arena and Jones AT&T Stadium.

Tech Terrace
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Downtown Lubbock

While visiting Downtown Lubbock, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Alan Henry and Buddy Holly Center.

Downtown Lubbock
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Downtown Abilene

While visiting Downtown Abilene, you might make a stop by sights like Grace Museum and Paramount Theatre.

Downtown Abilene
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Heart of Lubbock

Though Heart of Lubbock might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Buddy Holly Center and Jones AT&T Stadium.

Heart of Lubbock
The Cactus Cove Inn and Suites

The Cactus Cove Inn and Suites

2 out of 5
2501 E Interstate Dr, Amarillo, TX
The price is P4,561 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P4,561
P5,245 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Amarillo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,840 reviews)
Oshkosh day 3
"Second time to stay here. Great room, staff and location"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

The Cactus Cove Inn and Suites
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Amarillo Mid-City

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Amarillo Mid-City

3 out of 5
1708 I-40 E, Amarillo, TX
The price is P3,214 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P3,214
P3,696 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Amarillo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,084 reviews)
Very Nice
"Very nice!"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Amarillo Mid-City
Atrea Inn Amarillo

Atrea Inn Amarillo

2.5 out of 5
2035 Paramount Blvd, Amarillo, TX
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Amarillo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,100 reviews)
"For the price, it’s a winner. The room itself was nice, but the bathroom could use some work. The tub was either stained or dirty and the caulking around the base of the tub was mildewed and cracked. Bed was pretty good, but I awoke with a sore back (however, I have a very sensitive back). Breakfast ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Atrea Inn Amarillo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Big Texan - Cabins & Wagons

The Big Texan - Cabins & Wagons

3 out of 5
1414 Sunrise Dr, Amarillo, TX
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Amarillo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Big Texan Steak Ranch and Amarillo National ...
9/10 Wonderful! (114 reviews)
"The covered wagon was bigger than expected. Felt like we were on a real adventure"

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

The Big Texan - Cabins & Wagons
Madison Square

Madison Square

3 out of 5
1911 S Madison St, Amarillo, TX
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Amarillo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Amarillo Museum of Art and Amarillo Opera ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (238 reviews)
"The check-in was fast and everything was convenient. Excellent service and a very clean place to stay."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Madison Square
Dragon on Taylor

Dragon on Taylor

3.5 out of 5
2105 S Taylor St, Amarillo, TX
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Amarillo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Amarillo Museum of Art and Amarillo Opera ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (46 reviews)
"Updated. Needs curtains but otherwise good."

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

Dragon on Taylor
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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