Oklahoma Travel Guide: 12 Incredible Sightseeing Destinations of Oklahoma (2024)

Oklahoma is a state in the United States’ south-central region proudly known as the “Land of Red Dirt.” Oklahoma is a fantastic vacation destination. You must visit Oklahoma if you want a spectacular combination of family outdoor activities and historical and cultural attractions. Many visitors prefer Oklahoma for its long drives, awe-inspiring highways, art galleries, abundant gardens, and museums. The state is also known as “Tornado Alley” by its residents. This is because Oklahoma is prone to powerful and destructive rotating winds, which are pretty standard there.

Oklahoma Travel Guide: 12 Incredible Sightseeing Destinations of Oklahoma

Here are some places you should go sightseeing when visiting Oklahoma.

1. Tulsa

Tulsa, Oklahoma, has some of the best family attractions in the state, including the Tulsa Zoo, which has a dedicated Children’s Zoo and a petting area, the fascinating Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium, and the Tulsa Aquarium. Art lovers will have difficulty choosing between the Gilcrease Museum, which has an excellent collection of western American art, 108 Contemporary, the vibrant galleries of the Brady Arts District, and the illustrious Philbrook Museum of Art. Hike or bike along the 26 miles of trails in the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area or the Tulsa River Parks for outdoor fun. Garden and nature enthusiasts will enjoy a stroll through Woodward Park’s beautiful gardens.

Best time to visit Tulsa: From September to October for the best weather.

2. Broken Arrow

Summer is the best time to visit Broken Arrow if you plan a trip to Oklahoma. Tourists can start their vacation here by shopping, eating delicious blueberry ice cream with their families, and participating in various outdoor activities. Other flavors, such as blackberry, strawberry, and raspberry, are also served to visitors at Thunder Bird Farm, a pleasant family destination and a revitalizing tourist destination in Oklahoma. Beat the heat with Broken Arrow.

Best time to visit Broken Arrow: From March to May for good weather and local festivals.

3. Norman

History and architecture buffs will enjoy Norman, Oklahoma since it is home to the renowned Miller and Chautauqua Historic Districts, which feature over 150 historic homes dating back to the 1920s. Highlights of this tourist attraction include the Boyd House, the Beta Pi Fraternity House, and the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority House, representing three distinct architectural styles. Families will enjoy the National Weather Center, the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, and the Discovery Cove Nature Center. In contrast, art lovers will enjoy the historic Sooner Theater and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. For outdoor fun, visit Lake Thunderbird State Park, which offers biking, hiking, camping, and a wide range of other activities.

Best time to visit Norman: From April to June for good weather and sightseeing.

4. Enid

Enid is a popular destination for wine lovers, as it is close to the Plain View Winery and the Indian Creek Village Winery. As a result, Enid may be one of the best places to visit in Oklahoma. There are many things available in Enid City that are intended for every generation, including fine places for shopping and attending live music/entertainment events.

Best time to visit Enid: From April to May, or September to October for ideal weather conditions.

5. Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City, which is bustling and vibrant, is full of exciting attractions for the whole family, including some fantastic museums. Families can visit the American Banjo Museum and the Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, while history and architecture buffs can visit the Gaylord-Pickens Museum and the Oklahoma History Center. Art lovers will appreciate the Civic Center Music Hall (for ballet, opera, symphony, and philharmonic) or can enjoy the collections at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and the Red Earth Art Center. Riversport Adventure Park offers white-water rafting, tubing, kayaking, and other activities for the entire family.

Best time to visit Oklahoma City: From September to November for mild weather. Temperatures can rise higher than 90 degrees in summers.

6. Route 66

For many decades, Route 66 has been a popular tourist destination in Oklahoma. Oklahoma’s Route 66 is busy capturing the attention of travelers. While traveling along this route, several villages and towns can be seen. Many locals even considered this route to be a landmark. During the journey, you can also take a break and stay in roadside motels to enjoy a traditional American dinner, complete with the best burgers and milkshakes. The trip will also keep you interested in seeing some of the historical sites there.

Best time to visit Route 66: From April to July, or September to October for temperate weather, and the roads are open, and so are the Route 66 businesses.

