Millions of people visit Oklahoma every year, and the tourism industry is expected to generate nearly 3.8 billion dollars for the economy. If you are considering going on an Oklahoma vacation, now would be the best time.
Going to Oklahoma is on a lot of people’s bucket lists because nothing beats the beauty and diversity of this incredible city. There are many gorgeous state parks across the state if you enjoy scenic spots.
Every member of your family can find an activity they love in Oklahoma. Here are the 9 best tips to help you plan your escape to a city rich in history, food, and culture.
Table of Contents
1. The Right Time
When you pack your bags and jet off to a city like Oklahoma, you want to ensure you visit at the best time of the year. Luckily, Oklahoma City is an appealing destination for everyone to explore anytime during the year. But be warned that the summers can be brutal.
Expect the summer months to be sweltering with high temperatures and humidity that feel like a blanket wrapping over you on the hottest days. The temperatures in the city can easily reach upwards of 80 Fahrenheit.
The good news is that you can enjoy a lot of water recreation thanks to pools to dip into if you need to cool down. Then the summer months will not be so horrible, especially if you find plenty of shade.
Ultimately, spring may be the best time to come if you love gorgeous trees and blooming flowers. Otherwise, you can also try for fall if you enjoy colorful foliage and all the football madness.
2. Getting Around
If you have a lot of things to do in Oklahoma, getting around the city is easy. You can always find paid garages to park your car if you want to avoid taxis or public transport.
Otherwise, you can use a mobile app to pay for any of the metered parking spaces. These are usually located in the greater Oklahoma City area or around downtown.
The bus system runs weekday and weekend routes across the city. So, it is worth buying an unlimited day pass to save some dollars.
3. Planning Things to Do
Putting together an Oklahoma Itinerary is relatively easy because there is a lot to do. Oklahoma offers a ton of parks, restaurants, and museums for all ages.
One of the best places to visit is the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. Here you can find the Field of Empty Chairs memorial and a reflecting pool that reflects lives lost in a tragedy.
There are many stories, exhibits, and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Alternatively, you can plan a hiking trip to plenty of national parks if you want to get lost in nature.
It helps to research the activities that interest you and your loved ones. Then you can list these to plan your time to ensure you can do everything you want.
4. Discover City Districts
Oklahoma is full of friendly and distinctive districts. They all have their own appeal and unique flavor. For instance, you will find the best steak and cowboy boots in the historic Stockyards City.
Alternatively, you can immerse yourself in the Route 66 nostalgia by heading to the Uptown 23rd district. Whether you are looking for the best clubs, hotels, or hipster eateries, there is nothing that Oklahoma City’s neighborhoods cannot provide.
5. Enjoy a Heritage Museum
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is the best way to dive into the past for family fun. If you are a fan of the Old West, you will find plenty of interactive activities and gallery exhibits to entertain the kids.
This museum brings together the best of classic and contemporary paintings, firearms, American Rodeo photos, and many more fun artifacts and cultural items to learn about.
6. Things to Eat
If your hunger pangs hit in Oklahoma, prepare for the heartiest potatoes and meat dishes. Oklahoma City is surrounded by cattle country, so you should have no issues finding the best steak to feast on.
Two of the most reputable steakhouses are in Bricktown and Stockyards City. The steaks here are so incredible that you may glance over and see athletes, musicians, actors, or even politicians at the next table.
People from around the world frequent Oklahoma City dining establishments because they serve the most irresistible meats.
7. Where to Stay?
There are plenty of places to stay in downtown Oklahoma City if you want to stay close to everything. This way, you can walk around all the districts and catch a ride on the Oklahoma City Streetcar to check out Bricktown and Midtown.
However, if you want to immerse yourself in nature and the beauty of the countryside, there are plenty of RV parks with excellent amenities. Find cabins here for the best deals for your next Oklahoma trip.
8. Money-Saving Ideas
A trip to Oklahoma does not have to break the bank. Many admission-charging attractions and museums waive their entry fees. All you must do is call ahead to determine if your visit falls on any free days.
You can also save a lot of money shopping at Oklahoma City Outlets. Here you can often find famous name brands at huge discounts to make shopping more fun than ever.
Finally, if you want to visit Oklahoma City for a long time or plan to visit interstate, you should get a PIKEPASS. This will help you save a ton of money on interstate tolls.
Then you should have no problem finding numerous free parks and green spaces to explore if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
9. How Many Days?
Most people come to Oklahoma City for a few days while passing through on a road trip. There is a lot to see, so you and your loved ones should spend at least a weekend getting the most out of this beautiful city.
Plan Your Oklahoma Vacation Today
Now that you know the 9 best tips to help plan your Oklahoma vacation, it is time to research some of the activities you want to do. It is always best to make a list of these activities to ensure you give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the city at your own pace.
If you enjoyed reading this going to Oklahoma guide, check out some of our other posts for more valuable content.
