The capital of Oklahoma has a rich cowboy culture and oil industry history. Its National Memorial honors victims of the 1995 bombing. The city hosts a vibrant arts scene.
Oklahoma City, the capital of Oklahoma, blends Western heritage with modern urban life. You can watch a cattle auction in Stockyards City, catch an NBA game at the Paycom Center, or take a water taxi ride through Bricktown. The city's museums, parks, and cultural events create a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of the Great Plains.
Exploring Bricktown
Bricktown, once an industrial warehouse area, now buzzes with activity. You'll find restaurants, shops, and nightlife venues along the brick-lined streets. Take a water taxi ride along the Bricktown Canal for a unique perspective of the area. The Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark hosts minor league baseball games from spring through fall, serving as a focal point of the district.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
Oklahoma City houses several significant museums. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum displays an extensive collection of Western art and artifacts, immersing you in the region's cowboy culture. At the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, you can view a wide range of artworks, including a substantial Dale Chihuly glass exhibit. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum pays tribute to the victims of the 1995 bombing, featuring the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial and informative exhibits about the event and its aftermath.
Parks and Outdoor Spaces
You'll find many green spaces for recreation in Oklahoma City. Myriad Botanical Gardens, a 17-acre urban park in downtown, includes the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, a striking glass structure filled with exotic plants. Scissortail Park, which opened in 2021, has a large lake where you can rent paddleboats, a designated area for dogs, and various sports facilities. For water activities, visit one of the city's lakes - Lake Hefner, Lake Overholser, or Lake Stanley Draper - where you can fish, boat, and hike.
Sports Scene
Sports play a central role in Oklahoma City's culture. The NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder draws crowds to the Paycom Center for home games throughout the basketball season. The city has earned the nickname "Softball Capital of the World," hosting the Women's College World Series each year at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium. You can attend a variety of other sporting events year-round, from equestrian competitions to wrestling tournaments.
Food and Dining
Oklahoma City's food scene reflects its cultural influences. Try the local specialty, the onion burger - a Depression-era creation that has become a city staple. In the Asian District, home to a significant Vietnamese community, you'll find a wide selection of Asian restaurants and markets. For a taste of cowboy culture, head to Stockyards City, where you can watch a cattle auction before enjoying a steak dinner at a local restaurant.
Getting Around
While a car is generally necessary for exploring most of Oklahoma City, the downtown area has become more walkable in recent years. The city operates a streetcar system connecting major districts like Bricktown, Midtown, and Downtown. For air travel, Will Rogers World Airport offers domestic and international flights. Oklahoma City sits at the intersection of Interstate highways 35, 40, and 44, making it easily accessible by car from many parts of the country.
