Tulsa is one of the most interesting cities in Oklahoma, offering a rich blend of history, culture, music, and outdoor attractions. Travellers searching for the Best Things to Do in Tulsa quickly notice the city’s impressive Art Deco architecture, lively arts scene, beautiful parks, and fascinating museums. Located along the Arkansas River, Tulsa combines historic charm with modern entertainment and welcoming local culture.
The city grew rapidly during the early twentieth century when the oil industry transformed Tulsa into an economic powerhouse. Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa can still see many of the elegant Art Deco buildings that were constructed during that period. These architectural landmarks give Tulsa a distinctive character compared to many other cities in the region.
Tulsa also attracts travellers interested in music, particularly jazz, blues, and country traditions. People experiencing the Best Things to Do in Tulsa can visit music venues, explore cultural districts, walk through scenic parks, and learn about the history of the region through museums and heritage sites.
Why Tulsa Is a Must Visit Destination
Tulsa offers a fascinating combination of cultural heritage, architecture, and outdoor recreation. Travellers researching the Best Things to Do in Tulsa will find activities suited for history lovers, music fans, families, and nature enthusiasts.
Key reasons travellers enjoy the Best Things to Do in Tulsa include:
• Beautiful Art Deco architecture
• Cultural museums and art galleries
• Scenic parks along the Arkansas River
• Music venues and historic theatres
• Local restaurants and lively districts
These attractions create a welcoming and engaging travel experience for visitors.
Quick Travel Facts About Tulsa
Before exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa, these travel facts help visitors plan their trip.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Oklahoma |
| Population | Around 415,000 |
| Known For | Art Deco architecture, music culture |
| Famous Landmark | BOK Center |
| Best Time to Visit | April to October |
| Currency | US Dollar |
Top 21 Best Things to Do in Tulsa
Tulsa offers a wide range of attractions including museums, parks, historic buildings, and cultural venues. Travellers searching for the Best Things to Do in Tulsa will find memorable experiences across the city.
1. Visit the Philbrook Museum of Art
The Philbrook Museum of Art ranks among the most famous Best Things to Do in Tulsa. Located inside a historic Italian style villa, the museum features art collections and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Visitors admire paintings, sculptures, and decorative art from various cultures and historical periods.
Highlights include:
• European and American art collections
• Beautiful formal gardens
• Historic villa architecture
• Seasonal exhibitions and cultural events
2. Explore the Gathering Place
The Gathering Place represents one of the popular Best Things to Do in Tulsa. This large riverside park offers playgrounds, walking paths, gardens, and family attractions.
Visitors enjoy outdoor activities, picnics, and views along the Arkansas River.
Activities include:
• Walking and cycling trails
• Outdoor play areas for families
• Scenic river views
• Community events and festivals
3. Visit the Gilcrease Museum
The Gilcrease Museum offers one of the educational Best Things to Do in Tulsa. This respected museum is known for its impressive collection focused on American history, Western art, and Indigenous culture.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa walk through galleries filled with paintings, historical artefacts, manuscripts, and rare documents that illustrate the development of the American frontier. The museum contains one of the largest collections of Western themed artwork in the United States.
The surrounding grounds also provide scenic views and outdoor spaces where visitors can relax while exploring the area. Many travellers appreciate the museum for its historical insight and artistic displays.
Highlights include:
• Western art collections and historic paintings
• Artefacts related to American frontier history
• Rare manuscripts and historical documents
• Scenic museum grounds and gardens
4. Walk Through the Tulsa Arts District
The Tulsa Arts District stands among the creative areas included in the Best Things to Do in Tulsa. This vibrant neighbourhood is known for its galleries, theatres, restaurants, and lively cultural atmosphere.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa enjoy walking through streets filled with murals, art studios, and performance venues. The district hosts numerous cultural events including art walks, theatre performances, and live music shows.
Many travellers visit the area during evening hours when restaurants and entertainment venues create a lively social environment. The mix of art, dining, and nightlife makes the district a popular destination for visitors.
Highlights include:
• Art galleries and exhibition spaces
• Theatres and live performance venues
• Restaurants and cafés
• Cultural festivals and art events
5. Visit the BOK Center
The BOK Center ranks among the major entertainment venues included in the Best Things to Do in Tulsa. This modern arena hosts a wide variety of events including concerts, sports competitions, and live performances.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa attend shows featuring international music artists, sporting tournaments, and major entertainment productions. The arena’s impressive design and large seating capacity allow it to host major events throughout the year.
The surrounding downtown area also features restaurants and nightlife venues that make attending events at the arena part of a full evening experience.
Highlights include:
• Concerts by major music artists
• Sporting events and competitions
• Modern architectural design
• Downtown entertainment location
6. Explore the Tulsa Zoo
The Tulsa Zoo represents one of the family friendly Best Things to Do in Tulsa. Located within Mohawk Park, the zoo covers a large area and features animals from many different regions of the world.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa walk through exhibits where animals live in habitats designed to resemble their natural environments. Educational displays explain conservation efforts and wildlife protection.
The zoo also offers interactive activities and family programs that make it a popular destination for visitors travelling with children.
