30 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Tulsa (OK)

The second-most populated city in the great state of Oklahoma, Tulsa is absolutely brimming with culture and points of interest.

Deriving much of its wealth from the oil industry, Tulsa has shown to be one of the most fascinating cities in the midwest today.

Fun things to do in Tulsa will be all around you.

If you’re wanting to take a weekend trip to a great city, this Oklahoma gem is a great spot.

1. Woody Guthrie Center

The face of music and society as we know it would be completely shifted if not for Woody Guthrie.

The folk musician and Oklahoma son wrote some of the most powerful songs of all-time, including “This Land Is Your Land.”

He was also a great influence of Bob Dylan.

Tulsa honors Guthrie with the Woody Guthrie Center.

This museum gives you a glimpse into Guthrie’s mind and life, with plenty of biographical information shared.

On display are immensely important pieces of Guthrie memorabilia, such as his notebooks.

There are also scores of photos, books, and art regarding the artist.

Guthrie’s fight for human rights and against fascism continues to speak to artists and others.

He showed that someone can change the world if they believe they can.

When you come to this Tulsa museum, you’ll hopefully be inspired by his message.

Address: 102 E Mathew B. Brady St, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA

2. Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

Jazz is a quintessentially American art form, and the more we work to appreciate it, the more we can realize its power and importance.

One of the best places to visit is the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. Located in Tulsa, this is a monument to some absolute musical legends.

Housed in the former Union Depot Building in downtown Tulsa, this museum chronicles so many musical greats including Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Chet Baker Jr.

Visitors can learn all about jazz and its influence on American culture and the rest of the world.

You can also learn just how important Oklahoma was to the genre’s development, particularly with the inception of “Kansas City jazz.”

Jazz is compromised of so many influences, so many styles, and so many artists.

Tulsa has been very much a part of its evolution.

By visiting the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, you can see how much this city has meant for the world of jazz.

Address: 5 S Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA

3. Blue Dome Entertainment District

Downtown Tulsa has one of the greatest pulses in all of the midwest, and the Blue Dome Entertainment District is a big part of that.

This area of Tulsa covers nine blocks and is the embodiment of everything that makes a city feel culturally significant.

Centered around the renovated gas station, the Blue Dome, this district sings with sophistication and delight.

All sorts of options for fun can be found in the Blue Dome Entertainment District.

You can knock down some pins at Dust Bowl. You can have a delicious meal at El Guapo’s Mexican Cantina or grab a drink at Arnie’s Bar.

There is so much you can experience in this area, and you’ll have to pace yourself so you don’t get overwhelmed.

Terrific live entertainment can be experienced at IDL Ballroom and Fur Shop.

You can enjoy old-school arcade games at The Max Retropub and have a broth to die for at Jinya Ramen Bar.

All of these activities should fill you with anticipation for visiting Blue Dome Entertainment District.

4. Oklahoma Aquarium

Oklahoma might be landlocked but that doesn’t stop them from hosting one of the best aquariums in the country.

Tulsa is where you can find the Oklahoma Aquarium.

First opened in 2003, this aquarium covers 72,000 square-feet and is one of the best places in Oklahoma to see incredible wildlife.

Given that you spend most of your time on land, it can be easy to forget just how many amazing marine creatures there are.

At the Oklahoma Aquarium, you can have fun observing ones like jellyfish, lionfish, and sea turtles.

Each of the thousands of animals housed here can teach something about how species live and cooperate.

Perhaps no animal, on land or sea, is subject to more fear and misunderstanding than sharks.

Oklahoma Aquarium’s Shark Adventure provides visitors with the world’s greatest exhibit of bull sharks.

You can learn about these, nurse sharks, and other awesome species at Oklahoma Aquarium.

Address: 300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks, OK 74037, USA

5. Tulsa Arts District

Some towns are lucky to have even a couple of places that honor the arts.

Tulsa has an entire district dedicated to cultural awareness and artistry.

The Tulsa Arts District celebrates innovation and imagination through beautiful attractions regarding a variety of art forms.

Tulsa Arts District is historic, but it’s been so well taken care of that it hardly shows its age.

The community has worked to keep it well-preserved, with spots like Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa’s Glassblowing Studio, and The Brady Theater continuing to draw in curious folk.

You can’t turn a corner in the Tulsa Arts District without encountering something that tickles the imagination.

Along with the theaters and studios, the Tulsa Arts District has great coffee shops and places for shopping.

If you want to plan a trip to Tulsa, then you need to explore the Tulsa Arts District.

