We spent a full month in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and had a fantastic time in the underrated Oklahoma city. That said, we did feel the urge to hit the road quite a bit while we were there.
There’s a lot to see, and we kept meeting locals who’d tell us to do this and the other thing and that thing, too.
Check out some of the best day trips from Tulsa for your next Oklahoma road trip. I’ll include Tulsa day trips for nature lovers, history buffs, and Route 66 enthusiasts.
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What is close to Tulsa?
Smaller Oklahoma towns like Jenks, Catoosa, and Muskogee are all close to Tulsa. You’re also within a short drive of Tahlequah, the capital of Cherokee Nation, and Oklahoma City, a vibrant city that probably deserves a full weekend away.
How far is Tulsa from the mountains?
Tulsa is about two hours and 20 minutes from the mountains if you want to visit the Ozarks. Bentonville and Fayetteville, two Arkansas towns, are a great base for exploration in the area.
You’ll have to add another hour to check out the Ouachita Mountain Range and its imposing terrain.
I’ll get into all of that and more with this guide to Tulsa day trips. Everything you see here will be listed by travel time so that you can explore with max efficiency. That said, always check those map apps before you hit the road to account for traffic, weather delays, and whatever else may go down on these roads.
This guide assumes you have a car to make the day trips from Tulsa happen. Rent a car upon arrival in Tulsa from a site like Hotwire or Priceline. Planning ahead will make sure your Tulsa day trips remain cheap getaways from Tulsa.
My Top Day Trips from Tulsa
The day trips in Oklahoma from Tulsa that I get into below are all battle-tested by us, for better or worse. They’re not in any order of importance but listed by approximate drive time and mileage. You’ll find that it’s easy to combine a few into a longer day trip or spend a few hours in each destination vs. a full day.
If you want to see all of these on a map, I’ve got you. Just follow the link below:
GIMME MY EASY ROAD TRIPS FROM TULSA MAP!
If you really only have time for one, it’d be between Tahlequah and Oklahoma City for me!
1. Jenks, Oklahoma
Distance: 12 miles
Drive Time: 15 minutes
Jenks is a charming Oklahoma town just 15 minutes from Tulsa. If you’re looking for day trips from Tulsa with kids, this is a great easy option. Start at the Oklahoma Aquarium and visit its over 8,000 water inhabitants.
This is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the region, so expect to spend a few hours here. There are over 100 unique exhibits, including an underwater tunnel with sharks swimming overhead.
From there, you can go antiquing or take a stroll around the Riverwalk Jenks. I keep wanting to call it the Jenks Riverwalk, but alas. They do what they want here. It’s the town’s hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment, and a great people-watching destination.
In the mood for unique gifts? Roark Acres Honey Farms is a great place to start and support a locally-owned business. They make the expected all-natural honey but also all kinds of honey items you didn’t know you needed. I’m talking beeswax lotion, honey straws, and honey soaps.
2. Catoosa, Oklahoma
Distance: 16 miles
Drive Time: 20 minutes
Our primary objective in Catoosa was the Blue Whale of Catoosa, and this thing did not disappoint. This is one of the most popular destinations along Route 66, especially if you’re driving the Mother Road through Oklahoma.
It’s a literal big blue whale, people. At one point, it was a local swimming hole open for public use. The original owners expanded it with an attached reptile kingdom and shops for sales of what I imagine were tchotchkes and treats.
The attraction closed by 1988 when the owners aged out of the upkeep. Revitalization efforts in modern times have focused on giving the whale a fresh paint job and adding some picnic tables for lingering in the warmer months.
You can visit and climb around inside without incident, but we stayed out of the very top level. It was pretty sketchy (and dirty as heck!) up there.
3. Yale, Oklahoma
Distance: 43 miles
Drive Time: 45 minutes
Our visit to Yale was admittedly quick, but that’s only because we thought we could stop at the Jim Thorpe House on our way back to Tulsa from Oklahoma City. Despite clearly posted signage about hours of operation on the front door and signage leading up to the house, no one was there.
So I called the posted number.
“Well, I’m going to be honest with you. I’m in the tub,” the guide on the phone told me.
