Are you searching for a place you can spend your vacation? Tulsa city offers you one of the most exciting options for any of your short or long-term holidays.
Downtown Tulsa is popularly known for its various wonders that you wouldn’t want to miss out on, including Woody Guthrie Center, Blue Dome Entertainment District, Tulsa Arts District, Lots of Museum, etc.
There are many fun things to do in Downtown Tulsa, and you will learn about them in this article!
Where is Downtown Tulsa?
Tulsa is one of the most populated towns in the beautiful Oklahoma state (2nd most populated state, to be precise).
It is notably known for featuring many cultural activities and exciting points. A good number of the city’s great wealth is derived from the oil industry, which has proven to be among the most beautiful cities in the Midwest.
Ask people who have taken a tour to Tulsa, whether for holidays or business activities, and they will tell you that the city is a welcoming city for visitors, both far and near.
They will also attest to its many wonders and fascinating centers that you can’t afford to miss on any of your weekends or free days.
Below are some of the fun things to do in Downtown Tulsa.
See Also: Things to Do In Downtown Tucson
Fun Things to Do In Downtown Tulsa
1. Woody Guthrie Center
Thanks to Woody Guthrie, who has continued to claim the prize of being the face of music and society, Tulsa has been and still is the center for music. In other words, without the Woody Guthrie Center, it would have long been shifted from the state.
The folk artiste and Oklahoma son wrote several of the top songs of ever, “This Land Is Your Land” inclusive. He greatly influenced Bob Dylan.
And since then, he has received significant awards from Tulsa, including the renowned Woody Guthrie Center. It is a museum that offers you a brief insight into Guthrie’s mind and life and shares many of his biographies.
The museum features essential pieces of Guthrie memorabilia like his notebooks. You will also find photos, books, and art scores about him.
He was known to be a human rights activist and loved for his fight against fascism, which has continued to be a point of interest to artists and the rest.
To him, you can change the world if you believe. His messages will inspire you when you visit this museum.
Address: 102 E Matthew B. Brady Street, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA
2. Oklahoma Aquarium
First established in 2003, the Oklahoma aquarium occupies about 70,000 square feet.
Even though the city of Oklahoma is landlocked, it is still not a barrier in its accommodation of one of the top aquariums in the country and the best place to explore incredible wildlife, otherwise known as Oklahoma Aquarium.
Because most of your life is spent on land, you will be forgiven for forgetting there are many incredible sea animals out there.
The Oklahoma aquarium allows you to have fun exploring sea creatures such as jellyfish, lionfish, and sea turtles.
You can discover how species live and interact with each of these animals. Maybe, until this point, you don’t know that no animal (be it land or sea creatures) exhibits more fear and misunderstanding than sharks.
The aquarium will offer you the world’s most outstanding exhibit of bull sharks, and you will learn many things about life sharks and other incredible sea life.
Address: 300 Aquarium Drive, Jenks, OK 74037, USA
3. Tulsa Arts Districts
While you will find just a few towns that feature two centers that respect arts, Tulsa alone has a whole district that is provided for culture and art purposes.
The Tulsa Arts District celebrates innovation and imagination via gorgeous attractions of many different art types.
Even though this center is ancient, it still looks new, as it is constantly being maintained.
The town has done everything it could to keep it well-preserved, and areas like Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa’s Glassblowing Studio, and the Brady Theater have kept attracting curious visitors.
You cannot visit the Tulsa Arts District without witnessing something worth bewildering. Apart from the theaters and studios, the Tulsa Arts District features terrific coffee shops and shopping centers.
If you are a fun lover, you won’t escape Tulsa without taking a tour of this fascinating arts district.
Address: 1 E Matthew Brady Street, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA
4. Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame
The more we work to appreciate its beauty, the more we discover its power and importance. That is the theme of the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. It is undoubtedly among the top places to visit in Tulsa.
It concerns itself with some exceptional musical icons. The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame is located inside the former Union Depot Building in downtown Tulsa. It features several legendary artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Chet Baker Jr., amongst others.
This jazz center will educate you on jazz and its influence on American culture and other parts of the world.
You will also discover how essential Oklahoma was to the genre’s development, especially with the establishment of “Kansas City jazz.”
It comprises various influences, various styles, and numerous artists. Tulsa itself has been seen as a significant part of its evolution. Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame shows how much Tulsa is meant for the jazz world.