7. Ardmore

Ardmore is in south-central Oklahoma and provides visitors with a wide range of cultural, historic, and outdoor activities inside and outside the city limits. History enthusiasts can tour the Military Memorial Museum, the Greater Southwest Historical Museum, and the unique Eliza Cruce Hall Doll Museum. At the same time, equestrians will be drawn to the historic Hardy Murphy Coliseum, which hosts a wide range of equestrian and other fun events. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy a day or two of camping, cycling, hiking, and water sports at Lake Murray State Park. They can also travel further to Turner Falls Park and Arbuckle Wilderness for more outdoor activities. The Charles B. Goddard Center for Arts is one of the city’s most popular cultural sites.

Best time to visit Ardmore: From March to May, or September to October for ideal weather conditions. However, the events and activities are open all year-round.

8. Edmond

Edmond, Oklahoma’s tourist destination, is located to the north of Oklahoma City on the renowned Route 66, providing visitors with an ideal foundation for exploring this unique district. Visitors can learn about the Wild West at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, which houses the most comprehensive collection of western exhibits. You can expect a lot of fun and activities while visiting Edmond! The boundless beauty lying here, combined with a lot of fun, proves to be the most excellent and admirable fusion ever.

Best time to visit Edmond: April, May, and October for pleasant average temperatures to enjoy your sightseeing.

9. Bartlesville

Bartlesville, located 50 miles north of Tulsa in northeast Oklahoma, offers visitors a fantastic array of attractions for all ages. Join a Bartlesville Heritage Trail Walking Tour to learn about the city’s historical architecture before moving on to the Phillips Petroleum Company Museum and Johnson Park, both of which explain the city’s transformation from a small town to a global energy giant. More history can be found at the 1903 Santé Fe Engine and Depot and the historic Frank Phillips Home. Outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking, biking, and camping in the Osage Hills State Park or enjoy wildlife viewing in the Woolaroc Wildlife Reserve and the Tallgrass Prairie Reserve.

Best time to visit Bartlesville: From May to October for warm-weather activities.

10. Chickasaw National Recreation Area

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is an open invitation to all nature lovers in Oklahoma. It covers all the essentials for a perfect vacation. A true oasis that has freshwater lakes, waterfalls, and numerous natural swimming pools. The fresh lakes continuously provide visitors with the opportunity to showcase their talent by offering a variety of water sports. Fishing, sailing, and boating are popular in these beautiful lakes. As a result, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a must-see tourist destination in Oklahoma.

Best time to visit Chickasaw National Recreation Area: From September to October for ideal weather conditions.

11. Robbers Cave State Park

Robbers Cave State Park, located in Southeast Oklahoma’s picturesque San Bois Mountains, invites all adventurers to enjoy various outdoor recreational activities. The Park is named after the notorious outlaws Jesse James and Belle Starr, and you can hike up to the cave they used as a hideout today. You can swim, boat, and fish on three lakes, or try horseback riding, rock climbing, hiking, and rappelling. There is a separate area for ATV enthusiasts and many other facilities for youngsters, such as a playground, ranger-led activities, and an exciting miniature train. Several cabin rental options are available, or you can simply RV or a tent to one of the campgrounds.

Best time to visit Robber Cave State Park: In Summer or Fall. You can enjoy the activities of this Park, including the swimming pool in Summer and see the beautiful fall foliage during Fall.

12. SkyDance Bridge

The Sky Dance Bridge is one of Oklahoma City’s most famous bridges and has long served as a landmark. The scissor-tailed flycatcher, Oklahoma’s state bird, inspired this one-of-a-kind bridge. It stands approximately 197 feet tall and measures approximately 115 meters in length. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll on this bridge with their loved ones. It even has benches where people can take a break from walking. This landmark most impresses its visitors at night when it is lit up in a series of multi-colored lights, which adds to its magnificence. This bridge will be a fantastic evening sightseeing destination in Oklahoma State.

Best time to visit SkyDance Bridge: From September to October for mild weather conditions.

Conclusion:

These are some of the incredible sightseeing destinations of Oklahoma that you must visit. We hope this article gave you an insight into the famous and extraordinary locations in Oklahoma for your trip. Go ahead and have fun!