I came for the wide-open skies and prairie sunsets...but I stayed longer than planned in nearly every town. There’s something grounded yet unexpected in this state, from the red rock beauty of the west to the artistic whispers of Tulsa and the college-town hum of Norman. You don’t just visit Oklahoma, you sink into it.
Every city offered something different: a taste of history, a twist of culture, a comforting meal I wasn’t expecting to love as much as I did. Whether I was floating the Illinois River in Tahlequah, exploring Art Deco gems in Tulsa, or quietly watching the sun set behind the Wichita Mountains, I kept thinking, “Why don’t more people know how good this is?”
If you're ready to explore beyond the usual and uncover a state full of charm, flavor, and wide-open discoveries, Oklahoma is calling.
Best Places to Visit in Oklahoma:
Oklahoma City: Layers Grace & Flavor
We weren't in a hurry so we drove about 6 hours north from Austin TX to Oklahoma City. When we arrived, we stopped for a late lunch at Paseo Grill. I ordered the filet and deviled eggs. The steak was buttery and seared to perfection.
Afterwards we explored the Paseo Arts District. I admired unique murals, a hidden garden, cozy courtyards and art galleries. I stopped in a shop with one-of-a-kind pottery and textured canvases.
One of my favorite stops was the American Banjo Museum which felt like walking through America’s musical heartbeat.
That evening, downtown shimmered a little. Bricktown buzzed, but I wanted something quieter. We headed to The Mantel, just steps from the canal.
There, I had the Chilean sea bass, crisp on the outside, soft as clouds inside, plated with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. The scent was buttery and citrus-bright. I lingered over every bite, lights dimmed low, voices soft around us.
Later, we ended the night where you’re supposed to: Edna’s. It was loud and easy and alive. I didn’t drink, but I watched friends cheer over their signature Sooner Swirls and press Sharpies to the walls, signing names between decades of other visitors. I thought, “This place isn’t trying to be cool, it just is.”
I check into my favorite hotel in OKC: The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City.
Plan your Oklahoma City getaway:
- Drive Time from Dallas: ~3 hours north
- Vibe: Urban charm, creative spirit, understated cool
- Highlights: Paseo Arts District, Bricktown canal, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Scissortail Park
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and festivals
- Cost: Free to explore; meals ~$20–$50; attractions vary
- Hours: Most restaurants open late; galleries and museums typically 10am–5pm
Soaking in the artsy charm of Tulsa
From OKC we headed to Tulsa, an hour and 40 minutes away.
I've always enjoyed Tulsa's Art Deco buildings. I walked through the Greenwood District, then sat by the river at Gathering Place, feeling connected to nature. I caught myself thinking, "This is a city that listens and speaks back softly."
What I Loved Most: Standing inside the Philbrook Museum ($18 for adults, $8 for youth), sunlight hitting the Italianate gardens just right, and feeling transported.
My highlights? Dinner of the Vietnamese Crepe with ground beef ($16) and a bowl of Tom Yum soup ($14) at KEO Restaurant.
We spent the night at Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Oklahoma City: ~1.5 hours northeast
- Vibe: Artistic, soulful, walkable
- Highlights: Philbrook Museum, Greenwood District, Gathering Place
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer
- Cost: Moderate for art museum admission, food, parking
- Hours: Most museums open 10 AM–5 PM
Discovering nature and history in Lawton - 1.5 hours from Oklahoma City
Lawton gave me wide-open spaces and beautiful views. Driving into the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, I felt like I was entering a hidden gem of Oklahoma. It was rugged here, quiet, and almost sacred. As I saw Mount Scott, wind rushing past, I remember thinking, "This is where Oklahoma breathes."
What I Loved Most: Spotting bison on the plains. Or catching a glimpse of a wild longhorn grazing just off the road.
