Home to oil magnates like Waite Phillips and Thomas Gilcrease, Tulsa is one of the most developed cities of Oklahoma with every other corner being a tourist attraction. The city has been through several ups and downs and it’s all visible in the landmarks it has from the historic Greenwood district sharing the story of the horrific 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre to the Philbrook Museum of Art located inside an extravagant mansion once owned by an oil operator showcasing how the oil industry gave the city a boost.
Over the past five years, the city has seen the arrival of exciting additions like Mother Road Market, a hip food hall, Greenwood Rising, an innovative museum highlighting the Tulsa Race Massacre, and the Gathering Place, a sprawling waterfront park that will eventually expand to cover 100 acres and include the new Tulsa Children’s Museum. Overall, the city’s tourism is constantly increasing and if you are planning a trip to Tulsa, you’ve come to the right place!
Tourist Attractions
Tulsa is one of those cities which is booming with culture, history, and art. There are so many tourist attractions here that it might take you days to go through them all. However, we have tried to compile our list with some of the top most popular tourist attractions with something of interest being there for everyone.
Philbrook Museum of Art
Once home to an oil tycoon, Waite Phillips, the Philbrook Museum of Art is a popular tourist attraction. It is located inside a mansion and is surrounded by 25 acres of gardens. It features a huge collection of more than 16,000 American, Native American, and European art and objects. The indoor art museum boasts two floors with various rooms showcasing different exhibitions. Half of the rooms on the first floor feature rotating exhibits, ensuring there’s always something new to discover each time you visit.
Woodward Park and Gardens
Located just around 2 miles southwest of downtown Tulsa, the Woodward Park and Gardens is an amazing tourist attraction for adults and children to unwind and connect with nature. The Tulsa Garden Center is located here which is full of flora for tourists to explore and admire. Moreover, it is also an excellent spot for learning more about plants as it boasts a collection of over 5,000 volumes on botany, landscaping, and other related topics. The best part is that all the locations in Woodward Park and Gardens are completely free of cost. For a fun day out, pack a picnic and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the trails of Woodward park.
The park is open for the public from 5am to 11pm daily. However, the Tulsa Garden Center is open from 9am to 4pm from Tuesday till Saturday.
Tulsa Botanic Gardens
Located on the Osage Hills, the Tulsa Botanic Gardens offers a serene environment to relax, admire the native plants of Osage country, and unwind from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In addition to a children’s discovery garden, these gardens double as an outdoor classroom, rich with plant life and conservation efforts. As the gardens continually evolve, springtime brings an explosion of color, with over 200,000 bulbs of daffodils, orchids, and tulips bursting into bloom, creating a vibrant and enchanting landscape.
However, you need to purchase a ticket to visit this tourist attraction and it is always a good idea to reserve your spot beforehand. For ages 3 to 15, the ticket charges are $5 and for ages 16 and above, the ticket charges are $10. The ticket price changes if there is a special event ongoing. The garden hours also regularly change so check the website for the updated timings so that you can plan your day accordingly.
Woody Guthrie Center
Whether you are a music fanatic or not, you are bound to have lots of fun at this tourist attraction!
As the name suggests, the Woody Guthrie Center is dedicated to the life of famed folk singer Woody Guthrie, who hails from Oklahoma and penned the iconic song “This Land is Your Land”. The center houses his original handwritten lyrics for visitors to view and admire. Additionally, the center features the Woody Guthrie Archives, showcasing his writings, artwork, and songs, along with insights into the Dust Bowl era. For those inspired by Guthrie’s artistry, the center offers a lyric-writing station, a listening station, and rotating exhibits by other artists, providing an ever-changing experience for visitors throughout the year.
Bob Dylan Center
The amazing Bob Dylan Center displays special cultural treasures made and once owned by none other than Bob Dylan himself for more than seventy years. Here you will find handwritten lyric manuscripts for some of his most beloved songs, recordings that haven’t been heard before, film performances never seen before, rare photos, artwork, and other valuable items. It’s a tribute to Dylan’s incredible career as one of the most significant cultural figures in the world and an amazing place for his fans to swoon over his memorabilia.
Tulsa History Society and Museum
As the name suggests, the Tulsa History Society and Museum showcases the history of Tulsa with the help of its eight exhibit galleries. The exhibitions in the galleries undergo changes frequently so that they can cover as much of Tulsa’s history as possible. In fact, each gallery at the Tulsa Historical Society undergoes changes at least once a year.