It will be an absolute delight for anyone who loves fun stuff.

Address: 1 E Mathew Brady St, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA

Planning to explore other parts of Oklahoma? Why not check out some of the things to do in Broken Bow, OK?

6. The Gilcrease Museum

American art is such an important part of the cultural conversation of the world, and Tulsa does a great job of commemorating it.

At the Gilcrease Museum, you can see powerful displays of American creative expression.

Not too far from downtown Tulsa, this is a very special museum in Oklahoma.

Founded by Thomas Gilcrease in 1949, this museum holds more than a quarter of a million pieces.

It doesn’t just represent the United States after the British settled here, or even just North America.

Pieces from pre-colonial times, going as far back as 12,000 B.C., as well as ones from South America can be found here.

Among the pieces you can find here include works rendered in paint, marble, and screenprinting.

Even the outside is utilized with gorgeous gardens.

The Gilcrease Museum is one of Tulsa’s most profound contributions to the Oklahoma cultural scene.

Address: 1400 N Gilcrease Museum Rd, Tulsa, OK 74127, USA

7. The Gathering Place

Tulsa seems to have a hospitable environment by design, but areas like the Gathering Place show that being so welcoming doesn’t just happen by accident.

This place is part of Tulsa River Parks. It lets adults and kids alike have the time of their lives with all the activities available.

Some of the things you can do at the Gathering Place include kayaking, hiking, and skating.

It’s like a one-size-fits-all place for cutting loose and getting a good dosage of fresh air.

Whether you want to get out on the water or have fun on land, the Gathering Place is here for you.

As one of the top communal attractions in Tulsa, the Gathering Place has a café for dining as well as a patio you can congregate at.

Live performances can be caught at QuikTrip Great Lawn. The spirit of Oklahoma shines at the Gathering Place.

Address: 2650 S John Williams Way E, Tulsa, OK 74114, USA

8. Tulsa Zoo

If there’s one place in Tulsa that’s definitely worth going ape over, it’s the Tulsa Zoo.

This animal sanctuary houses hundreds of species in optimal environments.

Families, couples, and friends on a weekend trip to Oklahoma should certainly make a stop at the zoo.

The best zoos give animals not just a place to eat and sleep.

They also let them avoid homesickness by how well they replicate their home environments.

Among the species that are given the full extent of respect and engagement are elephants, chimpanzees, and rhinoceros.

The Tulsa Zoo also does a lot of education regarding conservation and how vulnerable species can be protected.

An extraordinary amount of biodiversity, stretching to the ends of Africa and Asia, are shown here.

You can be so incredibly moved by how much work this zoo does.

Address: 6421 E 36th St N, Tulsa, OK 74115, USA

9. Tulsa Performing Arts Center

As if Tulsa didn’t have enough to amaze you with in regards to art, it’s also home to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

This is composed of four distinct theaters as well as an impressive art gallery and studio.

All kinds of esteemed arts styles are shown.

Depending on when you come, you might see a ballet performance, a touring Broadway production, or a magnificent symphony.

The walls of these spaces feel totally imbued with creative energy.

You can easily see why so many performers are drawn to this environment.

On the outside, Tulsa Performing Arts Center is no less impressive.

The building, designed by Minoru Yamasaki, who also crafted the Twin Towers in New York City, is full of attractive characteristics.

Should you have the opportunity to catch a performance here, take advantage of it.

A moment like that is too special to pass up.

Address: 110 E 2nd St, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA

10. Boston Avenue Methodist Church

Whether or not it’s Sunday, it’s still worth going to church.

One of the best religious sites in Oklahoma is the Boston Avenue Methodist Church.

This downtown Tulsa house of worship is nearly 100 years old and is a testament to the power of art deco design.

This isn’t the kind of place you can just pop into for a quick moment to understand what makes it such an impressive part of Tulsa.

You might not even have to step inside to realize this.

The design of Boston Avenue Methodist Church is so complex and otherworldly.

Take your time to gradually make your way around and see how phenomenal it is.

It’s also highly recommended to come to a service or event at this church.

You could see live music performances or attend holiday services around Easter or Christmas.

Whatever you choose, this church will welcome you with a full embrace.

Address: 1301 S Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74119, USA

11. Shopping

One of the best travel tips is to always have something to remember your trip by.

Tulsa is full of great shopping options. These are shops that are full of neat curiosities and concepts that you just have to check out.

You can find many of these great shops and other businesses at The Boxyard.

Some of the businesses in this area include Modern Mess, a women’s fashion store, Blank Med Spa, and Okie Dokie, a souvenir store.

