The Best of Tulsa, Oklahoma, After a Month-Long Stay

I have to be honest with you. We didn’t choose a month-long stay in Tulsa, Oklahoma, because of all the fun things to do in Tulsa. The decision was a financial one.

Tulsa was super cheap compared to our other options as nomadic travelers.

Yes, I’d heard great things about the Black Wall Street tours in the second-largest city in Oklahoma. I’d read several “I was so pleasantly surprised!” type guides about Tulsa that made it a contender for more travel in the region.

Booking a full month here, though, felt risky, but I’m so glad we took the plunge.

While you likely won’t have an extended stay in Tulsa, this detailed guide shares everything we were able to see during a full month here to help you plan. I’ll include our favorite Tulsa restaurants, attractions, and historical stops.

Is Tulsa worth visiting?

Tulsa is worth visiting for its important history and architecture, surprising food scene, and Route 66 attractions. It’s well-rounded enough that it’s fun for adults and for traveling families.

I imagine this one will only continue to grow as a tourist hub in this part of the country.

What is Tulsa famous for?

Tulsa is known for the Greenwood Historic District, Route 66, and the city’s Art Deco architecture in its downtown area.

I’ll add that Tulsa should be known for its food scene. While you’ll see quite a bit of chicken-fried steak and chili in Tulsa, the city is quite diverse. Tulsa’s best casual eateries serve up delicious ramen, Vietnamese pho, and Caribbean food. 

Best Things to Do in Tulsa

We spent a full month in Tulsa without any regrets. That means we saw a lot of what the city has to offer, and you’re the lucky folks benefiting from all of that.

Apart from the very first item on this list, these aren’t in any priority order, so pick and choose based on your interests.

Book the Real Black Wall Street Tour.

Again, most of this list won’t be in order of importance, but this is the exception. If you only have a weekend in Tulsa, spend at least an hour or two with Chief Egunwale Amusan, a descendant of three survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. 

We booked his two-hour tour and ended up spending over three-and-a-half hours learning about the historic Greenwood District and what was once Black Wall Street. Chief shared information with us that we would have lacked the context for otherwise. 

The first hour was spent addressing historical markers close to the Greenwood Cultural Center, the meeting point for his tours.

If your time is limited, there is a shorter tour option that stops here, although the folks on the one-hour tour still spent over an hour with us.

The second hour is spent driving to spots outside of the main district, including the scene of the alleged crime that started the “riots” and The Tulsa Theater. The theater was once known as the Brady Theater after wealthy Klansman Tate Brady. 

I could truly go on and on about everything we learned on this tour but I really think it’s something everyone should prioritize as far as places to visit in Tulsa. All tours are by appointment only. Contact Chief online through The Real Black Wall Street Tour.

Explore the Greenwood Historic District on your own.

If you’re not able to get a tour time with Chief for a guided experience of the Greenwood Historic District, you should still make it a point to visit this part of town.

There are markers throughout the district, but these eight spots will give you a good start on a walking tour of your own:

• Black Wall Street Mural: You’ll see this colorful mural dedicated to Black Wall Street from the parking lot of the Greenwood Cultural Center. A memorial nearby honors the victims and businesses destroyed during the massacre.
• Greenwood Cultural Center: We popped into this exhibit before our tour, and it gave us context about the timeline of events around the Tulsa Race Massacre. This is also a community gathering space, so check their calendar for upcoming events.
• Mabel B. Little Heritage House: This property was built by Tulsa Race Massacre survivors in 1925. It was later dedicated to survivor and local historian, Mabel B. Little. Inquire about guided tours while you’re at the Greenwood Cultural Center.
• Greenwood Rising: A visit here felt a little repetitive after our guided tour, but if you’re under some time constraints, it gives a moving depiction of Black history in Tulsa. Book tickets online before you go, as times do sell out.
• John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park: This moving park tells the story of tragedy and resilience in this part of town. Walk the Pathway to Hope to get there to get a sense of what has been lost here over time. 
• Vernon A. M. E. Church: This church was severely damaged during the massacre, but the basement somehow survived. This is where many community members hid during the worst of the attack.
• Mount Zion Baptist Church: This church was deliberately destroyed during the Tulsa Race Massacre but rebuilt on the same spot in 1952. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
• Standpipe Hill: A historical marker recognizes this hill as a witness to the atrocities of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Standing from the top of the hill, witnesses could see the destruction that night firsthand. 

