Top Things to Do in Tulsa, Oklahoma: A Comprehensive Guide to Accommodation, Restaurants, and Things to Do

Nestled along the verdant banks of the Arkansas River, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a vibrant city brimming with culture, history, and natural beauty. From its rich Native American heritage and oil boom legacy to its thriving arts scene and culinary delights, Tulsa offers visitors a diverse array of experiences to discover. Whether you’re exploring world-class museums, savoring delicious cuisine, or immersing yourself in outdoor adventures, Tulsa has something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the top things to do, accommodation options, and restaurants that make Tulsa a must-visit destination in the heart of the Sooner State. This article includes Things to Do in Tulsa, restaurants, and accommodation options.

Top Things to Do in Tulsa :

1. Philbrook Museum of Art:
   • Description: Housed in a stunning Italian Renaissance villa surrounded by lush gardens, the Philbrook Museum of Art is a cultural gem showcasing an impressive collection of European, American, and Native American art. Explore galleries filled with paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning centuries, stroll through formal gardens dotted with fountains and sculptures, and enjoy special exhibitions, programs, and events for visitors of all ages.
   • What to Expect: Immerse yourself in the beauty and elegance of the Philbrook Museum as you admire masterpieces by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Picasso, and O’Keeffe. Wander through the museum’s expansive gardens, which feature winding pathways, blooming flowers, and tranquil water features that provide a peaceful retreat from the city bustle. With its rich history, world-class art collection, and picturesque setting, the Philbrook offers a memorable cultural experience for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. One of the most popular Things to Do in Tulsa.
2. Gathering Place:
   • Description: Experience the magic of the Gathering Place, a sprawling riverside park that has been hailed as one of the best in the world. Spanning over 100 acres along the Arkansas River, this innovative park offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages, including playgrounds, gardens, sports courts, trails, and water features. Explore themed areas like the Adventure Playground, Chapman Adventure Playground, and Williams Lodge, and enjoy free concerts, events, and programs throughout the year.
   • What to Expect: Discover endless opportunities for fun and relaxation at the Gathering Place as you explore its diverse amenities and attractions. Spend the day climbing, sliding, and splashing in the park’s whimsical playgrounds and water features, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along scenic trails and landscaped gardens. With its vibrant atmosphere, family-friendly activities, and stunning river views, the Gathering Place is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families visiting Tulsa. This is included in most wanted Things to Do in Tulsa.
3. Tulsa Botanic Garden:
   • Description: Escape to a botanical paradise at the Tulsa Botanic Garden, a 170-acre oasis showcasing a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Explore themed gardens, such as the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces, the Children’s Discovery Garden, and the Cross Timbers Trail, and marvel at seasonal displays of flowers, trees, and native flora. Participate in educational programs, guided tours, and special events, or simply relax and unwind amidst the natural beauty of this enchanting garden sanctuary.
   • What to Expect: Discover the beauty and diversity of plant life at the Tulsa Botanic Garden as you wander through its meticulously curated landscapes and horticultural displays. Admire colorful blooms, fragrant herbs, and towering trees as you explore themed gardens inspired by different regions and ecosystems. With its serene ambiance, educational opportunities, and scenic beauty, the Tulsa Botanic Garden offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
4. The Gathering Place:
   • Description: The Gathering Place is a world-class, award-winning riverfront park spanning over 100 acres along the Arkansas River. Designed to bring people together and promote community engagement, the park offers a wide range of amenities and attractions for visitors of all ages. These include playgrounds, sports courts, gardens, walking trails, a boathouse, and a lodge. The park’s unique features include the five-acre Chapman Adventure Playground, the Peggy’s Pond nature area, and the Williams Lodge event space.
   • Activities: Visitors can enjoy activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling, skateboarding, and fishing. The park also hosts a variety of events and programs, including concerts, festivals, fitness classes, and educational workshops.
   • Location: 2650 S John Williams Way E, Tulsa, OK 74114
   • Website: The Gathering Place
5. The Golden Driller:
   • Description: The Golden Driller is a towering statue standing at 75 feet tall and weighing over 43,500 pounds, making it one of the tallest free-standing statues in the United States. The statue, originally built in 1953, serves as an iconic symbol of Tulsa’s oil industry and its status as the “Oil Capital of the World.” The Golden Driller is located at the Tulsa Expo Center and serves as a beloved landmark and photo opportunity for visitors and locals alike.
   • Activities: Visitors can admire the impressive stature of the Golden Driller and take photos with this iconic Tulsa landmark. The surrounding area also hosts various events, including trade shows, concerts, and exhibitions at the Tulsa Expo Center.
   • Location: 4145 E 21st St, Tulsa, OK 74114
   • Website: Tulsa Expo Center
6. Woody Guthrie Center:
