Top 12 Things to Do in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa, Oklahoma offers visitors plenty of fun and interesting attractions and activities. From world-class museums and cultural sites to outdoor adventures and exciting nightlife, there is something for everyone.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| The Gathering Place | A vibrant, 100-acre riverfront park with numerous amenities for all ages. |
| Philbrook Museum of Art | An art museum set in a 1920s villa with diverse art collections and stunning gardens. |
| Oklahoma Aquarium | A family-friendly venue with marine exhibits and interactive experiences. |
| Woody Guthrie Center | A museum dedicated to the folk singer, featuring exhibits and his iconic guitars. |
| Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza | An open-air public space celebrating Tulsa’s heritage with events and outdoor dining. |
| Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area | A nature preserve offering hiking and biking trails close to downtown. |
| Boston Avenue United Methodist Church | An architectural marvel known for its Art Deco design. |
| Cain’s Ballroom | A historic music venue offering a variety of live performances. |
| Tulsa Drillers Baseball | Enjoy baseball games at ONEOK Field for family-friendly entertainment. |
| Cherry Street Farmers Market | A lively market with local produce, artisanal foods, and crafts. |
| Mother Road Market | A food hall and market with diverse culinary options and shopping. |
If you’re planning a trip to Tulsa, be sure to include these top things to do during your visit.
The Gathering Place
Name and Location: The Gathering Place, Tulsa’s riverfront park, stretches along the Arkansas River.
History and Significance: Opened in 2018, this park represents a transformative vision for Tulsa, providing a dynamic, inclusive space for community engagement and outdoor recreation.
What to Expect: The park features a variety of landscapes, including playgrounds, gardens, a skate park, and numerous sports courts and fields. It’s a hub for cultural events, concerts, and public gatherings.
Visitor Information: Admission is free. The park is open daily, though hours vary by season. Check the website for specific events and activities.
The Gathering Place is a sprawling, 100-acre riverfront park along the Arkansas River that has quickly become one of Tulsa’s premier attractions since opening in 2018. The park contains amazing amenities like an adventure playground with unique slides and climbing structures, splash pads and interactive water features, bike and skate parks, outdoor sports courts, live music venues, nature trails, and more. You could easily spend an entire day exploring this vibrant space that was designed for visitors of all ages. Make The Gathering Place a must-see during your time in Tulsa.
Philbrook Museum of Art
Name and Location: Located in a historic home in Tulsa, the Philbrook Museum of Art houses expansive art collections and beautiful gardens.
History and Significance: Originally the private residence of oil magnate Waite Phillips, it was opened as a museum in 1939, offering an array of art from around the world and significant historical insights.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore extensive art collections, ranging from Renaissance to contemporary, and enjoy walking through the meticulously maintained gardens.
Visitor Information: Tickets are available for purchase, with discounts for students, seniors, and children. Free admission days are also offered periodically.
For art and culture lovers, the Philbrook Museum of Art is considered one of the top things to experience in Tulsa. This museum is set on 25 gorgeous acres in a 1920s Italian Renaissance-style villa that previously belonged to oil pioneer Waite Phillips. The museum’s collection includes Native American art, African art, modern and contemporary pieces, European works from masters like Rodin and Monet, and much more. Visitors especially love exploring the stunning formal gardens on the grounds. Give yourself a few hours to take in the beauty of the Philbrook Museum of Art.
Oklahoma Aquarium
Name and Location: Situated in Jenks, a suburb of Tulsa, the Oklahoma Aquarium is a marine adventure showcasing aquatic life from around the world.
History and Significance: Since its opening, the aquarium has dedicated itself to marine and freshwater education and conservation, offering insights into the complex underwater ecosystems.
What to Expect: The aquarium features a broad range of exhibits, including a shark tank tunnel, touch tanks, and displays of local aquatic species.
Visitor Information: Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, with varying prices for adults, children, and seniors. Membership options are available for frequent visitors.
One of Tulsa’s top family-friendly attractions is the Oklahoma Aquarium located along the Arkansas River. This aquarium contains immersive marine exhibits showcasing creatures from around the world. Visitors can walk through replicas of offshore coral reefs, coastal waters, a tropical rainforest filled with free-flying birds, and more as they observe vibrant fish, playful river otters, sharks, sea turtles and other marine life. Interactive feedings and touch pools make this an especially fun outing for animal lovers of any age.