She offered to return in a half hour when she was done with her soak, but we didn’t really want to stick around. The point of this story is that the house seemed like a really intriguing thing to do. If you’re at all into Thorpe’s legacy, I’d recommend calling ahead just in case, especially if you’re visiting in the winter as we were.
4. Chelsea, Oklahoma
Distance: 50 miles
Drive Time: 50 minutes
A quick trip of under an hour will get you to Chelsea and Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park. As we visited in the off-season, we weren’t able to see inside his Fiddle House, a literal collection of fiddles, but the totems were still impressive.
Galloway was a retired teacher and semi-retired artist who used the last few years of his life to build these giant totem poles with his art students. It’s not exactly on Route 66, but it’s close enough that it doesn’t feel like an aggressive detour if you’re already traveling the Mother Road.
5. Muskogee, Oklahoma
Distance: 50 miles
Drive Time: 55 minutes
If you start early enough, you could add a trip to Muskogee on the way to Tahlequah, but there’s enough in the historic town to warrant its own Tulsa day trip.
Muskogee is home to the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, which tells the story of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee Creek, and Seminole tribes. Spend some time here learning about what the region is doing to preserve the history and culture of our tribal nations.
From there, explore Honor Heights Park, over 130 acres of lovely floral displays. If you’re here in the spring, treat yourself to their annual Azalea Festival. If festivals are right up your alley, Muskogee also hosts the annual Oklahoma Renaissance Festival.
Friends, if you’ve never been to a Renaissance Faire, do yourself a solid and add it to your bucket list.
6. Chandler, Oklahoma
Distance: 64 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour
What is there to do between Tulsa and OKC? Chandler, Oklahoma, is one of the quirkiest things to do between Tulsa and OKC.
This odd little town was our pick as a meeting point when we didn’t want to drive all the way to Oklahoma City to meet up with Brian’s cousin, a grad student up there.
It’s home to the Route 66 Interpretive Center, a modest museum that kicks things off with required viewing of one of the strangest home movies I’ve ever seen. It’s a retelling of a man’s adventures on a Route 66 road trip back in the day, and you really just had to be there.
From there, you can visit the Museum of Pioneer History, which resembles an antique shop or maybe an old lady’s attic. There’s no real coherent thread here, but we did have some fun reading old documents detailing rules for teaching in the 1900s.
Example: No loitering in ice cream shops.
What was going on in these ice cream shops?!?
If you love all of that Route 66 history, you can also visit an old Phillips 66 filling station that is under the process of renovation and the last remaining Meramec Cavern barn sign in the state.
Destinations is a kitschy diner for when all of that makes you hungry. The food was fine, but we did have a weird little moment when the waitress lost Brian’s credit card for about 10 minutes. It was in between the dirty plates. Crisis averted.
7. Sparks, Oklahoma
Distance: 70 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
This tiny town in Lincoln County is home to the very fun and super casual Sparks Vineyard & Winery. This one is an easy add-on to the end of your day in the riveting town of Chandler.
Is the wine very good? No, not really. It’s super sweet and reminded me of some of the high-sugar cherry wines in Door County, Wisconsin. If that does it for you, this place may result in some impulse buys for home.
My very favorite moment was when the winemaker poured us a blend and proclaimed, “Not sure what the red in this one is. We just use what’s left over sometimes.”
I appreciate the honesty!
Again, the wine wasn’t for me, but the service was stellar and they have an excellent patio for warm-weather wine drinking. You do have to drive down a gravel road for about three miles on the way there, so keep that in mind if you’re road-tripping in a sedan.
8. Natural Falls State Park
Distance: 77 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Oklahoma has waterfalls! We didn’t make it out to Turner Falls Park, but I was able to get my waterfall fix with a shorter drive time to Natural Falls State Park.
Fun fact: Natural Falls State Park was featured in the movie Where the Red Fern Grows. Yes, it’s the one with the dogs.
We spent a few hours here hiking with the pup. The Dripping Springs Trail is what this one is known for, but if you’re up for some scrambling, the Fox Den Trail was my favorite. If this sounds right up your alley, check out my detailed guide to Natural Falls State Park.
9. Park Hill, Oklahoma
Distance: 72 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
You can easily combine this one with Tahlequah, my next recommendation on the list, but this one will become even more of a destination once the Cherokee Heritage Center reopens. It was under renovation during our own visit, but I’m excited to see what they do with all of that land.
