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
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
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
3. The Golden Driller
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
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
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
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
7. Tulsa Zoo
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
8. The Cave House
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
9. Woodward Park
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
10. See a concet/event at BOK Center
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
11. Philbrook Museum of Art
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)
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
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
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
15. Woody Guthrie Center
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
Fun in Tulsa
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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