Looking for cowboy culture, modern museums, and a booming food scene? Head to Oklahoma City! OKC blends Western heritage with contemporary flair — from lively arts districts and craft breweries to serene riverside parks and world-class museums. Whether you’re touring stockyards or riding a canal boat downtown, Oklahoma’s capital delivers big surprises and Southern hospitality.
Oklahoma City, OK Highlights:
- Explore the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: Dive into the art, history, and legends of the American West.
- Stroll through Bricktown: OKC’s lively entertainment district features a canal, restaurants, nightlife, and minor league baseball.
- Pay tribute at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum: A powerful and moving site honoring the victims of the 1995 bombing.
- Visit Scissortail Park: Enjoy gardens, playgrounds, concerts, and skyline views in this downtown green space.
- Tour the First Americans Museum: Discover the stories and cultures of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations in this striking riverside facility.
Best Time to Visit Oklahoma City, OK
The best time to visit OKC is from April through June and September through October when temperatures are pleasant and festivals fill the calendar. Spring brings wildflowers and events like the Festival of the Arts, while fall offers crisp evenings and fewer crowds.
How to Get to Oklahoma City, OK
- By air: Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) is just 15–20 minutes from downtown with nonstop flights from major cities.
- By car: OKC sits at the intersection of I-35, I-40, and I-44 — easily accessible from Dallas, Tulsa, and Wichita.
- By train: Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer runs daily between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City’s downtown Santa Fe Depot.
Where to Stay in Oklahoma City, OK
- 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City – Boutique hotel meets contemporary art museum in a repurposed Ford Model T plant.
- The Skirvin Hilton – Historic downtown hotel with luxurious touches and timeless elegance.
- Aloft Oklahoma City Downtown – Bricktown – Trendy stay close to nightlife, the canal, and Thunder basketball games.
Best Things to Do in Oklahoma City, OK
Where to Eat in Oklahoma City, OK
- Cattlemen’s Steakhouse – Iconic Stockyards restaurant serving up classic cuts since 1910.
- Cheever’s Cafe – Upscale comfort food and Southern hospitality in a former flower shop.
- The Jones Assembly – Stylish venue offering wood-fired eats, craft cocktails, and live music in Film Row.
If you are interested in local events:
- Festival of the Arts (April) – Celebrate art, food, and performances at one of the city’s signature spring events.
- Oklahoma State Fair (September) – Midway rides, livestock, concerts, and fried everything at this fall tradition.
- Red Earth Festival (June) – Native American dance, art, and culture take center stage in downtown OKC.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma:
- Arcadia (30 min) – Visit the Route 66 Round Barn and sip sodas at POPS with 700+ bottled varieties.
- Lake Hefner (20 min) – Go sailing, biking, or dine lakeside at one of OKC’s waterfront restaurants.
- Edmond (25 min) – Explore art walks, boutique shopping, and the scenic Mitch Park Trail system.
- Moore (20 min) – Catch a movie, enjoy family parks, or attend community events just south of OKC.
- Norman (30 min) – Home of the University of Oklahoma, museums, college football, and walkable downtown dining.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
What is the best way to start exploring Oklahoma City?
- The best way to start exploring Oklahoma City is by visiting its excellent museums.
-
What outdoor activities are available in Oklahoma City?
- Stretched on the banks of the Oklahoma River, the city offers wonderful outdoor fun in the Boathouse District and great restaurants.
Plan Your Trip