   • Description: The Woody Guthrie Center celebrates the life, music, and legacy of folk musician and social activist Woody Guthrie. Located in the Tulsa Arts District, the center features interactive exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and audio recordings that showcase Guthrie’s contributions to American music and culture. Visitors can learn about Guthrie’s life, his influence on artists such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, and his commitment to social justice and political activism.
   • Activities: Visitors can explore exhibits on Guthrie’s childhood, his travels across America, and his collaborations with other musicians and artists. The center also hosts concerts, lectures, film screenings, and educational programs related to Guthrie’s music and activism.
   • Location: 102 E Brady St, Tulsa, OK 74103
   • Website: Woody Guthrie Center
7. Gilcrease Museum:
   • Description: The Gilcrease Museum is home to one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of American Western art, artifacts, and Native American materials. Located on a sprawling 460-acre campus in northwest Tulsa, the museum features galleries showcasing paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and documents spanning centuries of American history and culture. Highlights include works by renowned artists such as Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell, and Thomas Moran, as well as a vast collection of Native American art and artifacts.
   • Activities: Visitors can explore the museum’s extensive collections, participate in guided tours, attend art classes and workshops, and enjoy special exhibitions, lectures, and cultural events throughout the year.
   • Location: 1400 N Gilcrease Museum Rd, Tulsa, OK 74127
   • Website: Gilcrease Museum
8. Tulsa Zoo:
   • Description: The Tulsa Zoo is a beloved family-friendly attraction located in Mohawk Park, just north of downtown Tulsa. Home to over 2,800 animals representing more than 400 species, the zoo offers visitors the chance to explore diverse habitats and ecosystems from around the world. Highlights include the African Plains exhibit, the Rainforest Adventure exhibit, the Lost Kingdom exhibit, and the Children’s Zoo. The zoo also features educational programs, animal encounters, and conservation initiatives.
   • Activities: Visitors can enjoy animal encounters, feedings, and keeper talks, as well as rides on the zoo’s train and carousel. The zoo hosts special events throughout the year, including Boo at the Zoo, HallowZOOeen, and Safari Joe’s H2O Water Park during the summer months.
   • Location: 6421 E 36th St N, Tulsa, OK 74115
   • Website: Tulsa Zoo
9. Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area:
   • Description: Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area is a 300-acre natural preserve located along the west bank of the Arkansas River. Offering miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, as well as scenic overlooks and picnic areas, Turkey Mountain provides a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts amidst the urban landscape of Tulsa. The area features diverse ecosystems, including woodlands, prairies, and rocky bluffs, as well as opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and nature photography.
   • Activities: Visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride along a network of trails ranging from easy to challenging. The area is also popular for trail running, geocaching, and orienteering, as well as nature walks and guided tours led by local naturalists.
   • Location: 6850 S Elwood Ave, Tulsa, OK 74132
10. The Outsiders House Museum:
    • Description: The Outsiders House Museum is a must-visit destination for fans of the classic coming-of-age novel “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton and the subsequent film adaptation directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Located in the historic Florence Park neighborhood of Tulsa, the museum is housed in the actual bungalow featured prominently in both the book and the movie. The house serves as a tribute to the cultural impact of “The Outsiders” and celebrates the enduring legacy of the story and its characters.
    • Exhibits: The museum features a collection of memorabilia, artifacts, and ephemera related to “The Outsiders,” including original props, costumes, posters, and photographs from the film production. Visitors can explore rooms recreated to resemble scenes from the movie, such as the bedroom of protagonist Ponyboy Curtis and the living room where the greaser gang gathered. The museum also hosts special events, screenings, and book signings, as well as guided tours led by knowledgeable docents.
    • History: The Outsiders House gained fame as the primary filming location for the 1983 movie adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s novel. After falling into disrepair, the house was purchased and meticulously restored by dedicated fans and volunteers who recognized its cultural significance. Today, the Outsiders House Museum stands as a lovingly preserved tribute to the enduring popularity of “The Outsiders” and its impact on readers and viewers around the world.
    • Community Engagement: In addition to preserving the physical structure of the house, the museum serves as a community hub for fans of “The Outsiders” to come together, share their love for the story, and participate in events and activities inspired by the novel and film. The museum’s founders are committed to fostering a sense of connection and belonging among fans, as well as promoting literacy, creativity, and youth empowerment through the themes and messages of “The Outsiders.”
    • Location: 731 N St Louis Ave, Tulsa, OK 74106
    • Contact: (918) 813-6519
    • Website: The Outsiders House Museum
    • The Outsiders House Museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to step into the world of “The Outsiders” and experience firsthand the enduring impact of this beloved story on popular culture. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the novel and film or discovering the greaser gang for the first time, a visit to the Outsiders House Museum is sure to evoke nostalgia, inspire reflection, and ignite a passion for storytelling and creativity.