Other places to go shopping in Tulsa include the Deco District and Brookside District.

It’s so much fun to find great new things to buy. When you do it in Tulsa, you can do it in a totally unique way.

Address (Boxyard): 502 E 3rd St, Tulsa, OK 74120, USA

12. Tulsa Air and Space Museum

Have you ever wanted to learn more about the wonders that lie far above us?

At the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, you can find all about the fantastic feats of aviators and astronauts.

This museum, founded in 1998, boasts all kinds of great exhibits and attractions.

At the TASM, you can see bold aircrafts such as the Spartan Executive Model 12, the Bell 47-K Helicopter, and the Rockwell Ranger 2000.

You can also learn about the great Oklahoma astronaut Bill Pogue.

Families are sure to enjoy the interactive displays, such as the Hot Air Balloon Simulator and the Space Shuttle Robotic Arm.

One of the best attractions of the TASM is the James E. Bertelsmeyer Planetarium.

This is where you can experience immersive films and learn all about different kinds of science.

Visiting the TASM is an out-of-this-world experience.

Address: 3624 N 74th E Ave, Tulsa, OK 74115, USA

13. Tulsa Botanic Garden

Whoever first advocated for stopping and smelling the roses was very smart.

Flowers and trees are some of the most remarkable parts of nature.

The Tulsa Botanical Garden lets all kinds of plant wonders thrive.

At this Oklahoma garden, you can see flowers such as roses and spring bulbs. Majestic trees also reside here.

One of the greatest attractions is the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terrace, comprised of more than 100,000 spring bulbs.

There are also things to do at the Tulsa Botanic Garden visitors center.

Other attractions include a Lakeside Promenade and Children’s Discovery Garden.

Come to this garden and notice just great all the sights, smells, and sounds make you feel.

Address: 3900 Tulsa Botanic Dr, Tulsa, OK 74127, USA

14. Safari Joe’s H20 Water Park

When the heat is on, there’s no better way to cool down that by going to a water park.

Safari Joe’s H20 Water Park has a lot of pressure on it, given that it’s the sole water park in Tulsa.

Thankfully, this park provides tons of thrills and refreshments.

Some of the attractions at Safari Joe’s H20 Water Park include a wave pool, a lazy river, and of course, water slides.

These are some of the most impressive water slides you’ll ever go down.

A ride down any of the three slides that make up “The Flumes” is not soon forgotten.

The thrills at this Oklahoma water park aren’t just heart-stopping, they’re also genuinely impressive.

Raptor Rapids is an amazing water rollercoaster experience.

You can also have non-aquatic fun by checking out animal exhibits and Safari Joe’s Reptile World.

Address: 4707 E 21st St, Tulsa, OK 74114, USA

15. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

One of the most enjoyable activities for adults in any city is heading to a casino and placing your bets.

Tulsa has a top-notch entertainment experience at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

If you book a room at this casino, you can use one of the best travel hacks, as you’ll have easy access to entertainment.

The casino not only offers plenty of gambling thrills, but it also lets you see some noteworthy artifacts from the world of rock.

You can see items from legends such as Tom Petty and Blue October.

As you would expect, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is also a terrific place to catch a rock concert. There’s also hip-hop and comedy.

This is along with can’t-miss shopping and dining, making this a hotel and casino that truly rocks.

Address: 777 W Cherokee St, Catoosa, OK 74015, USA

16. Juniper

Farms are a highly important part of Tulsa and the rest of Oklahoma.

Juniper is one of the best places to eat in Tulsa if you’re looking for a place that’s unique, responsible, and delicious.

This farm-to-table establishment shows just much better things taste when they’re prepared close to home.

Located downtown, Juniper has care not only in its menu but also in its design.

Stepping into this restaurant should immediately make you feel at ease, with its warm tones and beautiful decor.

The expertly trained staff, including a Sommelier, should further impress you with this restaurant.

At Juniper, you can enjoy dishes that are as sophisticated as they are tasty.

The link between more metropolitan and rural areas of Oklahoma doesn’t have to be hidden.

Great places like this show that Tulsa is a city with space for everyone.

17. The Golden Driller

The oil-rich history of Tulsa is perhaps best displayed with the Golden Driller.

This 76-foot tall figure is a monument of truly epic proportions.

It shows the unshakeable determination of oilmen that has stretched across Oklahoma for ages.

Finished in 1953, the Golden Driller is a sightseeing opportunity that you can’t miss, literally.

It’s such a massive sight, and it looks even better in person.

You might think that you’re tall, but see how you measure up against this giant.

