12 Best Day Trips From Tulsa, Oklahoma

day trips from tulsa
Sharadha
Sharadha 
Updated
| 4 min read

Tulsa is a beautiful town along the Arkansas River in Oklahoma. This city is located close to several small towns and prominent cities in the US state of Oklahoma. As this city holds the growing oil hubs of the country, it is popularly dubbed as the “Oil capital of the world.” This city is located at the center of Kansas and Arkansas, making it a hub for some of the prominent attractions in both these states. It is also home to a number of excellent accommodations, including budget hotels, historic hotels, and cabin rentals. A number of stunning attractions can be reached from Tulsa in just a few hours of driving and serve as amazing camping spots and weekend getaways. Here’s a list of the best day trips from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

1. Grand Lake

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

Grand Lake is a beautiful recreational area popular for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities, making it an excellent spot for a weekend trip from Tulsa.

Be sure to take a scenic drive along the shore, which offers stunning views of the water and surrounding hills. Adventure lovers can enjoy a variety of water sports, from kayaking and paddleboarding to jet skiing and boating.

A must-see attraction in Grand Lake is the Pensacola Dam, which spans the lake and offers panoramic views of the water and surrounding landscape. Tour the dam and learn about its history and engineering.

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2. Sequoyah State Park

Sequoyah State Park, Hulbert (51339711353)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sharon Mollerus used under CC BY 2.0

Sequoyah State Park is a stunning natural destination in northeastern Oklahoma, just a short drive from Tulsa. The park spans over 2,200 acres (890.31 hectares) and offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages.

Golf lovers must visit the beautiful golf course, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape. Golfers can enjoy a challenging round of golf while taking in the area’s natural beauty.

Otherwise, you can head to the marina, which offers a variety of water sports and activities for visitors. From fishing and boating to kayaking and paddleboarding, there’s something for everyone at the marina.

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3. Oklahoma City, OK (from USD 23.0)

Oklahoma City is located at just 106 miles (170km) from the city of Tulsa. This city is known for its rich historic buildings and busy nightlife. Oklahoma City is home to the state capitol as well as many National museums. You can also explore the Myriad Botanical Gardens, Brick Town entertainment district, Oklahoma City Zoo and many other interesting spaces in this city. This city is a perfect getaway for those who would love to have a taste of urban life along with an educational experience on the state’s history and art.

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Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum Tickets

Duration: 30 to 180 minutes

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4. Davis, OK

Turner FAlls, OK
Source: Photo by Flickr user duggar11 used under CC BY 2.0

Another beautiful city to explore from Tulsa is the city of Davis that is situated at 152 miles (245km) from the “oil city”. Davis has several scenic landscapes and picnic spots that serve as perfect destinations for fun outdoor experiences. The interesting spots to check out in this city are Turner Falls and Park, Arbuckle Mountains and the Arbuckle Wilderness Park as well as the Tressure Valley Casino and Hotel. This city has numerous spots for camping and planned outdoor experiences that help you escape into the woods away from the busy city life.

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5. Eufaula, OK

Eufaula Cove Marina Eufaula Oklahoma
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Cityofeufaulaok used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Located at just 84 miles (135km) from the city of Tulsa is Eufaula, an Oklahoma city that holds the seat of the Mcintosh county government. This city gets its name from the indigenous tribe of this region. The city has a beautiful lake called Eufaula Lake, which offers camping, fishing, and water recreational activities for its visitors. Other sights that you must visit in this city are Creek Nation Casino, Eufaula State Park, Arrowhead Area, Happy Hollow RV Park and more.

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6. Fort Gibson, OK

Fort gibson, OK Dam
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dustin Moore used under CC BY 2.0

The next getaway for a perfect day trip from the city of Tulsa is Fort Gibson, located at just 55 miles (88.5 km) distance. This city boast of being the oldest town in Oklahoma state, holding representations of the city’s history in its heart. The Fort Gibson Historic Site and Cemetry are must-see sights of this beautiful city. Other notable spots in Fort Gibson include the Cherokee casino, Commandant’s Quarters, Sequoyah Bay State Park, Camp Gruber ORV area, and much more.

