15 Best Things To Do In Tulsa, Oklahoma

things to do in tulsa ok
Tabassum
Tabassum 
Updated
| 5 min read

Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States, is a city that lies on the Arkansas River and is the second-largest city in Oklahoma. It a big city, so there is lots to do and see in this scenic city by the river. And if you’re worried about accommodation, there are plenty of best places to stay in Tulsa. And with your lodging sorted, you can go out and explore all that this lovely city has to offer. Check out these 15 best things to do in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

1. The Philtower Building

Philtower-Building-Tulsa-Oklahoma
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jordan Michael Winn used under CC0

The Philtower Building is one of the most well-known Tulsa attractions. This is a landmark and historical place as well as a workplace and office building. It was in 1979 that this building was given the honor of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An interesting fact about this landmark is that when it was built it was intended to be a high-rise office building. But, in 2004, floors 12-20 became loft apartments, making the Philtower Building known as the city of Tulsa’s first mixed use high-rise building.

The Philtower Building

Address: 427 S Boston Avenue, Tulsa, OK

Website: The Philtower Building

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2. Utica Square

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This is an upscale shopping complex that is known as Tulsa’s most treasured midtown destination for shopping, dining and services. There are more than 50 stores like Coach, Loft and West Elm here. As for dining, check out Polo Grill, Pepper’s Grill or Olive Garden. There are also outdoor concerts held here.

Utica Square

Address: 1864 Utica Square, Tulsa, OK

Website: Utica Square

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3. The Golden Driller

Golden Driller, Tulsa USA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user The Erica Chang used under CC BY 3.0

If you’re wondering what to do in Tulsa, check out The Golden Driller. This is a 75-foot-tall (23 m) statue of an oil worker, making it the fifth-tallest statue in the United States. Originally built for the International Petroleum Exposition, the Golden Driller was adopted by the Oklahoma Legislature as the state monument and ever since then people have been enjoying coming to see the statue and clicking pictures with it. The statue stands in front of the Tulsa Expo Center, which is the center of the Tulsa State Fair.

The Golden Driller

Address: Tulsa Expo Center, 4145 E 21st St, Tulsa, OK

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4. Gilcrease Museum

Gilcrease - Großer Saal mit Schlacht von Chapultepec
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wolfgang Sauber used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This is a museum that is perfect for weddings since it offers great views and is located just northeast of downtown Tulsa. What you will find inside this museum is the world’s largest collection of art of the American West. It also has a collection of art and artifacts from Central and South America. Also, there is a nice lake outside.

Gilcrease Museum

Address: 1400 N Gilcrease Museum Road, Tulsa, OK

Website: Gilcrease Museum

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5. Tulsa Air and Space Museum (TASM)

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

For space and science buffs, Tulsa Air and Space Museum (TASM) will prove to be one of the best places to visit in Tulsa. At this museum, you will find various science exhibits, interactive displays, a flight simulator lab, a planetarium and a fairly new Discovery Center that features a MD-80 aircraft, inside which people have had their wedding reception! There are also planes from WWII, which some locals truly love. It is a big part of Tulsa and people enjoy coming here with family to take part in the variety of family friendly events held here.

Tulsa Air and Space Museum (TASM)

Address: 3624 N 74th East Avenue, Tulsa, OK

Website: Tulsa Air and Space Museum

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6. The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This is an art museum that highlights the rich history and culture of people of the Jewish faith. It is a great place for those who want to know more about the Jewish culture since it is shown beautifully through art and ancient artifacts. There are also special exhibits and events that showcase all kinds of work representing Jewish artists from history up to artists of modern times. It is at this place that you will find the largest collection of Judaica in the southwest.

The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art

Address: 2021 E 71st Street, Tulsa, OK

Website: The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art

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7. Tulsa Zoo

Gunda at the Tulsa Zoo
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nmwalter used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This is a zoo in Tulsa with lots of exhibits and animals to explore. Some of the animals here include Malayan tigers, Komodo dragons, and California sea lions. There are presentations and events held every now and then here as well. Come visit the animals and check out the exhibits while spending a day with family and friends!

Tulsa Zoo

Address: 6421 E 36th Street North, Tulsa, OK

Website: Tulsa Zoo

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8. The Cave House

The Cave House of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Source: Photo by Flickr user JustTulsa used under CC BY 2.0

Taking a tour of The Cave House is one of the most fun things to do in Tulsa. This is a historical house in Tulsa that is occupied, but the owner offers tours. The tour of the house is fun and educational and you will hear exciting stories detailing the history of the place and the paranormal from the tour guide. People who have visited the house say it feels like a real cave on the inside. Tours are available by appointment on weekends and the admission charge is 10 USD. Something unique to see in Tulsa!

