Things to Do in Tulsa: A Traveler’s Dreamland

If you’re about to go on a trip to Tusla but don’t have any idea what you can do there, you’re on the right page. 

In the next five minutes, you’ll discover what makes Tulsa a traveler’s dreamland. From glittering skyscrapers to stunning, historic neighborhoods, Tulsa charms everyone.

Discover Tulsa, Oklahoma

As one of the largest cities in the United States, Tulsa beckons the world with its captivating blend of urban sophistication and southern charm. 

For a food connoisseur, the city promises a must-experience culinary adventure. The city’s cuisine is steeped in tradition and a fusion of flavors, promising a food coma waiting to be discovered.

Speaking from the prism of culture, art, and lifestyle, Tulsa has world-class museums and an exciting lifestyle that guarantees fun abound. The city presents amazing opportunities for adventure, making Tulsa, Oklahoma, a dream destination.

Top Things to Do in Tulsa OKC

Tulsa offers endless options for experiencing the fun and exciting side of life. Soak in the art deco architecture of the Philbrook Museum, stroll along the scenic river parks, and treat yourself to the incredible offerings the city has to offer.

Indulge in Gastronomic Foods

1. Local Shopping Havens

• Pick up the ideal gift for someone in Oklahoma from one of Tulsa’s well-known speciality stores. Visit Ida Red General Store in Tulsa’s Brookside District to find unique Oklahoma goods, Tulsa t-shirts, postcards, retro candies, and Cain’s Ballroom memorabilia. Spend some time there.

• If you time your visit to Ida Red’s perfectly, you’ll be rewarded with a local art event or live music.

• Make the short drive to Decopolis Discovitorium on Route 66 to explore a variety of exciting spaces, including a 1920s “decopunk” laboratory, a toy-filled castle room, a cave on a volcanic island, and an apothecary loaded with unusual finds.

2. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

• Only ten minutes from Tulsa’s downtown, the internationally acclaimed Gilcrease Museum transports visitors to a world of American Indian legend, frontier lore, and romanticism. One can discover one of the largest collections of Western art, artifacts, historical manuscripts, antique maps, and more, celebrating the singular American experience.

• Step into expansive galleries, home to a staggering 10,000 pieces of art at the Gilcrease. Marvel at the unparalleled collection of anthropology artifacts, oversized masterworks that vividly portray the American landscape, and eighteen of Frederic Remington’s twenty-two bronze sculptures, a true testament to the diversity of the museum’s offerings.

• Explore the intriguing past of the Americas through interactive exhibits, then venture outside to meander among the museum’s eleven themed gardens.

3. Savor Natural Flavors at Localfarmok

• Localfarmok, a farm-to-home delivery service, connects you with fresh and locally sourced produce, making it easily accessible across Oklahoma.

• Founded by Ashley Neal, localfarmok aims to promote sustainable agriculture and support local farmers.

• One of the best things to do in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is to enjoy a wide variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products. This contributes to a healthier lifestyle while supporting the local economy.

Explore Local Arts and Music

1. Experience Live Music at Cain’s Ballroom

• You can revisit the lanes of history at Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa’s iconic music venue since 1924, known as the Home of Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys.

• Immerse yourself in the rich legacy of Western swing music at Cain’s Ballroom, which is not just one of the top attractions in Tulsa but also a living testament to the genre with performances by Bob Wills and other legendary artists.

• Here, you can enjoy concerts by diverse musicians, from Bob Dylan to The Sex Pistols, in a venue steeped in musical heritage.

2. Shop and Dine at Utica Square

• Treat yourself to a shopping spree at Utica Square, which boasts upscale boutiques and department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Anthropologie. It is truly one of the best things to do in Tulsa.

• You can also indulge in delectable cuisine at Utica Square’s bistros, offering everything from Italian bread to French delicacies.

• Relax and rejuvenate with a spa treatment at Ihloff Salon & Day Spa after a day of retail therapy.

3. Tulsa River Parks, The Gathering Place

• Visitors to this Tulsa River Parks location can choose from a range of outdoor experiences, such as a kayak trip at the ONEOK Boathouse or a stroll through the Four Seasons Garden. 
• The imaginative constructions at the Chapman Adventure Playground, designed like fruits, castles, and animals, will surely delight kids of all ages. 

• The Midland Valley & River Parks Trails, the SemGroup Sports Courts, the skate park, and an indoor and outdoor cafe with live entertainment are just a few of the exercise options available at The Gathering Place.