Eat fried chicken at Wanda J’s Next Generation Restaurant.

While in Greenwood, do as the locals do and order some fried chicken at Wanda J’s. It’s described as the best fried chicken in town, and I’m going to go ahead and agree because I’m still thinking about it to this day.

Here’s the thing, though. The fried catfish was also delicious. Whatever they use in their batter keeps the fish nice and crunchy on top and succulent in the middle. 

Pair that with their collared greens, candied yams, and warm rolls, and all of a sudden you’re having yourself a stretchy pants kind of afternoon.

Set your eyes on The Golden Driller Statue.

The Golden Driller represents Tulsa’s oiling past as a symbol of the International Petroleum Exposition. 

He’s the sixth-tallest statue in the United States and has been in his spot in front of the Tulsa Expo Center since 1966. If you visit during the right time of year, this is also where you’ll catch the Tulsa State Fair.

It’s a quick stop in Tulsa, but I’ll go ahead and call it an essential one. (I’m sorry/not sorry for objectifying the guy a little on my Instagram.) You’ll find Golden Driller trinkets and postcards all over town as a symbol of Tulsa.

Check out Tulsa’s Route 66 landmarks.

The Golden Driller isn’t technically a Route 66 icon, despite its roadside worthiness. Tulsa isn’t lacking in that department, though. In fact, I’ve never been to a city with more of an interest in its Route 66 history.

I put together a detailed guide to Route 66 for you if you’re interested in taking a deep dive into Tulsa’s connection to the Mother Road.

At the very least, don’t miss:

• Mother Road Market
• Decopolis 
• Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66
• Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza
• Route 66 Neon Sign Park

Learn about a legend at the Bob Dylan Center.

The Bob Dylan Center is in Tulsa because of Bob Dylan. The Duluth, Minnesota, native wanted his archives located in the heartland. Oklahoma’s connection to its Native American roots also spoke to him.

Dylan was also inspired by Woody Guthrie. Guthrie is from Okemah, a little over an hour south of Tulsa, but his archives are located right next door to Dylan’s. (The Woody Guthrie Center predates the Bob Dylan Center.)

A visit to the Bob Dylan Center is an immersive one. It’s not huge, but you can spend hours listening to songs, interviews, and clips from movies he’s appeared in on either floor of the museum. If you’re driving, pay to park at the meters along the street in front. 

Learn about another legend at the Woody Guthrie Center.

Don’t leave the Tulsa Arts District just yet. The Woody Guthrie Center next door predates the Bob Dylan Center, and you’ll save a couple of dollars if you buy a combo ticket for both.

I didn’t know much about Woody before I got there, and that’s me being really vulnerable right now. The man was the inspiration for most modern folk artists out there, including Bob Dylan.

He was also a man ahead of his time when it came to antiracism, which made his early death that much sadder. (He succumbed to Huntington’s disease at 55 after several years inside an insane asylum after a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia. It’s a tragic story.)

The museum is modest, but you can spend quite a bit of time here interacting with the different screens and listening to his performances.

Don’t miss the short movie at the start and the virtual reality goggles that put you right in the middle of the Dust Bowl. It’s an event Woody lived through and wrote about extensively. 

Check out Tulsa’s coffee scene.

My top pick is Triangle Coffee Roasters, but I have to admit we didn’t come to this place for the coffee. We were here for the breakfast burritos. They were recommended to us by our Tulsa Tours guide, and he did not lie. 

If you need multiple pick-me-ups during your Tulsa visit Fulton Street Books & Coffee for “literature and latte” or Cirque Coffee, a shop with a second drive-through location.

Go underground on a Tulsa tunnel tour.

We learned about this one during our Greenwood tour, and I’m so glad we were able to get tickets during our stay in Tulsa. (This one does sell out, as there are capacity limits in these tunnels below the city!)

