Oklahoma isn’t exactly the first place most people add to their bucket list. But that’s exactly what makes it cool. This under-the-radar gem is a masterclass in how to reinvent yourself with style. It’s a place where cowboys and creatives collide, Route 66 nostalgia meets Olympic-level whitewater, and a manmade river became the heart of downtown. And yes, that last part is real.

As someone who geeks out over economic development, I’m obsessed with Oklahoma City. Their riverwalk is one of the best examples of downtown revitalization in the country and a living case study in urban planning other cities have tried to copy. Think about it: they built a thriving river district without access to any natural water source. And this isn’t just a paltry little manmade canal — it’s a full-blown entertainment hub with water taxis, public art, and a vibe so legit the U.S. Olympic team trains there. It’s crazy if you think about it.

Thanks to a creative investment strategy funded by a penny sales tax, the area continues to evolve, with new developments, upgrades, and attractions rolling out regularly to keep the momentum going — and always give you something new to see. And it’s just one of the many things to do in Oklahoma City that prove this place is seriously worth a visit.

Whether you’re driving Route 66, craving a cultural getaway, or just want to say you learned to surf in a landlocked state, Oklahoma City is full of surprises. Here’s how to spend an epic weekend there.

Fun things to do in Oklahoma City

Explore the Bricktown River Walk

An old warehouse district that’s now the pulsing heart of the city, the best way to explore Bricktown is by water taxi. It’s a narrated cruise through the canals that gives you a front-row seat to murals, public art, sculptures, and city attractions. You’ll float past Chickasaw Ballpark and 40+ restaurants, bars, and retail shops lining the waterway, plus hotels right on the river and entertainment venues like Bricktown Comedy Club, Flix Brewhouse (a brewery–movie theater combo), Chicken N Pickle, and Michael Murphy’s Dueling Pianos. It’s like Venice… if Venice had dueling pianos and minor league baseball.

Pro Tip: Standard tours run daily, but the themed ones — ghost stories in October, caroling in December — are worth timing your trip for.

Get Wet and Wild at Riversport

Ever wanted to learn a new watersport where the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Team practices? Now you can! Learn to row, surf, canoe, kayak, or whitewater raft right downtown. There are classes, camps, teams — or just come for the day and play! Open seasonally, there’s also a bike park, climbing walls, tubing, and a sky adventure park for however you want to get active.

Prefer spectator sports? It’s also the official venue hosting the Canoe Slalom for the 2028 LA Olympic Games.

Pay Your Respects at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

A sobering tribute to a tragic chapter in American history, the Oklahoma City bombing remains the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. The emotional core of the city, the memorial is the #1-rated tourist attraction in Oklahoma and honors the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The outdoor monument is a peaceful yet poignant space for reflection, dedicated to those who lost their lives, while the interactive indoor museum shares their stories and the aftermath. Keep an eye out for the 168 empty chairs representing the victims, and take note of the times on the gates — marking one minute before and one minute after the explosion.

Get Immersed in Art and Other Things

Factory Obscura is a cool interactive art space that’s Oklahoma City’s answer to Meow Wolf. Called MixTape, climb, crawl, and feel your way through a 6,000-foot fever dream of exhibits inspired by music and built by more than 30 local artists. There are photo ops galore, plus immersive soundscapes and installations designed for you to touch and feel with all your senses.

Oklahoma City does quirky really well. Home to super niche museums from the American Banjo Museum to SKELETONS: A Museum of Osteology, the Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum, National Guard Museum, and Oklahoma Railway Museum, you could go down quite a number of rabbit holes about some oddly specific topics.

Learn about Cowboys and Tribal Culture

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum offers a 360-degree look at life in the American West — exploring the rugged landscapes, legendary stories, and enduring spirit of cowboy culture alongside powerful exhibits on Native history and art. Home to the world’s most extensive collection of rodeo photographs, saddlery, and early rodeo trophies, it’s uniquely tied to Oklahoma’s roots.

To see cowboys in action, head to the Oklahoma National Stockyards for rodeos, livestock shows, and classic Westernwear shops. For a deeper dive into Indigenous culture, the First Americans Museum showcases the traditions of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations through immersive exhibits, Native-inspired cuisine, and handmade artisan crafts.

Want to fully immerse yourself in the frontier life? Stay overnight in a Conestoga wagon or teepee at Orr Family Farm for a glamping experience with a pioneer twist.

Get Lost in the Gardens

Need a breather? Myriad Botanical Gardens is your oasis in the city — one of Oklahoma’s most beautiful sights, with the Crystal Bridge Conservatory as its crown jewel. Inside, you’ll find a reflection pool, lush flora and fauna, waterfalls, and sculptures — a perfect place to slow down and get lost in nature without ever leaving downtown.

Pro Tip: Check their event schedule — they often host free concerts, yoga sessions, and movie nights under the stars.

Things to do in Oklahoma City with Kids

If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in OKC, there’s plenty. Get your thrill on at Frontier City Theme Park, Hurricane Harbor, or the new OKANA Resort and Waterpark. Explore the Oklahoma City Zoo, snap a photo from the top of the Wheeler Ferris Wheel for a bird’s-eye view over the city, visit a cat cafe, or get hands-on at the Blue Zoo Aquarium — there’s even pirate and mermaid shows!

Where to Stay in Oklahoma City

For unique sleeps, check out boutique hotels like the Fordson Hotel (part art gallery, part hotel) or the Skirvin Hilton, a beautifully restored historic property rumored to be haunted. Steps from the riverwalk, the Aloft Oklahoma City Downtown has modern, pet-friendly rooms and a rooftop bar perfect for sunset views over Bricktown. Other great options include the Colcord Hotel, where historic charm meets downtown luxury; The National Hotel, located in the former First National Bank and blending Art Deco glam with modern amenities; and Bradford House, a pastel-hued mansion turned boutique inn with breakfast worth waking up for.

How to Get to Oklahoma City

Oklahoma CIty has an international airport, but it’s also an easy road trip from Dallas–Fort Worth (3.5 hours), Kansas City (5 hours), or Little Rock (5 hours). Whether you’re flying or driving, downtown is just 15 minutes from the airport, so you can hit the ground running.

See Oklahoma City on a Route 66 Road Trip

Or, hit the gas pedal. Oklahoma City is right on Route 66, and with the 100th anniversary this year, there’s no better excuse to hit the Mother Road for a road trip across America. If you want to drive the whole route, it starts in Chicago and ends in Santa Monica in Los Angeles County. OKC is one of the biggest cities along the route, so plan to spend a little extra time soaking it in.

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