Discover Amarillo: Wildlife, Gardens, Art Deco, and Route 66

The destinations in this selection focus on wildlife, garden visits, Art Deco architecture, and shops and public art in the Historic Route 66 District. Thinking first about which of these interests matter to you can help you plan the rest of your visit more purposefully.

Wildlife and botanical gardens

The Amarillo Zoo and Sanctuary is home to more than 120 animals representing 70 species from around the world. The zoo offers a clear wildlife focus for travelers who want to include animal viewing in their trip to Amarillo. The combination of animal and species counts offers two perspectives on the subject: the number of animals and the diversity of species represented.

The Amarillo Botanical Gardens offer a self-guided visit across more than 4 acres. Those who would rather focus on botanical gardens than wildlife will find a different subject here. The type of visit is also a distinct consideration: it is self-guided. The gardens are wheelchair accessible. Taking this accessibility into account when planning gives you a specific factor to consider.

Art Deco architecture at the Potter County Courthouse

The Potter County Courthouse is a notable local example of an institutional building in the Art Deco style. Its stepped massing extends from the entrance pavilion to the tower peak. A pavilion is a section of a building that projects from the façade; at the courthouse, the entrance pavilion marks the beginning of the stepped composition. Other features include ornamental bas-reliefs with figurative and botanical motifs, symmetrical pilasters, and metal casement windows. Pilasters are flat, column-like elements that articulate a wall. The architectural details can be divided into the overall form and the façade ornamentation: the stepped design shapes the building’s massing, while the reliefs and pilasters define the exterior surfaces. Architecture enthusiasts can use these specific features to identify the courthouse as an example of Art Deco.

Shopping and public art along Route 66

Amarillo’s Historic Route 66 District is an approximately one-mile-long area with antique markets, vintage clothing, and specialty shops. Along 6th Street, there are colorful murals and other public art. The area is well suited to casual exploring and photography. The district thus offers both shopping and public art. The murals and other public artworks provide specific subjects to photograph, while the types of shops mentioned appeal to travelers who enjoy browsing as they explore.

The features clearly distinguish the options for choosing a focus for your visit: the zoo is about animals and species, while the Botanical Gardens offer a self-guided visit and wheelchair accessibility. The courthouse offers an architectural perspective, while the Historic Route 66 District combines shopping and public art. This lets you organize your stay in Amarillo around the subject that matters most to you.

For a broader travel overview: Potter.