Best Places to Visit in Oklahoma
Famous for its cowboy culture, Native American heritage, Route 66 nostalgia, and thriving music scene, Oklahoma is a hidden gem in the heart of the U.S.! From small-town charm to natural wonders and vibrant cities, here are the destinations that made me happiest and that I can’t wait to share.
1. 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.
My Highlight:
One of my favorite stops was the American Banjo Museum ($8) 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 Mickey Mantel's, 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 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.”
A downside? The summer heat pressed down hard in the afternoons. I found myself darting between shady spots downtown, wishing for cooler air sooner in the day.
OKC Travel Tips
- Drive Time: Centrally located; 3 hours north of Dallas, 1.5 hours from Tulsa
- Where to Stay: The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City ($180), budget hotels ($95+)
- Where to Eat: Cattlemen’s Steakhouse ($30), Vast ($40), Tucker’s Onion Burgers ($15)
- Vibe: Western, resilient, modern
- Must-see: Oklahoma City National Memorial, Bricktown Canal, Scissortail Park
- Hidden Gems: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Wheeler Ferris Wheel
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and festivals
- Cost: Memorial outdoor portion free; museums ~$15; dining moderate
- Hours: Memorial open 24/7 outdoors; museums 10am–5pm; restaurants vary
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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).
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
