Tulsa Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide for Tulsa, including places to visit, things to do, when to visit, safety, and health.


Introduction to Tulsa

Tulsa is a city in Green Country, in Oklahoma, located in Great Plains of the United States of America, in North America. Despite its relatively smaller size, Tulsa is a vibrant city that boasts of a colorful history, stunning natural scenery, and a thriving art and music scene. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Tulsa, including the best places to visit, top activities and things to do, where to stay, the food and drink scene, local customs, safety and health tips, and how to get around in Tulsa.

List of Places to Visit in Tulsa

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Tulsa is home to several museums and historical places that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. The Philbrook Museum of Art is a must-visit for art lovers, with its impressive collection of American and European art, as well as beautiful gardens and sculptures. The Gilcrease Museum, with its stunning Native American art and western art collections, is another museum worth checking out.

The Greenwood Cultural Center is also a must-visit, as it provides an insight into the history and culture of Tulsa’s African American community. Additionally, the Tulsa Air and Space Museum offers fascinating exhibits and displays related to aviation history and space exploration.

Natural Attractions of Tulsa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Tulsa is surrounded by natural beauty and has several outdoor attractions. Visit the Tulsa River Parks to enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the banks of the Arkansas River. You can also enjoy kayaking, fishing, or boating on the river. The Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness is a great place for hiking and mountain biking, offering stunning views of the city.

Another natural attraction worth visiting is the Tulsa Botanic Garden, which hosts several beautiful displays of flora and fauna. The garden also features a children’s adventure playground and various seasonal events throughout the year.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tulsa

For outdoor enthusiasts, Tulsa offers several hiking and biking routes. The River Parks Trail, Osage Hills Trail, and Turkey Mountain Trail are some of the most popular trails in the city. The Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness, with its network of trails, offers breathtaking views of the skyline and river.

Best Things to Do in Tulsa: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking, biking, and visiting museums, Tulsa also offers several other activities and tours. The Tulsa Zoo is a fun place to visit with kids and has a variety of animal exhibits. The Tulsa Performing Arts Center is another must-visit, with several shows and events throughout the year.

For those interested in history, the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum offers a fascinating look into the city’s past. Additionally, you can take a Tulsa Segway Tour or a Tulsa Art Deco Walking Tour to explore the city’s unique architecture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tulsa

Day 1: Visit the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Tulsa Botanic Garden. Day 2: Go hiking or biking on the River Parks Trail and check out the Tulsa Zoo. Day 3: Take a Tulsa Segway Tour or Tulsa Art Deco Walking Tour. Day 4: Check out the Gilcrease Museum and the Greenwood Cultural Center. Day 5: Enjoy a day of kayaking or boating on the Arkansas River. Day 6: Visit the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and take in a show at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Day 7: Take a day trip to nearby Ponca City to visit the Marland Mansion and Pioneer Woman Museum.

Food and Drink Scene of Tulsa

Must-Try Dishes

The food scene in Tulsa is famous for its barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine. Some must-try dishes include the barbecue at Burn Co. Barbeque, the tacos at El Rio Verde, and the Tex-Mex at Los Cabos.

Local Beverages

Tulsa has several local brewery and distillery options as well. Marshall Brewing Company and Prairie Artisan Ales offer excellent craft beer options, while the Southern Hills Country Club offers a scenic spot for sipping cocktails.

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

Tulsa has several options for accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some popular options include The Mayo Hotel, The Campbell Hotel, and The Aloft Tulsa Downtown.

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

Tulsa is renowned for its arts and culture scene, and several local artisans and stores offer unique souvenirs and gifts. Some popular options include the Tulsa Farmer’s Market, Dwelling Spaces, and Ida Red Boutique.

Local Culture and Customs of Tulsa

Tulsa has a vibrant culture that embraces diversity and creative expression. The city has a thriving music scene, with several local venues hosting live music events throughout the year. Additionally, Tulsa is home to several annual events, including the Tulsa State Fair and the Tulsa Oktoberfest.

Best Time to Visit Tulsa

The best time to visit Tulsa is from March to May and September to November, when the weather is mild, and several cultural events take place. Summer months can be hot and humid, while winter months can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tulsa

Do:

  • Visit the Philbrook Museum of Art.
  • Take a Segway tour of the city.
  • Enjoy the outdoors by hiking the Turkey Mountain Trail or biking along the River Parks Trail.
  • Try the local barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine.

Don’t:

  • Ignore safety precautions, especially when hiking or biking.
  • Drive during rush hour, when traffic can get heavy.
  • Worry too much about dressing up, as Tulsa has a laid-back vibe.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tulsa

Tulsa generally has a low crime rate, but it is always best to take precautions when in unfamiliar areas. Avoid walking alone at night or carrying too much cash or valuables.

Health in Tulsa

Tulsa has several hospitals and medical facilities, with several of them offering specialty care as well. Visitors are advised to have travel insurance, especially if they plan to engage in outdoor activities.

Getting to Tulsa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Tulsa has several transportation options for visitors. The Tulsa International Airport is the closest airport to the city, with several flights operating daily. Additionally, several bus lines serve Tulsa, including Greyhound and Jefferson Lines. Finally, several major highways, including I-44 and I-244, pass through Tulsa.

Airports Near Tulsa

  • Tulsa International Airport
  • Richard Lloyd Jones Jr. Airport

Bus Stations Near Tulsa

  • Greyhound Tulsa Station
  • Jefferson Lines Tulsa Station

Other Options

Several car rental companies operate in Tulsa, providing visitors with a flexible mode of transport during their stay.

How to Get Around in Tulsa

Tulsa has several transportation options for visitors, including bus lines, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. Additionally, several car rental companies operate in Tulsa, providing visitors with a flexible mode of transport.

Where to Go Next from Tulsa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Tulsa is a great starting point for exploring nearby destinations and excursions, including:

  • Oklahoma City
  • Bartlesville
  • Ponca City
  • Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Conclusion

Tulsa is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers a wide range of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can discover all that Tulsa has to offer and plan a memorable trip to this unique destination.

Downtown Tulsa Downtown Tulsa Muskogee Turnpike Muskogee Turnpike