Woody Guthrie Center
Name and Location: This center, dedicated to the legendary folk musician Woody Guthrie, is located in the Tulsa Arts District.
History and Significance: It preserves and displays Guthrie’s material, showcasing his contribution to American music and culture, along with his advocacy for social justice.
What to Expect: The center includes Guthrie’s manuscripts, instruments, and personal items, plus interactive exhibits that highlight his influence on American folk music and beyond.
Visitor Information: Open to the public with an admission fee. Hours and ticket prices are listed on their website, including discounts for students, seniors, and military.
Music fans visiting Tulsa won’t want to miss the Woody Guthrie Center located in the Tulsa Arts District downtown. This museum and archives building dedicated to the legendary folk singer and his American roots music offers interesting exhibits on his life, interactive displays to delve into his creative process, and even Woody’s iconic acoustic guitars on display. Music lovers spend hours here taking in the stories and songs of an artist who gave voice to the struggles of working-class Americans.
Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza
Name and Location: Located at the intersection of Southwest Boulevard and Riverside Drive in Tulsa, this plaza commemorates Cyrus Avery’s vision for the Route 66 highway.
History and Significance: Avery, known as the “Father of Route 66,” was instrumental in the creation of the highway, which significantly impacted American transportation and culture.
What to Expect: The plaza features a sculpture depicting a vintage automobile and horse-drawn carriage, symbolizing the transition from horse-drawn to motorized transportation.
Visitor Information: The plaza is open to the public year-round, free of charge, providing a historical and educational landmark for visitors.
Located downtown along the east bank of the Arkansas River, Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza is a popular gathering place for the community. The open-air public space contains water features, artwork celebrating Tulsa’s heritage, walking paths, native landscaping, and ample spots to relax or dine outdoors. The plaza often hosts special events like summer concerts, cultural festivals, and holiday markets throughout the year that visitors can enjoy. It’s also near numerous cafes, restaurants and bars making it a great spot to spend an afternoon or evening.
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area
Name and Location: This wilderness area, located on the west side of Tulsa, offers extensive trails and natural landscapes within the city limits.
History and Significance: Turkey Mountain is preserved as a natural area to offer urban dwellers a retreat into nature, promoting outdoor activities and conservation.
What to Expect: Hiking, mountain biking, and trail running are popular activities here, with trails suitable for all skill levels. The area provides scenic views of the Arkansas River and Tulsa skyline.
Visitor Information: Open to the public free of charge, with trails accessible from dawn to dusk. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
Nature lovers visiting Tulsa will want to spend time escaping into the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area. Located just 15 minutes from downtown, this 300-acre preserve contains over 20 miles of scenic, woodland hiking and biking trails that range from easy to challenging. Wildlife like deer and wild turkey roam the sandy trails winding through the Cross Timbers ecoregion landscape filled with native vegetation. Visitors can hike, run, bike or simply relax in a peaceful natural setting without having to drive too far from the city center.
Boston Avenue United Methodist Church
Name and Location: This historic church, located on Boston Avenue in downtown Tulsa, is an architectural marvel of the Art Deco movement.
History and Significance: Completed in 1929, the church is a National Historic Landmark, recognized for its unique architectural design and significance in Tulsa’s history.
What to Expect: Visitors can admire the stunning exterior and interior design elements, including intricate stained glass and sculptural details. Guided tours are available to explore its history and architecture.
Visitor Information: Tours are offered at specific times and may require reservations. Worship services are open to all, with schedules available on their website.
Even if you are not religious, the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church in downtown Tulsa is still worth visiting for its stunning architecture. Built in 1929, experts consider it one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical Art Deco in the nation with its terra cotta ornamentation, stained glass, and soaring copper dome. Hour-long tours provide access to the sanctuary, pipe organ, and sky chapel with panoramic views from the dome. It is both a working Methodist church and popular tourist attraction upholding Tulsa’s oil boom heritage.
Cain’s Ballroom
Name and Location: A historic music venue in the Tulsa Arts District, Cain’s Ballroom has hosted a wide array of musical acts since its opening.
