The secret’s out: Oklahoma City (OKC) is one of the most exciting cities in the United States. Often touted as one of the best places to live in the US, the former cowboy town has come into its own, with a fabulous arts and culture scene, restaurants and nightlife, and outdoorsy things to do. A modern metropolis with a Wild West heart, you might call it the next Denver, but really, it’s always been Oklahoma City.
Though the summertime months of June, July, and August are the most popular time to visit OKC, locals tout spring and fall as their favorite seasons to get out on the town. You’ll get mild temperatures, colorful outdoor spaces (whether vivid blooms or changing leaves), and a full line-up of things to do without the school holiday crowds. Scope out the annual Chuck Wagon Festival in May or the Oklahoma State Fair in September.
Most travelers arrive in Oklahoma City by car—the city sits at the crossroads of I-35, I-40, and I-44, and has been built out to become a highway town. That said, Amtrak buses drop you off right downtown (via the Heartland Flyer), and from there you can take the city’s new green, blue, and pink streetcars through and around Downtown, Bricktown, Automobile Alley, and Midtown. The city’s bikeshare program, Spokies, is also a great option.
One of Oklahoma City’s most culture-rich neighborhoods is Automobile Alley, named after the city’s first slew of car dealerships. 1920s neon signs still hang from the buildings, and today the glowing district is hailed as the city’s hippest—it’s home to spots such as the always-free Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, the bright and immersive Factory Obscura, Iguana Mexican Grill, and Sidecar Barley & Wine Bar.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone CDT (UTC -6) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 2 | Tours 14 | Reviews 417 |
Start your day in OKC with a dose of culture, at spots such as the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum or the Chihuly-rich Oklahoma City Museum of Art. From there, take the streetcar to Bricktown—a former warehouse district ideal for shopping. Then head to Bricktown Riverwalk Park on the Oklahoma River to glimpse the city’s greener side.
...MoreYes, there are plenty of interesting things to see in Oklahoma City. There’s the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, and part of Route 66, which goes through the city’s Uptown 23rd District. You can also catch an Oklahoma City Dodgers game, paddle the Oklahoma River, or take a water taxi tour.
...MoreThere are many free things to do in OKC. Free attractions and activities include visiting the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, strolling the Bricktown District, or wandering the Myriad Botanical Garden. If you enjoy the outdoors, the 13-mile (21-kilometer) Oklahoma River Trails is open to pedestrians and bikers, and winds straight through Downtown.
...MoreAlbeit a bit somber, Oklahoma City is known for the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995—the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum memorializes the city’s resilience. Nicknamed the Big Friendly, it’s also known for its musical theater scene and its grand transformation.
...MoreOklahoma City is so cheap because it hasn’t always been a hotspot for travelers, making it resistant to the inflation seen in other American cities. With the nearest big city being Dallas, Texas, at more than 200 miles (320 kilometers) away, you could say it’s in the middle of nowhere.
...MoreNo, Oklahoma City isn’t a walkable city—for the most part. In fact, it was named “America’s Worst Walking City” in 2008. But locals took that title seriously and have spent the past decade trying to fix that. While cars are still necessary to get around, downtown is walkable enough, and, for the first time, sidewalks are a common sight.
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