Oklahoma’s second-largest city, Tulsa once earned the moniker the ‘Oil Capital of the World.’ Though the title didn’t last long, the wealth generated by the black gold helped the city build its sprawling art deco buildings.
The art deco architecture is not the only attraction that this city lying east of the Arkansas River has to offer.
With a bustling nightlife, poignant stories, a thriving music scene, sports venues, a performing arts center, and more, Tulsa has much to offer.
If you’re looking for a healthy dose of history, music, art, and nature, this list of the 10 best things to do in Tulsa will get you started.
Keep reading!
Top 10 Very Best Things to Do in Tulsa: TL;DR
- Woody Guthrie Center
- Tulsa Arts District
- Gilcrease Museum
- Tulsa Air and Space Museum
- Tulsa Performing Arts Center
- Boston Avenue Methodist Church
- Tulsa Zoo
- Philbrook Museum of Art
- Golden Driller
- Blue Dome District
Top 10 Very Best Things to Do in Tulsa
1. Visit the Woody Guthrie Center
Woody Guthrie was a local singer-songwriter focusing on folk songs. He wrote and released his songs in the 1940s.
Social justice, equality, and diversity were primary themes of the musician’s works, and his work continues to inspire many local and global talents.
The Woody Guthrie Center is a museum dedicated to the famed musician in Tulsa’s Brady Arts District. This is where you can find his musical instruments, photographs, handwritten lyrics, artwork samples, and more.
If you are interested, you can join one of the regular workshops held by the Woody Guthrie Center. Steps away is the new Bob Dylan Center dedicated to the life of American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan.
Address: 102 E Mathew B. Brady St, Tulsa, OK 74103.
2. Step into Tulsa Arts District
The Tulsa Arts District is where you can witness creativity and imagination. Some of the best attractions to explore include the Brady Theater, Bob Dylan Center, Tulsa Glassblowing Studio, Cain’s Ballroom, etc.
There are scores of stores, coffee shops, and studios to keep you entertained. There is a confectionary and performance theater waiting for you to explore.
Address: 1 E Mathew Brady St, Tulsa, OK 74103.
3. Tour the Gilcrease Museum
Housing the most extensive collection of artifacts and artworks from the American West, the Gilcrease Museum is one of the major tourist attractions of Tulsa.
Exhibiting the complex American history, the museum is located a short distance from downtown Tulsa.
There are over 35,000 pieces of artifacts and artworks inside the museum. There are 23 themed gardens occupying 23 of the 460 acres of the museum property.
The Gilcrease Museum tours begin at 2 PM every day and you can participate in a docent-led tour. It’s free!
Address: 1400 N Gilcrease Museum Rd, Tulsa, OK 74127.
4. Step Into the Tulsa Air and Space Museum
Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium preserves the rich aviation history of Oklahoma. The museum teaches real-world science applications to the youth.
Not only can you see the historic aircraft models, but you can also learn about the astronauts of Oklahoma as well as Tulsan aviator pioneers.
There are various hands-on activities and interactive extraterrestrial experiences to enjoy at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. A full dome planetarium will let you watch and enjoy immersive shows.
Address: 3624 N 74th E Ave, Tulsa, OK 74115.
5. Enjoy a Performance at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center
A combined effort of both private and public sectors, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center was opened in 1977. The center has an art gallery, a studio, and four theaters along with an expansive reception hall.
Irrespective of the month you are in Tulsa, you can enjoy various performances. Each year, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center hosts 500 events including Broadway shows, ballet, concerts, operas, comedy shows, etc.
Address: 110 E 2nd St, Tulsa, OK 74103.
6. Marvel at the Boston Avenue Methodist Church
A prime example of art deco architecture in America, the Boston Avenue Methodist Church is a popular tourist attraction and a National Historic Landmark.
With a 225-foot tower, many terracotta sculptures, a sanctuary balcony, arched doorways, a columbarium, stained glass windows, and more, the church helps tourists understand its architectural symbolism with guided tours.
If you wish, you can ditch the guided tour and grab a map from the information desk and start exploring the magnificence of the church by yourself.
Address: 1301 S Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74119.
7. Watch Wild Animals at Tulsa Zoo
Spread across 85 acres, the Tulsa Zoo is home to over 1,500 animals. Instead of caging the animals, the authorities have re-created plains, rainforests, and saltwater pools to help the animals live in habitats as close to their natural habitats as possible.
The Tulsa Zoo has sections for Africa, Asia, the Arctic, Australia, Jamaica, Central America, and South America.
You can approach some animals and befriend them, and of course, feed them! There is a safari train that can help you quickly cover the massive area.
Address: 6421 E 36th St N, Tulsa, OK 74115
8. Explore Art at Philbrook Museum of Art
When Tulsa was the Oil Capital of the World, the now Philbrook Museum of Art was home to one of the oil magnates – Waite Phillips.
The mansion was completed in 1927 with Italian Renaissance architecture. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens spread over 23 acres.
The Philbrook Museum of Art houses African, Asian, Native American, America, and European artworks in its 72 rooms.
In case you are looking for some contemporary art, consider visiting the downtown location of the museum which recently held an exhibition