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

Default Image

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
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 Buddy Holly Center.

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 United Supermarkets Arena and Jones AT&T Stadium.

Tech Terrace
Default Image

Downtown Amarillo

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

Downtown Amarillo
Default Image

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 Buddy Holly Statue and West Texas Walk of Fame.

Heart of Lubbock
Home of the free 72 oz. steak! Opened on Route 66 in 1960 and moved to current location off Interstate 40 in 1970.

Barrio

When in Barrio, you can plan a visit to Hodgetown Stadium and American Quarter Horse Association, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Barrio
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 May 5 to May 6
CA $104
CA $120 total
includes taxes & fees
May 5 - May 6
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! (1,530 reviews)
"The atmosphere of the place was nice but was given a key to a room that was occupied so that was not good elevator did not work on one side and was not informed phone call to front desk clerk was more important than getting me the right key thanks to the dog in the room I didn’t walk in on ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 15, 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
The price is CA $118 per night from Apr. 21 to Apr. 22
CA $118
CA $136 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
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! (3,852 reviews)
"Fun, themed room that was very clean. However. there was only half a roll of toilet paper in the room (no extras left anywhere) & the 24/7 front desk apparently closes at 10pm so we had no tp from 1140pm when we needed it until 9am when they finally brought it. (30 minutes before we checked out)"

Reviewed on Apr. 17, 2025

The Big Texan Motel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Amarillo West by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Amarillo West by IHG
2.5 out of 5
8330 W Amarillo Blvd, Amarillo, TX
The price is CA $144 per night from Apr. 27 to Apr. 28
CA $144
CA $166 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,534 reviews)
"Friendly front desk at check in! Comfortable beds!"

Reviewed on Apr. 19, 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Amarillo West by IHG
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! (103 reviews)
Cabins are wonderful!
"Very comfortable cabins and each one has a front porch. Plenty of space for families!"

Reviewed on Apr. 1, 2025

The Big Texan - Cabins & Wagons
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (34 reviews)
"The whole experience was wonderful!"

Reviewed on Feb. 25, 2025

Dragon on Taylor
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)
Nice Little Home with a Large Back Yard
"This was a lovely little home to utilize while visiting the area! I didn’t stay in the home a ton but while I was there the pups utilized the back yard which was very big and they loved it! Too cold to use the pool. Did notice that the owner was putting in an awning over the drive way which will ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 16, 2025

2 Mi to Lake: Home w/ Game Room, Pool & Fast WiFi!
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