Take a tour of Tulsa’s network of tunnels while learning about the city’s role as one of the original oil capitals of the world.

Hear about historical figures who contributed to the city’s growth during the oil boom of the early 1900s as you walk below Tulsa’s tallest buildings. Visit places like the Atlas Life building and its impressive arcade. 

We booked a tour with Tulsa Tours, the most highly-rated option in town. It’s run by Jeffrey Tanenhaus, a native New Yorker who adopted Tulsa as his new home base after a cross-country bike ride. I highly recommend you don’t settle for any alternatives!

Admire Tulsa’s Art Deco architecture.

Tulsa Tours also runs guided engagements about the city’s Art Deco architecture in the warmer months to give you a deeper look into the city’s impressive style. If you’re here in the chilly months as we were, you can take a self-guided tour of downtown Tulsa. 

Highlights include:

• Philcade Building: This one was completed in 1931 for oilman Waite Phillips. Don’t miss the window exhibits inside the lobby of this impressive building for a look at what life was like during Tulsa’s oil boom.
• The Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building: This is one of the first examples of Art Deco architecture in Tulsa. That fact kept the building from demolition in the 1980s. Local developers wanted to replace the imposing structure with high-rises.
• Gillette-Tyrrell Building: I’m using this 1929 building’s original name here as a nod to the two oilmen who made it happen. It only took until 1931 for it to be renamed the Pythian Building by its new owners, the Knights of Pythias.

All of the properties listed above sit on the National Register of Historic Places. The city’s most famous example of Art Deco, though, is the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church.

Make a special stop at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church.

If you loved that Art Deco, you’ll want to visit the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, one of the best examples of Art Deco buildings here in Tulsa. The church was completed in 1929 as a place for the faithful and as a symbol of the city.

It’s important enough to the architectural movement that it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It was also designated a National Historic Landmark in 1999. 

Bop around the Blue Dome District.

The Blue Dome entertainment district is Tulsa’s most vibrant and eclectic neighborhood. You’ll find a variety of local shops, restaurants, and bars to indulge in while you’re here, along with quite a bit of historical intrigue if that’s what you’re after. 

No matter what’s on your agenda, start with the literal Blue Dome, a symbol of Tulsa’s Route 66 history. 

Fun fact: The building used to be a 24-hour gas station that served folks traveling along the Mother Road. Today, it’s a symbol than anything else, which I see as a missed opportunity for some additional tourism.

The Blue Dome District is also likely where you’ll be if you’re here for live entertainment in Tulsa, including spectator sports, and Tulsa’s nightlife. The Tulsa Theater, BOK Center, and Tulsa Performing Arts Center are all nearby.

Find your favorite Tulsa green space.

You don’t need to leave Tulsa to get your nature fix and enjoy some of the best green spaces in town. Here are my favorites as you seek out nature escapes in your pursuit of things to do in Tulsa:

• Veterans Park: Babbling brooks, urban waterfalls, and skyline views await at this scenic urban oasis. We visited in February but can imagine this spot is even lovelier in the spring or fall. You’ll be well-situated for exploring the Pearl District after.
• LaFortune Park: It’s about three miles if you take the loop around this city park. Golfers, there are two different courses for you to choose from here. This one is popular with pups, too. There are doggie bags along the way, so pick up the poops!
• Guthrie Green: This park across the street from the Woody Guthrie Center and the Bob Dylan Center is a frequent event space. We were visiting in the winter so were out of luck for live events, but it’s a lovely place to relax after museum-hopping.
• Chandler Park: Things really heat up at this park along the Arkansas River. That’s when the splash park opens up for all of that frolicking. There’s fun to be had here year-round, though, especially if you love disc golf. I don’t get it, but maybe you do.

Stroll Woodward Park and Gardens.

Just west of Utica Square, you’ll find a neighborhood full of enormous homes and the scenic Woodward Park and Gardens. We were there in the winter, but could already see buds on the trees just begging for spring.