Explore stunning displays like the “Constructing Tulsa” exhibit, which showcases images and fragments of iconic Tulsa buildings during their construction. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the first mail window installed in Tulsa at the Perryman Ranch. Visitors can even create their very own version of iconic Tulsa home designs.
Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium
Not far from the Tulsa International Airport, the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium is quite famous among tourists as it highlights the city’s role in America’s aviation history. There is plenty to see at the museum and it is ideal for all age groups. Tourists can also experience the joy of flying a Viper F-16 via an interactive display.
To learn more about space, explore the James E. Bertelsmeyer Planetarium. Here there are full dome screens which provide tourists with the experience of a lifetime. You can check out the museum’s official website to learn about the ticket prices and timings of the various showings.
Greenwood Rising Black Wall St. History Center
Discover the story of Black Wall Street, once the wealthiest Black neighborhood in the country during the early 1900s, at the Greenwood Rising Black Wall St. History Center. Sadly, a violent white mob destroyed this neighborhood, killing hundreds and leaving over 10,000 Black Tulsans without homes. It was the worst racial violence in American history. This museum guides you through the tragic events leading to the massacre, shares harrowing tales from survivors, and shows how the Greenwood community rose again and still thrives despite the challenges.
Gilcrease Museum
The Gilcrease Museum is a top spot to check out art that captures the essence of the American West. You’ll see pieces by famous artists like Frederic Remington, Frank Tenney Johnson, and Charles Marion Russell, along with works by Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, and Thomas Moran to name a few. Outside, explore 23 acres of themed gardens, including the Pioneer Garden, the Rock Garden, and the Pre-Columbian Garden. It’s a must-visit for art and nature lovers alike!
The Cave House
Built in 1924 during prohibition as a chicken restaurant, The Cave House is today a popular Tulsa landmark. Whether you are traveling with family or alone, this quirky place is a must visit. Book a tour with the owner by texting him or ringing him up and learn interesting stories and fun facts about the place’s existence and history. You will be needing a ticket to enjoy a tour of The Cave House. The ticket costs $15 for adults and $7.50 for children under the age of 13.
The Outsiders House Museum
Get a chance to witness the legacy of The Outsiders book and movie at the Outsiders House House Museum. This museum is dedicated to celebrating the iconic coming-of-age tale by S.E. Hinton and was founded by none other than O’Connor himself.
During a tour in 2009, O’Connor stumbled upon the house featured in his beloved movie, Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders (1983). Set in mid-60s Tulsa, the story follows the clash between two social groups. Seeing potential in the house as a museum, O’Connor bought the filming location in 2016 and led a crowdfunding to restore it and turn it into the great museum it is today.
The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art
The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art’s holds a collection that is ancient and quite informative. It has old iron and bronze artifacts from early Jewish times, way back to around 3200 BCE. Also, there’s art by Israeli artists like Reuven Rubin. Plus, there are things from the Holocaust. For folks in Tulsa who are into history, there’s a bunch of stuff about local Jewish history to check out at this museum.
The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place is a huge outdoor park that won USA Today’s Best City Park in 2021. It was brought to life with the help of a generous donation by philanthropist George Kaiser. Michael Van Valkenburgh is the creative mind behind it as he designed the park. It has art shows, places to eat, a cool spot for kids to learn and explore, a lab to discover things, a library on wheels, free classes outside, concerts, and a bunch more fun things to do.
Tulsa Zoo
Prepare to be marveled by the huge variety of animals at the Tulsa Zoo, an 84 acres of land with over 2,000 animals from around the world. Along with seeing animals in their natural habitats, there’s other cool things to do at this zoo such as a Safari Train, a Wildlife Carousel, and a Gem Dig and Sluice exhibit. Plus, if you feel like grabbing a bite to eat while exploring the zoo, you won’t have to worry as there are several options here. You can also learn from Zookeeper Chats, take walking tours, and check out the nature center. And while you are at the Tulsa Zoo, do not miss out on the Tropical American Rainforests exhibit – it’s like stepping into the Amazon with a temperature of 72 to 82 degrees all year round.
You will have to purchase a ticket to enter the zoo. You can purchase the ticket online or at the zoo itself. The tickets cost $15.99 for adults that are 12 and above, $12.99 for senior citizens that are 65 and above and also for children aged between 3 to 11. Children aged 2 and below are allowed to enter the zoo free of cost.
