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Fun Things to do in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma
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city guide
Nestled in the heart of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City is a rugged, thriving metropolis that beautifully combines its traditional Midwest roots with a modern, artistic flair. As the state's capital, it carries a rich history as a historic cow town, with remnants of its Old West culture still visible throughout the city. However, recent revitalization efforts have transformed the city into a vibrant hub of arts and culinary experiences, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of past and present.
The city's neighborhoods are teeming with life, from the trendy bars and cutting-edge restaurants to the bustling breweries, eclectic shops, chic hotels, and avant-garde galleries. Oklahoma City's art scene is on the rise, with local artists and creatives contributing to its cultural renaissance. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city's artistic offerings by exploring its numerous galleries and attending live performances at its theaters and music venues.
For sports enthusiasts, Oklahoma City is synonymous with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the city's beloved NBA team. Catching a game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena is a thrilling experience that showcases the city's passionate sports culture. Additionally, Oklahoma City is renowned as the horse show capital of the world, hosting prestigious equestrian events that attract riders and spectators from around the globe.
To fully appreciate all that Oklahoma City has to offer, consider embarking on a journey through its diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment. From the historic Stockyards City to the trendy Plaza District and the vibrant Bricktown, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this dynamic city.
When it comes to experiencing the best of Oklahoma City, here are some must-do activities:
1. Explore the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum to pay tribute to the victims of the 1995 bombing and learn about the city's resilience.
2. Visit the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden to marvel at a diverse range of wildlife and lush botanical displays.
3. Take a leisurely stroll along the Bricktown Canal and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of this waterfront entertainment district.
4. Indulge in delicious local cuisine at popular eateries like Cattlemen's Steakhouse and Nic's Grill.
5. Shop for unique souvenirs and handmade goods at the historic OKC Farmers Public Market.
To stay updated on the latest events, attractions, and insider tips for exploring Oklahoma City, consider following these social media accounts:
- Instagram: @visitokc
- Twitter:
Best time to go
Plan a fall trip The best time to visit Oklahoma City is between September and November, when the weather is mild. Summertime highs can soar past 90 degrees, making it uncomfortable to tour some of the city's outdoor attractions. Meanwhile, winter temperatures can dip below freezing.
Fun city facts and activities
- Rugged, thriving, ultimately cool Oklahoma City is equal parts cultural heartland, traditional Midwest capital and historic cow town, with lively pockets of recently revitalized neighborhoods and stylish arts districts to boot. The capital city is on its way up in the urban arts and dining worlddefined by a recent influx of hip bars, cutting-edge restaurants, breweries, shops, hotels and gallerieswhile still remaining a bastion of Old West culture and cowboy vibes. The city is also known as the hometown of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the horse show capital of the world. Spend enough time properly exploring the streets and soaking up the local sights, and OKCs rustic charms will undoubtedly win you over. Well bet our money on that. Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy these really exciting things to do in Oklahoma City.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Bricktown
Deep Deuce
Crown Heights
Plaza District
Nichols Hills
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Restaurants
Food Specialties
- Oklahoma Citys dining scene is one of the countrys best-kept secrets. Tell that to your friends and theyll likely sneer but, hey, that just means more food for you. Its not all about juicy burgers and chicken-fried steak, either (although meat lovers should rest assured that there is plenty of both to go around): the best restaurants in Oklahoma City are defining a sizzling Szechuan scene, putting out delectable sushi and revamping comfort food staples into high-quality, gourmet meals. Lets not forget the smattering of hipster hotspots and farm-to-table eateries that rival those of any other major urban area in America.
Oklahoma City Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Catch a show at the Oklahoma City Improv.
2. Take a tour of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
3. Go ice skating on the Myriad Gardens Ice Rink.
4. Explore the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.
5. Catch a movie at the IMAX Theater at the Sci-Port Discovery Center.
6. Take a tour of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
7. Visit the Oklahoma City National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
8. Take a tour of the Oklahoma City Downtown Underground.
9. Catch a show at the Oklahoma City Music Hall.
10. Visit the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial.
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
Take a boat ride down the Bricktown canal
Ride the ferris wheel at Wheeler Riverfront Plaza
Have an adrenaline-pumping experience at Frontier City
Get adventurous at RIVERSPORT Adventure Park
Reflect on the past at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
Make a splash at Hurricane Harbor OKC
Get lost in the beauty of Myriad Botanical Gardens
Enjoy the outdoors at Scissortail Park
Catch an OKC Thunder game
Watch a Dodgers game at Bricktown Ballpark
Learn to ice skate at Devon Ice Skating Rink
Tour the Oklahoma State Capitol
Immerse yourself in the strange at Factory Obscura
Try something new at Pops Soda Ranch
Stroll around Lake Hefner
City data and FAQ
What is Oklahoma City known for?
OKC is famous the OKC National Memorial & Museum dedicated to the federal building bombing in 1994 that killed 168 people. It also has the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Hall of Fame, the Science Museum, the Softball Hall of Fame, the 45th Infantry Museum, the Botanical Gardens, the Museum of Art, the OKC Zoo, Remington Park, Scissortail Park, Bricktown, and Riversport Adventures. There are many fine restaurants and nightclubs located through-out the city.
Kevin Davis - Lives in Norman, OK
Is Oklahoma City worth visiting?
OKC has really stepped up its game in the last 20 plus years. Its downtown and tourist areas have really transformed and the city continues to make amazing changes and additions. I lived there 25 years ago for a little over three years. And tye difference between then and now is just incredible. A dead, dying, dusty boring raggedy old down town area has transformed into a tourist and entertainment mecca and it improves every year. Whether its worth a vacation depends on what you are looking for. Its not New York or LA. Its not even Dallas. But for a smaller midwestern big city its coming along really nicely.
Leolynn Cauthron - Lives in Southern Midwest
Yes, I think the casinos in the metro area are fun. If you enjoy hiking, Roman Nose and Red Rock canyon are very nice and less than 2 hours away.
D. Winfler Lives in Oklahoma City, OK (1982 Present)
Landmarks in the city
1. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum: A moving tribute to the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, featuring a reflecting pool, field of empty chairs, and interactive exhibits.
2. Bricktown: A vibrant entertainment district with shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues, located along the Bricktown Canal.
3. Myriad Botanical Gardens: A beautiful urban park with a tropical conservatory, outdoor gardens, and a children's garden, offering a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.
4. Chesapeake Energy Arena: Home to the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder, this arena hosts basketball games, concerts, and other events throughout the year.
5. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: A museum dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the American West, featuring art, artifacts, and exhibits on cowboys, Native Americans, and Western pioneers.
6. Oklahoma City Zoo: A family-friendly attraction with a diverse collection of animals from around the world, as well as interactive exhibits, rides, and shows.
7. Oklahoma State Capitol: The seat of government for the state of Oklahoma, this impressive building offers guided tours and a chance to learn about the state's history and politics.
8. Science Museum Oklahoma: A hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and a dome theater, perfect for visitors of all ages.
9. Oklahoma City Museum of Art: Featuring a diverse collection of American and European art, as well as rotating exhibitions and a film program, this museum is a cultural hub in the city.
10. Lake Hefner: A popular recreational area with a marina, walking and biking trails, and picnic areas, offering stunning views of the lake and opportunities for outdoor activities.