Plan your Lawton visit:
- Drive Time from OKC: ~1.5 hours southwest
- Vibe: Wild, spacious, historical
- Highlights: Wichita Mountains, Mount Scott, Fort Sill Museum (free but a pass is required)
- Best Time to Visit: Fall or spring for hiking
- Cost: Mostly free (refuge access), budget food
- Hours: Refuge open sunrise to sunset
Feeling the college-town energy in Norman - 30 minutes from Oklahoma City
Norman felt alive, even on a weekday. The energy from the University of Oklahoma gave the town a vibrant heartbeat, but it was the blend of small-town friendliness and academic buzz that stuck with me.
I strolled through the campus, past sculptures and old brick buildings, and thought, "This place is quietly electric."
What I Loved Most: Getting lost in the Sam Noble Museum’s ($12 adults, $7 kids) exhibits, then sitting on the lawn watching students play frisbee in the sunshine.
Plan your visit:
- Drive Time from OKC: ~30 minutes south
- Vibe: Academic, energetic, laid-back
- Highlights: OU campus, Sam Noble Museum, college-town dining
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds
- Cost: Low for museum admission and coffee
- Hours: Most museums open 10 AM–5 PM
Enjoying the peaceful rhythm of Edmond - 25 minutes north by car from Oklahoma City
Edmond was the kind of town where things slow down just enough for you to catch your breath. I wandered into parks, browsed local boutiques, and chatted with friendly shopkeepers.
There was this easy warmth in the air, and I remember thinking, "This is what it feels like to settle into a place without rushing through it."
What I Loved Most: Strolling around Hafer Park (free) with the scent of pine in the air and kids laughing at the playground nearby.
My highlights? A cozy breakfast at Sunnyside Diner. I ordered the chicken fried steak and eggs, with creamy gravy and crispy hash browns. It was hearty and homey, like something a grandma would make, but with a little flair.
Plan your Edmond visit:
- Drive Time from OKC: ~25 minutes north
- Vibe: Peaceful, family-friendly, suburban charm
- Highlights: Hafer Park, Arcadia Lake, Edmond Historical Society Museum (free)
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for blooming parks
- Cost: Low, mostly free parks and affordable food
- Hours: Parks open sunrise to sunset
We stayed at Hilton Garden Inn Edmond / Oklahoma City North ($114).
Relaxing lakeside in Ardmore - 1.5 hours from Oklahoma City
In Ardmore, I found a different side of Oklahoma. It was relaxed, a little rustic, and full of natural beauty.
I spent most of the day by Lake Murray, skipping rocks and letting my mind wander. I thought, "If there’s a place that lets you unplug and just be...it’s here."
What I Loved Most: Taking a slow pontoon ride across the turquoise water of Lake Murray, followed by a sunset that made the sky blush pink.
My highlights? A patio lunch at Two Frogs Grill, a quirky local spot. I had the blackened catfish with sweet potato fries and a glass of iced tea. The food was flavorful and just the right kind of messy, in the best way. They also offer live music on certain days (tickets from $30).
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from OKC: ~1.5 hours south
- Vibe: Outdoorsy, chill, lake town
- Highlights: Lake Murray State Park, Tucker Tower, charming downtown
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for swimming, fall for hiking
- Cost: Moderate for park fees and meals
- Hours: Park open 7 AM–10 PM
- Address: 13528 Scenic State Hwy 77, Ardmore, OK 73401
Walking through history in Enid - 1 hour and 45 minutes from Oklahoma City
Enid welcomed me with open skies and stories from the past. The downtown had murals, vintage buildings, and a sense of pride that felt contagious.
As I explored the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, I thought, "So many people passed through here chasing something, and left their mark."
What I Loved Most: Standing in a recreated Land Run cabin, hearing the wind whistle outside, imagining life back then.
My highlights? A comforting lunch at Callahan’s Pub & Grille, where I had the made-to-order Fish n'Chips ($17) with house tartar sauce. It was cozy and full of character, just like Enid.
Enid hotels are affordable, starting at $59 / night.
