13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tulsa, Oklahoma (2024)
Tulsa is the second largest city in Oklahoma, a region with 1,015,331 residents. A thriving place that is leading in finance, aviation, telecommunications, and technology, Tulsa has beautiful small corner cafes and has managed to draw tourists from across the planet.
13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Here are a few of the famous tourist attractions that you should visit while you are in Tulsa.
1. Route 66
The section of Route 66 that passes via Tulsa is a time machine and is worth a leisurely drive while you are there. Gothic structures surround this section of The Mother Road, guiding you into one of the few locations that still values the small-town way of life that is so suggestive of traditional Americana. You can consider stopping at Ollie’s Station Restaurant along the way; it served as the model for the animated film Cars. Along the walls are movie props, there is a railroad-themed backdrop, and the food is classic home-cooked Oklahoma fare.
Timings: Summers would be lovely to visit the location.
2. Tulsa Zoo
You will find evidence of the Tulsa Zoo’s emphasis on preservation and learning as you travel around the premises. You may go closer than ever to animals in their reconstructed natural habitats thanks to the zoo animal habitats. Have a visit to The Lost Kingdom to witness animals like Malayan tigers and Komodo dragons in the grounds and displays with an Asian touch. The chimpanzee families that move freely throughout the zoo’s indoor and outdoor exhibits are accessible through The Chimpanzee Connection.
You can participate in regular educational programs and special activities at the Tulsa Zoo while there. If you grow tired of strolling, you may also board the Safari Train and ride across the zoo grounds.
Timings: Sunday to Saturday– 8 am-5 pm.
3. Tulsa Performing Arts Center
You can go on a stroll with your pals to this place, where four different theaters and an art gallery make up the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. There are ballet, symphony, opera, and theatrical acts every night. The residence, which covers a fair amount of a city block, is noteworthy for its architecture since it was created by renowned designer Minoru Yamasaki, who also created the former World Trade Center Towers.
Tulsa Performing Arts Center center is a center of cultural attraction and one of the best things to do in the city because it regularly features featured speakers and comedians on the schedule. There will undoubtedly be something accessible during your vacation since Broadway shows and concerts are usually always available every night of the week.
Timings: Monday to Friday– 9 am-5 pm.
4. Tulsa Air and Space Museum
While you are in the city you should certainly take a walk through the museum that carries the glorious past of Tulsa. The museum’s installations give a clear narrative of Tulsa’s aviation past. The subsequent installation is highlighted by a scale model of the original Leon B. Senter-designed art deco airport terminal for Tulsa. The display includes official records and images in addition to the original iron door frames, foundation, terra cotta ornamentation, and elaborate art deco scenes of the terminal. Tourists to the Pearl Harbor victims display can listen to Oklahoma survivors of the attacks discuss their memories of that tragic day on an interactive touchscreen.
Timings: Sunday– closed; Monday to Saturday– 10:45 am to 4 pm.
5. Woody Guthrie Center
Situated in Tulsa, Oklahoma, The Woody Guthrie Center is a community exhibit and archive that commemorates the legacy and career of American singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie. The Museum also holds Phil Ochs’ records, a fellow social zealot and folk singer-songwriter. It has an immersive museum where visitors may see Guthrie’s musical instruments, examples of his original designs, journals with his handwritten lyrics, and pictures and artifacts from history that depict his career, musicianship, and political actions. Additionally, visitors can see a brief biographical movie and hear examples of his music as well as the music of other musicians who were impacted and inspired by Guthrie. The Center supports numerous folk music performances.
Timings: Monday and Tuesday– closed; Wednesday to Sunday– 10 am to 6 pm.
6. The Golden Driller
The Golden Driller is undoubtedly a must-see given its legendary tie to the city, even though it may be one of the less time-consuming destinations on your vacation to Tulsa. Tulsa has its roots in the oil business and prospered when drilling rigs were as prevalent as eateries. Because it commemorates a significant period in Tulsa history, the 76-foot-tall Golden Driller statue is impressive. You will need to make a thoughtful plan if you want to get the complete monument in one picture without having to stand in the roadway.
