Oklahoma City Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Oklahoma City with this comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, food and drink scene, accommodation options, local culture and customs, safety and health information, and more.
- Introduction to Oklahoma City
- List of Places to Visit in Oklahoma City
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Oklahoma City
- Best Things to Do in Oklahoma City: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Oklahoma City
- Food and Drink Scene of Oklahoma City
- Where to Stay in Oklahoma City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Oklahoma City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Oklahoma City
- Best Time to Visit Oklahoma City
- Do’s and Don’ts of Oklahoma City
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Oklahoma City: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Oklahoma City
- Where to Go Next from Oklahoma City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is a vibrant city located in the heart of the Great Plains region of the United States. It is the capital and largest city of the state of Oklahoma, known for its cowboy culture, world-class museums, outdoor adventures, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of history, art, or nature, you’ll find plenty to explore in Oklahoma City.
List of Places to Visit in Oklahoma City
Here are the top places to visit in Oklahoma City:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
- Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
- Oklahoma History Center
- Science Museum Oklahoma
- Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Natural Attractions of Oklahoma City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Myriad Botanical Gardens
- Lake Hefner
- Oklahoma River
- Martin Park Nature Center
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Hiking/Biking Routes of Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of hiking and biking trails. Here are some of the best routes to explore:
- Oklahoma River Trail
- Bluff Creek Trail
- Lake Hefner Trail
- Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge Trail
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Trail
Best Things to Do in Oklahoma City: Activities and Tours
From hot air balloon rides to pub crawls, Oklahoma City offers a diverse range of activities and tours for all tastes and ages. Here are some of the best things to do:
- Bricktown Canal Cruises
- Wheeler Ferris Wheel
- The Escape OKC
- OKC Ghost Tours
- Red Earth Segway Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Oklahoma City
If you’re planning a week-long trip to Oklahoma City, here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, followed by lunch in Bricktown |
| 2 | Explore the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Myriad Botanical Gardens, and Oklahoma City Museum of Art |
| 3 | Take a day trip to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge for hiking and wildlife sightings |
| 4 | Visit the Science Museum Oklahoma and Oklahoma History Center, followed by dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants |
| 5 | Rent a bike and explore the Oklahoma River trails, then head to Lake Hefner for a scenic picnic |
| 6 | Take a hot air balloon ride or go on a pub crawl in Bricktown |
| 7 | Shop for souvenirs in the Paseo Arts District and enjoy a final meal of local cuisine. |
Food and Drink Scene of Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is known for its delicious food scene, featuring a mix of Tex-Mex, barbecue, and unique local specialties. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
Must-Try Dishes
- Chicken fried steak
- Fried okra
- Biscuits and gravy
- Barbecue ribs
- Frito chili pie
Local Beverages
- Prairie Artisan Ales
- Anthem Brewing Co.
- RoughTail Brewing Co.
- Mustang Brewing Co.
- COOP Ale Works
Where to Stay in Oklahoma City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Oklahoma City offers a variety of accommodation options for travelers of all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay:
- The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City
- Ambassador Hotel Oklahoma City
- 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City
- Bunkhouse Lodge
- Colcord Hotel
What to Buy in Oklahoma City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Whether you’re looking for unique gifts or Oklahoma-made products, you’ll find plenty of options in Oklahoma City. Here are some ideas:
- Handmade pottery
- Native American art and jewelry
- Cowboy boots and hats
- Local honey
- Made in Oklahoma food products
Local Culture and Customs of Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by Native American, cowboy, and Western traditions. It’s also known for its friendly and welcoming locals, who are proud of their state’s history and culture.
Best Time to Visit Oklahoma City
The best time to visit Oklahoma City is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and the city hosts a range of festivals and events. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy.
Do’s and Don’ts of Oklahoma City
Do:
- Explore the city’s museums and historical sites
- Try local cuisine, including barbecue and Tex-Mex
- Take advantage of the city’s outdoor recreation opportunities
- Attend a live performance or concert
- Be respectful to locals and cultural traditions
Don’t:
- Underestimate the weather, particularly during the summer or winter
- Ignore traffic laws while driving
- Disrespect Native American culture or heritage
- Be afraid to strike up a conversation with locals
Safety and Health
Safety in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors should exercise caution and common sense when traveling.
- Avoid walking alone at night in quiet or isolated areas
- Keep valuables out of sight in public
- Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts
Health in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City has several hospitals and clinics, as well as a range of pharmacies and medical services. Visitors should also be prepared for the city’s extreme weather conditions, particularly in the summer months.
Getting to Oklahoma City: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Oklahoma City
- Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) - located 6 miles from the city center
Bus Stations Near Oklahoma City
- Greyhound Bus Station - located 0.5 miles from the city center
Other Options
Oklahoma City is located on several major highways, making it easy to reach by car or bus.
How to Get Around in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City offers several transportation options, including:
- City buses
- Taxis and ride-sharing services
- Bike share programs
- Rental cars
Where to Go Next from Oklahoma City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you have more time to explore, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:
- Tulsa
- Wichita, Kansas
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Hot Springs, Arkansas
Conclusion
Oklahoma City offers something for every traveler, from cultural attractions to outdoor adventures and delicious cuisine. Plan your trip now and discover the best of this vibrant city.