Highlights include:
• Wildlife exhibits representing global habitats
• Educational conservation programs
• Family friendly outdoor attraction
• Interactive animal exhibits
7. Walk Along the Arkansas River Parks
The Arkansas River Parks offer scenic outdoor recreation among the relaxing Best Things to Do in Tulsa. These parks stretch along the river and provide some of the best outdoor spaces in the city.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa enjoy walking, cycling, and jogging along paved trails that follow the riverbank. The area provides beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscape.
The parks also include picnic areas, playgrounds, and open green spaces where visitors relax or attend outdoor events.
Highlights include:
• Scenic riverside walking and cycling paths
• Views along the Arkansas River
• Picnic areas and open green spaces
• Outdoor recreation and community events
8. Visit the Woody Guthrie Center
The Woody Guthrie Center celebrates the life and music of the legendary folk singer and represents one of the cultural Best Things to Do in Tulsa. The museum honours the influential musician whose songs helped shape American folk music.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa learn about Guthrie’s life, musical career, and his impact on social and cultural movements in the United States. Exhibits include handwritten lyrics, photographs, musical instruments, and personal belongings.
Interactive displays allow visitors to listen to recordings and explore the themes that influenced Guthrie’s songwriting. The centre also hosts concerts, educational programs, and cultural events throughout the year.
Highlights include:
• Exhibits about Woody Guthrie’s life and music
• Original song lyrics and personal artefacts
• Interactive music displays and recordings
• Cultural events and live performances
9. Explore the Tulsa Air and Space Museum
The Tulsa Air and Space Museum provides one of the educational Best Things to Do in Tulsa. This museum highlights aviation history and the development of aerospace technology.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa see aircraft exhibits, flight simulators, and displays explaining the science behind aviation. The museum also features space exploration exhibits that showcase rockets and spacecraft models.
Interactive activities allow visitors to experience elements of flight training and aeronautical engineering. The museum attracts aviation enthusiasts and families interested in science and technology.
Highlights include:
• Historic aircraft displays
• Space exploration exhibits
• Flight simulators and interactive displays
• Educational programs about aviation
10. Walk Through Woodward Park
Woodward Park offers natural beauty among the relaxing Best Things to Do in Tulsa. This large park provides landscaped gardens, peaceful walking paths, and scenic outdoor areas within the city.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa enjoy strolling through beautifully maintained gardens that feature seasonal flowers and shaded green spaces. The park is also home to the Tulsa Rose Garden, which contains hundreds of rose varieties.
The quiet environment makes the park a favourite location for photography, picnics, and peaceful outdoor relaxation.
Highlights include:
• Landscaped gardens and scenic walking paths
• Famous Tulsa Rose Garden
• Picnic areas and shaded green spaces
• Peaceful environment for relaxation
11. Visit the Tulsa Historical Society Museum
The Tulsa Historical Society Museum represents one of the historic Best Things to Do in Tulsa. Located within a beautiful historic mansion, the museum tells the story of Tulsa’s development over time.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa learn about the early settlement of the region, the oil boom that transformed the city, and the cultural influences that shaped its identity.
Exhibits include historic photographs, artefacts, and interactive displays that illustrate life in Tulsa across different periods.
Highlights include:
• Exhibits about Tulsa’s oil industry history
• Historic photographs and artefacts
• Educational displays about regional culture
• Beautiful historic mansion setting
12. Explore Route 66 Landmarks
Route 66 landmarks in Tulsa represent one of the classic Best Things to Do in Tulsa. The historic highway passes through the city and reflects an important chapter in American road travel history.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa can see vintage signs, historic gas stations, and roadside attractions that once welcomed travellers driving across the country. These landmarks celebrate the era when Route 66 served as a major travel route connecting the Midwest with the West Coast.
Many travellers enjoy photographing the colourful signs and historic buildings that remain along the route. Guided tours and local maps help visitors explore several famous Route 66 stops within Tulsa.
Highlights include:
• Historic Route 66 road signs
• Vintage roadside architecture
• Classic travel landmarks along the highway
• Popular photography locations
13. Visit the Golden Driller Statue
The Golden Driller statue stands among the iconic landmarks included in the Best Things to Do in Tulsa. This enormous statue honours the oil workers who helped transform Tulsa into a major centre of the petroleum industry.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa admire the impressive size of the statue, which stands beside the Tulsa Expo Center. The statue represents a muscular oil worker holding a drilling tool, symbolising the city’s oil boom history.
Many travellers stop here to take photographs with the landmark while learning about the industry that helped shape the city’s growth during the early twentieth century.
Highlights include:
• Large statue celebrating oil industry heritage
• Iconic Tulsa landmark
• Popular photography location
• Historic connection to the city’s oil boom
14. Walk Through the Tulsa Botanic Garden
The Tulsa Botanic Garden offers peaceful scenery among the relaxing Best Things to Do in Tulsa. This beautiful garden showcases a variety of plant collections and landscaped areas designed to highlight natural beauty.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa walk along scenic paths that lead through themed gardens filled with seasonal flowers, trees, and colourful plant displays.