Timings: Any time before sunset.
7. The Tulsa Arts District
The vibrant district in Tulsa is a stand-alone tourist attraction. Cain’s Ballroom is one of the city’s features. The 1920s-era dance hall was rebuilt and is now Kansas’ premier entertainment venue. You along with your friends and family can find specialty studios and stores all across the Tulsa Arts District, such as a fused glass studio, candy shop, and performing theater. You can take a stroll around it and pause at one of the many coffee shops to unwind. With restored red brick structures, this neighborhood is among the oldest. The Tulsa Arts District is a hub for local activity and a laid-back location to unwind after work or during the evening.
Timings: Evenings would be an ideal Time to pay a visit to the district.
8. Gathering Place: Tulsa’s Riverfront Park
Tulsa’s riverfront park is one of the most stunning places in the region where you can explore a 100-acre area along the riverfront. The place offers natural trails, gardens, a sports courtyard, lodge, boathouse, and plenty of other options to choose from for your adventure. The vast public park next to the Arkansas River is a well-liked destination for both leisure and relaxation. The biggest private contribution to a public park in American history led to the creation of the downtown park. The Gathering Place hosts activities all year long, including neighborhood festivals and outdoor concerts. The Gathering Place should be visited even if there are no events planned while you are there.
Timings: Sunday to Saturday– 9 am to 8 pm.
9. The Cave House
One of Tulsa’s most unique tourist destinations is The Cave House, and you won’t soon forget it. Due to its bizarre appearance, which resembles something out of The Flintstones, the house is difficult to miss in the downtown district. Despite being privately owned, you can schedule a tour to go inside. The house’s unique architecture, interior design, and history are accompanied by even stranger anecdotes. The Cave House had a colorful past as a chicken restaurant in Tulsa in 1924.
Timings: No particular time is mentioned. Since it is privately owned, you can call and book accordingly.
10. Blue Dome District
A pleasant afternoon or evening in Tulsa can be spent wandering around the Blue Dome District. The district’s centerpiece, the Blue Dome building, is known as the entertainment and dining hub of Tulsa. It’s a wonderful spot to mingle with the people because there are stores, galleries, and some housing complexes there. Throughout the entire year, celebrations and community activities are held in the Blue Dome District.
Timings: Evenings would be wonderful.
11. Tulsa Botanic Garden
One of Tulsa’s most picturesque and naturally stunning locations is the Tulsa Botanic Garden. The imposing A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terrace is the centerpiece of the landscape. The flowing terrace displays 120,000 springtime bulbs each year. With water trickling into the lake beneath and more than 8,000 perennials, trees, roses, and other plants encircling it, it is a beautiful garden. Children’s Discovery Garden, Lotus Pool, and a Lakeside Promenade that circles a seven-acre lake are all included in the grounds. Make time to stop by the tourist center so you can take part in the drop-in events there.
Timings: Sunday to Saturday– 10 am to 5 pm.
12. Tulsa Drillers Baseball
The Tulsa Drillers play their home games at ONEOK Field in downtown Tulsa in the evening. On many evenings of home games, support the neighborhood team while staying to watch the fireworks. You can always find great deals, and you’ll undoubtedly get one of the nicest views of Tulsa’s downtown. Beyond standard ballpark fare, the stadium offers a broad selection of food options, including barbecue and an all-you-can-eat cafeteria that is open during the game.
Timings: In the evenings.
13. Gilcrease Museum
The Gilcrease Museum contains some of the outstanding investigations into Oklahoma’s Native American history and the American West. You can find priceless works of art like authentic Thomas Moran paintings and bronze statues by Frederick Remington. 350,000 historical objects, including ceramics, Native American regalia, and works of art, are kept in the museum. While visiting Tulsa, you may wish to enroll in one of the monument’s day-workshops to learn how to paint or make baskets.
Timings: Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 am–5:00 pm; Closed Mondays.
These are the top 13 Tourist attractions you can visit when in Tulsa. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Tulsa and have a great time visiting here!