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7. Pawhuska, OK

pawhuska
Source: Photo by Flickr user Allison Meier used under CC BY 2.0

One of the best road trip destinations from Tulsa is Pawhuska, a stunning city known for its cultural roots leading to the Native American tribes and their life. You can reach Pawhuska by road in just 56.5 miles (91 km) from Tulsa. This city has the Osage Nation Museum that exhibits, tools and artifacts used by the Osage Tribe, a native American tribe of the region. You can also check out the scenic Bluestem falls and lake, Swinging Bridge, Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum, and First Boy Scout in America Tribute Culture, in this amazing city.

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8. Bentonville, AR

Wal-Mart Museum, Original Wal-Mart, Bentonville, AR
Source: Photo by Flickr user Martin Lewison used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Bentonville is a beautiful city belonging to the US state of Arkansas, located at just 115.5 miles (186 km) from Tulsa. This city is popular for being the birthplace of one of the world’s biggest retailers, Walmart. You can learn about the history and growth of this business magnate at the Walmart Museum found in the city. You can also check out other significant sights such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Scott Family Amuzeum, Razorback Regional Greenway, and the Museum of Native American History at Bentonville, during your day trip to this city.

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9. Eureka Springs, AR

Eureka Springs AR, 27 Oct 2012.  Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church.  Beautiful!!
Source: Photo by Flickr user Brad Holt used under CC BY 2.0

Another stunning city to visit in the state of Arkansas is Eureka Springs, which is at 148.6 miles (239 km) from Tulsa. This city is known for the Ozark Mountains and preserved historic buildings belonging to the Victorian Era. Some of these houses are available as vacation rentals for you to experience the comforts and life of the historic times. You can also visit Lake Leatherwood, Eureka Springs Downtown, Christ of the Ozarks, and Cresent Hotel Ghost Tours, when visiting this spectacular city.

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10. Wichita, KS

Wichita Farm and Art Market
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ty Nigh used under CC BY 2.0

The city of Wichita in the US state of Kansas is another fun day trip option from Tulsa, Oklahoma, at just 175.5 miles (282km). This city has an exploration place that displays the whole of Kansas using miniature structures and also contains many scientific exhibits. Wichita is also home to many 19th-century homes and museums that are worth exploring. You can also explore the Themed Gardens of Botanica Wichita, the Sedgwick County Zoo, Old Cowtown Museum, and The Keeper of the Plains statue.

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11. Beavers Bend State Park

201509-RD-LSC-0197
Source: Photo by Flickr user U.S. Department o... used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Beavers Bend State Park is a great vacation spot near Tulsa for family picnics and outdoor fun. This park is located at 205.8 miles (330 km) from Tulsa and contains several camping facilities, lodging and cabin options. The park spans an area of 1300 acres (526 ha) and contains the Broken Bow Lake and National Forest cover. The Mountain Fork River also flows through this scenic park. This place is a great option for a satisfying weekend getaway in Oklahoma.

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12. Red Rock Canyon State Park

Red Rock Canyon SP sign
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user taylorandayumi used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Red Rock Canyon State Park is at 161.6 miles (260 km) from Tulsa and it has spectacular cliffs and breathtaking rock formations that will treat the explorer in you. This state park has many tributary canyons, each of which is unique and has different colors making it a one-of-a-kind destination in the whole country. The beautiful floral displays that happen right after the wet season in this park, is another amazing sight that you cannot miss.

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Explore nature and history

While there are plenty of things to do, attractions to visit, and places to eat in Tulsa, there are still so many cities around it that are worth exploring. These day-trips not only reinvigorate your mind but also your spirit, by quenching your desire for good travel and adventure. So, make your weekends even more satisfying with these amazing day trips from Tulsa.

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Frequently asked questions about day trips from Tulsa, Oklahoma


  • What are some family-friendly things to do near Tulsa?

    For an amazing day trip with the family, visit Sequoyah State Park or Beavers Bend State Park. These attractions offer green spaces and facilities that are ideal for outdoor fun, picnics, and relaxation. Oklahoma City also offers Oklahoma City Zoo which is great for kids!

  • What are some scenic places near Tulsa?

    If you want to enjoy stunning views of the lake, mountains, and lush greenery, Grand Lake and Eufaula are the best places to visit. Red Rock Canyon State Park also boasts a unique scenery of tributary canyons as well as floral displays.

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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Sharadha is a happy 'paw'rent to beautiful GSDs - Max n Tuffey. At times, when she is not too busy pampering her furry kids, she is trying her best to stay fit, write and travel. She loves...Read more

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