Strictly speaking, Lubbock is on the South Plains rather than in the Panhandle, but it is the natural southern gateway: about two hours from Amarillo on I-27, and the same from Caprock Canyons. With more than 250,000 people, it is the largest city in the region.
This is the home town of Buddy Holly, and a home of West Texas music. Texas Tech University keeps the city young, the National Ranching Heritage Center is one of the best museums in the state, and vineyards on the surrounding High Plains grow most of Texas’s wine grapes. For a full guide to the area, see our sister site SouthPlains.com.
Highlights
- Buddy Holly Center: music history in a former depot.
- National Ranching Heritage Center: dozens of historic ranch buildings.
- Lubbock Lake Landmark: some 12,000 years of human history.
- Texas Tech campus: Spanish-style architecture and public art.
- American Windmill Museum: more windmills than you thought possible.
- Texas wine: tasting rooms in and around the city.
Quick facts
| Where | About 120 miles south of Amarillo |
|---|---|
| Airport | Lubbock Preston Smith International (LBB) |
| Ideal stay | 2 nights |
| Best for | Music, museums, wine |
| Getting around | Car; the city is spread out |
| Region | South Plains, not strictly the Panhandle |
How long to stay & where to base yourself
Two nights covers the museums and a winery. Downtown and the Depot District suit music and nightlife. Hotels near the university are handy for campus. Expect prices to jump on Texas Tech football weekends.
