10 Things to Do in Tulsa, OK, for First Time Visitors

Tulsa is the second largest city in Oklahoma and for this reason alone this city is a popular tourist destination. This historic city is located on the Arkansas River between the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and the Osage Hills. Visitors to Tulsa can enjoy the urban buzz of the city while also basking in the beauty of the surrounding area. No matter what your personal interests are, you will find plenty of things to see and do during your stay in this amazing city. If this is your first time visiting Tulsa, then here are ten things that you should include on your vacation itinerary.

1. Stay in a Luxury Hotel

The accommodation you choose for your stay is important as this can make a significant impact on your overall experience. There are many excellent hotels to choose between in this city that each has a different style or something different to offer its guests. Some of the top hotels in Tulsa include The Mayo Hotel, and the Ambassador Hotel Tulsa, The Autograph Collection.

2. Enjoy the Local Cuisine

Eating out is probably another important element of enjoying your time in Tulsa and this city has some culinary delights for you to enjoy. The restaurants range from casual to fine dining and there is both local and international cuisine. If you want to try a taste of Tulsa, then some of the top restaurants in this city include Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, SMOKE on Cherry Street, and Juniper Restaurant.

3. Go to the Museums

Tulsa is an historic city, and this is reflected in the number of museums that this city houses. To fully absorb the local history and culture, you should try to visit some of these during your stay. Some of the best museums to visit include Philbrook Museum of Art, Gilcrease Museum, and Tulsa Children’s Museum Discovery Lab.

4. Visit Tulsa Zoo

A fun day out is a trip to Tulsa Zoo and this is one of the most popular local attractions. This is a great choice if you are travelling with children as it is fun, interactive, interesting, and educational.

5. Spend Time at the Parks and Gardens

Both within the city and in the surrounding area, there are many stunning parks and gardens for you to enjoy. If you like spending time outdoors, then this is the ideal activity for you to enjoy in Tulsa. Some examples of the parks and gardens in and around this city are Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area, Turkey Mountain Park, Mohawk Park, Redbud Valley, Oakley Nature Center, and Tulsa Botanic Garden.

6. Have Fun at Safari Joe’s H20

This is a fun-filled day out for families, couples, or even lone travelers. This is a large outdoor water park that is filled with exciting rides, a wave pool, slides, and a range of themed play areas. This is best visited during warm weather.

7. Try Some Outdoor Pursuits

For those who are more adventurous and want to try something a little more energetic than taking in the local sights, there are some great settings where you can enjoy a range of outdoor pursuits. Mohawk Park is a great place for walking and hiking while Turkey Mountain Park is a good option for cycling and horseback riding.

8. Take a Look at the Cave House

An unusual attraction in Tulsa is the Cave House and this is well worth seeing for the novelty factor alone. This quirky little house is uniquely decorated and has a past as a restaurant. It is now open for tours.

9. Ride a River Boat

Tulsa is famous for sitting on the Arkansas River, so a boat ride is the best way to experience one of the most significant elements of the city. It is also a way of viewing the cityscape from a different perspective. There are rides available day and night and some offer an experience package, such as food, drink, or entertainment.

10. Enjoy Open-Air Entertainment

If you are visiting during a period of good weather, then enjoying some open-air entertainment is a way to combine enjoying the outdoors with taking in a performance. One of the best places to enjoy such a performance is River West Festival Park. This venue is used for a wide range of performances, events, and festivals throughout the year.