It's best to plan your visit carefully. Winters can be harsh with icy winds. Summers are scorching, not the kind of weather that makes strolling pleasant.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from OKC: ~1.5 hours north
- Vibe: Historic, artsy, proud
- Highlights: Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center ($10), Leonardo’s Children’s Museum ($11.99 admission), Gaslight Theatre
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for festivals and mild temps
- Cost: Low to moderate
- Hours: Most museums open 10 AM–5 PM
Finding roots and rivers in Tahlequah - 1 hour and 30 from Tulsa
Tahlequah felt deeply connected, to the land, the rivers, and its Cherokee heritage. I floated down the Illinois River, cool water on my skin, sun above, and felt a wave of calm I hadn’t realized I needed. I remember thinking, "This place lives its story."
What I Loved Most: Touring the Cherokee National History Museum (Free admission) and learning how stories are passed through generations.
Plan your Tahlequah visit:
- Drive Time from Tulsa: ~1.5 hours east
- Vibe: Cultural, natural, soulful
- Highlights: Illinois River float trips, Cherokee National Museum, NSU campus
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for floating, spring for cultural tours
- Cost: Moderate, rentals and museum fees
- Hours: River access daylight hours; museum 10 AM–4 PM
Exploring the suburban charm of Broken Arrow - just 25 minutes from Tulsa
Broken Arrow gave me just enough bustle with a relaxed edge. The Rose District downtown buzzed with life (families, couples, street musicians).
I loved how it felt like a small town with big energy. As I sipped coffee on a bench, I thought, "This is one of those places people grow up and come back to."
What I Loved Most: Discovering murals tucked into alleyways and chatting with a gallery owner about local art.
My highlights? Dinner at Andolini’s Pizzeria, thin crust, bold flavors. I split the 14-inch Vegetarian pizza ($22) with my son. Simple and perfect.
Plan your visit:
- Drive Time from Tulsa: ~25 minutes southeast
- Vibe: Family-focused, artsy, polished
- Highlights: Rose District, local shops, Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings or weekends for events
- Cost: Low to moderate
- Hours: Shops 10 AM–6 PM, restaurants later
Feeling the rhythm of Bartlesville - 1 hour from Tulsa
Bartlesville had a rhythm all its own, part oil town history, part artistic soul. I admired the Price Tower (shown in the photo), a Frank Lloyd Wright original. I thought, "This is where mid-century dreams met the Oklahoma plains."
What I Loved Most: Exploring the Woolaroc Museum ($14 for adults, free for children 12 and under), nestled in rolling hills with buffalo roaming in the distance.
My highlights? A hearty lunch at Frank & Lola’s, a local favorite. I had a classic B.L.T. served on fresh wheat berry bread with pesto mayonnaise ($13). It was modern comfort food at its best.
Plan your visit:
- Drive Time from Tulsa: ~1 hour north
- Vibe: Retro, artistic, historical
- Highlights: Price Tower, Woolaroc, Bartlesville Community Center
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for outdoor museums
- Cost: Museum admission + meals
- Hours: Most attractions 10 AM–5 PM
Final Thoughts on Exploring Oklahoma
Each town gave me a new reason to love Oklahoma. From Edmond’s peaceful parks to Broken Arrow’s artsy downtown, I felt like I was walking through a collection of personal stories, each told with pride and a little twinkle in the eye.
If you’re craving a place where nature, history, and hospitality all meet in one unforgettable stretch of road, it’s here. Oklahoma offers day trips that slow you down, cities that spark inspiration, and a genuine kind of welcome that’s getting harder to find.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Oklahoma City: Layers Grace & Flavor
- • Soaking in the artsy charm of Tulsa
- • Discovering nature and history in Lawton - 1.5 hours from Oklahoma City
- • Feeling the college-town energy in Norman - 30 minutes from Oklahoma City
- • Enjoying the peaceful rhythm of Edmond - 25 minutes north by car from Oklahoma City
- • Relaxing lakeside in Ardmore - 1.5 hours from Oklahoma City
- • Walking through history in Enid - 1 hour and 45 minutes from Oklahoma City
- • Finding roots and rivers in Tahlequah - 1 hour and 30 from Tulsa
- • Exploring the suburban charm of Broken Arrow - just 25 minutes from Tulsa
- • Feeling the rhythm of Bartlesville - 1 hour from Tulsa