Oklahoma Metropolis, Oklahoma, Journey Information

Oklahoma Metropolis isn’t Paris. It’s not New York Metropolis. And it’s not Rome.

However right here’s the factor: That’s truly what makes it so nice. OKC is a hidden gem. The world feels wildly missed by vacationers—and due to that, vacationer websites are by no means choked with traces, homeowners and cooks may be discovered behind the counters of their institutions, and even essentially the most haute of delicacies is inexpensive. These are only a few the explanation why it landed a spot on Travel + Leisure’s 50 best places to travel in 2020.

However first, a little bit of historical past, and one which’s spectacular proper out of the gate. Whereas Rome wasn’t in-built a day, Oklahoma Metropolis is taken into account to have been settled in a single afternoon, through the historic land run of 1889. In a matter of hours, what was as soon as only a lone railroad station and three buildings was instantly house to hundreds of individuals.

At present, OKC is the most important metropolis within the state and one of many fastest-growing cities in the U.S. Whereas visiting, you will see loads of juxtapositions right here, like massive swaths of land and purple filth, punctuated by towering, shining buildings.

I grew up visiting Oklahoma Metropolis as a baby. My husband went to undergraduate college on the College of Oklahoma, and I continued to see the town develop and thrive as an grownup. As of now, we live right here on a three-month project, and it’s been a delight to discover my roots; I used to be born and raised within the close by Ozarks and left for New York Metropolis in 2007. Dwelling quickly in Oklahoma Metropolis has allowed me to decelerate and delve deeply into cowgirl tradition, Western delicacies, and shoot the breeze with the individuals who name OKC house. Town is named “The Massive Pleasant,” in spite of everything.

“I feel a lot of that [attitude] stems from Oklahoma’s lengthy historical past as such a clean canvas for transplants,” Matt Kirouac, an Oklahoma Metropolis-based meals and journey author, says. “Ever for the reason that land run of 1889, it’s all the time been this Wild West of alternative. Inevitably, this meant outsiders coming in and imprinting themselves upon this new frontier … that ethos feels prefer it continues as we speak, as extra various voices (like myself, a queer man from New England and Chicago) transfer to Oklahoma.”

With world-class museums, robust Indigenous roots, a strong queer scene, and a cowboy soul on the coronary heart of all of it, Oklahoma Metropolis is nothing if not stunning—and, in fact, unrelentingly pleasant.

Here is all the pieces you could know earlier than visiting Oklahoma Metropolis.

Greatest Lodges & Resorts

Bradford Home

Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, the Bradford House is a 1912 Victorian-style house that’s been reworked right into a boutique resort. There are 36 rooms right here, all completely adorned for the Instagram grid (there was even a photograph shoot taking place throughout our keep). Locals come for the restaurant, bar, and all-day cafe, whereas friends can unwind in creatively adorned rooms, decked out with items sourced from native and international markets. No two models are the identical, however every has high-end bedding, swishes of velvet, and Molton Brown tub merchandise. Our tip: E book room No. 12, which comes with a vibrant Kelly inexperienced clawfoot tub and punchy pink-fringed membership chairs.

The Nationwide, Autograph Resort

Positioned in what was as soon as the 1932 First Nationwide Middle, The National is a historic landmark that when served as a banking corridor. At present, the 1.1-million-square-foot property’s past shines by with century-old marble flooring, financial institution teller stations, and 4 1931 murals by Edgar Spier Cameron that depict key moments within the state’s historical past, such because the Louisiana Buy and the land run. The resort’s meals and beverage venues (like a post-dinner drink at Tellers) are widespread with locals in addition to friends.