Address: 5 S Boston Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA
5. The Gilcrease Museum
When it comes to the world culture conversation, American art is a crucial element of it, thanks in part to Tulsa city, which is behind its great commemoration through the various art centers like Gilcrease Museum.
This museum features strong displays of American creative expression. Located close to downtown Tulsa, the Gilcrease Museum is one of the best museums in Oklahoma.
Established in 1949 by Thomas Gilcrease, this museum features over a quarter of a million pieces.
It represents not just the United States in the aftermath of the British settlement but also the North Americans.
It also presents bits gathered from the pre-colonial era, which dates back to 12,000 BC, including pieces from the South American areas.
Here, you will find kinds of stuff like works rendered in paint, marble, and screen-printing. Even the external parts are beautified with attractive gardens. This museum contributes significantly to Oklahoma’s cultural heritage.
Address: 1400 N Gilcrease Museum Road, Tulsa, OK 74127, USA
6. Blue Dome Entertainment District
Downtown Tulsa is known for featuring one of the greatest pulses in the entire Midwest, thanks partly to the Blue Dome Entertainment District. This district occupies about nine blocks and features everything culturally significant in a city.
The Blue Dome is close to the renovated gas station and has everything that will make your trip to Tulsa entertaining, as you can find every fun activity there.
Feel free to knock down several pins at Dust Bowl. Delicious meals and drinks are offered at El Guapo’s Mexican Cantina and Arnie’s Bar.
You only need to be careful so as not to be too carried away by the fun experiences in the district. You have lots of fun to catch at IDL Ballroom and Fur Shop.
The Max Retropub features old-school arcade games you can partake in, as well as engage in broth at Jinya Ramen Bar.
Address: Blue Dome Entertainment Road, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA
7. The Gathering Place
Tulsa is not just a hospitable city in terms of environment and structures, it is also renowned as one of the most welcoming environments, and the Gathering Place is a crucial reason for that.
The Gathering Place is a component of Tulsa River Parks. It allows adults and kids to have the time of their lives with every activity available.
You can partake in many kayaking, hiking, and skating activities. It is a place where you can cut loose and get a great dosage of fresh air.
The site offers you a sea and land activity to have fun. It also features a restaurant and patio you can host your meeting.
You can witness live performances at QuikTrip Great Lawn as a bonus.
Address: 2650 S John Williams Way E, Tulsa, OK 74114, USA
8. Tulsa Zoo
Tulsa zoo is one of the places in downtown Tulsa where you can make yourself feel like flying over the moon. It is animal inhabitation that accommodates hundreds of different species in optimal environments.
Visitors come in troupes with their families, couples, and friends on weekends to explore the creatures in Tulsa zoo.
There is nothing wrong with stopping at the zoo to partake in the fun-fare on any of your tours to Oklahoma.
This place provides these wildlife species with a place to eat and sleep while also ensuring they miss homesickness by how well they replicate their natural environments.
You can witness and learn about many animals, including elephants, chimpanzees, and rhinoceros. The Tulsa zoo also offers an opportunity to learn about conservation and how species prone to diseases can be protected.
Address: 6421 E 36th Street N, Tulsa, OK 74115, USA
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9. Tulsa Air & Space Museum
Ever wanted to know a lot more about the mysteries that lie far above us? Tulsa Air & Space Museum will provide you with all the details about the incredible feats of aviators and astronauts. Established in 1918, this museum features every fascinating exhibit and attraction.
The Tulsa Air & Space Museum features bold aircraft like the Spartan Executive Model 12, the Bell 47-K Helicopter, and the Rockwell Ranger 2000. It also offers an avenue to learn about the great Oklahoma astronaut Bill Pogue.
You can come with your family to partake in interactive shows like the Hot Air Balloon Simulator and the Space Shuttle Robotic Arm.
Another great attraction in the Tulsa Air & Space Museum is the James E. Bertelsmeyer Planetarium, where you can see immersive films and learn more about the various kinds of science.
Address: 3624 N 74th E Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74115, USA
10. Tulsa Botanic Garden
You will find beautiful gardens in Oklahoma, one of which is the Tulsa Botanic Garden. Whoever it is that was instrumental for the pausing and smell of its roses was indeed wise.