The gardens also feature open lawns, water features, and quiet seating areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Highlights include:
• Themed botanical garden landscapes
• Seasonal flower displays
• Scenic walking trails
• Peaceful outdoor relaxation areas
15. Visit the Center of the Universe
The Center of the Universe represents one of the unusual attractions included in the Best Things to Do in Tulsa. This small circular area located in downtown Tulsa creates a unique acoustic effect.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa stand in the centre of the circle and speak or clap to hear their voice echo back in an unusual way. The sound reflection creates a surprising effect that fascinates visitors.
Although the site appears simple, it has become a popular curiosity that attracts travellers interested in unique experiences.
Highlights include:
• Unique acoustic echo effect
• Interesting scientific curiosity
• Popular photography and social media spot
• Easy to visit downtown attraction
16. Explore the Brady Theatre
The Brady Theatre offers live performances among the cultural Best Things to Do in Tulsa. This historic theatre has hosted concerts, theatre shows, and entertainment events for many decades.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa attend performances by touring musicians, comedians, and theatre groups. The venue’s historic design and intimate atmosphere create an enjoyable live entertainment experience.
The theatre remains an important part of Tulsa’s music and cultural scene, attracting visitors who want to experience live performances in a historic setting.
Highlights include:
• Historic live music venue
• Concerts and entertainment events
• Classic theatre architecture
• Important cultural landmark in Tulsa
17. Visit the Cave House
The Cave House stands among the unusual attractions included in the Best Things to Do in Tulsa. This historic property features a distinctive design built into a hillside, giving it the appearance of a house carved from stone.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa admire the unique structure that blends natural rock formations with architectural features. The house has an interesting history and has been used for various purposes over the years.
Guided tours allow travellers to learn about the story behind the building and how it became one of Tulsa’s most curious landmarks. Its unusual design makes it a memorable stop for visitors interested in local history.
Highlights include:
• Unique hillside architecture
• Historic Tulsa landmark
• Guided tours explaining the building’s history
• Interesting photography location
18. Walk Through Chandler Park
Chandler Park offers scenic views among the relaxing Best Things to Do in Tulsa. Located on elevated ground west of the city, this park provides panoramic views of the Arkansas River valley and surrounding countryside.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa enjoy walking along hiking trails that wind through wooded areas and rocky landscapes. The park also includes picnic areas and open spaces where families relax and spend time outdoors.
Many travellers visit the park during sunrise or sunset when the views across the valley become especially beautiful.
Highlights include:
• Scenic overlooks and valley views
• Hiking trails through natural landscapes
• Picnic areas and open green spaces
• Quiet outdoor recreation environment
19. Visit the Tulsa Farmers Market
The Tulsa Farmers Market offers a lively local experience among the cultural Best Things to Do in Tulsa. This popular market brings together farmers, artisans, and food vendors from across the region.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa browse stalls filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and handmade products. The market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the local food culture and meet regional producers.
Live music and community activities often add to the vibrant atmosphere. Many travellers visit the market to enjoy local flavours and purchase unique items.
Highlights include:
• Fresh produce from local farms
• Handmade crafts and artisan goods
• Street food and baked treats
• Community events and live music
20. Explore the Tulsa Performing Arts Center
The Tulsa Performing Arts Center represents one of the cultural Best Things to Do in Tulsa. This large complex hosts a wide range of performances throughout the year.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa attend theatre productions, ballet performances, concerts, and opera shows presented by local and international artists.
The centre features multiple theatres with impressive stage design and acoustics that enhance the live performance experience. Cultural festivals and special events are also held here regularly.
Highlights include:
• Theatre and stage performances
• Ballet and opera productions
• Concerts and live music events
• Important cultural venue in downtown Tulsa
21. Try Tulsa Local Cuisine
Trying local food remains one of the enjoyable Best Things to Do in Tulsa.
Visitors often try:
• Oklahoma barbecue dishes
• Chicken fried steak
• Southern comfort food
• Local craft beer
Popular Attractions in Tulsa
Travellers exploring the Best Things to Do in Tulsa often prioritise these famous attractions:
• Philbrook Museum of Art
• Gathering Place Park
• Gilcrease Museum
• Tulsa Zoo
• Woody Guthrie Center
• Arkansas River Parks
• Golden Driller Statue
• Tulsa Botanic Garden
• Route 66 landmarks
• BOK Center
Best Time to Visit Tulsa
The best time to experience the Best Things to Do in Tulsa is from spring through autumn when the weather becomes comfortable for outdoor exploration.
Spring brings blooming gardens and outdoor festivals across the city. Summer offers lively concerts, riverfront activities, and cultural events.
Autumn provides pleasant temperatures and colourful scenery in parks and gardens.
Must Read:
Final Thoughts:
The Best Things to Do in Tulsa highlight a city filled with culture, history, and outdoor attractions. Visitors can explore museums, walk through art districts, relax in scenic parks, and attend live performances throughout the city.
From the beautiful Philbrook Museum of Art to the lively Gathering Place and historic Route 66 landmarks, the Best Things to Do in Tulsa offer memorable experiences for travellers visiting one of Oklahoma’s most vibrant cities.