Okana Resort & Waterpark

In the event you have been skeptical about Oklahoma Metropolis’s sheer measurement and sprawl, image this: there is a nearly 40-acre resort close to the town’s downtown within the Horizons District. OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark, which is owned by the Chickasaw Nation, is a $400 million vacationer vacation spot that derives its identify from the Chickasaw phrases for water (“oka’”) and pal (“inka̱na’”). The huge 11-story, 404-room resort has a 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark and a 4.5-acre out of doors lagoon with sandy seashores—that’s along with a convention middle, household leisure middle, an amphitheater and occasion garden, in addition to retail outlets.

The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma Metropolis

Named after its founder, William Balser “Invoice” Skirvin, this historic hotel opened in 1911 and is the oldest within the metropolis. Lengthy thought of one of many nicest locations to remain in OKC, it is hosted friends similar to Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Bob Hope. Sadly, the Skirvin closed its doorways within the late ’80s and sat vacant for twenty years. After an enormous, $50 million renovation, the property reopened in 2007 with trendy visitor rooms and good-looking public areas. Perle Mesta, the property’s eating venue, is helmed by James Beard award-winning chef Andrew Black and is actually value a go to—do not skip the newborn scallops.

Greatest Issues to Do

Eat an Oklahoma Metropolis burger.

Oklahomans are critical about their burgers—and there are two well-known varieties.

Onion burgers are a staple of the state’s delicacies, and yow will discover them in all places from truck stops to high-end accommodations. Tucker’s Onion Burgers even has an Inconceivable beef choice. However don’t sleep on a Theta Burger—think about a generously sized patty topped with hickory sauce, slices of dill pickles, mayonnaise, and a wholesome serving of shredded cheddar cheese. I grew up consuming the Theta at Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler—the homeowners are associates of the household, and it’s their distinctive hickory sauce that makes it so tasty. Greg Horton, a author and professor based mostly in Oklahoma Metropolis, is a fan of the Theta Burger on the authentic S&B Burger Joint, nonetheless. “The burgers are nonetheless among the finest in a metropolis saturated with glorious burgers,” he says.

Go to the Oklahoma Metropolis Nationwide Memorial & Museum.

April 2025 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Oklahoma Metropolis bombing, however a go to to the memorial, (which honors the victims of the tragedy) is deserving, it doesn’t matter what the date is. “By far, some of the impactful moments in OKC’s historical past was the 1995 Alfred P. Murrah bombing, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial is a should for anybody visiting to get a grasp on how Oklahoma Metropolis turned what it’s as we speak,” Heide Brandes, an Oklahoma Metropolis-based author, says. “Not solely is it a phenomenal memorial, it is a totally curated museum that walks guests by that tragic day and the way the neighborhood got here collectively to rebuild itself.” Tickets for the museum are free for youngsters, and begin at $18 per individual for adults.

Dive into Indigenous tradition and historical past.

Oklahoma Metropolis is wealthy in First American historical past and tradition, and there are myriad methods to attach with it, from genuine Native American eating places to attending cultural occasions and procuring at native companies. Throughout your go to, take into account taking a jewelry-making class at Cheyenne Sky Studio, spending a day on the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, or grabbing a beer at Skydance Brewing Co., the town’s first Native American-owned brewery. And, in fact, try the First Americans Museum. “The First People Museum showcases the cultural richness of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations,” says author Kate Nelson. “However greater than that, it paints an image of the advanced historical past of america, as a lot of these tribal communities have been forcibly relocated to ‘Indian Territory,’ because it was known as. Indigenous honesty, magnificence, and resilience are on full show all through the Native-led museum.”

Go whitewater rafting.

That’s proper. You possibly can whitewater raft in Oklahoma Metropolis. Riversport Rapids is an city, man-made whitewater rafting middle within the metropolis’s downtown, and is positioned alongside the Oklahoma River. The power has some pretty difficult rapids right here (as much as class 4), however you too can surf, ski, tube, and kayak right here. “I’ve been on quite a few whitewater rafting journeys world wide, and Oklahoma Metropolis’s whitewater rafting is legit,” Brandes says. “A lot enjoyable, but in addition difficult and heart-pounding.”