You can argue against the fact that flowers and trees are crucial parts of nature and have their roles to play, which is why they were created in the first place.
In Tulsa Botanical Garden, every plant species are given room to thrive. Here, there are many flowers like roses and spring bulbs, as well as trees, both giant and dwarf in nature. The garden is made up of over 1,000 spring bulbs.
Apart from the lovely plant species, there are many other fun things that the Tulsa Botanical Garden provides, like the visitors center and other attractions such as a Lakeside Promenade and Children’s Discovery Garden.
Don’t miss out on this incredible feeling of nature.
Address: 3900 Tulsa Botanic Drive, Tulsa, OK 74127, USA
11. Tulsa Performing Arts Center1
If you think you have seen it all with Tulsa’s fascinating arts, you should rethink, as a little more tour will take you to Tulsa Performing Arts Center.
This center has four different theaters, a fantastic art gallery, and a studio. It features every kind of popular art style.
Sometimes you might visit when a ballet performance is ongoing, during a touring Broadway production, or during a huge symphony.
The center features walls thoroughly imbued with creative energy, which is why it has continued to attract many performers.
Tulsa Performing Arts Center is also great on its external parts, as the building itself was crafted by Minoru Yamasaki, who also designed the Twin Towers in New York City.
Don’t miss out on an opportunity to see performances at this center on your trip to Oklahoma.
Address: 110 E 2nd Street, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA
12. Boston Avenue Methodist Church
You must not only wait until Sunday before you can go to church. For religious enthusiasts, you can stop by to have a brief meditation at Boston Avenue Methodist Church, which is regarded as one of the best religious centers in Oklahoma.
Located in downtown Tulsa, the church has existed for almost 100 years and represents the power of art deco design.
You don’t have to go deep inside to understand the beauty behind its lavish designs because even its external parts are adorned with some of the best artworks and designs you will ever find.
The Boston Avenue Methodist Church features a complex design that is out of this world.
You can spend a few more minutes closely exploring the place and see with your eyes how exceptional it is. Services and events are hosted there, and you are free to attend.
Don’t miss out on the live music shows or holiday services during Easter or Christmas.
Address: 1301 S Boston Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74119, USA
13. Safari Joe’s H20 Water Park
There is no wrong in stopping at a water park to cool off a bit whenever you feel the heat of the period. Safari Joe’s H20 Water Park at Tulsa offers a perfect cooling point for you to stop by during your tour to Oklahoma.
Even though there are always so many visitors, since it is the only water park in Tulsa, it still offers lots of thrills and refreshments.
You can immerse yourself in its wave pool or join others at its lazy river and water slides, among some of the best water slides you will enjoy going down. You can participate in an unforgettable ride down one of the three slides that make up “The Flumes.”
At this water park, you will get the fun of your lifetime. Did we mention its impressive raptor rapids? Oh yes! It features incredible raptor rapids that will provide an enjoyable water rollercoaster experience.
And you have an opportunity to join in the non-aquatic fun by exploring animal exhibits and Safari Joe’s Reptile World.
Address: 4707 E 21st Street, Tulsa, OK 74114, USA
14. Tulsa Golden Driller
The Golden Driller is the perfect representation of Tulsa’s oil-rich history.
It is a 76-foot magnificent structure of undoubtedly epic proportions. It shows an unwavering motivation of oilmen stretching across Oklahoma since ancient times.
Established in 1953, this driller offers you a sightseeing adventure you will never forget. It is a magnificent sight to behold and even looks better in person.
Photo lovers will enjoy this place, as you are free to take pictures with the superb yet gorgeous Golden Driller.
The less said, the better, as a visit away will tell you a better story.
Address: Tulsa Expo Center, 4145 E 21st Street, Tulsa, OK 74114, US
15. Shopping
Shopping is one the best things to do whenever anyone travels, as it always has something that will make you remember your trip.
Few places offer great shopping centers than Tulsa, which is littered with shops full of curiosities and concepts worth checking out.
Many fantastic shops and businesses can be discovered at The Boxyard, an area filled with eye-catching companies, including Modern Mess.
In the box yard, you will also see an attractive women’s fashion store, Blank Med Spa, and Okie Dokie, a souvenir store.
Other shopping centers include Deco District and Brookside District.
