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

The J.J. Allison house is on display next to the Buddy Holly Center. This was the home of Buddy Holly's childhood friend, they played guitar and wrote songs including his famous hit "That'll Be the Day".

Downtown Lubbock

2/5(1 area review)

While visiting Downtown Lubbock, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Alan Henry and Blue Light Live.

Downtown Lubbock
Lubbock featuring a windmill and interior views

Tech Terrace

5/5(1 area review)

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 Buddy Holly's Grave and United Supermarkets Arena.

Tech Terrace
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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
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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's Grave and Blue Light Live.

Heart of Lubbock
This establishment has been around for 50 years.  Food is diner style and people are super friendly. To me it’s a “must have” when in Lubbock and worth the wait.  #GoodEats

North Overton

4/5(1 area review)

While there might not be top attractions in North Overton, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Jones AT&T Stadium and Lake Alan Henry.

North Overton
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 CA $104 per night from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2
CA $104
CA $120 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
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! (1,484 reviews)
"The text communications were nice for check in."

Reviewed on Mar. 28, 2025

The Cactus Cove Inn and Suites
The Big Texan Motel
The Big Texan Motel
2.5 out of 5
7701 Interstate 40 Access Rd, Amarillo, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $110 per night from Apr. 14 to Apr. 15
CA $110
CA $127 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this motel in Amarillo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,808 reviews)
"Stayed for 1 night in our way to Phoenix - quirky motel clean comfy beds great experience!"

Reviewed on Mar. 28, 2025

The Big Texan Motel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lubbock Southwest
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lubbock Southwest
2.5 out of 5
6401 62nd Street, Lubbock, TX
The price is CA $112 per night from Apr. 20 to Apr. 21
CA $112
CA $129 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 20 - Apr 21
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lubbock. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,643 reviews)
"The room had a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower. There was also a ceiling fan in the main room! The room was comfortable & quiet."

Reviewed on Mar. 28, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lubbock Southwest
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (98 reviews)
"This place is a hidden gem! We stayed there for 3 nights and enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on Mar. 23, 2025

The Big Texan - Cabins & Wagons
2 Mi to Lake: Home w/ Game Room, Pool & Fast WiFi!
2 Mi to Lake: Home w/ Game Room, Pool & Fast WiFi!
Wichita Falls
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Wichita Falls. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Wichita Falls Memorial ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
WFTX
"Had a few issues, but the contact host went above and beyond to help get them r resolved."

Reviewed on Dec. 29, 2024

2 Mi to Lake: Home w/ Game Room, Pool & Fast WiFi!
TTU is 4 miles, 3Bd/2Ba with Pool/Hot Tub -"That Peaceful, Easy Feeling"
TTU is 4 miles, 3Bd/2Ba with Pool/Hot Tub -"That Peaceful, Easy Feeling"
Lubbock
Stay at this vacation home in Lubbock. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions South Plains Mall and Lubbock Premiere ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Perfect for a hangout
"The house was so cute and clean! We sadly didn’t get to use the hot tub (it was too cold outside) but we were so comfy inside just playing games and hanging out. Joel was a great host with quick response to any questions! Will definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on Mar. 9, 2025

TTU is 4 miles, 3Bd/2Ba with Pool/Hot Tub -"That Peaceful, Easy Feeling"
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Panhandle Plains