Take a look at Manufacturing unit Obscura.

Factory Obscura is a 6,000-square-foot ever-evolving immersive artwork expertise in downtown OKC, that was initially co-created by about 30 artists, together with sculptors, textile artists, painters, poets, and sound specialists. Collectively, they supposed Manufacturing unit Obscura to be a enjoyable, inspiring expertise for all ages. Anticipate to pay attention and really feel—and even climb, and slide—by the house which feels form of like if a McDonald’s PlayPlace and the attic from Beetlejuice had a child.

Greatest Procuring

Shorty’s Caboy Hattery

One thing I like about Oklahoma Metropolis is the abundance of native companies—I like chatting with the homeowners to listen to their tales. Top-of-the-line examples is Shorty’s Caboy Hattery. Lavonna “Shorty” Koger was as soon as a daily on the rodeo circuit and even tried her hand at using bulls in an all-girl rodeo. Nonetheless, she simply occurred to have a penchant for hat shaping. Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, positioned within the historic Stockyards Metropolis neighborhood, is a full-service western hat store that is been in enterprise since 1990. Right here, you possibly can have a wonderfully fitted hat, manufactured from the best supplies. Or—for those who’re brief on time—you possibly can seize a ready-to-wear model.

Lifeless Individuals’s Stuff

A sprawling, chaotic place that’s chock-full of, properly, dead people’s stuff, that is the shop the place yow will discover that quirky memento to mark your journey to Oklahoma Metropolis. (An ornamental doll’s head or bare woman door knocker, maybe?) Enjoyable truth: Gadgets used on the set of Killers of the Flower Moon have been sourced right here.

Cheyenne Sky Studio

Taylor Cheyenne Martin, a Chickasaw and Seminole mom, spouse, and multidisciplinary artist, grew up watching her mom and aunties commerce sterling silver and turquoise earrings. These recollections served as the muse for her love of metal-smithing and later impressed her to open Cheyenne Sky Studios. You possibly can take beginner-friendly workshops (the place you can also make rings, pendants, and bolo ties) on the retailer, or you possibly can merely peruse the retail space, which is decked out with metallic and stones.

The Black Scintilla

Positioned in Midtown, this locally-owned boutique is the place you’ll discover all the pieces from sassy coasters and dish towels to stemware and items galore. There’s a enjoyable number of Oklahoma-centric objects they usually actually have a month-to-month jigsaw puzzle subscription. I additionally love that your complete retailer is measurement inclusive, with inexpensive and high quality clothes.

Greatest Nightlife

R&J Lounge and Supper Membership

This place feels much less like an precise membership and extra like a spot your grandparents would have gone to drink Previous Fashioneds and smoke Pall-Malls. The low lighting, vinyl brass-tacked burgundy cubicles, a lava rock fire, and gold and velvet-flecked wallpaper invoke critical retro vibes. For some, the idea might be too kitsch, however the terrific cocktails and fantastic food will certainly win them over.

The Jones Meeting

This darling of downtown OKC is form of a jack of all trades. The palatial space serves as a live performance venue that hosts big-time acts in addition to weekly home music periods. There are a smattering of bars, indoor and out of doors seating choices, a unbelievable brunch, and really well-made cocktails.

The Different Room

Dubbed because the “laid-back bar subsequent door” to the Picasso Cafe, The Other Room is the place you wish to go for a extra native expertise. “It’s not technically a queer bar, however it simply has that various, inclusive really feel, with a number of queer illustration,” Kirouac says. “It’s mainly like a low-key homosexual dive, tucked on this cozy nook of an area within the lovely Paseo Arts District. With shockingly good meals. And drag brunch.”

Cowboys

There are a great deal of nation bars in Oklahoma Metropolis, from large bull using venues to honky tonk dance halls, however it would not get extra Oklahoman than Cowboys. This huge nation bar is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and has line dancing classes, bull using, and even an indoor rodeo. BYOB (as in “carry your personal boots”) for the dance ground.

