Why Go to Oklahoma City
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Oklahoma City surprises people who only know its cowboy reputation. Oklahoma's largest city has plenty of Western heritage, but it also has world-class museums, a growing arts and food scene and some delightfully quirky history; the shopping cart was invented here.
Explore the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and the First Americans Museum, which celebrates the 39 tribal nations of Oklahoma. See one of the largest collections of Dale Chihuly glass in the world at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, and visit the fascinating Museum of Osteology. Shop for boots in historic Stockyards City, home of the Oklahoma National Stockyards, where live cattle auctions still happen every week. Take a water taxi through Bricktown's canal district, and pay your respects at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, a moving tribute to the victims of the 1995 bombing and a message of hope and resilience.
Oklahoma City is easy to reach and great for a weekend road trip. I'll plan a visit that mixes museums, Western culture and great local food.
BEST FOR
Families, history buffs, foodies and urban explorers
BEST MONTHS
April–May and September–October
EXPLORE
Bricktown is an entertainment district with canals; Midtown has local dining; the Plaza District features art; the Oklahoma River corridor supports outdoor recreation.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Oklahoma City
North America › Southwest › USA › Oklahoma
Western heritage, creative districts and a revitalized riverfront
Cowboys
History
Museums
Parks
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Visit the National Memorial with time to reflect, then balance that experience with an afternoon at Scissortail Park or Bricktown.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Allow time for both the outdoor memorial and museum; check ticket details.
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Reflect at the outdoor memorial and visit exhibits documenting the 1995 bombing and its aftermath. The site is an essential Oklahoma City historical stop.
An evening canal stroll pairs well with dinner.
Bricktown Canal & Water Taxi
Walk the converted warehouse district and ride a narrated water taxi along the canal when operating. Restaurants and entertainment venues surround the route.
Set aside several hours for the broad collections.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Explore Western art, Native American history and exhibits on ranching, rodeo and frontier culture. Indoor galleries suit a hot-weather afternoon.
Check the events calendar and bring water in summer.
Scissortail Park
Enjoy lawns, gardens, walking paths and event spaces in a large downtown urban park. It is especially pleasant for a break between attractions.
Check conservatory admission separately from outdoor gardens.
Myriad Botanical Gardens
Visit landscaped downtown gardens and the Crystal Bridge Conservatory for tropical plant displays. Outdoor areas provide easy access from central hotels.
A stylish hotel in a restored landmark building close to downtown restaurants and attractions.
The National, Autograph Collection
Downtown / First National Center
Hotel Tags
An upscale convention-area hotel overlooking Scissortail Park.
Omni Oklahoma City Hotel
Downtown / Scissortail Park
Hotel Tags
A boutique hotel in a historic building near the Myriad Botanical Gardens.
Colcord Hotel Oklahoma City, Curio Collection by Hilton
Downtown
Hotel Tags
A smaller upscale hotel near Midtown dining and the downtown arts districts.
Ambassador Hotel Oklahoma City, Autograph Collection
Midtown
Hotel Tags
A historic grand hotel convenient for Bricktown and downtown cultural sites.
Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City
Downtown
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Oklahoma City
High 62°F · Low 40°F · Rain 2 in
Holiday lights begin across downtown, Bricktown and the Myriad Gardens.
Spring and autumn are comfortable for sightseeing; summer can be very hot. Be weather-aware during severe storm season.
Best Times to Visit Oklahoma City
WHEN TO GO
06
Parking and Events
Downtown garages and event lots can fill during games or concerts. Check venue directions and local road restrictions.
05
Rental Cars
A car is useful for the zoo, museums and suburban attractions spread across the metro area.
04
Bricktown Walking
The canal, restaurants and nearby entertainment are convenient to explore on foot.
03
Downtown Streetcar
The Oklahoma City Streetcar connects parts of downtown and Bricktown. Confirm stops and current service.
02
EMBARK Buses
The local bus system serves selected corridors. Verify operating days and frequency for your destination.
01
Will Rogers Airport
Will Rogers World Airport serves Oklahoma City; arrange a rental car, taxi or rideshare for the city.
Downtown has streetcar service and walkable pockets; use a car or rideshare for more distant attractions.
Getting Around Oklahoma City