Top Things to do in Oklahoma
Top Hotels in Oklahoma
- 1. The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City
- 2. Hilton Garden Inn Oklahoma City Bricktown
- 3. Wingate by Wyndham Tulsa
- 4. 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City
- 5. Best Western Plus Memorial Inn & Suites
- 6. Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown
- 7. Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center
- 8. Hampton Inn & Suites Oklahoma City-Bricktown
- 9. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stillwater-University Area
- 10. Hampton Inn & Suites Tulsa Downtown
Countries
What to do and see in Oklahoma, United States: The Best Things to do
With hundreds of man-made lakes, state parks, casinos, museums and nightlife and dining opportunities in revitalized downtown areas in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, there is a lot to see and do in the Sooner State. The state is dotted with phenomenal lakes where swimming, boating and bass fishing are the most desired activities. Some of the state’s most popular lakes include Broken Bow Lake located near the Quachita Mountains; Grand Lake in the northeastern corner of the state at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and Lake Murray in the hills in the southern part of the state.
While the state is known for its many outdoor activities like great fishing, golf, hiking, canoeing and boating, make sure you don’t overlook its fantastic museums. Heading the list are Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, featuring the world’s largest collection of art and artifacts from the American West; the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, which tells the story of the American Cowboy; and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, which has a permanent collection of American and European art. A venerable family favorite activity is Frontier City Amusement Park in Oklahoma City, which has dozens of rides and shows.
Restaurants in Oklahoma
1. Philbrook Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,276 reviews
This vast art museum, housed in an Italian style villa, has numerous exhibits from European, American, Asian, Native American and African artists and is surrounded by acres of lush gardens.
Reviewed By teachinturtle - Collinsville, United States
As a lifelong Tulsa resident, I’ve been visiting Philbrook since I was a child. The grounds alone are worth a trip, but the art inside the mansion is also excellent. The staff is very knowledgeable & helpful. There are always special events going on, and each Second Saturday of the month, admission is free.
2. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,055 reviews
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum stands as a symbol of strength in the wake of unspeakable violence. Visit the Memorial Museum to experience the brutality of the Oklahoma City bombing, and the tenderness of the response. Share our dream of a world without violence and terrorism. Free parking with Museum admission.
Reviewed By MidwestKathM - Detroit, United States
Our first visit to Oklahoma City so visited the Memorial with family who live here. A beautiful memorial! The setting is serene and thought-provoking as we walked around the reflecting pool, the walls, the survivor tree, the chairs each with the name of a victim, and the fence with notes and memorabilia. Very sobering, and more so with the stories our family shared of that day and the weeks that followed. (We did not visit the museum, due to time constraints.)
3. Gathering Place
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 436 reviews
Gathering Place is a public park located alongside Riverside Drive in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Spanning over 100 acres, Gathering Place offers guests a one-of-a-kind playground, gardens, trails, boat rentals, restaurants, outdoor concerts, events and so much more!
Reviewed By jbwhitehouse - Dallas, United States
What a terrific, free place! Lots to do from reading a book inside wifi equipped air-conditioned lodge to walking trails, to enjoying plants to climbing ropes and sliding on zip lines in Adventure Playground to playing ball, and enjoying boating.
4. Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,901 reviews
Oklahoma's premier destination connecting people and our world's vanishing wildlife and wild places.
Reviewed By melissaw948
This zoo is impressive in how much room they give each species of animal. The new Elephant area and Asia experience is super nice. The food is good. It is very large and can take more than one day to experience it all. There is a train/ guided tour if you can’t walk that much. The children’s playground is fun. They have date nights for couples and special events for holidays.
5. Tallgrass Prairie
6. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,237 reviews
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture. Founded in 1955, the Museum, located in Oklahoma City, collects, preserves, and exhibits an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts while sponsoring dynamic educational programs to stimulate interest in the enduring legacy of the American West. More than 10 million visitors from around the world have sought out this unique museum to gain better understanding of the West: a region and a history that permeates our national culture. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum features a superb collection of classic and contemporary Western art, including works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, as well as sculptor James Earle Fraser’s magnificent work, The End of the Trail. The exhibition wing houses a turn-of-the-century town and interactive history galleries that focus on the American cowboy, rodeo and Native American culture.
Reviewed By J0hnnybB - London, United Kingdom
Wow... I have been to various museums across the US to learn about the history of the early pioneers and the native Americans and their story, most are very disappointing but this museum brings the history of the west alive. The broad range of exhibits from the stunning art inspired by the west, the way of life, tools, clothes, weapons, utensils, Rodeos, Ranching how Hollywood romanticised the west, and fascinating displays of so many different artefacts (including a room on barbed wire.....) are well staged in visually interesting settings and are really informative. The section on the Native American Indians is probably the most interesting and thorough I have seen and puts the lamentable offering at the Smithsonian in DC or the equally poor Santa Fe museum in the shade. As with most history there are conflicting elements. It’s a complex and in my opinion on the one hand an ultimately profoundly tragic story but also a fascinating one telling of the grit and determination of the pioneers. This museum brings it too life in a truly immersive, fascinating, well pitched and perfectly presented way. I strongly recommend a visit for anyone interested in this piece of history. Thank you Oklahoma!
7. Lake Tenkiller
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By familycampers2019 - Newton, United States
Strayhorn Marina is a great place to rent a pontoon for the family! The one we got was new and very well equipped. The boys loved jumping into the lake off of the deck and my wife and I joined them. We were able to fish and swim for 4 hours is a very uncrowded setting. The lake is beautiful this time of year.
8. Beavers Bend Resort Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 516 reviews
Reviewed By thewanderingmeatball - Tampa, United States
Went for a few hours and wish I had more time to do things. They offer a lot of activities including hiking, paddle boats, mini golf, camping, kayaking, nature center, and quite a few other activities.
9. Broken Bow Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 329 reviews
Reviewed By shirleysE1146AR - Cleveland, United States
The scenery and friendly people in store and restaurants. We had all ages with us from 5 to 62 and everyone in the family enjoyed the trip. We all enjoyed hiking and sightseeing around the lake.
10. Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
On November 27, 1868, Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer led the 7th U.S. Cavalry on a surprise dawn attack on a Cheyenne village led by Peace Chief Black Kettle. The event was an example of the tragic clash of cultures that occurred during the Great Plains Wars. It is also a place of remembrance and reflection for those who died here. Watch Destiny at Dawn: This 27-minute is a great way to begin your visit. Delve into the visitor center museum: Become immersed in the stories of that cold winter's day of in November 1868. Stare out the window at the breathtaking view of the Washita River valley. Browse through the books in our Western National Parks Association bookstore. Examine the touch tables: Examine Bison objects the Cheyenne would have used, such as a Bison stomach and bladder. Learn the importance of the Bison to the Cheyenne. See what items a 7th Cavalry soldier would have carried with him in the field. A Walk in the Park: The 1.5 mile trail is self guided.
Reviewed By Poudre1 - Bellvue, United States
The 30 minute film is a very well done explanation of what occurred. This was a very dark day for the US Calvary. This is just another instance in which Custer, in all his arrogance and ill will, happily participated in. One more reason to despise this evil person. The Park Ranger was friendly and helpful. The store has many area history books