Later Bye

Oklahoma Metropolis’s cocktail scene is slowly however steadily evolving, and the drinks at Later Bye are pretty much as good as any main metropolis’s–minus the crowds and costs. Right here, craft cocktails (many made with Oklahoma gin) are stirred and shaken by devoted and proficient employees, and the small plates and equally small house make it superb for a date night time.

Greatest Eating places

Gray Sweater

This place may simply be the perfect instance of tremendous eating in Oklahoma Metropolis. Based by award-winning chef Andrew Black (who additionally helms Perle Mesta), there are not any set menus at Black’s institution Grey Sweater, and meals are served in seven to 10-course tasting menus. You possibly can count on an interactive expertise with a number of surprises. The small, artfully plated dishes look as in the event that they fell out of a culinary rainbow with bursts of brilliant colours, and are sometimes topped with edible flowers (or maybe caviar). Wonderful wine pairings are provided, too.

Cattlemen’s Steakhouse

In the event you had only one meal in OKC, it ought to most likely be at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse. Positioned in Stockyard Metropolis, you possibly can count on a great deal of steak cuts, however do not skip chowing down on one in every of OKC’s signature dishes: chicken-fried steak. In the event you occur to go to within the early hours of the day, Cattlemen’s has a tremendous breakfast, as properly.

Florence’s Restaurant

Florence Jones Kemp, born in 1931 in Boley, Oklahoma, a city based within the nineteenth century by Black pioneers, began her enterprise serving home-cooked meals in 1952 when she was simply 20 years previous. Florence’s Restaurant has been working out of the identical constructing since 1959, and in 2022, Jones turned Oklahoma’s first-ever James Beard Award winner. At present, the restaurant is primarily run by her daughter, however continues to be recognized for its soul food-packed menu, with issues like yam-fried rooster (rooster coated in a candied yam sauce), fried pork ribs, and stewed collard greens on provide.

Bar Sen

From the three-time James Beard finalist Jeff Chanchaleune, this Lao noodle joint sits adjoining to Ma Der Lao Kitchen, the restaurant that earned Chanchaleune three nominations and two finalist nods. Sited simply blocks from his childhood house and elementary college, Bar Sen serves as an homage to the neighborhood he grew up in and his household’s recipes. I like to recommend ordering the OG Lao Khao So, which is the proper mix of spicy, crunchy, wealthy, and aromatic. It’s additionally well worth the few additional bucks for the savory, ideal-for-dipping Chinese language cruller and the chili oil.

Frida Southwest

In the event you ask anybody the place you must eat in Oklahoma Metropolis, you’ll possible hear them identify Frida Southwest. The menu right here is impressed by the flavors of northern Mexico, Texas, New Mexico, and the First People of Oklahoma to create what they hope to outline as “Oklahoman delicacies.” The restaurant will get its identify from the artist Frida Kahlo, and rightfully so—the plates look extra like edible paintings. The tamales are top-notch, as is the guts of palm ceviche, and everybody raves concerning the Mexican sizzling chocolate cheesecake. The sunshine and ethereal environment is ideal for brunch, and there’s even a “speakeasy.”

Greatest Time to Go to

In the event you’re at a loss for social gathering dialog in Oklahoma Metropolis, simply point out the climate, and it’s off to the races. There’s a cause everybody right here has a Doppler radar app put in on their cellphone. It’s usually windy, and the temperatures can fluctuate enormously, irrespective of the time of yr. (Simply this February, I discovered myself trying to find shorts on one 80-degree day and a shawl the very subsequent.) Simply remember the fact that the summers are sizzling, and winters can carry snow and ice. Nonetheless, for those who ask any Sooners fan, they’ll let you know to go to in fall through the faculty soccer season, and for those who come anytime between October by April, you’ll get to see the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, OKC’s NBA workforce, hit the courts.