Park Hill is still worth a visit for Hunter’s Home, a house and museum that may seem like any other plantation home in the South. Visit for a tour and you’ll find that it boasts quite a bit more depth than that. The home has a connection to the Cherokee Nation.
It was inhabited by wealthy planter George M. Murrell and Minerva Ross, the niece of Cherokee leader John Ross. You’ll learn all about those folks and about the enslaved population that worked this land on a guided tour from knowledgeable docents.
Don’t miss all of the farm animals outside. I mean, you probably won’t be able to if you tried because they like to make their presence known with their bleating and gobbles.
10. Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Distance: 72 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Plan a day trip from Tulsa where you learn more about the history of the region. Visit the capital of the Cherokee Nation in just over an hour from central Tulsa. The trio of museums in downtown Tahlequah is the biggest draw here, and that’s where you should start if you want a primer on Cherokee history.
I describe our own full day in Tahlequah in my complete guide to the town. Don’t miss the pizza shop where Carrie Underwood used to work while you’re here.
Note: Travelers with more time in the area may want to tack on Sequoyah State Park, a jewel of the Oklahoma State Park system, on trips to Tahlequah. It’s just a 20-minute drive to scenic shorelines, hiking, and horseback riding.
11. Arcadia, Oklahoma
Distance: 90 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
This popular Route 66 stop was high on my list because of Pops 66. It’s a diner and soda shop, but you’re here for those pops. Grab an empty six-pack and choose your own bottles from the fridge or the aisles full of weird and wonderful fizzy flavors.
I’m talking blue cheese sodas (didn’t do it), sarsaparilla root beer (did it and loved it), blueberry fizz (did it and really loved it), and fancy pear beverages that will make you think like you’re in Napa (loooooved it).
If you’re already traveling to Oklahoma City, it’s super easy to add this one to your list. Don’t miss the Arcadia Round Barn while you’re traveling through here. That’s another Route 66 special.
12. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Distance: 106 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
We visited Oklahoma City from Tulsa a few times during our extended stay, as there really is so much to do here. You could easily spend a full weekend here, but if that’s not happening and you want to see the Oklahoma State Capitol, I don’t blame you.
With just a day, I’d prioritize the First Americans Museum, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, and the Plaza Walls. If it’s chilly out, the Myriad Botanical Gardens pictured above are another great option that don’t take up much of your time.
You could also just pick and choose from my weekend in Oklahoma City itinerary.
More Incredible Day Trips from Tulsa
Even with a full month in Oklahoma, we still missed out on some easy road trips from Tulsa. Here are a few more ideas for scenic places near Tulsa and easy Tulsa weekend getaways.
Note: I’m not including Blue Hole Park in Salina, Oklahoma, on the list because it was temporarily closed at the time I put this guide together. I also read some bad reviews about overflowing trash and huge crowds when it was open, so meh.
- Bixby, Oklahoma (23 miles/30 minutes): Escape the city for some green space. Take a stroll through the Washington Irving Memorial Park and Arboretum for starters. If you visit in-season, indulge in the you-pick farms for fresh fruit.
- Claremore, Oklahoma (30 miles/35 minutes): Learn about the birthplace of Will Rogers at the aptly-named Will Rogers Memorial Museum. While he was born in nearby Oologah, this is your best bet for an education into the life of the famous cowboy and entertainer.
- Depew, Oklahoma (41 miles/45 minutes): This one was at the top of our list thanks to the Living Kitchen Farm and Dairy, home to family-style dining and many goats. Unfortunately, they only do dinners from April through December, which was outside of our travel range.
- Bartlesville, Oklahoma (45 miles/50 minutes): The big draw here is the home of the Phillips Petroleum Company and the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve. We got our fill of oil history in Tulsa, but it would have been neat to see the Frank Lloyd Wright tower.
- Braggs, Oklahoma (64 miles/1 hour 5 minutes): The big thing to brag about in Braggs is Greenleaf State Park, a family-friendly place with easy nature trails and camping for those who like waking up outside. It’s not for me, but you do you.
- Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees, Oklahoma (82 miles/1 hour 25 minutes): Outdoor enthusiasts can check out this popular destination for watersports like boating, swimming, and fishing. Fishing is a sport, right? Nearby Grove is your best bet for shopping and eats.