Address (Boxyard): 502 E 3rd Street, Tulsa, OK 74120, USA
16. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Just like in any other city you visit, one of the most enjoyable things in Tulsa that an adult can partake in is the casino center and placing of bets.
Talking about casinos, we have a standard one in Tulsa, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which will give you a world-class entertainment experience.
This casino offers you one of its best travel hacks for free, where you will have easy access to entertainment as long as you book a room there.
It offers so many other things like gambling excitements and also allows you to witness some incredible artifacts from the rock world.
You are free to experience kinds of stuff from legends like Tom Petty and Blue October. The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino hosts interesting rock concerts, including hip-hop and comedy.
Don’t forget to come with your friend to shop and dine to complete your rocking experiences.
Address: 777 W Cherokee Street, Catoosa, OK 74015, USA
17. Fat Guy’s Burger Bar
In Tulsa, you will also see a place where you can stick around for a sinfully delicious delight, otherwise known as Fat Guy’s Burger Bar.
This bar combines relaxation and creativity, as all dishes are loaded with style and dripping with flavor. You will find traditional desserts like hamburgers and cheeseburgers.
For lovers of specialty burgers, you will find some such as the Pizza Burger and a Peanut Butter and Bacon burger.
Leaner options include veggie burgers, while BLTs are also in stock. If you like a challenge, the Fat Guy’s Burger Bar will provide you with that.
It is because the bar offers you the chance to have your face in the fall if you succeed in consuming a mountain of grub, which includes a burger with a two-pound patty and one pound of French Fries. If you want to be a champ, you have to deserve it.
Address: 140 N. Greenwood, Tulsa, OK 74120, USA
18. Utica Square
Apart from its name, Utica square is a part of Tulsa rather than an upstate New York. It is a shopping haven for those that feel most relaxed with dozen bags under their arms.
In other words, you won’t leave the place without stuffing your arms with bags, as there are many things to shop for.
We would advise you to create a budget before entering the place, so you wouldn’t be consuming more than you planned. From Sak’s Fifth Avenue to Coach, this high-end store features your favorite items and numerous other options.
Nothing is wrong with having something to eat in new cafes at the square after getting hungry from hectic shopping.
Address: 2070 Utica Square, Tulsa, OK 74114, USA
19. NYC Pizza
If you have never tasted a slice of New York pizza, you miss it a lot. You must have heard of the Big Apple, which is best at making pizzas.
However, you will also get a chance to have something like it at the NYC Pizza, where you can stop by on any of your tours to Oklahoma.
It is a place in Tulsa that offers tasty New York-style pizzas second to only the famous Big Apple.
Here, you will be provided the complete taste experience you ever desired from pizza. Established in 2006, NYC Pizza gives you a taste like a slice of Brooklyn.
It also has exciting menus, including familiar toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and onions. You will also find calzones, baked ziti, and Italian rolls. There is nothing wrong with having a taste of their garlic knots.
You won’t find better pizzas in Tulsa than what you’ll be offered here.
Address: 4775 S Harvard Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA
20. Philbrook Museum of Art
Art museums are among the most significant cultural institutions around. Like we said earlier, if you think you have seen it all with Tulsa’s fascinating arts, then you are mistaken. Have you heard of Philbrook Museum of Art?
Let me guess you haven’t.
It is a museum that features fantastic pieces preserved for future generations. Here, you can also be educated on the cultures before us. The Philbrook Art Museum was founded in 1939 and is filled with the best pieces from all over the world.
Since the building was the former home of the famous oil lord, Waite Phillips, the place is full of elegance and beauty, thus adding even more value and prestige to the items and pieces therein.
It features the adjacent garden, which lies on 23 acres, and offers you another area you can explore on your visit to the museum.
Address: 2727 S Rockford Road, Tulsa, OK 74114, USA
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21. Oxley Nature Center
You will find numerous places in Tulsa where you can explore the beauty of nature, one of which is Oxley Nature Center.
Here, you will get to enjoy hiking. Meanwhile, there is an excellent time for adults and kids as various trails are there to explore.
Near the Tulsa Zoo, you will find the Oxley Nature Center, which features numerous eye-catching trails to choose from, including the Woodpecker Trail, Blackland Marsh Trail, and North Wood’s Trail.
You are free to take special walks like the Butterfly Walk and the Bird Walk at different periods.
Address: 6700 Mohawk Blvd, Tulsa, OK 74115, USA