Bethany Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, stay, eat, and explore in Bethany, Oklahoma. Our week-long itinerary includes outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and local cuisine.


Introduction to Bethany

Located in Frontier Country in Oklahoma, Bethany is a charming city full of character, culture, and adventure. Being part of Greater Oklahoma City, it offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Whether you’re interested in history and culture, outdoor activities, or great food and drinks, Bethany will not disappoint.

Let’s dive into the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Bethany.

List of Places to Visit in Bethany

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Bethany Historical Museum: Dedicated to preserving the history of Bethany, this museum has an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents.
  • SNU School of Music: The School of Music at Southern Nazarene University offers concerts and events throughout the year.
  • Santa Fe Depot: Built-in 1903, it was initially used as a train station and now serves as a museum showcasing the city’s history.

Natural Attractions of Bethany: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Overholser: One of the most visited lakes in Oklahoma City, Lake Overholser offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water activities.
  • Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge: Home to countless species of birds, deer, and other wildlife.
  • Wiley Post Park: Located along the Canadian River, Wiley Post Park offers tranquil hiking and picnic areas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bethany

  • Overholser Trail: The Overholser Trail features a paved, 5.5-mile route along the lake.
  • Bluff Creek Trail: This trail is ideal for bikers and joggers, offering scenic views of Lake Overholser and Bluff Creek.

Best Things to Do in Bethany: Activities and Tours

  • Unpluggit Painting Studio: A perfect activity for a group or family, Unpluggit is a ceramic painting studio.
  • Southern Oaks Wellness Center: The Southern Oaks Wellness Center offers a range of massage therapies and wellness services.
  • Bethany Antique Mall: With over 20,000 square feet of space, the Bethany Antique Mall is a treasure trove for antique enthusiasts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bethany

Day Morning Afternoon Evening
1 Visit Bethany Historical Museum Have lunch at La Baguette Bistro Attend a concert at SNU School of Music
2 Explore Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge Rent a boat and go fishing at Lake Overholser Try local craft beer at Angry Scotsman Brewing
3 Take a painting class at Unpluggit Studio Visit the Santa Fe Depot Museum Have dinner at Interurban Restaurant
4 Hike Bluff Creek Trail Visit the Oklahoma City Zoo Grab a bite at Cattleman’s Steakhouse
5 Visit the Red Earth Art Center Explore the Myriad Botanical Gardens Attend a movie at the Winchester Drive-In Theatre
6 Spend the day at White Water Bay Water Park Have dinner at Mama’s Kitchen Catch a baseball game at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark
7 Visit Wiley Post Park Take a yoga class at Southern Oaks Wellness Center Have a night out at the Diamond Ballroom

Food and Drink Scene of Bethany

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried Okra at Mama’s Kitchen: This Southern-style cuisine restaurant offers classic dishes like chicken fried steak and biscuits with sausage gravy.
  • Barbeque at Earl’s Rib Palace: Earl’s Rib Palace is famous for its slow-cooked ribs, brisket, and pulled pork.
  • Pastries at La Baguette Bistro: Sweet or savory, La Baguette Bistro offers pastries, sandwiches, and salads.

Local Beverages

  • Choc Beer: Made in Krebs, Oklahoma, Choc Beer is a Beligan-style beer for beer lovers.
  • Cappuccino at Coffee Creek: Coffee Creek is a local coffee shop that serves a range of coffee drinks.

Where to Stay in Bethany: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hampton Inn & Suites: Modern accommodations with a complimentary breakfast and indoor pool.
  • Sleep Inn & Suites: Affordable accommodations with amenities like a fitness room, business center, and free breakfast.
  • Candlewood Suites: Pet-friendly rooms with full kitchens and convenience store on-site.

What to Buy in Bethany: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade Ceramics at Unpluggit Pottery Studio: Unpluggit Pottery Studio is a great place to pick up unique, handcrafted ceramics.
  • Oklahoma-shaped Cutting Board at Shop Good: Shop Good offers many locally made products including an Oklahoma-shaped cutting board.

Local Culture and Customs of Bethany

Oklahoma is known for its warm hospitality and kindness, and Bethany exemplifies this characteristic. Bethany is a religious community with many churches, so it’s essential to remember to be respectful of local beliefs when visiting.

Best Time to Visit Bethany

The best seasons to visit Bethany are Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November). The temperatures are pleasant, and there are fewer tourists during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bethany

Do:

  • Try local cuisine, including traditional Southern-style dishes.
  • Visit the museums and learn about the city’s history.
  • Be friendly and open to making new friends.

Don’t:

  • Assume everyone shares the same beliefs or values.
  • Litter or harm the local wildlife.
  • Be disrespectful to locals or their customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bethany

Bethany is a relatively safe city, but it’s always advisable to take standard precautions like locking doors and being aware of your surroundings.

Health in Bethany

There are several hospitals and urgent care facilities in and around Bethany, including the Integris Baptist Medical Center and the INTEGRIS Canadian Valley Hospital.

Getting to Bethany: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bethany

  • Will Rogers World Airport: The closest airport to Bethany, approximately 11 miles from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Bethany

  • Greyhound Station in Oklahoma City: Approximately nine miles from Bethany.

Other Options

  • Car rentals are available at the Will Rogers World Airport and Oklahoma City.

How to Get Around in Bethany

The easiest way to get around Bethany is by car, and most hotels offer car rental services. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available.

Where to Go Next from Bethany: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City is only a 10-mile drive from Bethany and has many attractions. Some places to visit include the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum and the Oklahoma City Zoo.

Tulsa

Tulsa, located approximately 97 miles from Bethany, is home to The Gathering Place, Tulsa Zoo, and Philbrook Museum of Art.

Conclusion

Bethany is a charming city with a rich history and many attractions, natural and cultural. It’s an ideal destination for visitors looking for a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and local cuisine. Plan a trip to Bethany today, and you won’t be disappointed.