Guide to Oklahoma City

Welcome to Oklahoma City, the aptly-named Modern Frontier. 39 distinct First American Nations call Oklahoma home today, and their history, heritage and living culture are woven into the fabric of the capital city in ways that set it apart from anywhere else. Pair that with Oklahoma City's deep cowboy and cattle roots – still very much alive here – and you get a destination that is both genuinely historic and surprisingly contemporary.

That contrast is precisely what makes OKC so compelling. In the heart of the Great Plains, where the American West really begins to take shape, Oklahoma City sits at a crossroads, literally and figuratively. This city has reinvented itself more than once, and the result is a place full of world-class museums; thriving food and arts scenes; an elite, talented softball team and neighborhoods that feel nothing like what first-time visitors expect. And with its central geography putting it within a day's drive of several major cities, Oklahoma City is one of the country's most convenient road trip destinations — and worthy of more than a quick stop.

Coming to Oklahoma City for the AUSL softball season this summer? Get tickets for an Oklahoma City Spark game.

When should I go to Oklahoma City?

Fall is the sweet spot — mid-September through mid-November brings pleasant temperatures, minimal rain and lively annual events like the Oklahoma State Fair and long-running OK!toberfest. Spring is a close second, especially when the city-wide Festival of the Arts takes over in April, though it comes with a caveat: this is peak tornado and severe storm season. 

Winter is more charming than you might expect in a hot, dry state, with lower crowds and prices, plus weather that’s equally likely to deliver mild, sunny days or snow showers. Either make wandering downtown a genuine pleasure, though. Summer is a genuine trade-off. OKC is hot and surprisingly humid but has more shoreline and open water than many visitors realize. Budget travelers willing to plan trips around it will find the city considerably easier on the wallet than on the thermometer.

How much time should I spend in OKC?

Two to three days is ideal in Oklahoma City, and its central location makes for a convenient weekend getaway. In that weekend, or even a single full day, you’ll have enough time to hit the highlights, such as taking in one of the city's exceptional museums and enjoying dinner at the original Cattlemen's Steakhouse. A third day opens things up considerably, allowing you to get a feel for the real OKC through exploring its distinct neighborhoods or incorporating some outdoor recreation. 

Is it easy to get in and around Oklahoma City?

Getting to Oklahoma City is straightforward. The city has an international airport, Will Rogers, and its central location puts it within a day's drive of Dallas, St. Louis, Denver and other major cities. Amtrak's Heartland Flyer also connects OKC to Fort Worth daily, a solid option for those who would rather let someone else do the driving or simply prefer train travel.

This has historically been a driving destination, but expansion of the city’s streetcar and public transportation have changed things in recent years. If you're staying downtown or sticking to just one neighborhood, many of which are walkable, a rental vehicle isn’t strictly necessary. The streetcar runs seven days a week through downtown, Midtown, Bricktown and Automobile Alley, and Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout the city. EMBARK buses cover downtown and some suburbs, though service is limited outside of weekdays. All of that said, if you're staying beyond a weekend or want to explore further afield, a rental car will open things up considerably.

Top things to do in Oklahoma City

Lose yourself in OKC’s world-class museums

Start with the one almost universally considered a must: the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, built on the site of the 1995 Murrah Federal Building bombing. The self-guided chronological tour of the day’s events is somber, moving and inspiring, in a way — a tribute to the victims, survivors and rescuers who came from across the country. 

The city’s most famous museum barely scratches the surface. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is a standout even if you’re not particularly into cowboy culture, and the First Americans Museum offers a powerful overview of the state’s Indigenous history. Admire Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s permanent collection of Dale Chihuly glass, one of the world’s largest. If you want to immerse in something quirkier, the Museum of Osteology, a fascinating survey of bones and skeletons, and the niche American Pigeon Museum and Library round out the scene. 

Try a “Depression Burger”

So-named because they were created during the Great Depression, onion burgers are quintessentially Oklahoma – and Tucker’s Onion Burgers is one of the best places to sample one. Beef was expensive in the Depression era, but onions were not, so innovative restaurant owners took advantage of that, mixing onions into patties or piling them on top before frying in order to make the meat go a little further. The result? Crispy, caramelized burgers that immediately became a staple. Insider tip: the flavor lies in the onions and a well-seasoned grill, so resist the urge to add toppings. 

Go surfing or whitewater rafting at Riversport OKC

Oklahoma City doesn’t have waves to surf. Or, for that matter, the type of river that one can typically whitewater raft. But Riversport OKC found a way to bring these activities — and many others, all equally surprising — to the metro area. Over in the Boathouse District, Riversport allows people to try whitewater rafting and tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding and surfing at a state-of-the-art facility with engineered waves and current. On land, there’s a climbing wall, bike park and zip line. 

