45 BEST THINGS TO DO IN TULSA, OKLAHOMA
Tulsa is the second largest city in the state of Oklahoma. Known for its art decor architecture, oil history and vintage attractions on Oklahoma Route 66, Tulsa is one of the best places you must visit in Oklahoma. There are so many things to do in Tulsa, from stunning places with popular attractions to entertainment hubs, cozy restaurants, and shopping districts.
Places to See in Tulsa
1| Praying Hands Statue
The statue of Praying Hands at Oral Roberts University is a popular attraction in Tulsa. Not only is the statue big, 18m tall and beautifully sculpted, it also commands emotions and peace as you approach it. Somehow it does manage to remind you to pray more. If you feel like praying when you get there, just go to Victory Church, located just opposite the Praying Hands Statue. They say Tulsa is the ‘Buckle of the Bible Belt’. Inside Oral Roberts University’s Learning Resource Center you will find Willard Elsing Museum that houses natural crystal formations and Asian and Native American art, among other things. There is also a 200-foot Praying Tower located at the University.
Address: Praying Hands, Tulsa, OK 74136
2| Philbrook Museum of Art
Philbrook Museum is known for its Native American art, modern contemporary art as well as its beautiful and colorful gardens. It also has a satellite museum in the Brady District of Art. From September 1, 2017, the opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm (Wednesday – Sunday) and 9 am to 9 pm (on Fridays). Admission is $9.
Address: 2727 South Rockford Road, Tulsa, OK 74114
3| Golden Driller
The Golden Driller is a popular Oklahoma State Monument that stands in front of the Expo Building, at the fairgrounds. The monument was built as a symbol for Tulsa being the ‘Oil Capital of the World’. The structure is 23 meters high and made of concrete. A real oil derrick was used to rest its hand. Expo Square has many events such as exhibitions.
Address: Tulsa Expo Center, 4145 E 21st St, Tulsa, OK 74114
4| Gilcrease Museum
Gilcrease Museum is one of the popular museums in Tulsa that was started by Thomas Gilcrease in 1949. It exhibits large collections of American West artifacts, Native American art, and historic documents. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm. Adults pay $8 to enter the museum.
Address: 1400 North Gilcrease Museum Road, Tulsa OK.
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5| The Gathering Place
A very beautiful and modern park in Tulsa, The Gathering Place is named by USA Today as one of the best new attractions in America. Whether you want to go for a stroll, work out, relax and read a book, play basketball, dine, see an organized event, take your kids to play or for storytime—you will find it all at this park. Parking is available.
6| Greenwood District
Greenwood district is a historical site in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In the 1920s, this north Tulsa area was the hub of black wealth–known as “the black wall street”–the street had black businesses and was thriving economically. On June 1, 2021, a white mob burnt the district to the ground and over 300 people were killed and thousands of black people left homeless. This massacre, which was aided by the National Guard and covered up by local officials, is one of the worst racial violence acts in America.
To learn more about the Greenwood District and to see some original buildings, visit the Greenwood Cultural Center, the National Register of Historic Places, the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, and the Mabel B. Little Heritage House.
More information on the Tulsa massacre is shared by the Oklahoma Historical Society, the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum, and the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission.
Address: Greenwood Cultural Center, 322 N Greenwood Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120
7| Tulsa Zoo
Tulsa Zoo is another place to visit in Tulsa that will make you and your family smile. It is a great place to take the kids for a day out. They have a wide range of animals including lions, giraffes, elephants. The zoo is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is $10.
Address: 6421 E 36th St N, Tulsa, OK 74115
8| Brady Arts District
The Brady Arts District is one of the favorite places to hang out and enjoy beautiful art in museums, as well as other interesting and fun things in Brady Street such as seeing shows at Brady Theater. There are plenty of nice restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs in this area.
9| The Cave House
The Cave House is owned by mother and daughter, Linda and Kate Collier. Admission is $10 but you will need to book an appointment for a tour; their number is 918-378-1952 and their email address is cave_creation@sbcglobal.net
Address: 1623 W. Charles Page Blvd. Tulsa, OK 74127
10| Boston Avenue Methodist Church
The historic Boston Avenue Methodist Church attracts thousands of people because of its magnificent architecture. It’s located in the heart of Tulsa and amidst other beautiful architecture in downtown Tulsa.
Address: 1301 S Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74119
11| ONEOK Field
Go and see games at ONEOK Field, located in the historic Greenwood District of downtown Tulsa. The building is one of the art deco buildings treasured in Tulsa.
Address: 201 N Elgin Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120
12| Tulsa Performing Arts Center & Art Deco Buildings
Opened in 1977, Tulsa Performing Arts Center is the place where entertainment in different forms is showcased. Musicals, plays and other events happen here. For more information on events and tickets click here. Downtown Tulsa is where you will also find the Art Deco Buildings.
