Once the oil capital of the world, this Oklahoma city has deep roots in Creek Native American history and remains a key center for petroleum companies and education.
Tulsa, Oklahoma's second-largest city, welcomes you with its striking Art Deco skyline, including the geometric patterns of the Pythian Building and the ornate Phillips Oil "Philcade" Building. You can wander through the 25-acre gardens of the Philbrook Museum, housed in an Italian Renaissance villa, or explore the Gilcrease Museum's extensive collection of American West paintings and sculptures. The city's unique barbecue style combines Southern pork traditions with Western beef cooking techniques, best experienced in the downtown and Cherry Street districts.
Art Deco Architecture Downtown
Walk through 35 blocks of 1920s and 1930s Art Deco buildings in downtown Tulsa. The Pythian Building catches your eye with its zigzag patterns and vertical lines, while the Union Depot's terra cotta details and geometric designs make it a standout example of the era. Inside the Phillips Oil "Philcade" building, you'll find intricate marble work and bronze details. Local organizations run guided walking tours through the district several times weekly.
World-Class Art Museums
Step into the 1920s Italian Renaissance villa that houses the Philbrook Museum of Art, ranked among America's top 50 fine art museums. The surrounding 25 acres include formal gardens with reflecting pools and walking paths. In the Osage Hills, the Gilcrease Museum displays the world's largest collection of American West art. The museum's gardens grow plants native to different regions of the American West, from prairie grasses to desert cacti.
Parks and Cycling Routes
Cycle or walk the 10-mile path network along the Arkansas River in River Parks. At Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area, you can tackle 45 miles of dirt trails across 300 acres of rugged terrain. The city's "GoPlan" has added protected bike lanes throughout downtown, making it easier to explore the city on two wheels.
Local Food Scene
Try Tulsa's signature barbecue, where pitmasters slow-smoke both pork and beef using techniques from Southern and Western traditions. Food trucks gather regularly in downtown spots and along Cherry Street. The restaurant scene spans from small family-run diners to modern restaurants, with particularly active dining areas downtown and along Cherry Street.
Cultural Events and Entertainment
The BOK Center brings major musical acts and events to the city throughout the year. Join over a million visitors at the annual Tulsa State Fair, running for 10 days each fall. Experience different cultures at events like the Intertribal Indian Club Powwow of Champions, where you can watch traditional dances and taste Native American foods, or attend Scotfest, India Fest, and Festival Viva Mexico for international music, dancing, and cuisine.