History and Significance: Originally a garage in the 1920s, it evolved into a dance hall and later became known as the “Carnegie Hall of Western Swing,” playing a pivotal role in Tulsa’s music scene.
What to Expect: Today, it’s a premier venue for live music, showcasing artists from various genres. The ballroom retains its historic charm while offering a vibrant atmosphere for concerts.
Visitor Information: Check their website for concert schedules and ticket information. The venue offers a unique experience for music lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Known as the “Carnegie Hall of Western Swing,” no trip to Tulsa is complete without catching some live music at the historic Cain’s Ballroom. Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys famously helped launch this venue’s reputation for country and western sounds back in the 1930s. Today, the venue still hosts legions of genres from alt-country and blues to indie rock, along with themed dance parties. Cain’s Ballroom offers an intimate environment with memorable acoustics making it one of the best music venues in the U.S. Visitors say you can “feel the past” mingling with the energy of talented modern musicians.
Tulsa Drillers Baseball
Name and Location: The Tulsa Drillers, a minor league baseball team, play at ONEOK Field in the Greenwood District of Tulsa.
History and Significance: As a beloved local sports team, the Drillers have a loyal fan base and contribute to the community spirit and entertainment options in Tulsa.
What to Expect: Attendees can enjoy America’s pastime in a modern ballpark, with all the amenities expected at a professional sports event, including exciting games, food vendors, and promotional events.
Visitor Information: Tickets are available for purchase online or at the ballpark, with various seating options and special promotions throughout the season.
Since 1976, the Tulsa Drillers Double A baseball team has provided affordable and family-friendly entertainment at downtown’s ONEOK Field. Beautiful, modern amenities coupled with an old-timey baseball vibe makes watching the Drillers play America’s pastime extra appealing. Bring a picnic or enjoy the stadium’s popular concessions like coney dogs and craft beers as you sit back and watch future major league prospects take the field. The Drillers’ season runs from early April through mid-September.
Cherry Street Farmers Market
Name and Location: Located on Cherry Street in Tulsa, this weekly farmers market brings together local farmers, artisans, and vendors.
History and Significance: Established to support local agriculture and small businesses, the market fosters community engagement and offers fresh, locally sourced products.
What to Expect: Shoppers can find a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and handmade crafts, all while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Open on Saturdays from spring through fall, the market operates in the morning hours. Visitors are encouraged to bring reusable bags.
One of the best ways to support Tulsa’s local food scene is by shopping the bustling Cherry Street Farmers Market. Every Saturday morning from April to October, the 15th Street Market area comes alive with over 80 vendors selling farm-fresh produce, artisanal foods like cheeses and baked goods, unique arts and crafts, and more. You can easily nosh your way through a visit sampling locally roasted coffees, farm eggs and salsas, fresh fruit and vegetables, and specialty foods. It’s also a lively spot for grabbing brunch or people watching.
Mother Road Market
Name and Location: Tulsa’s first food hall, located on historic Route 66, Mother Road Market offers a diverse culinary experience.
History and Significance: Opened to celebrate the iconic Route 66 and to promote local food entrepreneurs, it has quickly become a popular destination for foodies and travelers alike.
What to Expect: The market features a variety of food vendors, offering everything from gourmet tacos to artisanal ice cream, alongside shops selling local goods and a bar.
Operating daily as part food hall and part modern flea market, the eclectic Mother Road Market highlights Tulsa’s growing reputation as a culinary destination. Nearly 20 vendors offer everything from classic comfort foods like barbecue, tacos, banh mi sandwiches, and burgers to globally-inspired street fare such as Singapore noodles, banchan (Korean sides), empanadas and more. From vegan to meat lover’s delights, you’ll find it all at this indoor/outdoor hot spot buzzing with food trucks, craft cocktails, local beers, and boutique shopping. Live music and family/pet friendly spaces make it an ideal spot for gatherings big and small too.
With vibrant arts and music, fascinating history and heritage, family adventures, exciting sports teams, outdoor escapes, and a rising food and drink scene, Tulsa, Oklahoma keeps visitors thoroughly entertained. Next time you plan to be in Green Country or Route 66 country, schedule a few days exploring T-Town’s can’t miss attractions using this list of top things to do.