Address: 110 E 2nd St, Tulsa, OK 74103
13| Circle Cinema
Previously known as Circle Theater, this is the only cinema left from the golden age, on route 66. It is one of the attractions listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The cinema was built in 1928 and now shows a variety of films including documentaries, film festivals, and locals movies. For more information click here.
Address: 10 S Lewis Ave, Tulsa, OK 74104
14| The Tulsa Air and Space Museum
This museum displays, on a 17.8-acre land, what was left of the aerospace industry of the old Oklahoma. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information click here.
Address: 3624 North 74th East Avenue, Tulsa
15| Arkansas River Bridge
This historic bridge on 11th Street is one of the popular attractions on route 66 that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is believed that the 1916 bridge was the reason why route 66 passed through the city of Tulsa. It is located at Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza.
Address: Southwest Blvd, Tulsa, OK 74127
16| Oklahoma Aquarium
This aquarium is located in Jenks, the south of Tulsa. It is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm; on Tuesdays, it is open from 10 am to 9 pm. An adult ticket is $15.95. More information here.
Address: 300 Aquarium Dr. Jenks, Oklahoma 74037
17| Vickery Phillips 66 Station
The Vickery Phillips 66 Station is one of the Route 66 attractions and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This gasoline station was built in 1931. In 1943 the station was owned by V.W. Vickery, who named the station after himself.
Address: 602 S. Elgin Ave. , Tulsa, OK.
18| Tulsa Oktoberfest
USA Today named Tulsa Oktoberfest as a top 10 Oktoberfest in the United States. German food that is authentic is sold, as well as German beers. It is a day full of music and enjoyment. The goal is to celebrate authentic Bavarian culture. General admission is $10.
19| Admiral Twin Drive-In
If you want a good experience while watching a movie, go to the Admiral Twin Drive-In. If you want a good spot to park for you to see the movie properly, make sure you go early to avoid ticket queues. Check their website for movies that are showing.
Address: 7355 E Easton St, Tulsa, OK 74115
20| Woody Guthrie Center
Woody Guthrie Center houses the work and life story of the Oklahoman songwriter and folksinger, Woody Guthrie. It is located in the Brady District.
Address: 102 East Brady St. Tulsa OK
Other Places to See in Tulsa
21| Go to Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness area for hiking, riding, biking and picnicking.
22| Take your kids to Discovery Lab -Tulsa Children’s Museum, they will love it.
23| River Spirit Casino is another option for night entertainment.
24| Spend a day at Safari Joe’s H2O Water Park. This water park is perfect for a day with the family.
25| Visit some colorful bars and restaurants in the Blue Dome District. The address is 202 S Elgin Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120.
26| Appreciate the architecture at Holy Family Cathedral.
27| Visit the water park great for fishing at Mohawk Park.
28| See how luxurious some Tulsa residents are living at Philtower. The address is 427 S Boston Suite 915, Tulsa, OK 74103.
29| Enjoy the collection at Tulsa Historical Society & Museum
30| Get immersed in the Jewish art and culture at Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art
31| Visit the Shalomfest and Tulsa State Fair
32| If you are in Tulsa in December, don’t miss the Tulsa Christmas Parade in downtown Tulsa.
33| Redbud Valley Nature Preserve
34| Enjoy performances at Tulsa Ballet.
35| Enjoy a picnic and an afternoon stroll at Tulsa Botanic Garden.
36| Watch sports or other events at the BOK Center. The experience in this huge arena is great.
37| Easter Island Music Festival occurs on April 13-15.
38| Go and watch the Great Raft Race in Arkansas River that takes place in September.
39| If you are in Tulsa in September, don’t miss Tulsa State Fair at the Expo Square.
40| Have a picnic in the gardens of Woodward Park. Visit the beautiful Linnaeus Teaching Gardens while at Woodward Park and Tulsa Garden Center.
Restaurants in Tulsa
41| Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Carrabba’s Italian Grill is an Italian restaurant in Tulsa that has the best pasta it will remind you of Rome. The restaurant is nice and cozy and will not disappoint. To know more here is their website.
42| Gyros By Ali
A Greek restaurant at 8232 South Lewis Avenue, Gyros By Ali is one of the best restaurants in Tulsa. The menu has Greek and Mediterranean food that is unique and incredibly delicious. This is where you take your family and friends when you want to have a great time with an amazing experience.
Shopping in Tulsa
7021 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74133-2025
44| Tulsa Hills Shopping Center
7336 S Olympia Ave, Tulsa, OK 74132, USA
45| Utica Square
1709 Utica Square, Tulsa, OK 74114, USA
46| Cherry Street
Even though 15th and Cherry Street is where you have a wide selection of restaurants, you will also find nice boutiques. There is also a popular farmers market every Saturday morning.
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