This is also the perfect place for taking photos in Tulsa.

The Golden Driller is a gorgeous sight, both in size and detail. Take a trip here for a uniquely Tulsa experience.

Address: Tulsa Expo Center, 4145 E 21st St, Tulsa, OK 74114, USA

18. Fat Guy’s Burger Bar

It might not be the kind of place you want to go if you’re trying to stick to a diet, but for sinfully delicious delights in Tulsa, make sure to check out Fat Guy’s Burger Bar.

This is a place that combines comfort with creativity. Every dish is loaded with style and dripping with flavor.

The menu at this Oklahoma eatery includes traditional options like hamburgers and cheeseburgers.

There are also specialty burgers like the Pizza Burger and a Peanut Butter and Bacon burger.

Leaner options like veggie burgers and BLTs are also available.

For anyone’s who feeling really daring, there’s the Fat Guy’s Burger Bar Challenge.

This is where you get your chance to have your face on the wall after devouring a mountain of grub, including a burger with a two-pound patty and a pound of French fries.

Hey, no one ever said being a champ was easy.

Address: 140 N. Greenwood, Tulsa, OK 74120. USA

19. Philbrook Museum of Art

Art museums are one of the greatest cultural institutions we have.

Thanks to places like the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, we can trust that incredible pieces are being preserved for future generations.

We can also learn much about the cultures before us thanks to these pieces.

This Oklahoma museum was opened in 1939. Pieces from around the world can be found here.

As the former home, of oil magnate Waite Phillips, it’s full of elegance and beauty that adds even more value to the items inside.

One of the top parts of this museum is the adjacent garden. 23 acres of lush plant life is a wonderful frame around this high-caliber museum.

Visit this museum for a great glimpse at Tulsa’s culture.

Address: 2727 S Rockford Rd, Tulsa, OK 74114, USA

20. Philbrook Downtown

If the original museum wasn’t enough, there’s also the Philbrook Downtown.

This museum has more of a focus on modern art.

It shows that Tulsa is about not only honoring tradition but also finding glory in innovation.

Currently, at Philbrook Downtown, you can see exhibits showcasing work from photographers like Jason Lee and Larry Clark.

There are also pieces of 20th-century Native American art and handicraft in the Identity and Inspiration exhibit.

Flutter is another great exhibit, giving you information about the butterflies at Philbrook Gardens.

If you love art, you should feel like a kid in a candy shop when you’re in Tulsa.

Don’t let yourself miss a chance to visit Philbrook Downtown.

This museum might be modern, but it’s also sure to become an absolute classic.

Address: 116 E Brady St, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA

21. Utica Square

Name aside, this is a part of Tulsa, not upstate New York.

A shopping haven for anyone who feels most comfortable with a dozen bags under their arms, Utica Square seems to have it all.

One piece of advice: you might need to decide on a budget in advance.

Think of a high-end store, it’s probably at Utica Square.

From Sak’s Fifth Avenue to Coach, you’ll be astounded by all the options.

Plus, if all the shopping makes you hungry, there are pristine bistros on the square.

Address: 2070 Utica Square, Tulsa, OK 74114, USA

22. NYC Pizza

The best place to get a slice of New York-style pizza is the Big Apple, but Tulsa isn’t a bad runner-up.

You can chow down on a dynamite slice at NYC Pizza.

At this pizzeria, the owners make sure to give their customers the total taste experience they want from pizza.

Open since 2006, NYC Pizza truly tastes like a slice of Brooklyn.

On the menu, you can find such familiar toppings as pepperoni, sausage, and onions.

There’s also calzones, baked ziti, and Italian rolls. You can’t go wrong with the garlic knots either.

Suffice to say, this is some of the best pizza you’ll eat in Tulsa.

Address: 4775 S Harvard Ave, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA

23. Route 66

While only a section of Route 66 goes through Tulsa, the stretch through the Oklahoma City is one of the highlights of the road.

Among the places you can check out on this part of Route 66 include Campbell Hotel and Ollie’s Station Restaurant.

The feelings of classic America in Tulsa are best reflected on Route 66.

There are also great representations of art deco on Route 66, with sights like the Tulsa Club Building and the Warehouse Market Building.

There are also some very memorable neon signs.

Take a drive down Route 66 in Tulsa and explore the wonders of the open road.

24. University of Tulsa

Your trip to Tulsa can also double as a tremendous educational experience.

If your child is looking at colleges in the Oklahoma area, this is one definitely worth a tour.