The park is home to the Tulsa Garden Center, the Tulsa Rose Garden, and the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum, but you can have a fine enough time without an agenda. We enjoyed just walking around the space and imagining the colors in the spring and fall.

Experience the Center of the Universe.

There’s an acoustic situation happening here where if you stand inside the circle, you hear an echo. There was just one other group on a sunny Saturday afternoon, so I imagine you’ll have it to yourself on a weekday. This is a quick visit!

Bring the kids to the Gathering Place.

This riverfront park is a no-brainer if you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Tulsa. There seemed to be a never-ending supply of some of the best playground equipment I’ve ever seen, along with a variety of educational activities.

Note: In the summertime, you can add a free kayak or paddleboard ride on Peggy’s Pond to your afternoon. Yep. Boats are free, which makes this one of the best free things to do in Tulsa in the warm months.

Check out the views (and art) at the Philbrook Museum of Art.

The Philbrook Museum of Art is one of my favorite spots in Tulsa. I didn’t know what to expect, as we’ve been to a lot of art museums around the United States.

We arrived just in time for a special exhibit featuring works from Rembrandt and Impressionists like Monet and Pissarro, so things started off well.

Explore multiple floors, including the lower level, featuring both famous names — there’s a random Picasso in one of the side rooms — and regionally known artists. The space itself is incredible, too. 

This was the former home of local oilman and philanthropist Waite Phillips. While the villa has been expanded since he roamed its halls, much of the main space you’ll walk through was the guy’s former home.

He gifted the mansion to the city of Tulsa in 1938 so that he could move downtown. That’s why most of the wings still honor his name.

If you’re here on a nice day, the surrounding gardens are very much worth a stroll. Don’t miss “SLUMGULLION (The Venerate Outpost),” an 1800s-era log cabin repurposed as a permanent piece of art on the garden’s grounds. 

The stained glass windows here are made from locally donated glass, and the over 100 glass lamps above your head are all donations, too. It’s truly one of the most unique things to do in Tulsa.

Taste-test Tulsa’s best breweries.

It’s hard to beat beer in San Diego or cities along the East Coast, but Tulsa has an exciting beer scene of its own. We taste-tested quite a few during our time in Tulsa. Here are our favorites:

• American Solera: This place gets a ton of natural light, which means pours that look like a million bucks. It’s a big reason why this place was a James Beard Outstanding Bar Award semifinalist in 2023.
• Cabin Boys Brewery: They had a great selection of tasters during our visit, including a Belgian-style quad for Brian’s Belgian beer-loving heart. That’s the Bearded Theologian if you’re interested.
• Eerie Abbey Ales: This was Brian’s favorite Tulsa brewery. A downtown location means this one may be a little quieter than the others, but it also boasts the best Belgian beer selection in town.
• Heirloom Rustic Ales: Heirloom Rustic Ales prides itself on small-batch, flavorful beers that show off a commitment to locally sourced ingredients. There are a variety of ale styles here, but their gose and stout were my favorites.
• Marshall Brewing Company: Marshall Brewing Company was Tulsa’s first craft brewery, but it doesn’t show its age at all. The beers on tap here are German-inspired, so expect a rotation that includes Kölsch, lagers, and Munich dunkels.
• Nothing’s Left Brewing Co.: I imagine “nothing’s left” is what you say when it’s time to close out at this brewery in Tulsa’s Pearl District. Enjoy Deez Nuts, an imperial stout that is the result of that perfect combo of chocolate and peanut butter.

Bring your pooch to Biscuit Acres Dog Park.

Biscuit Acres Dog Park is a doggie wonderland. An added bonus is that it’s situated on scenic Hunter Park Pond in Hunter Park.

Note: There’s a disc golf course in there, too, if you have a clue what that means. 

If you’re visiting Tulsa with a dog as we were, I have a complete guide to dog parks in Tulsa, including more info on Biscuit Acres and Joe Station Dog Park. Ours is high anxiety and high energy, so running it out always seems best.

Meet a goat at the Tulsa Zoo.

If there’s a goat in my vicinity, I will find it, even if there are also Komodo dragons and lions and tigers and bears. I’m most impressed by goats. That all said, I was so impressed by the Tulsa Zoo. 