Relish the Incredible Culture and Rich History

1. Philbrook Museum of Art

• Enter the lush grounds of the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa to experience the elegance and extravagance of the 1920s. The old 72-room mansion of Tulsa oilman Waite Phillips is home to an esteemed fine art museum.

• The Philbrook Italianate home, a captivating sight open year-round, invites you to explore its exquisite permanent collections, fascinating art displays, and immaculate garden landscapes. It stands today as the epitome of Tulsa’s art scene.

• After viewing the museum’s artwork, step outside onto the black terrace to take in the gardens’ symmetrical, living design—inspired by French, English, and Italian designs. 

2. Discover Western Art at the Gilcrease Museum

• Only ten minutes from Tulsa’s downtown, the internationally acclaimed Gilcrease Museum transports visitors to a world of American Indian legend, frontier lore, and romanticism. One can discover one of the largest collections of Western art, artifacts, historical manuscripts, antique maps, and more, celebrating the singular American experience.

• Explore expansive galleries brimming with an astounding 10,000 pieces of art at the Gilcrease, including an unparalleled collection of anthropology artifacts, oversized masterworks depicting American landscapes, and eighteen of Frederic Remington’s twenty-two bronze sculptures.

• Explore the intriguing past of the Americas through interactive exhibits, then venture outside to meander among the museum’s eleven themed gardens.

3. Blue Dome Entertainment District

• With nine square blocks crammed with hip restaurants, neighborhood bars, independent shops, and some of the greatest nightlife venues in Tulsa, the Blue Dome Entertainment District is swiftly becoming the city’s hot spot.

• This downtown Tulsa neighborhood, anchored by the renowned Blue Dome, a resurrected Gulf Oil station from the 1920s, offers bespoke drinks, chic cuisine, and live entertainment all year round, every day of the week.

• Enter this center of Tulsa’s nightlife scene with style and enjoy the sounds of the hottest local bands turning up the heat with their amps. As a treat for yourself, grab a rooftop margarita at El Guapo’s Mexican Cantina or a heavy Guinness brew at Arnie’s Bar. 

Outdoor Activities in Tulsa

1. Catch a Live Show

• Live music and historic entertainment venues in Tulsa are known for their impressive performances. Get a ticket to the legendary Cain’s Ballroom and take in the upbeat sounds of some of today’s biggest musical acts.

• The iconic Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa’s premier performance venue since the 1920s, has hosted a wide range of musical genres, including post-punk, new wave, rock ‘n’ roll, and Western swing.

• At Guthrie Green, local performers take the stage, and at The Vanguard, independent musicians frequently make an appearance. Whether it’s a huge concert or a family ice show, get a seat at the massive BOK Center and buckle up for an unparalleled evening of live entertainment.

2. Tulsa Zoo

• Bring the whole family and the kids to the highly regarded Tulsa Zoo, where you may marvel at the 84 acres of wild displays with Malayan tigers, Australian kangaroos, South American jaguars, and African lions.

• See a range of amazing exhibits, such as cutting-edge audio and visual displays, walk-through caverns, interactive petting areas, sensory gardens, a reconstructed Massai village, pre-Columbian ruins, and much more, while riding the well-liked Safari Train around the zoo.

• Don’t miss the African penguin exhibit, Lost Kingdom, the Giraffe Experience, the Chimpanzee Connection, or the Helmerich Sea Lion Cove, where guests may observe these entertaining animals from an underwater viewing platform. 

3. Utica Square

• There’s no better place to shop than Tulsa’s Utica Square if you’re looking for a sophisticated dose of retail therapy.

• Utica Square is home to a variety of high-end boutiques, specialized shops, and department stores that are waiting to outfit you in designer duds, snazzy shoes, and luxurious purses. It is designed to satiate the needs of fashion enthusiasts and home décor admirers worldwide.

• Let your inner designer fantasies run wild at major players in the market, including Coach, Ann Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Anthropologie.

The Final Word

Tulsa offers a vibrant array of activities for everyone to enjoy. 

From exploring the cultural and historical treasures at museums like Philbrook and Gilcrease to immersing yourself in the natural beauty of parks like the Gathering Place and Turkey Mountain, there is something for every interest and age group. 

Additionally, the city’s dynamic arts and music scene is highlighted in venues like Cain’s Ballroom and Guthrie Green, which provide endless entertainment opportunities. 

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or art lover, Tulsa invites you to discover its rich heritage, diverse attractions, and welcoming community spirit.