Route 66 In Amarillo: Old Hotels, Unique Shopping, Other Oddities

Route 66 in Amarillo is a lot like every other road in Amarillo, Texas. You can have one hell of a hard time trying to go from one end of the city to the other all while staying on the mother road. Like every other road, it twists and winds and splits as it makes its way across Amarillo.

However, if you're able to keep to Route 66 you'll find an assortment of old hotels, some unique shopping opportunities, and other oddities.

Get our free mobile app

Amarillo Blvd And The Old Motor Courts

Amarillo Blvd is more than likely where you'll start your journey if heading west. You'll get off I-40 and begin traveling down what remains of the Route 66.

It can be bittersweet. For those who have fond memories of Route 66, there are places like the Triangle Motel that are mere husks of what they once were.

Google

There are still some of those old motels that are in operation. Motor courts are in no short supply on Amarillo Blvd as you make your way into town.

Keep an eye out for things like the National Weather Service on your way into town. There's a tower that looks like something from a sci-fi movie. That's how you'll know you've found part of their operation.

6th Street On Historic Route 66

You'll have to deviate a bit off of the Blvd and make your way to 6th Street. This is where all things Route 66 are embraced.

There are several landmarks, like The Nat. It's a legendary building that has been everything from a swimming pool to a concert hall that didn't feature Elvis, but everyone swears that it did, so it might have actually happened.

Charlie Hardin

The debate still rages to this very day.

You have several antique stores and unique shops where you can stop and shop for some unique curiosity, looking at you Aunt Eek's, or some Route 66 memorabilia.

There's plenty of food, and places to wet your whistle. The 806 is a unique place to stop for coffee. You won't forget it.

Cadillac Ranch, Of Course

As you continue on down the line, you'll eventually cross paths with one of the most famous Route 66 landmarks in existence.

Michael J. Rivera/Townsquare Media

Cadillac Ranch.

Anyone passing by on the mother road needs to make at least one stop at the iconic "ranch."

Here's a look at Amarillo on Route 66...

Photo Tour Of Historic Route 66 In Amarillo, Texas

Photos of the Mother Road, Route 66, and the path it takes in Amarillo, Texas

Ranchotel: The Forgotten Landmark of Old Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas

The Ranchotel, located at 2501 W. 6th St., is a product of Route 66's heyday.

When Americans first began long-distance automotive travel, they typically stayed in hotels or camped beside the road. In response, clever entrepreneurs began to build what were called tourist courts. The Ranchotel is one of these.

It was built in 1940 and until recently, it was considered one of the best preserved examples of Route 66's tourist facilities. It was placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 and was well maintained until 2020.

Even now, in spite of the building's fading beauty, there is still the nostalgic air held by many a historic landmark.