Things to do in Tulsa

As the city is a vibrant artistic place full of history, there are naturally several things to do in Tulsa. There’s too much to possibly cover in this blog post so I’ve narrowed the list down to my absolute favorites.

Philbrook Museum of Art

The museum was originally an Italian-inspired mansion for an oil executive. In 1939, the mansion was converted into the Philbrook Museum of Art, consisting of 25 acres of gardens and 8,500 works in its collection. You can enjoy a diverse range of artworks from several centuries and countries. You can also experience the beautifully maintained gardens, similar to those of Longwood Gardens. As one of Tulsa’s most popular tourist attractions, the Philbrook Museum of Art is well worth the time and money.

Gathering Place

Located just south of downtown Tulsa, Gathering Place is an urban gem, spanning over 60 acres. There are several walking trails, gardens, small cafes, obstacle courses, and a lake where you can paddleboard. This park is an absolute marvel in the city, and it’s ideal for hanging out and relaxing. The greenery alone should be enough to visit here.

Guthrie Green

Located in the heart of Tulsa’s downtown, Guthrie Green is a fantastic urban park. This park is constantly filled with urban events, so check their website to see if you can catch one of them. This place serves as a gathering place, with an open-air stage and spacious lawns. During events, you can expect many pop-up shops and food trucks, making it the happening place in downtown Tulsa.

Tulsa’s Deco District

Tulsa’s Deco District is hard to miss, this is the center of downtown and the heart of Tulsa’s character. Two of the hotels in this blog post are located inside this district, and I can’t think of a better place to stay. Along with Tulsa’s oil boom came a surge in construction, as high rises were rapidly getting built. Many of these early 20th-century structures are in what’s known as the Deco District, because of its Art Deco architecture.

Turkey Mountain Park

You’ll have to travel a bit out of town for this one, but if you’re an outdoors type of person, it’s well worth it. Hiking and mountain biking are the two main activities here. There are several miles of designated trails for both providing an incredible experience. There are also some spots where you can see the downtown Tulsa skyline, which I find extremely cool.

Center of the Universe

Right in the center of Tulsa’s downtown is where you can find this strange phenomenon. It’s nothing special, just a concrete circle in the middle of a footpath. What’s special is that when you stand in this circle and speak, you hear a loud echo. Many call this an acoustic anomaly which has made it popular among tourists.

River Parks

As earlier stated, Tulsa sits right on the Arkansas River, which makes way for some incredible river walks and river views. The river trail spans almost ten miles, giving plenty of space to walk, bike, and hang out. If you want to go on a beautiful walk and see much of Tulsa at the same time, I highly recommend checking out Tulsa’s river trails.

Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium

It’s no surprise that you’ll find the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium directly next to the airport. The planetarium is world-class, featuring several shows that immerse you in an out-of-this-world experience. There are several exhibits, aircrafts, and space artifacts that you can find here, as you experience innovation at its finest.

Utica Square

If you want to know where to find good shops and restaurants, I’ve got you covered. You can find over 60 stores here, ranging from boutique to name-brand shops. If you don’t know where to eat, stop by Utica Square and see a range of restaurants. This place is a unique hang-out spot for those who are interested in that.

Tulsa Farmers’ Market

Although not open every day, this place is a must-visit when on. You can experience local Tulsa culture and foods at the Tulsa Farmer’s Market. The market is usually open on Saturday mornings but make sure to double check their website for the exact timings.