Tips on how to Get There

Oklahoma Metropolis is inside a day’s drive from a handful of main metropolitan areas, together with Dallas; Kansas Metropolis, Missouri; and Tulsa, Oklahoma. OKC Will Rogers International Airport (OKC) has loads of nonstop flights to twenty-eight U.S. locations, together with many West and East Coast cities. I’ve taken a lot of inexpensive nonstop flights from OKC Will Rogers Worldwide Airport to LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and getting out and in of the Will Rogers airport is all the time a breeze. Many individuals who go to Oklahoma Metropolis are coming from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and when you’ve got the time, I like to recommend taking Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer, which runs a 418-mile spherical journey between Oklahoma Metropolis and Fort Value, Texas. In the event you’re staying downtown, take into account using the Oklahoma City Streetcar, which connects guests to accommodations, eating, and sights all through Downtown, Bricktown, Vehicle Alley, and Midtown. Experience-share apps like Uber and Lyft are widespread right here, too.

Neighborhoods to Go to

Paseo Arts District

This a part of the town virtually feels as for those who’ve walked right into a film set. The Spanish-style stucco buildings with clay tile roofs are home to more than 80 artists and over 20 galleries. You’ll discover all the pieces from quirky boutiques, a yoga studio, a theater, a bookstore, and unbelievable eating choices, together with Frida Southwest. Plan your go to across the First Friday Gallery Stroll, the place you possibly can peruse distinctive paintings and purchase from the artists on-site.

thirty ninth Avenue District

Dubbed the “Gayborhood,” this enjoyable space can be part of historic Route 66. Kirouac explains that this neighborhood is stuffed with all types of bars and golf equipment, “together with its personal ‘homosexual resort,’ The District Resort.”

“In the end, it’s stunning how queer-friendly it’s, contemplating how notoriously conservative the remainder of the state is,” he says. Nevertheless it feels so defiant, and it helps these voices ring louder and prouder.”

Wheeler District

If there have been ever a hit story of speedy city improvement, it will be the Wheeler District. Positioned on the South Financial institution of the Oklahoma River, building within the space started in 2018 and was particularly supposed to be each walkable and bikeable. It is dotted with 83 colourful and trendy properties that encompass a playground and basketball court docket. There are additionally eating places, salons, espresso outlets, boutiques, and health studios. The Wheeler Ferris Wheel anchors the neighborhood and has a singular origin story: It was the unique Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel, and developer Blair Humphreys bought it by eBay in 2008.

Asian District

As soon as often known as “Little Saigon,” Oklahoma Metropolis’s Asian District is house to the state’s largest inhabitants of Asian descendants. It fashioned round 1975 when hundreds of Vietnamese refugees got here to Oklahoma’s capital after the autumn of Saigon. Though there are many Asian-owned companies within the space and yow will discover all the pieces from sizzling pot to Vietnamese espresso and Taiwanese milk tea right here, just a few must-tick-boxes embody Super Cao Nguyen Grocery Store and VII Asian Bistro for pho.

Plaza District

Named for the historic Plaza Theater (now house to the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma), this district is stuffed with galleries, domestically owned boutiques, eating places (together with Ma Der Lao and Bar Sen), and cocktail bars. Stroll alongside the Plaza Partitions, a curated, rotating mural challenge within the Plaza District managed and produced by The Oklahoma Mural Syndicate.

Tips on how to Get Round

Oklahoma Metropolis is large on automobile tradition. Massive automobiles are the norm, and trip shares are ample. Whereas the town does sprawl, all the pieces is definitely pretty shut and straightforward to achieve. Most locals say that you could get wherever within the metropolis in quarter-hour, and I discovered that to be true. There are even walkable neighborhoods scattered right here and there all through the town. Whether or not you’re on foot or in a automobile, strangers usually smile and wave—don’t overlook to wave again. That is the Massive Pleasant, in spite of everything.