Follow in the footsteps of an elite athlete in Edmond

OKC Spark and University of Oklahoma softball player Kinzie Hansen describes this northside suburb as “an underrated spot tourists usually miss,” noting its excellent shopping and food. She recommends starting any day here with coffee from Stella Nova or breakfast at Neighborhood JA.M. – try the lemon poppyseed pancakes, which Hansen ate superstitiously during her time with the Spark and says are “elite.” Stroll through the adorable brick shops at Spring Creek Plaza, and wrap up your day in Edmond with a Spark game at Tom Heath Field. You occasionally catch the OKC Spark, which is newly a member of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, playing at Love’s Field in Norman, home of the University of Oklahoma Sooners. The USA Softball Hall of Fame is also located in OKC, where visitors can learn about the legends and milestones of the iconic sport.

Dig into cowboy core in Stockyards City

It’s no secret that Oklahoma City has deep roots in the cattle industry, and Stockyards City puts this heritage on full display. Dating back to 1910, the stockyards started as a major cattle-trading and meatpacking district that eventually became a mini metropolis with hotels, restaurants, even a post office and streetcar, all catering to the cattle ranching industry. Oklahoma National Stockyards is the world’s largest stocker cattle market, and you can still watch cattle auctions (for free!) Monday and Tuesday mornings. While you’re here, shop dozens of authentic Western shops and sit down to a giant T-bone at the original Cattleman’s Steakhouse. 

Marvel at ever-changing murals at Plaza Walls

This alleyway in the Plaza District features about 30 different murals, but what makes it special is that the walls constantly display new art. Many artists redo their murals a few times each year, and during the annual Plaza Walls Expo in September, the entire thing gets an overhaul. Spectators are welcome to watch during the expo, but you can wander through any time. Try to make the monthly second Friday art walks, when you may see one of the artists in action. And if you can’t get enough street art, you’ll also find murals in the Paseo Arts District and scattered along Western Avenue on the fringes of downtown. 

Eat your way through the Asian District

Many first-time visitors are surprised to learn that Oklahoma City has a thriving Asian District. Vietnamese immigrants settled here in the 1970s, creating a buzzing neighborhood lined with phenomenal Asian fusion restaurants. The district hub is Classen Blvd between Northwest 23rd and Northwest 30th streets, and a few highlights include VII Asian Bistro for pho, Szechuan Story for pork buns and Fung’s Kitchen for crab rangoon and duck dishes. Pick up pastries and authentic Vietnamese iced coffee from Lee’s Sandwiches.

My favorite thing to do in OKC

In a city this eclectic, it seems fitting that my favorite thing to do is take a cruise of sorts. The Bricktown Water Taxi offers casual 40-minute boat rides through OKC's trendiest neighborhood. The narrated ride gives you a local’s introduction to the area’s architecture and history without it feeling like a chore, and by the time you step off, you know exactly where you want to eat, drink and wander next. For that very reason, I recommend booking this as early in your trip as possible – it’s the perfect way to get the lay of the land. Speaking of booking, make reservations early.

After the cruise, spend some time exploring the neighborhood. Bricktown is known for its dining and nightlife, and if you’re in town during baseball season, the OKC Comets may be playing at home. Don't leave without enjoying a pint at the original Bricktown Brewery, the state’s first legal brewpub after Prohibition, widely credited with sparking the neighborhood's revitalization. 

How much money do I need for Oklahoma City?

OKC is a genuinely affordable destination, especially by big-city standards. Even a splurge-worthy hotel won't break the bank. Dining and drinking are particular bright spots — you can eat and drink well here without spending much at all. 

• Night at The Omni, Hansen’s top hotel recommendation in the city: 260 US dollars (US$260)

• Admission to Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum: US$18 (free for children under 5)

• Ride on the Bricktown Water Taxi: US$15

• Double onion burger from Tucker’s: US$10.95

• Pint of beer at Bricktown Brewery: US$5.50

• Toll on the Kilpatrick Turnpike with PlatePay: US$3.18-5.58

• Ticket to OKC Thunder basketball game: starting at US$50

Plan and budget for tolls

Much like Dallas, Oklahoma's turnpike system is extensive, and if you're driving around OKC, you'll almost certainly encounter tolls. If you're a regular visitor, consider getting a PikePass, compatible with other regional toll systems, including Texas's TxTag and TollTag. For a one-time trip, PlatePay lets you pay tolls after the fact using your license plate number. Don’t ignore the mailed notices, though, as late fees quickly become astronomical and you can even be sent to collections for non-payment.