Out on the Town in OKC: Top Things to Do in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a getaway, but those who visit are quick to discover a city with heart, history, and a whole lot of charm. Whether you’re into museums, food, art, sports, or nature, OKC offers something special for every kind of traveler.
Reflect At The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
This beautifully designed space honors the victims, survivors, and rescuers of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The outdoor memorial, with its hauntingly still reflecting pool and illuminated chairs, is one of the most moving sites in the country, while the museum inside offers a deep and emotional look at the events of that day and the city’s resilience in the aftermath.
Stroll Through Myriad Botanical Gardens
For something lighter, head downtown to the Myriad Botanical Gardens, a 15-acre urban oasis in the heart of the city. You can stroll through beautifully landscaped grounds, grab coffee from a nearby café, or step inside the Crystal Bridge Conservatory, where tropical plants and waterfalls offer a peaceful escape.
Get Artistic In Paseo
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the colorful Paseo Arts District, a funky, walkable neighborhood filled with galleries, boutiques, and working artist studios. Whether you’re shopping for local ceramics or just want to admire murals with a coffee in hand, Paseo feels like a creative world unto itself.
Slam Some Onion Burgers
When hunger strikes, make a beeline for Tucker’s Onion Burgers, a local institution serving up a uniquely Oklahoman classic. The onion burger was born during the Great Depression, when grill cooks stretched beef patties by smashing them with thin-sliced onions. The result is a juicy, crispy-edged burger with sweet, caramelized onion flavor packed into every bite. Tucker’s does it right—simple, satisfying, and undeniably crave-worthy.
Bring the Thunder
No visit to OKC is complete without catching a Thunder basketball game at the Paycom Center. Whether you're a diehard NBA fan or just there for the electric atmosphere, a Thunder game is one of the city's most energetic experiences—especially if the team is hot.
Sail Down Bricktown
For a lively, entertainment-packed afternoon or evening, head to Bricktown, one of Oklahoma City’s most popular districts. Centered around a scenic canal, this former warehouse area has been transformed into a vibrant hub full of restaurants, bars, and attractions. You can take a ride on the Bricktown Water Taxi, which offers a fun, narrated tour along the canal, but there’s plenty more to do once you’re back on dry land. Catch a movie at the Harkins Theatre, take a swing at a local brewery, or grab a bite at one of the many restaurants lining the water. From steakhouses and Tex-Mex joints to live music venues and dueling piano bars, Bricktown is a great place to let the day turn into night.
Unleash Your Inner Cowboy At The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
History buffs and western lovers will appreciate the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, which features everything from frontier art to old saddles and cowboy movie memorabilia. It’s surprisingly vast, and genuinely fascinating—even for those who didn’t grow up watching westerns.
Have Dinner at the Iconic Cheever's
If you’re in the mood for something a little more elevated, Cheever’s Café is a must. Housed in a restored 1930s flower shop, Cheever’s blends upscale comfort food with a Southwestern twist. Think chicken fried steak with jalapeño gravy, shrimp and grits with green chile grit cakes, and bread pudding worth writing home about. With its warm atmosphere and consistently top-notch service, Cheever’s is the kind of place that feels special without being stuffy.
Explore the Plaza District
Don't forget to check out Plaza Walls, an outdoor mural gallery in the Plaza District that showcases work from local and international street artists. It’s free, ever-changing, and great for photos.
Hike Turner Falls
If you’re up for a short drive, head about 90 minutes south to Turner Falls, one of Oklahoma’s most beautiful natural spots. With a 77-foot waterfall, swimming holes, caves, and hiking trails, it’s the perfect day trip to cap off your OKC adventure.