Oklahoma has the largest population of Native Americans than any other state. It is famous for its Museum and Arts scene as well as the Cowboy and Western culture. Due to its location, Oklahoma might not be first on your list to visit but it has some surprising attractions that you might want to see.
Whether you have visited the United States before, or not, Is Oklahoma a city worth visiting? Read on to find out.
Where is Oklahoma on the map?
The City of Oklahoma is located in the state of Oklahoma and is bordered by Texas to the south and Kansas to the north. The city is located in the center of the state and is home to nearly 650,000 people.
What can you do in Oklahoma City?
Bricktown Entertainment District
As you can tell by the name, this district is famous for its brick-built buildings. Simply stroll up and down the street, past the bustling bars and restaurants and experience the real culture that the city has to offer. You can find some of the finest dinings, cutting edge entertainment and crazy nightlife in Bricktown.
You can also jump on a water taxi and experience the beauty of the city by night from the view of the canal. There are also some of the most traditional American cuisines on offer in this district: Cheesesteak sandwiches, flash-fried catfish, chicken fried steaks and fried bologna sandwiches.
National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
Learn all about the heritage of Oklahoma and how the Cowboy culture came to life in this incredibly informational and entertaining museum.
You can witness the Prix De West Exhibition, Western Art, Frontier Artifacts and the American Indian roots. It is also home to the ‘End Of The Trail’ sculpture, an 18-foot tall piece of art that resembles the American Indian on the Trail Of Tears.
Oklahoma City Zoo
A zoo is always a great and entertaining place to visit with the family and the Oklahoma zoo is no different. This zoo has actually been named one of the best zoos in the nation and it’s clear to see why. It boasts not only large natural habitats for all its residents but offers a close-up experience with some exotic animals from all over the globe.
If seeing animals isn’t really your thing, don’t worry, the zoo also has a huge botanical garden next door. Take a walk through some of the rarest plants and flowers ever found and learn about how they have adapted to live in the current climate. Experts are always on hand to answer any questions you have.
Museum of Osteology
This is the only skeleton museum in the United States. With hundreds of animal skeletons on display and various exhibits, this place is far from a bore.
Oklahoma City National Memorial
On 19th April, 1995 the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was bombed, killing 168 people. The mayor back then put together a 350 member task force including the family members of the victims, survivors and volunteers to plan and develop the memorial dedicated to the victims which still stands to this day.
Where can you stay in Oklahoma City?
The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma
This hotel is located right in the center of the city and therefore a great place to stay if you want to see as much as possible during your stay. Only a few steps away from the Bricktown Entertainment district, the Skirvin Hilton is grand to look at from the outside, let alone on the inside.
There is on-site entertainment at the Red Piano Bar with live music and cocktail nights on a regular basis as well as fine-dining options at the Park Avenue Grill Restaurant.
The Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel
If you prefer a modern touch then the Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel is the one for you. It boasts updated and modern furnishings, on-site dining at the Block 23 restaurant as well as cocktails and a fire pit on the rooftop patio.
This hotel is often popular for couples or businessmen and women because of the modern vibe and complete work desk that is provided in every room.
Country Inn & Suites By Radisson
The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is just the spot if you enjoy luxury but on a budget. The hotel is located a little further out of the center, therefore, provides a little more peace and tranquility. This is a place to stay if you want someone for a longer period of time and to be more self-sufficient.
Each room is provided with a workstation as well as cooking facilities and even a dishwasher; it’s pet friendly and offers private parking too. You have the option to include breakfast and all the major attractions are under 5km away.
How do you get around in Oklahoma City?
Buses
Buses seem to be a popular choice for the residents of Oklahoma and therefore, the tourists too. Most routes run every 30 minutes during the weekday and every hour on the weekend; prices can vary depending on the line but it’s classed as a relatively cheap transport option.
There is also the downtown Discovery which is a free bus service that stops throughout downtown Oklahoma and the Bricktown Entertainment District.
Streetcar
A more modern way of getting around is the streetcar. Visitors often use this cheap and fast method to see as much as they can while in the city. Altogether, 7 cars run on two different routes and link fine-dining, tourist attractions and hotels together, simply and easily.
There are over 22 platforms across the 5 mile route so you will only ever need to walk a few blocks to find your nearest platform.
Taxi
Because many tourist attractions, hotels and restaurants are close together in Oklahoma, taxis tend to be the best option for going short distances. They are very easy to order and most hotels have a designated taxi service which they use. Simply ask the reception to order you a taxi and it should be there within a few minutes.
While you’re out and about, Uber is the fastest and cheapest option to hop from place to place and waste no time waiting for buses to arrive.
What else do you need to know?
Language
As Oklahoma is a US state, they speak American English. Occasionally some locals can have a strong accent making it difficult to understand.
Currency
The currency in Oklahoma is US Dollars.
Crime
Unfortunately, Oklahoma isn’t known for its safety as crime spiked during the COVID 19 pandemic. There is much more crime now than there was 5 years ago however, research has shown us that the crime is mostly drug-related or between local people. It is not common for tourists to get caught up in crime in Oklahoma.
Climate
The main climate is humid-subtropical, meaning it can get very warm in the summer, often feeling sticky and humid throughout the year. It is more semi-arid on the west side of the state.
See Also
What is Oklahoma City Known for?