It’s a budget-friendly Tulsa attraction with spacious exhibits for a variety of critters, including some you might encounter in the wild while in Oklahoma. (I have questions about the raccoons, but that’s really all.) 

This one is great if the weather isn’t great, too. There are quite a few indoor exhibits for you to visit to spot some of the hiding animals. The goats love to be outdoors, though.

READ MORE: I’m not kidding about my love of goats. I’ve even done yoga with them!

Go bird-watching at the Oxley Nature Center.

There are 800 acres of winding trails to explore at this nature reserve. Start at the interpretive center for an overview of flora and fauna you’ll see while you’re here. You can pick up the Red Fox Trail from there, an easy loop through the forest and BJ’s Pond.

Watch the signage as you go on your woodland adventure. Many trails connect to one another, and you can quickly find yourself deeper into the park. Check out the park’s website before you go to see if there are any trail closures.

Feel nostalgic at The Outsiders House Museum.

I read the book and watched the movie when I was a kid, so I obviously had to visit the local film site for The Outsiders movie while we were in town. This is a very fun visit, even if you just have a cursory interest in both.

Fun fact: The movie didn’t age SUPER well, but I’d recommend you check it out as an adult regardless just for the laughs and that cast.

While at the house, you can meet extras who now work as volunteers there. That includes an amateur photographer who loved telling stories about how he didn’t think anything would come of Tom Cruise. He apparently had a chipped tooth back in the day. 

Scientology fixed it, I imagine.

Spend some time checking out memorabilia from the movie like Tom’s cropped jean jacket and the Mickey Mouse shirt worn by Emilio Estevez.

Are you sold? Come around the back to the gift shop during operating hours for tickets. There are lots of items to look at in the modest gift shop, too, so save some time to check it out after.

The neighborhood the house is located in isn’t the greatest, but I maintain it’s worth the trip.

Treat yourself to a fancy meal.

I’ve shared all kinds of delicious spots with you already, but Tulsa boasts some excellent special occasion dining, too. If you’re looking for things to do in Tulsa for couples, a yummy meal always works. You can certainly go for one of these solo, too.

Lowood was our pick for a post-Valentine’s Day meal — we don’t go out on the actual day because that sounds horrible — and it did not disappoint. Unfortunately, they’ve been temporarily closed following a devastating fire.

As they rebuild, here are a few more special occasion spots:

• Boston Title & Abstract: The food at this speakeasy-style eatery leans French, so expect bouillabaisse and moules as your mains. It’s worth a visit for their cocktails alone. Reservations are expected.
• FarmBar: Choose between multi-course tasting menus or à la carte options at this eatery. This is Oklahoma cuisine at its finest, as you’ll be eating farm-fresh ingredients from across the state. Reservations are expected and available online.
• The Tavern: This one is a little more affordable than the rest, but you can still do some damage here if your tastes are more short rib and filet of beef over tater tot poutine. Reservations are recommended and available via OpenTable. 

Eat a little something more casual.

I realize we did a lot of eating in Tulsa, but it’s all in the name of research. I wanted to include a representation of some of the diverse cuisine available here, too. You can eat VERY well in this town. 

Here are our favorite casual spots in town that will cure whatever ails you:

• East Village Bohemian Pizzeria: This place serves up delicious slices of what I affectionately call hipster pizza. I’m talking about unique ingredients like balsamic vinegar, hot honey, and the perfect amount of char. You won’t regret it.
• Sisserou’s Caribbean Restaurant & Catering: We ate well at this spot, chowing down on jerk chicken, cod fritters, and beans and rice like it was our last meal. Everything was delicious and very flavorful.
• JINYA Ramen Bar: Enjoy a variety of ramen, including vegan and vegetarian options, at this popular ramen chain in the Blue Dome District. This one is pretty perfect if you visit on the cusp of good weather as we did.
• Kai Vietnamese Cuisine: This downtown stop is bustling on weekday lunch hours for good reason. Their noodle bowls and pho are delish. Try the garlic butter wings if you’re here to snack.
• Lone Wolf Bahn Mi: The ginger fritter bowl was one of the best things we ate while in Tulsa. You can get the fritters as an appetizer here, too. The kimchi fries were good in theory but lacked in execution. Yes, fries get soggy when they’re loaded up.

