Day Trips from Tulsa

Location:

Arcadia, Oklahoma – just 15 miles northeast of Oklahoma City along Route 66

Highlights:

If you're road-tripping through Oklahoma, Arcadia is that quirky, unforgettable pit stop you didn’t know you needed. With Route 66 charm and lakeside adventures, it’s perfect for a day of nostalgia and nature.

Recommended For:

Families, road trip enthusiasts, and travelers who love vintage Americana, historic landmarks, and scenic lakeside fun.

What I Love: ♥

The Old Round Barn (built in 1898!), offbeat museums filled with Route 66 relics, and nearby Arcadia Lake’s watersports and trails.

• Notable Features:
  • Old Round Barn – A unique red barn with a domed roof and Route 66 fame
  • John Hargrove’s Place – A treasure trove of handmade Route 66 art and cars
  • Mini Museum – Packed with mid-century auto trim and curios
• Outdoor Activities at Arcadia Lake:
  • Fishing, boating, jet-skiing
  • Picnic spots and campgrounds
  • Over 15 miles of scenic trails for hiking and biking

Helpful Tips:

Bring your camera—between the retro signage and the barn’s architecture, Arcadia’s full of photo ops. For outdoor fun, arrive early to grab a good lakeside picnic spot.

Map & Info:

View Arcadia on Google Maps

Arcadia, OK 73007 – Route 66 signage and landmarks are well-marked throughout the town

Location:

Bartlesville, Oklahoma – about 50 miles north of Tulsa

Highlights:

Looking for a day trip with something for everyone? Bartlesville combines rich energy history, cultural landmarks, and peaceful outdoor escapes in one surprising little city.

Recommended For:

Families, history lovers, and curious travelers who want a balanced mix of museums, parks, and walking tours.

What I Love: ♥

The Phillips Petroleum Museum and Frank Phillips Home offer a deep dive into Oklahoma’s oil boom, while Woolarock and the Tallgrass Prairie bring nature front and center.

• Notable Features:
  • Ideal for a day trip from Tulsa with family-friendly attractions
  • Eclectic mix of industry heritage, outdoor recreation, and historic charm
• Historical Attractions:
  • Phillips Petroleum Company Museum – Learn about Bartlesville’s rise as an energy hub
  • Frank Phillips Home – A beautifully preserved residence from the oil boom era
  • 1903 Santa Fe Engine and Depot – A nod to the region’s railroading roots
  • Johnson Park – Tells the story of the town’s development and industrial legacy
• Outdoor Activities:
  • Bartlesville Heritage Trails Walking Tour – Self-guided or guided overview of historic spots
  • Tallgrass Prairie Preserve – Stunning views and wildlife, including bison herds
  • Woolarock Wildlife Reserve – Family-friendly nature trails and museums

Helpful Tips:

Start with the Heritage Trails walking tour to get your bearings, then relax at a museum or spend the afternoon in the nearby prairies. If you’re planning to visit Woolarock, allow at least 2–3 hours to explore fully.

Map & Info:

View Bartlesville on Google Maps

Bartlesville, OK 74003-4051 – Visitor services available through the City of Bartlesville

Location:

Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow, Oklahoma

Highlights:

Craving a forest escape with a lake view? Beavers Bend is a beloved Oklahoma retreat for everything from hiking and boating to camping under starlit skies along Broken Bow Lake.

Recommended For:

Nature lovers, families, and outdoor adventurers looking for a scenic getaway with lake and mountain vibes.

What I Love: ♥

The dense pine and hardwood forests, scenic driving routes, and the crystal-clear waters of Broken Bow Lake—plus the park’s welcoming picnic and camping spots for every kind of explorer.

• Notable Features:
  • Located along the shores of Broken Bow Lake
  • Mountainous terrain with rich woodland biodiversity
• Things to Do:
  • Scenic drives and forest hikes
  • Boating, fishing, and scuba diving in Broken Bow Lake
• Day-Use Facilities:
  • Swimming beach and picnic areas
  • On-site restaurant and restrooms
  • Playground for children
• Overnight Stays:
  • Campgrounds for tents and RVs
  • Great for those who want to stargaze and wake up to nature

Helpful Tips:

Reserve campsites early—this park books up fast in warmer months. Bring bug spray, water shoes, and a camera for capturing lake reflections and wildlife sightings.

Map & Info:

View Beavers Bend State Park on Google Maps

Beavers Bend State Park, 4350 S Hwy 259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728 – Phone: 580-494-6300

Location:

Bixby, Oklahoma – just 30 minutes south of Tulsa

Highlights:

Need a quick break from the city? Bixby is a charming small-town escape with peaceful gardens, friendly farms, and local flavors perfect for a relaxing day trip.