Oklahoma Aquarium
The Oklahoma Aquarium is a super cool spot for families with over 100 exhibits and lots of animals. You can touch stingrays, give food to turtles, and stroll through a tunnel with sharks swimming all around you. If you are lucky, you might even get a chance to see a shark feeding.
The aquarium is open all year round from 10 am to 6 pm except on Tuesdays when its open till 9 pm. There is also an admission fee for visitors which is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors as well as military personnel and $12 for children.
Decopolis
The Decopolis is everything you would want in a souvenir store and more! It is located near downtown Tulsa and features a set of unique items for you to purchase from your trip to Tulsa.
The Decopolis also features the volcanic “Mesmer Island”, a cave filled with rocks, fossils and dinosaurs of all kinds along with science gifts and toys. There is also a dig site where visitors can get their hands on a sample bag, mine for various fossils and minerals and even win a prize. You will also find the FableRealm Castle here which is a room full of toys, Disney items and children’s books. The Wizard of DECOPOLIS’s laboratory is also located here. Here there are Harry Potter and Fantasy related memorabilia as well as Star Wars and Sci Fi related memorabilia. Through the next door, visitors will find the DECOPOLIS TulsaRama Town Square, featuring charming miniature buildings brimming with Tulsa and Route 66 souvenirs and books.
Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios
Buck Atom’s is a standout shop that pays tribute to the charm of Route 66. As soon as you reach the store, you’ll meet Buck Atom – a towering 21-foot-tall space cowboy muffler man just infront of the store ready to welcome everyone. Inside, you’ll discover a range of Route 66-inspired clothing, home decor, art, and more. Grab a quirky souvenir to remember the fun of your day on Route 66 in T-Town!
Food To Try In Tulsa
If you are a foodie and traveling to Tulsa, you have got to take out time to visit Mother Road Market. This is the perfect place to have a taste of Tulsa’s culinary and retail scene. This food hall, housed in the historic Scrivner-Stevens Co. Grocery building since 2018, offers more than 20 restaurants and shops for visitors to choose from and enjoy. Plus, there’s mini golf, live music, and cooking classes. You can feast on everything from pizza and ice cream to tacos and sushi.
The people of Tulsa are extremely serious about their coffee. Hence, the city boasts of one of the best coffee scenes in the Midwest with numerous coffee shops and roasters across the city. For the best brews, locals recommend Cirque Coffee (try their Cinnamon Toast Crunch latte), Black Wall Street Liquid Lounge, or Hodges Bend.
Soul food and barbecue are staples of Tulsa’s dining scene. Sweet Lisa’s Café and Evelyn’s Soul Food Cuisine are popular spots for their fried catfish, while Leon’s Smoke Shack BBQ, Rubicon, and Albert G’s Bar-B-Q are top picks for brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.
If you are in the mood for something fancy, try out Bull in the Alley or Palace Cafè. If you want to enjoy a drink with a breathtaking view, give Soma Tulsa a try. The patio at Soma Tulsa is relaxing and a good place to hangout in the evening especially due to the views it offers. The food at this restaurant is also surprisingly really good and worth the money.
Scams To Avoid In Tulsa
When planning your trip to Tulsa, try and book a hotel instead of renting up a place online. This is because rental scams are on the rise in Tulsa these days with scammers taking authentic pictures of the rental property from websites such as Zillow and then pretending that the property is theirs and putting up a similar post on different websites such as Craigslist. If, for any reason, you want to opt for renting a place only then do not pay the owner for the rental place until you are actually there in person. Similarly, you have to be careful when booking a rental car to avoid being lost and scammed when you arrive in the city.
Moreover, pickpockets are not that common in Tulsa but just to be on the safe side carry a card rather than cash when you are exploring downtown Tulsa. This is because this area is the most crowded and the chances of getting your things stolen are the most common here.
Things To Do If You Are In Tulsa For A Day
If you are in Tulsa only for a day, you have to make most of your trip and hence, start your day super early. Start your day off by going to Philbrook Museum of Art which opens at 9:00 am. This is a popular tourist spot as it is not only a museum but also has excellent gardens in the back. You may also pack a picnic for yourself as there are picnic tables and lots of grassy areas for visitors to sit and relax after a tour of the museum.
Close to the Philbrook Museum is the Woodward Park and Gardens. It is a great place for you to visit whether you are traveling alone or with kids.
