Overview
Odessa is a city of 120,000 people (2018) in West Texas, 20 mi 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.
9 sights · 1 things to do · 9 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 5 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Odessa
Presidential Museum and Leadership Library
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 childho…
Stonehenge Odessa
A full-size replica of the original neolithic Stonehenge site.
White-Pool House
Turn-of-the-century home with rotating exhibits on various aspects of West Texas life.
Globe of the Great Southwest
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.
Ector Theater
A renovated 1951 classic movie theater that shows classic movies and showcases live music. In downtown Odessa.
Ellen Noel Art Museum
There is a permanent collection and rotating exhibits.
Plan your trip
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MAF Midland International Air and Space Port, Midland — 11 mi away. Directions
- HOB Lea County Regional Airport, Hobbs — 76 mi away. Directions
- ELP El Paso International Airport, El Paso — 235 mi away (major hub). Directions
Odessa is at the junction of US Highway 385 and Interstate 20 in West Texas. Heading east on I-20 will take you through cities like Abilene on your way to Dallas/Fort Worth. Heading west on I-20 takes you through some of the most barren parts of Texas at 80 mph (the fastest speed limit in the U.S.) on your way to El Paso. Going south on 385 will take you to Big Bend National Park, while heading north on US 385 will take you through the Texas Panhandle.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $62–$83 a night (typical $78), from 4 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$100, mid-range ~$150, comfortable ~$250.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Ector Theater, Jack Ben Rabbit, White-Pool House
- Lunch Rosa's Cafe and Tortilla Factory
- Afternoon Globe of the Great Southwest, Nancy Fyfe Cardozier Gallery
- Dinner Bush's Chicken
- Evening Zucchi's Sports Bar & Grill
Day 2
- Morning Ellen Noel Art Museum, Presidential Museum and Leadership Library, Stonehenge Odessa
- Lunch Fajitas and More
- Afternoon Ratliff Stadium, Pecos Depot
- Dinner El Taco Tako
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Due to its proximity to Mexico, Odessa has quite a bit of authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex. Most of these authentic restaurants are found off the beaten path, but are usually well worth the trip.
Many chain restaurants have set up shop in Odessa. It's not hard to find a McDonald's or Burger King.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Odessa is at the junction of US Highway 385 and Interstate 20 in West Texas. Heading east on I-20 will take you through cities like Abilene on your way to Dallas/Fort Worth. Heading west on I-20 takes you through some of the most barren parts of Texas at 80 mph (the fastest speed limit in the U.S.) on your way to El Paso. Going south on 385 will take you to Big Bend National Park, while heading north on US 385 will take you through the Texas Panhandle.
By plane
Go Midland/Odessa International Airport (MAF)
Southwest Airlines is the only mainline airline service to the area. It provides direct flights from Dallas-Love, Houston-Hobby, Las Vegas and Albuquerque. United Express provides service from Denver and Houston-Intercontinental, and American Eagle provides service from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
By bus
Get around
- EZRider, 8007 E Highway 80, +1 432 561-9990. Odessa and Midland have a shared bus system that does travel between cities. Inter-city routes serving Midland International and both cities are available. There are 6 bus routes that serve Odessa, and each bus route runs once hourly. Fares for adults 19+ are $1.25, children 6-18 and students with a valid ID are $1.00, seniors 60+ and people with disabilities are $0.60 and children 5 and under are Free. Monthly passes and Paratransit are available too. EZRider runs M-F 6:15AM-7:10PM and Sa 6:15AM-6:10PM.
See
See Jack Ben Rabbit (World's Largest Jackrabbit)
The largest jackrabbit in the world, a 10-foot-tall statue that is the unofficial mascot of the region.
See Presidential Museum and Leadership Library
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.
See Ratliff Stadium
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.
Do
Buy
Shop Winwood Town Center
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.
Eat
Due to its proximity to Mexico, Odessa has quite a bit of authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex. Most of these authentic restaurants are found off the beaten path, but are usually well worth the trip.
Budget
Many chain restaurants have set up shop in Odessa. It's not hard to find a McDonald's or Burger King.
Eat Rosa's Cafe and Tortilla Factory
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.
Eat Bush's Chicken
Bush's Chicken has a strong following amongst locals. Be sure to try their Tender Rolls.
Eat Fajitas and More
Delicious authentic Mexican food.
Eat El Taco Tako
Yet another local Mexican food restaurant. Very popular amongst locals.
Eat Keith's Hamburger Station
Much of the menu consists of Southern and Homestyle cooking, such as chicken strips, steak fingers, mashed potatoes, and fried catfish.
Mid-range
Eat Big Daddy's Catfish and Chicken
Southern cuisine.
Eat Mi Piaci
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.
Eat Ajuua's
Ajuua's serves authentic Tex-Mex in a sit-down atmosphere.
Splurge
Eat The Barn Door and Pecos Depot Steakhouse
The Barn Door is probably the most reputable and high-class restaurant in town. The food is typical steakhouse fare.
Drink
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Go next
- Odessa Meteor Crater - Exit from I-20 10 miles southwest of town (take exit 108 and drive 3 miles south, following the signs). This National Natural Landmark is the third biggest crater in the country and sixth in the world. Self-paced tours available 9AM-5PM daily. Tu-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM. Free.
Nearby
Midland
City / town · 40 listings · 19 mi away
Monahans
City / town · 5 listings · 36 mi away
Big Spring
City / town · 10 listings · 58 mi away
Lamesa
City / town · 8 listings · 65 mi away
Big Lake
City / town · 6 listings · 71 mi away
Pecos
City / town · 11 listings · 74 mi away
Fort Stockton
City / town · 19 listings · 74 mi away
Hobbs
City / town · 7 listings · 74 mi away
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