Recommended For:

Families, couples, and day-trippers seeking a nature-filled getaway with farm fun and good eats.

What I Love: ♥

The 35-acre arboretum honoring Washington Irving, seasonal berry and pumpkin picking, and the family-friendly fun at places like Carmichael’s petting zoo and corn maze.

• Notable Features:
  • Just a short drive from Tulsa – perfect for spontaneous day trips
  • Small-town feel with local farms, parks, and quirky shops
• Nature Highlights:
  • Washington Irving Memorial Park and Arboretum – memorials and gardens across 35 scenic acres
• Farm Experiences:
  • Joe’s Farm, Carmichael’s Produce, and Gibson’s Gardens – berry picking, pumpkins, and produce
  • Carmichael’s – corn maze, petting zoo, and kid-friendly activities
• Other Attractions:
  • Local shops with one-of-a-kind finds
  • Restaurants for every craving—from casual bites to sit-down comfort food

Helpful Tips:

Visit in spring for berry season or fall for pumpkin patches and corn maze fun. Bring cash for smaller farms and plan for a leisurely walk through the arboretum.

Map & Info:

View Bixby on Google Maps

Bixby, OK 74008 – Visitor information available locally and online

Location:

Blue Hole Park, near Salina, Oklahoma – about 7 miles southeast of town

Highlights:

Looking to beat the summer heat with the kids? Blue Hole Park is a cool, clear, spring-fed swimming spot that’s perfect for a refreshing family day out.

Recommended For:

Families, groups, and anyone seeking a laid-back summer hangout with natural water, shade, and simple fun.

What I Love: ♥

The icy-cold natural spring on a scorching Oklahoma day, the gentle shallow river area for floats and splashy play, and the mix of picnic-friendly atmosphere with room to spread out.

• Notable Features:
  • Natural swimming hole fed by a clear, cold spring
  • Just a short drive from Salina, OK
• Water Activities:
  • Shallow areas ideal for young children
  • Deeper sections for snorkeling and stronger swimmers
  • Floatable shallow river nearby for relaxing rides
• Amenities:
  • Affordable day-use admission
  • Space for loungers and picnics
  • On-site concessions for snacks and drinks

Helpful Tips:

The water stays cold even on the hottest days—bring towels, floaties, and maybe even a wetsuit for little ones. Arrive early on weekends to snag a shady spot near the water.

Map & Info:

View Blue Hole Park on Google Maps

Blue Hole Park, 158 N 4470, Salina, OK 74365 – Admission collected at entry gate

Romantic Day Trips from Tulsa:

Location:

Catoosa, OK

Highlights:

Looking for a quick escape just outside Tulsa? Catoosa packs charm, history, and entertainment into one easy Route 66 day trip.

Recommended For:

Families, Route 66 road-trippers, history buffs, and casino lovers looking for a mix of fun and culture.

What I Love: ♥

Iconic roadside attractions, immersive museums, and a surprising mix of nature and nightlife.

• Snap a photo with the quirky and beloved Route 66 Big Blue Whale—an iconic roadside stop that delights visitors of all ages.
• Play at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Catoosa, home to a bustling casino floor, a championship golf course, dining options, and live entertainment.
• Explore local history at the D.W. Correll Museum and the Historical Society Museum, showcasing everything from vintage cars to pioneer heritage.
• Learn about the Port of Catoosa’s legacy at the Oklahoma Maritime Education Center.
• Hike the scenic Redbud Valley Nature Preserve for a refreshing walk through rugged beauty and native flora.

Distance from Tulsa:

Just 16 miles—less than a 30-minute drive!

How to Get to Catoosa:

Take I-44 East from Tulsa for about 20 minutes. Catoosa is well-marked along Route 66 and easy to access from the highway.

Location:

Claremore, OK

Highlights:

Want a fun, easy getaway from Tulsa? Claremore’s got small-town charm, unique museums, and scenic lakeside views all in one day trip.

Recommended For:

History fans, Route 66 explorers, antique hunters, and nature lovers seeking a laid-back outing.

What I Love: ♥

Historic downtown strolls, eclectic museum stops, and wide-open outdoor adventures at Lake Claremore.

