//
City in Texas, United States
Photo: Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Odessa is a city of 120,000 people (2018) in West Texas, west of its sister city, Midland. Much of the major industry in the area is oil- and gas-related. As such, the Midland/Odessa area is colloquially known as the petroplex. Many of the attractions you will find in the area are in Midland, so if you're visiting Odessa, the Midland article deserves a look as well. It's also notable as the fountainhead for the Friday Night Lights media franchise, which began with a 1990 book that explored football at the city's Permian High School, later followed by a movie that was mostly faithful to the book, and then a TV series that was a looser adaptation.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
A renovated 1951 classic movie theater that shows classic movies and showcases live music. In downtown Odessa.
There is a permanent collection and rotating exhibits.
World's Largest Jackrabbit
The largest jackrabbit in the world, a 10-foot-tall statue that is the unofficial mascot of the region.
Student and Art Faculty shows are presented here on a semi-regular basis. Artwork may be purchased and starving college students will be very appreciative.
This museum suffered from its move from downtown. There is a permanent exhibit of memorabilia from each presidency, however it is not nearly as vast as it was. There has also been the addition of George W. Bush's childhood home onto the grounds.
The old rail depot from Pecos, built in 1892 and moved to Odessa in 1950. The depot is part of the Barn Door Steakhouse.
This football stadium, owned by the school district that serves Odessa and surrounding Ector County, has hosted the city's (and district's) two main high schools, Odessa High and Permian High, since it opened in 1982, and became UT Permian Basin's home field in 2015. As Permian's home field, it's basically the wellspring for the Friday Night Lights franchise; the original book was about Permian's 1988 season, and much of the game action in the 2004 film (a fairly close adaptation) was shot at the stadium.
A full-size replica of the original neolithic Stonehenge site.
Turn-of-the-century home with rotating exhibits on various aspects of West Texas life.
The Globe Theatre
Full-sized reproduction of the Globe Theatre of London. Various productions throughout the year. In addition there is a replica of the Anne Hathaway Cottage which Shakespeare built for his love.
Rosa's is a favorite among locals. The restaurant started in this area before spreading out all over Texas. Try the Fajitas and the tortillas made in the restaurant. There is a window into the kitchen where you can watch the tortillas being made.
Bush's Chicken has a strong following amongst locals. Be sure to try their Tender Rolls.
Delicious authentic Mexican food.
Yet another local Mexican food restaurant. Very popular amongst locals.
Much of the menu consists of Southern and Homestyle cooking, such as chicken strips, steak fingers, mashed potatoes, and fried catfish.
Southern cuisine.
Italian cuisine. The owners of the restaurant are from Albania and create an authentic experience when eating at their restaurant. Most plates are around $10, but if you're on a budget, or want something simple, try the pizza. The Mi Piaci pizza is probably some of the best in town, and certainly the best pizza by a locally owned restaurant.
Ajuua's serves authentic Tex-Mex in a sit-down atmosphere.
The Barn Door is probably the most reputable and high-class restaurant in town. The food is typical steakhouse fare.
Very bunker-like.
Continental breakfast.
Free airport shuttle. Waterslides to go along with indoor pool and miniature golf.
It's like a mini hotel tower.
3 anchor tenants (JC Penney, Dillard's, and Burlington Coat Factory), an 11-screen movie theater, a roller rink, local CBS affiliate, carousel and food court.
This is a strip mall at the busiest intersection in Odessa. Stores include H.E.B., Big 5 Sporting Goods, Ross Dress for Less, GameStop, Hastings, Target and Office Depot.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Midland · Regional · MAF
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Odessa (Texas) and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.