While you are in Tulsa, head to the Tulsa Garden Center at Woodward Park. It is a small greenhouse and the perfect place for you to visit if you are not obsessed with plants but still want to visit the Botanical Garden as a tourist. This is because the Tulsa Garden Center captures the essence of the Botanical Garden and is completely free of cost. There are fountains and beautiful gardens at this tourist attraction making it a great spot for tourist friendly pictures. Since you are in the neighborhood look for the Golden Driller Statue. This statue is extraordinary and represents the role of the oil industry in the country’s economy.
Then, head to the Tulsa History Society and Museum which revolves around Tulsa’s history and has rotating exhibitions all year round. There is an entrance fee for this spectacular museum which is housed in a mansion but it is worth it. If the Tulsa History Society and Museum doesn’t attract you, there are a few other spots you can check out on your first day as an alternative such as the Woody Guthrie Center and the Greenwood Rising Black Wall St. History Center.
Enjoy the stunning view from the rooftop patio of Soma Tulsa and if you reach there on time, you might even be able to catch the sunset. Here you can also have a drink or two or dine inside the restaurant.
You would definitely want to get souvenirs from your trip even if it was only for a day and the best place for it is Decopolis. The store is huge and smells of candy, nostalgia and everything nice. It has souvenirs of all sorts at amazing prices and we are sure you will find something here that suits your taste.
End this long day with a delicious dinner at any one of the places we have mentioned above.
Things To Do If You Are In Tulsa For 3 Days
If you are planning to go to Tulsa for the weekend, be prepared to have a packed schedule as there’s lots to do and too little time.
Day 1
Have plenty of sleep the night before and wake up early to begin touring the city of Tulsa. Start the day off with a delicious breakfast from your hotel or a cafe nearby. Then, head to the Philbrook Museum of Art, aka Versailles of Oklahoma. The museum has a vast collection for you to go through. Once you are done with looking around the museum, sit and enjoy the beautiful gardens that surround it. You can even carry a small snack for you to eat at the gardens as you relax and unwind on your trip.
Just at a walking distance from the Philbrook Museum of Art is the Woodward Park and Gardens. It is a must visit tourist spot and is nothing short of breathtaking. Connect with mother nature here or walk along the trail to look at sculptures and the beautiful scenery of the park. The Tulsa Garden Center is also located here and is a good place for you to look at a variety of plants completely free of cost. Outside of the Woodward Park and Gardens, look for the Golden Driller Statue. This golden statue is hard to miss and since you are in the area, it’s best to check it out.
Stop for lunch and then visit the Tulsa History Society and Museum. The museum is located inside a mansion and you will have to purchase a ticket to enter it.
Your next destination would be Soma Tulsa where you can soak in the amazing view from the rooftop patio. If you’re lucky, you might catch a beautiful sunset. You can have a drink on the patio or enjoy a meal inside the restaurant.
After Soma Tulsa, visit the Gathering Place. Participate in the fun activities here and also grab a bite to eat if you are feeling hungry. End the day by dining out at a restaurant of your choice and enjoying the night life of Tulsa.
Day 2
Enjoy the drive through Route 66 from your hotel and take in the views of Tulsa. End the car ride when you reach Decopolis, one of the best stores in the world where you will find all sorts of souvenirs. Close to Decopolis is Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios. This souvenir store isn’t too big but has a great collection which many might even refer to as a bit overpriced. It’s not mandatory for you to make a purchase from here but since you are in the neighborhood, it’s worth checking out.
Then, take a car ride to the Arts District. Head over to Woody Guthrie Center, a museum dedicated to Oklahoma’s very own folk singer and songwriter . Here you will find several belongings of the singer and get to know him better. Next, head to the Bob Dylan Center which is at a walking distance from Woody Guthrie’s museum. The exhibition here isn’t huge and it won’t take you a lot of time to go through it but is a great spot for tourists especially if you are a fan.
Finally, visit the Greenwood Rising Black Wall St. History Center. But remember you must book your tickets in advance for this location. We think its a must visit as it sheds light on the horrors the Black community in Greenwood had to face once upon a time. However, since then, the people of Greenwood have managed to rise up again and are leading successful lives now.
Have a delicious dinner and then get ready to go to bed.