• Stroll through Historic Downtown Claremore, where charming shops, cozy cafés, and antique treasures line the streets.
• Explore a cluster of museums including the Claremore Museum of History, J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum, and the Oklahoma Military Academy Museum.
• Tour the stately Belvidere Mansion for a glimpse into Claremore’s Gilded Age elegance.
• Visit the Route 66 Big Blue Whale—yes, Claremore has one too!—for a nostalgic roadside photo-op.
• Unwind at Lake Claremore, where you can boat, fish, bike, or just enjoy a peaceful nature walk.

Distance from Tulsa:

Just a 30-minute drive northeast—perfect for a quick day escape.

How to Get to Claremore:

From Tulsa, take US-169 North or I-44 East, then follow Route 66 into Claremore. It’s an easy and scenic drive with signs along the way.

Family-friendly Day Trips from Tulsa:

Location:

Lake Eufaula, OK

Highlights:

Craving a lake day with options for every kind of adventurer? Lake Eufaula’s massive shoreline, wide-open waters, and scenic trails make it an easy win for families and outdoor lovers.

Recommended For:

Families, boaters, anglers, hikers, and anyone looking for a fun-filled, nature-packed day trip or weekend getaway.

What I Love: ♥

Endless water sports, peaceful coves for kayaking, and miles of trails for everything from hiking to horseback riding.

• Play on the water with boating, jet skiing, tubing, water skiing, or wakeboarding—the lake is huge and perfect for motorized fun.
• Glide through quiet coves in a kayak, canoe, or pedal boat for a slower, scenic experience.
• Fish year-round, even in winter thanks to an enclosed and heated jetty—perfect for reeling in bass, catfish, and crappie.
• Roam the shoreline trails for hiking, biking, or spotting wildlife, or take on the ATV trails for off-road excitement.
• Unwind with a round of golf or a horseback ride at one of the nearby stables or parks.

Distance from Tulsa:

About 90 minutes southeast by car—ideal for a day trip or overnight escape.

How to Get to Lake Eufaula:

From Tulsa, take US-69 South through Muskogee and follow signs to Eufaula. The lake spans both sides of town and is easily accessible from multiple entry points.

Location:

Eureka Springs, AR

Highlights:

If you're up for a scenic drive across the Oklahoma border, Eureka Springs is the kind of place that rewards curiosity with charm, history, and relaxation. From historic trams to mountain caves, this little town is full of big surprises.

Recommended For:

Couples, history lovers, spa seekers, and families looking for a memorable weekend getaway just outside Oklahoma.

What I Love: ♥

Victorian architecture, natural hot springs, and a mix of quirky shops, caves, and wildlife experiences.

• Ride the guided tram tour through the Historic District to get a fun and informative intro to the town’s past and landmarks.
• Visit the Eureka Springs Historical Museum for a deeper dive into its colorful history.
• Soak in one of the town’s renowned spas—relax in natural hot spring water and treat yourself to a massage.
• Shop the downtown boutiques and galleries, where you’ll find everything from handmade goods to vintage treasures.
• Explore nearby attractions like Onyx Cave, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, and Beaver Dam for hiking, animal encounters, and water fun.

Distance from Tulsa:

About a 2.5-hour drive east—perfect for a weekend escape packed with character.

How to Get to Eureka Springs:

Take US-412 East to AR-23 South. It’s a scenic mountain route with signs leading into the heart of town.

Location:

Foyil, OK

Highlights:

Just a quick jaunt off Route 66, Foyil is one of those quirky roadside gems that’s perfect for a photo op and a little Americana history. If you’re road-tripping through northeast Oklahoma, this one’s a must-stop.

Recommended For:

Route 66 enthusiasts, road-trippers, families, and anyone who loves offbeat attractions and folk art.

What I Love: ♥

The towering handmade totem pole, fun roadside charm, and the unexpected slice of American endurance history at the Andy Payne Monument.

• Marvel at The World’s Largest Totem Pole—standing 90 feet tall, it’s a colorful folk art masterpiece built by retired wood-carver Nathan Edward Galloway.
• Climb the internal ladder to the top of the totem for a one-of-a-kind view (and a great story to tell later).
• Stroll through Totem Park to see smaller totems, hand-carved sculptures, and a charming on-site museum and gift shop.
• Visit the Andy Payne Monument and learn about the Oklahoma native who won the 1928 Transcontinental Footrace—yes, a real-life Forrest Gump moment!

Distance from Tulsa:

About a 45-minute drive northeast—an easy and fun addition to any Route 66 outing.

How to Get to Foyil:

Head north from Tulsa on Route 66 past Claremore. Foyil is just 10 miles farther along the historic highway—you can’t miss the totem pole signs!