Oklahoma City
· US

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

Saddle Up for Adventure in Oklahoma City Oklahoma City: where the Wild West spirit meets modern-day charm. Forget the tumbleweeds and dusty saloons, this dynamic city pulses with vibrant energy, surprising attractions, …

#Urban#Capital City#South Central United States#Historic#Cultural
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Oklahoma City.

Top Hotels in Oklahoma City

Top Flights to Oklahoma City

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Oklahoma City.

Tours

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

A moving tribute to the victims of the 1995 bombing, featuring a museum and outdoor memorial.

Shopping

Bricktown

A lively entertainment district in downtown Oklahoma City, brimming with dining, nightlife, and canal rides.

Paseo Arts District

A vibrant, historically rich area featuring art galleries, shops, and restaurants.

Outdoor

Myriad Botanical Gardens

An oasis in the heart of downtown, offering beautifully landscaped gardens and diverse plant collections.

Oklahoma City Zoo

Home to nearly 2,000 animals, the zoo offers interactive exhibits and educational programs for all ages.

The Boathouse District

This riverside area is known for rowing, kayaking, cycling, and outdoor adventures.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Oklahoma City.

Currency
$ | USD | US Dollar
Population
700 thousand
Languages
English, Spanish
Average weather
Oklahoma City
Jan
cold
8°-3°
Feb
cold
11°-1°
Mar
cloud
16°3°
Apr
rain
21°8°
May
rain
26°13°
Jun
sun
31°19°
Jul
hot
35°22°
Aug
hot
34°21°
Sep
sun
29°17°
Oct
cloud
22°10°
Nov
cloud
15°3°
Dec
cold
9°-2°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Oklahoma City.

What people love

Oklahoma City, the capital of Oklahoma, offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some pros of traveling to Oklahoma City:

  1. Western Heritage: Oklahoma City has a rich history of cowboy culture and western heritage. Visitors can explore the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to learn about the history of the American West.

  2. Outdoor Activities: The city offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and boating. Lake Hefner and the Oklahoma River provide opportunities for water sports and outdoor recreation.

  3. Cultural Attractions: Oklahoma City is home to several cultural attractions, including the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Science Museum Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

  4. Family-Friendly: Families traveling to Oklahoma City can enjoy attractions such as the Oklahoma City Zoo, Frontier City amusement park, and the Myriad Botanical Gardens.

  5. Food Scene: Oklahoma City has a diverse and growing food scene, with a mix of barbecue joints, food trucks, and trendy eateries offering a variety of cuisine options.

  6. Affordability: Oklahoma City is known for its affordability compared to other major cities in the United States, making it a budget-friendly destination for travelers.

  7. Friendly Locals: Visitors often comment on the friendliness and hospitality of the locals in Oklahoma City, making it a welcoming place to explore.

Overall, Oklahoma City offers a mix of history, culture, outdoor activities, and affordability, making it a great destination for travelers looking to experience a blend of urban and western influences.

What to know

Traveling to Oklahoma City, like any destination, may have some drawbacks or cons. Here are some potential cons to consider when traveling to Oklahoma City:

  1. Weather: Oklahoma City experiences extreme weather conditions, including hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and severe weather such as tornadoes and thunderstorms. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes and take necessary precautions.

  2. Transportation: Oklahoma City is a sprawling city with limited public transportation options. Renting a car may be necessary to get around and explore the city and its surrounding areas, which can add to the travel expenses.

  3. Limited tourist attractions: While Oklahoma City has some interesting attractions such as the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, it may not have as many tourist attractions or activities compared to other major cities. Visitors looking for a wide variety of entertainment options may find the city lacking in this aspect.

  4. Limited nightlife: Oklahoma City may not have a vibrant nightlife scene compared to other cities, with fewer options for bars, clubs, and entertainment venues. Visitors seeking a lively nightlife experience may be disappointed by the limited options available in the city.

  5. Distance from major cities: Oklahoma City is not located close to other major cities, making it less convenient for travelers who want to explore multiple destinations during their trip. Traveling to and from Oklahoma City may require longer travel times and additional planning.

Overall, while Oklahoma City has its unique charm and attractions, travelers should be aware of these potential cons when planning their trip to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience.

Oklahoma City, the capital of the state of Oklahoma, has a rich history marked by significant events, influential figures, and notable landmarks.

Early History

  • Settlement and Founding: Oklahoma City was settled during the famous Land Run on April 22, 1889, when the unassigned lands in central Oklahoma were opened for settlement by the federal government. Thousands of people rushed to claim land, and Oklahoma City was established almost overnight.

Growth and Development

  • Statehood: Oklahoma became the 46th state of the United States on November 16, 1907. Oklahoma City was designated as the state capital in 1910, replacing Guthrie.
  • Economic Development: The city grew rapidly due to its strategic location and the discovery of oil in the region in the 1920s. The oil industry became a cornerstone of Oklahoma City's economy.

Significant Events

  • The Dust Bowl: During the 1930s, Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City, was affected by the Dust Bowl, which caused severe agricultural and economic distress.
  • Post-War Era: After World War II, Oklahoma City experienced a boom in industrial growth and urban development.

The Oklahoma City Bombing

  • 1995 Bombing: One of the most significant events in the city's history was the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995. This domestic terrorist attack killed 168 people and injured hundreds more. It was the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil until the September 11 attacks in 2001. The Oklahoma City National Memorial now stands at the site to honor the victims.

Historical Figures

  • Will Rogers: Although not directly from Oklahoma City, Will Rogers, a famous humorist and actor, is a significant figure in Oklahoma's cultural history.
  • Angie Debo: Known for her historical works, Debo was a prominent historian who contributed to the understanding of Oklahoma's history.

Important Landmarks

  • Oklahoma State Capitol: Completed in 1917, the capitol building is unique for being built atop an oil field, and oil wells operated on the grounds until the 1980s.
  • Oklahoma City National Memorial: Dedicated to the victims of the 1995 bombing, this solemn and reflective site includes the Field of Empty Chairs, the Survivor Tree, and the Reflecting Pool.
  • Bricktown: Once a warehouse district, Bricktown is now a vibrant entertainment district known for its nightlife, restaurants, and the Bricktown Canal.
  • Myriad Botanical Gardens: This 17-acre urban park in downtown Oklahoma City features beautiful gardens and the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory.
  • National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: Celebrating the art, culture, and history of the American West, this museum is a key cultural institution in the city.

Modern Development

  • MAPS Projects: In the 1990s and 2000s, Oklahoma City embarked on a series of public works projects known as MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) to revitalize the downtown area, improve infrastructure, and enhance quality of life. These projects have been credited with transforming the city's urban landscape.

Oklahoma City today is a bustling metropolis known for its diverse economy, cultural institutions, and historical significance.