Day 3
Day 3 is all about going to the Tulsa Zoo and Oklahoma Aquarium. The tulsa zoo is home to thousands of animals and you are sure to have a great time here. Have an early lunch and then, head to the Oklahoma Aquarium. The sea life here is going to surprise you. Also, get a chance to feed turtles here. You need to purchase tickets for both the zoo and aquarium.
End the day by going to your hotel early and packing your things to head back home.
Things To Do If You Are In Tulsa For 5 Days
Here is a travel itinerary that you can follow if you are planning to spend 5 days in Tulsa.
Day 1
Start your day with a tasty breakfast from your hotel or a nearby restaurant before heading to the Philbrook Museum of Art which was once home to an oil pioneer. It’s got a big collection for you to check out. But remember to keep an eye on your watch as there’s a lot more to explore on your first day in Tulsa. After exploring the museum, take a break in the beautiful gardens surrounding it. You can even bring a snack to munch on while you sit at one of the swings and take in the beauty of this famous tourist spot.
Just a short walk from the Philbrook Museum of Art is Woodward Park and Gardens. It’s a must-see spot that’ll leave you in awe. Get close to nature here or stroll along the trail to see sculptures and enjoy the park’s lovely scenery. The Tulsa Garden Center is also here, and it’s a great place to see lots of different plants for free. You can also walk over to the Golden Driller Statue which is quite impressive and showcases the importance of the oil industry for the people of Tulsa.
Grab lunch and then head to the Tulsa History Society and Museum which is just opposite to the Woodward Park and Gardens. It’s housed in a mansion, and you’ll need to buy a ticket to get in.
Next up is Soma Tulsa, where you can enjoy the incredible view from the rooftop patio. If you’re lucky, you might catch a sunset while enjoying a drink. If the menu looks appealing to you, you can order and have your meal inside the restaurant.
After Soma Tulsa, check out the Gathering Place. Have some fun with the activities here and grab a bite to eat if you’re hungry. Finish off the day by dining at a restaurant of your choice and hitting the hay early.
Day 2
Start the day off by going to the Tulsa Botanic Garden. This is the perfect place to take in the beauty of mother nature since there are thousands of plants here and you are bound to lose track of time here. Have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Hop in a car and go to the Gilcrease Museum next. Find yourself getting lost in the art present here and the lush gardens. Sit down for a while in the gardens and relax on your trip.
Then go to The Cave House. Remember to book your tour in advance and have a great time here.
Relax and unwind in your hotel room as there’s a lot planned for the next day.
Day 3
Enjoy a scenic drive along Route 66 from your hotel and soak in the sights of Tulsa. Stop at Decopolis, a top-notch store offering all kinds of souvenirs. Nearby, you’ll find Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios, a smaller souvenir shop with a nice and unique selection, though some might find it a tad pricey. It’s worth a visit especially since you will be in the area.
Next, hop in the car and head to the Arts District. Go to the Woody Guthrie Center, a museum honoring the life and work of Woody Guthrie. Explore Guthrie’s personal items and learn more about his life. Then, stroll over to the Bob Dylan Center, just a short walk from Guthrie’s museum. It’s not a huge exhibition, but perfect for fans and tourists alike.
Finally, make your way to the Greenwood Rising Black Wall St. History Center. Remember to book your tickets in advance for this one. It’s a must-see, shedding light on the hardships faced by the Black community in Greenwood long ago. The center sheds light on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Today, despite all these tragedies, the people of Greenwood have risen up and are thriving today.
Wrap up the day with a tasty dinner and get ready for a good night’s sleep.
Day 4
On Day 3, it’s all about visiting the Tulsa Zoo and Oklahoma Aquarium. You can visit either of the two first based on their distance from your hotel. The Tulsa Zoo is packed with thousands of animals, guaranteeing a fantastic time for everyone. Grab an early lunch, then make your way to the Oklahoma Aquarium. Prepare to be amazed by the sea life here, and don’t miss the chance to feed the turtles. Entry to neither of these locations is free of cost and you will have to purchase tickets. Get some rest as this is a vacation after all and only leave your hotel for a delicious dinner.
Day 5
On your last day in the city, head to the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium. This museum offers a unique experience and you will surely have a great time here whether you are traveling alone or with friends and family.
Next, visit The Outsiders House Museum. This museum is a sort of tribute to the book and movie of the same name.
Wrap up the day by heading back to your hotel early to pack up for your journey back home. Only leave your hotel for a fun night out and a scrumptious dinner.