The Cave House

Address: 1623 Charles Page Blvd, 74127 Tulsa, OK

Website: The Cave House

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9. Woodward Park

Tulsa Oklahoma Woodward Park Lily Pond
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tim Morgan used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This is a cute park that also has a botanical garden and arboretum. Families enjoy this park and the beautiful rose garden it houses. Last, but not least, in 2014, the park was given the honor of being added to the National Register of Historic Places, so come and visit this beautiful and significant site.

Woodward Park

Address: 2324 S Rockford Ave, Tulsa, OK

Website: Woodward Park

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10. See a concet/event at BOK Center

BOK Center Tulsa
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Farleyeye used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This is Tulsa’s award winning entertainment center where concerts like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the Eagles, Def Leppard, Keith Urban as well as a concert by Paul McCartney have been held. It is a big stadium, arena and sports venue. While in Tulsa, be sure to attend a concert or event here, check out their website to see what’s on during your visit!

BOK Center

Address: 200 S Denver Avenue W, Tulsa, OK

Website: BOK Center

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11. Philbrook Museum of Art

Garden at Philbrook
Source: Photo by Flickr user Phil Baker used under CC BY 2.0

Combining the twin attractions of an art museum along with acres of beatiful gardens is the lovely Philbrook Museum of Art. One of the most well-known tourist spots in Tulsa, it is housed in a majestic 1920s villa and features an extensive collection of exhibits, including art installations, paintings by local artists, sculptures, objects, artifacts and more. Visitors can also stroll through the well-maintained gardens that have decorative water features, sculptures, walking paths, and an edible teaching garden.

Philbrook Museum of Art

Address: 2727 S Rockford Rd, Tulsa, OK 74114, United States

Website: Philbrook Museum of Art

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 9am - 5pm; Fri: 9am - 9pm; SAt - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

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12. Gathering Place

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Located on the banks of Arkansas River, Gathering Place is an amusement park spread out over a massive area. This sprawling family-friendly park has many attractions, including a garden, a pond, a splashpad for kids, Chapman Adventure Playground, Spiral Connector, Land of the River Giants, Skywalk Forest, Cottonwood Lawn, Charlie’s Water Mountain, and more. Plenty of areas are available for picnicking and spending some time with your family or friends.

Gathering Place

Address: 2650 S John Williams Way, Tulsa, OK 74114, United States

Website: Gathering Place

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

Price: free

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13. Tulsa Botanic Garden

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Those looking for a respite from the hectic pace of the city should visit Tulsa Botanic Garden. This massive garden is spread across a large area and offers myriad things to do and see. Take a leisurely stroll through one of the many paths that go past ample greenery, explore floral terraces, a lakeside promenade, various groves, a lotus and lily pool, an all-seasons garden or take your kids to a Children’s Discovery Garden. Many seasonal festivals and events are also held here.

Tulsa Botanic Garden

Address: 3900 Tulsa Botanic Dr, Tulsa, OK 74127, United States

Website: Tulsa Botanic Garden

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 8 USD

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14. Safari Joe's H2O

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Another great family-friendly attraction in Tulsa is Safari Joe’s H2O. This waterpark has loads of activities and attractions that will keep you engaged all day long. From thrilling rides through animals shows to reptile exhibits, there is plenty to do here. Slip and slide down rides like Reptile Rush and Raptor Rapids, float in Rex’s River or have fun in the wave pool. See exotic birds, reptiles and other small animals in the animal exhibits or play volleyball, basketball and more at Safari Joe’s H2O.

Safari Joe's H2O

Address: 4707 E 21st St, Tulsa, OK 74114, United States

Website: Safari Joe’s H2O

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

Price: 12 USD onwards

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15. Woody Guthrie Center

Guthrie 04
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Gorup de Besanez used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Dedicated to life and music of folk musician, Woody Guthrie, this listing is a public museum in Tulsa. Woody Guthrie Center features a range of memorabilia, musical instruments, artifacts, photographs, documents and other interesting exhibits. The musician was most famous for this song ‘This land is your land’, which can also be seen on the beautiful mural on an exterior wall of the museum. The museum also maintains extensive archives of Guthrie’s original songs, lyrics, music, manuscripts and other records of his life.

Woody Guthrie Center

Address: 102 E Reconciliation Way, Tulsa, OK 74103, United States

Website: Woody Guthrie Center

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: 12 USD

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Fun in Tulsa

Downtown Tulsa Skyline
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jordan Michael Winn used under CC0

Tulsa is a big town with lots to see and do. Spend some time in this exciting town on your next trip with the family or a group of friends and discover all of the interesting and fun activities that await!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Tabassum Rahmani, a technical writer born and raised in the United States to Indian parents, boasts over a decade of writing experience. She has a passion for sharing her life's adventures and...Read more

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