This institution has been around for more than 120 years and has been one of the Midwest’s most-esteemed schools.

A big draw of the Univerity of Tulsa is the small class sizes.

With a ratio of 11 students for every instructor, there’s far less worry about your child being lost in the shuffle.

Even if you’re not planning to apply for the University of Tulsa, it’s still a very good environment for taking a breather.

Address: 800 S Tucker Dr, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA

25. Oxley Nature Center

There are a lot of great places in Tulsa to explore nature.

Oxley Nature Center is lots of fun for anyone who enjoys hiking.

Adults, as well as kids, can have a good time exploring these various trails.

Close to the Tulsa Zoo, the Oxley Nature Center has multiple enchanting trails to choose from.

These have names like Woodpecker Trail, Blackland Marsh Trail, and North Wood’s Trail.

There are also special walks you can take, such as the Butterfly Walk and the Bird Walk, available at different times.

Address: 6700 Mohawk Blvd, Tulsa, OK 74115, USA

26. Sherwin Miller Museum

This Tulsa museum has been around for a little more than 50 years, but the history it captures goes even further back.

There’s nowhere else in the southwest United States with more Jewish art.

The Sherwin Miller Museum shows just how much the Jewish community has brought to the world.

For visitors, Jewish or otherwise, this museum can be a very heart-wrenching experience.

Exhibits regarding Jewish history and culture, such as the Jews Rock exhibit, shows just how much of an impact Jews have made.

The Kaiser Holocaust Memorial is also one of the most somber experiences you might ever have.

It’s not the easiest thing to experience in Tulsa, but it certainly has an impact.

Address: 2021 E 71st St, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA

27. Club Majestic

One of the most desirable activities for adults is going clubbing. Tulsa has no shortage of terrific clubs.

For adults who are looking to let their hair down and have a night you’ll either never forget or never remember, check out Club Majestic.

Part of the Tulsa Arts District, Club Majestic is a top choice for going dancing.

There’s a bar at the main level as well as the mezzanine.

Events such as Thursday Night Throwdown and Saturdays with DJFenixFX make this one of the best places to visit in Tulsa if you want to get wild and be as carefree as you can.

Address: 124 N Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA

28. LaFortune Park

Any city worth its salt needs to have at least one park that blows you away with size and upkeep.

Tulsa has a park that is ideal with those looking for fun outdoor activities.

At LaFortune Park, you have hundreds of acres to roam through.

Visiting this park is one of the best things to do in Tulsa.

Some of the activities you can pursue here include fishing, playing tennis, and even golfing.

This is the kind of park that shows just how much fun it can be to come to Tulsa.

Address: 5202 S Hudson Ave, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA

29. Lefty’s

After a bunch of stimulating activities and things to see, adults visiting Tulsa will understandably want to wind down with a drink and a great meal.

Lefty’s, located in the Greenwood area of Tulsa, is one of the best things to do in Tulsa.

At this pub, you can have a stunning meal along with an incredibly refreshing drink.

There’s even a chance you’ll catch a live act that has you nodding your head in total enjoyment.

On the menu at this Tulsa hotspot are the Big Kahuna Burger, full of Hawaiian flair.

There’s also Lefty’s Hawkeye Sandwich, featuring thoroughly fried pork tenderloin.

If you’re trying to eat lighter, Lefty’s has you covered, with options like Lefty’s Hummus and the Greenwood Salad.

For a taste of Tulsa that’ll have you dying to come back, check out Lefty’s.

Address: 10 N Greenwood Ave Suite A, Tulsa, OK 74120, USA

30. OneOK Field

Do you like baseball and/or soccer? If so, you should visit OneOk Field.

At this Tulsa stadium, you can catch games featuring the minor league baseball team the Tulsa Drillers.

You can also see the Tulsa Roughnecks work to defend their goal and perform forward rolls, flip flaps and more.

In addition to sports, OneK Field is also set to become one of the best points of interest in Tulsa for live music.

Famed rocker Jack White is going to headline the very first rock concert at the stadium in September.

If you’re looking for stuff to do in Tulsa, rooting on the hometown or rocking to some classic tunes if one of your best options.

Address: 201 N Elgin Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120, USA

Start Planning Your Trip To Tulsa

There are so many fun things to do in Tulsa. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the US.

Sightseeing options are abundant, and there are activities for people of all ages.

Choosing what to do in Tulsa is as fun as actually doing it, because you get to look forward to all the things to see in this great Oklahoma city.

Start planning for a Tulsa trip today.

Whether you come for a weekend, a week, or longer, you’ll be quite happy about your decision.