Accommodation in Tulsa:

1. The Mayo Hotel:
   • Description: Embrace luxury and elegance at The Mayo Hotel, a historic landmark in downtown Tulsa. Dating back to 1925, this iconic hotel offers upscale accommodations, fine dining, and world-class amenities in a grand setting. Stay in stylishly appointed guest rooms and suites featuring plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and modern comforts, and enjoy amenities such as a rooftop bar, fitness center, spa services, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
   • Location: 115 W 5th St, Tulsa, OK 74103
   • Contact: (918) 582-6296
   • Website: The Mayo Hotel
2. The Campbell Hotel:
   • Description: Experience boutique luxury at The Campbell Hotel, a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of the historic Route 66 district. Housed in a beautifully restored 1920s building, this boutique hotel offers stylish accommodations, personalized service, and upscale amenities. Stay in uniquely themed guest rooms featuring vintage furnishings, luxurious bedding, and modern conveniences, and enjoy amenities such as complimentary breakfast, evening wine receptions, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
   • Location: 2636 E 11th St, Tulsa, OK 74104
   • Contact: (918) 744-5500
   • Website: The Campbell Hotel
3. The Ambassador Hotel Tulsa, Autograph Collection:
   • Description: Discover refined elegance and Southern hospitality at The Ambassador Hotel Tulsa, Autograph Collection. Located in the vibrant Brady Arts District, this boutique hotel offers upscale accommodations, gourmet dining, and sophisticated amenities. Stay in spacious guest rooms and suites featuring modern decor, premium bedding, and luxurious amenities, and enjoy amenities such as a rooftop bar, fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
   • Location: 1324 S Main St, Tulsa, OK 74103
   • Contact: (918) 587-8200
   • Website: The Ambassador Hotel Tulsa
4. Hyatt Regency Tulsa:
   • Description: Experience contemporary comfort and convenience at the Hyatt Regency Tulsa. Located in the heart of downtown Tulsa, this modern hotel offers stylish accommodations, upscale dining, and extensive amenities. Stay in spacious guest rooms and suites featuring sleek design, ergonomic workspaces, and deluxe amenities, and enjoy amenities such as a rooftop pool, fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
   • Location: 100 E 2nd St, Tulsa, OK 74103
   • Contact: (918) 582-9000
   • Website: Hyatt Regency Tulsa
5. Aloft Tulsa Downtown:
   • Description: Discover urban chic at Aloft Tulsa Downtown, a trendy hotel located in the heart of the downtown arts district. This hip hotel offers contemporary accommodations, vibrant social spaces, and modern amenities. Stay in loft-inspired guest rooms featuring bold design, plush bedding, and tech-savvy amenities, and enjoy amenities such as a lively bar, fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
   • Location: 200 Civic Center, Tulsa, OK 74103
   • Contact: (918) 947-8200
   • Website: Aloft Tulsa Downtown

Restaurants in Tulsa:

1. Juniper:
   • Description: Indulge in farm-to-table cuisine with a modern twist at Juniper, a stylish restaurant located in downtown Tulsa. Known for its creative dishes, seasonal ingredients, and artisanal cocktails, Juniper offers a culinary experience that celebrates the flavors of Oklahoma. Enjoy dishes such as braised short ribs, pan-seared trout, and roasted vegetable risotto, paired with craft cocktails and local beers.
   • Location: 324 E 3rd St, Tulsa, OK 74120
   • Contact: (918) 794-1090
   • Website: Juniper
2. Burn Co Barbecue:
   • Description: Savor the smoky flavors of authentic barbecue at Burn Co Barbecue, a beloved barbecue joint located in the Pearl District. Known for its slow-smoked meats, homemade sides, and laid-back atmosphere, Burn Co Barbecue offers a mouthwatering menu of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and sausage, as well as classic sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad.
   • Location: 1738 S Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74119
   • Contact: (918) 574-2777
   • Website: Burn Co Barbecue
3. The Chalkboard Restaurant & Catering:
   • Description: Experience classic American cuisine with a sophisticated twist at The Chalkboard Restaurant & Catering, located in the historic Ambassador Hotel. This elegant restaurant offers a menu of elevated comfort food, including steaks, seafood, pasta, and salads, as well as an extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails. Enjoy dishes such as filet mignon, grilled salmon, and wild mushroom risotto, served in a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
   • Location: 1324 S Main St, Tulsa, OK 74103
   • Contact: (918) 582-1964
   • Website: The Chalkboard
4. Tavolo:
   • Description: Transport your taste buds to Italy at Tavolo, a charming Italian restaurant located in the heart of Tulsa’s Cherry Street District. Specializing in traditional Italian cuisine with a contemporary flair, Tavolo offers a menu of handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and classic entrees, as well as an extensive wine list and decadent desserts. Enjoy dishes such as spaghetti carbonara, margherita pizza, and veal piccata, served in a cozy atmosphere with warm hospitality.
   • Location: 427 S Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103
   • Contact: (918) 949-4498
   • Website: Tavolo
5. Roosevelt’s:
   • Description: Unwind with craft cocktails and elevated pub fare at Roosevelt’s, a stylish gastropub located in the historic Blue Dome District. Known for its creative cocktails, extensive whiskey selection, and inventive dishes, Roosevelt’s offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere for casual dining and socializing. Enjoy dishes such as bison sliders, shrimp and grits, and smoked brisket tacos, paired with signature cocktails and local beers.
   • Location: 1551 E 15th St, Tulsa, OK 74120
   • Contact: (918) 591-2888
   • Website: Roosevelt’s

Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers a wealth of attractions, accommodations, and dining options for visitors to explore and enjoy. Whether you’re immersing yourself in art and culture, relaxing in luxurious accommodations, or indulging in delicious cuisine, Tulsa promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to return again and again.

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