- Commerce, Oklahoma (94 miles/1 hour 30 minutes): See the boyhood home of Mickey Mantle, also known as “the Commerce Comet.” The only reason we didn’t make this one a priority was that there are no tours of the inside of the home. Missed tourism opportunity!
- Pawhuska, Oklahoma (56 miles/1 hour 35 minutes): This town is known for its tall grasses at the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. While you’re here, don’t miss The Pioneer Woman Mercantile. Ree Drummond fans, you probably know all about it.
- McAlester, Oklahoma (91 miles/1 hour 40 minutes): History buffs will like the Tannehill Museum, home to artifacts from the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. This one is also a great base for some of the best state parks near Tulsa: Lake Eufaula and Robbers Cave.
- Robbers Cave State Park (126 miles/2 hours): I definitely have some FOMO about this one. Robbers Cave is named as such because it was a notorious hideout for outlaws in the 1800s. There’s also some stunning scenery here, but I’ve got priorities when it comes to crime.
- Fayetteville, Arkansas (113 miles/2 hours 5 minutes): Seeking day trips from Tulsa to Arkansas? This college town is home to the University of Arkansas. If you don’t want to hang out with the coeds, you can stroll around the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks.
- Bentonville, Arkansas (114 miles/2 hours 10 minutes): The big draw at this Arkansas town in the Ozarks is the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Treat yourself to over 100 acres of an art lover’s wonderland.
- Turner Falls Park, Oklahoma (182 miles/2 hours 40 minutes): We chose Natural Falls State Park for efficiency’s sake, but if you want to see Oklahoma’s tallest waterfall, you’ll have to travel to Davis. Turner Falls drops into the pools below from 77 feet.
- Eureka Springs, Arkansas: (148 miles/2 hours 45 minutes): This picturesque town in the Ozark Mountains is known for its natural scenery, architecture, and vibrant arts community. It’s also home to the Christ of the Ozarks, a 65-foot statue of Jesus.
- Springfield, Missouri (181 miles/2 hours 45 minutes): I have to give Missouri some love on this list because it’s so close to Tulsa. I’ll give some love to Kansas City, my favorite city in the state, elsewhere, but Springfield is a great option for art enthusiasts.
Best Weekend Trips from Tulsa
With more time, you can plan a Tulsa weekend getaway. Any of the options below are all over three hours from Tulsa, so they’re more suitable as the best road trips from Tulsa.
Trips within four hours of Tulsa are where I typically draw the line for a day trip vs. a weekend away, especially with limited time at a destination.
I’ll start with Tulsa weekend trips and places to visit near Tulsa, OK, that I’m well-acquainted with, then give you some extras that are still on my list. Five or so hours is kind of my limit for a weekend away, which unfortunately knocks out Memphis, Tennessee, one of my faves.
You’ll just have to make your way out to the Home of the Blues some other time. Not a problem!
28. Kansas City, Missouri
Distance: 272 miles
Drive Time: 4 hours
Kansas City, Kansas, is also an option, but the Missouri side is where it’s at if you’re here for the barbecue. Kansas City-style barbecue is an entire movement, people. It’d be best if you tried it.
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is the iconic option. Start here if you’re short on time so you can taste what this genre of meats should taste like. From there, you have so many options. LC’s Bar-B-Q is another classic. Buck Tui BBQ introduces Thai flavors into the mix.
Just go where the spirit moves you.
29. Little Rock, Arkansas
Distance: 276 miles
Drive Time: 4 hours
We spent a full week in Little Rock, and I have to say it was a pleasant surprise. This one is great for history buffs. Start with a tour of Little Rock Central High School and learn more about the Little Rock Nine. Tours are free but you should book them in advance during peak travel times.
You could also spend a few hours at The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, an imposing structure full of secrets if you’re willing to give it some patience. I’m mostly kidding. Everything here is public record.
30. Hot Springs, Arkansas
Distance: 242 miles
Drive Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
If you’re already in Little Rock, you may as well visit Hot Springs National Park while you’re at it. If you only have time for one and love ticking off those parks, this one is an easy way to kill an afternoon.