Sip on cocktails at Tulsa’s best bars.

We loved Hodges Bend as our spot for pre-dinner coffee cocktails, but they’ve since closed. Luckily, Tulsa has more options for nightcaps and happy-hour drinks:

• Mercury Lounge: This is a dive bar with one of the best live music scenes in the city. It’s intimate and eclectic and full of locals you may not see anywhere else. It’s basically exactly what you want in an evening out in Tulsa.
• The Starlite Bar: This Route 66 favorite is another popular spot with locals for its packed live events calendar. Watch their website for weekly happenings that include live mic nights and trivia.
• Valkyrie: This cocktail bar in the Tulsa Arts District boasts industrial-chic vibes and an extensive spirits selection. If you can’t pronounce the options on their drink menu, their talented bartenders can whip something up based on your tastes alone.

Take a Tulsa day trip.

If you’re in Tulsa for a short period of time, spend your time with all of the best attractions in Tulsa proper. With more time, though, you can explore the best Tulsa day trips.

Oklahoma City, Tahlequah and the heart of the Cherokee Nation, and quirky towns along Route 66 were some of our favorites. I have more on those and a heck of a lot more in my Tulsa day trips guide.

More Things to Do in Tulsa

We spent a full month in Tulsa and there are still things we’d return to on a repeat visit. Some of that was timing. There were quite a few big attractions that were closed, either for renovations or because of the season.

Here’s what tops our list:

• See a tribute to Oklahoma jazz, blues, and gospel at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, which was unfortunately closed for renovations during our stay. 
• Stroll among the blooms at the Tulsa Botanic Garden.
• Time your botanical tour for Tulsa Botanic Blooms, the time of year over 200,000 spring bulbs start doing their thing and signaling the start of spring.
• Visit the expanded Gilcrease Museum, a site that houses a large collection of art from the American West.
• Tour The Cave House, a former restaurant turned private residence that gets quite a few looks from passersby in town.
• Hike in the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area, an urban trail system from the Tulsa River Parks Authority under construction for the entirety of our visit.
• Learn more about the Jewish experience at the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art. 
• Enjoy a show at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. 
• Feed your Instagram grid with a visit to the Tulsa Art Alley.
• Bring the littles to the Discovery Lab, a hands-on wonderland for kids to learn, explore, and ideally burn off some steam.
• Stroll the grounds of the University of Tulsa campus.
• Get nerdy or enjoy some family fun at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium.
• Visit Living Kitchen Farm and Dairy in Depew for family-style dinners from April through December.
• Earn some winnings (or most definitely lose some) at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

READ MORE: Planning a trip to Oklahoma City, too? Use my detailed guide to OKC.

Where to Stay in Tulsa

We spent a full month in Tulsa at a short-term rental, but I know that’s a luxury for most. That doesn’t mean I don’t have recommendations for you.

Check out the map below for highly-rated Tulsa accommodations no matter your budget:

Tulsa may not be underrated for long.

Since our visit, I’ve seen so many bloggers get into the merits of planning a trip to Tulsa on road trips headed South.

While I wouldn’t say it fits the mold of what you’d expect out of a Southern town — in many ways, Tulsa feels quite Midwestern — it does retain a high level of hospitality. This is one of the most welcoming towns we’ve visited in our travels. I’m sure we’ll be back!

Interested in more adventures nearby? Check these out:

• Take This Epic Southern Road Trip
• Plan a Trip to Natural Falls State Park
• Feel the Heat at Hot Springs National Park
• Eat Your Way Through Lockhart, Texas
• How to Plan a Quirky Weekend in Albuquerque

More travel guides for the Southwest:

• Our Favorite Date Ideas in Houston
• The Best Wineries in Fredericksburg
• Love Breaking Bad? Visit Albuquerque
• How to Plan Your Trip to New Mexico
• One Day in Santa Fe Is What You Need

Want to see more?