I mean that in the best way. We had lots of fun on the trails around the park and soaking in the old-timey tubs. I’ve got a full guide to Hot Springs National Park if you’re interested and another on a review of a real bathhouse experience.
It includes details on how modest gals like me handle the most immodest situations.
31. Dodge City, Kansas
Distance: 317 miles
Drive Time: 5 hours
We visited Dodge City in the early months of our nomadic adventures. It was an easy stop on our way to somewhere else, and Brian loved the idea of being somewhere known for its connection to Wyatt Earp.
It’s exactly what you’d expect out of a town like this. While I had mixed feelings about Tombstone, a fairly cheesy tourist town in Arizona, Dodge City felt a little more authentic.
Fun fact: Visit the Boot Hill Museum for a primer on how this town became the “wickedest little city in America.”
More Trips Within 6 Hours of Tulsa
OK, so six hours is a bit of a stretch even for weekend getaways from Tulsa. I’ll keep things at less than five hours for you, but I did want to account for potential traffic. It’s a thing even in Oklahoma! Here are a few more that are still on my list for future adventures in and around the region.
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma (190 miles/3 hours): Three hours is really pushing it for a day trip, but you could probably make it happen if you really want to see the critters here and don’t have a full weekend. This is the oldest managed wildlife facility in the country, which is a huge deal.
- Wichita, Kansas (176 miles/3 hours 5 minutes): Bustling lil’ Wichita is a family-friendly weekend trip from Tulsa. Visit the Sedgwick County Zoo, the Great Plains Nature Center, and the Kansas Aviation Museum to keep littles entertained.
- Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park, Oklahoma (162 miles/3 hours 10 minutes): This one used to go by Red Rock Canyon State Park, but it’s now privately run. That’s the only thing that gave us pause about a visit. Otherwise, it looks like a great escape for some hiking.
- Little Sahara State Park, Oklahoma (180 miles/3 hours 15 minutes): You don’t have to go wherever the Sahara Desert is to enjoy epic sand dunes. OK, so these look a little more modest, but you’re in Oklahoma. You’ll have a great time.
- Beavers Bend State Park and Nature Center, Oklahoma (207 miles/3 hours and 40 minutes): Beavers Bend is picturesque as heck thanks to its location on the shores of Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River. Enjoy scenery, hiking, and river float trips at this one.
- Dallas, Texas (257 miles/4 hours 30 minutes): It’s true. I haven’t been to Dallas yet. The John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial is worth the trip for me alone, but the Texas city’s burgeoning food scene also makes this one a great weekend holiday.
Where to Stay in Tulsa
I assume you’ll have Tulsa as your base if you’re seeking trips from the Oklahoma town. We stayed at a short-term rental for a full month in Tulsa, but use the map below to peruse options for short trips or road trip stops:
Why do people go to Tulsa?
People go to Tulsa for its history, architecture, and Oklahoma day trips from Tulsa. It’s a great base for adventures along Route 66, natural attractions, and towns with significance to the local Native American tribes.
When you’re in the middle of your Tulsa trip planning, extend your stay for some of these Tulsa getaways.
Ready for Day Trips from Tulsa, Oklahoma?
Your Flight: I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, you should use Skyscanner. It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.
If your Oklahoma travel is limited to Tulsa, you’ll need to fly into Tulsa International Airport for your trip. It’s a smaller, regional airport, so expect connections no matter where your start is.
For adventurous folks who travel on the reg, I also subscribe to Going, formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. You’ll get cheap flight deals from your home base straight to your inbox. It’s a great way to visit destinations you’ve always wanted to visit or that weren’t even on your radar.
Your Accommodations: I usually use Booking.com and Hotels.com for our hotel needs. Both offer loyalty programs and now offer listings that are more of the home or condo rental variety, which is great. Vrbo is my preferred Airbnb alternative.
Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try Hostelworld. Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.
Etc.: For general travel goodies, visit my Favorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my Travel Tools page. It’s heavy on the text but super helpful for overall trip planning!
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Interested in more adventures in the South? Check these out:
- The Best Two-Week Southern Road Trip
- Top Things to Do in Savannah for Couples
- The Perfect Nashville Weekend Itinerary
- A Guide to Memphis Accommodations
- Top Things to Do in Athens, Georgia
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