Tulsa is located in Oklahoma and is the second-largest city in the state. It is also the principal municipality of the Tulsa Metropolitan Area, home to 991,005 residents. Being the cultural and arts center of Oklahoma, there are many great places to visit in Tulsa. Furthermore, the city is a hub of the energy, finance, aviation, telecommunications, and technology industries. Also known as the “Oil Capital of the World”, Tulsa played a major role in the American oil industry. Read on to learn about the best things to do in Tulsa, including a selection of its must-see attractions!

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Best things to do in Tulsa: Outdoor activities

Tulsa Botanic Garden

The Tulsa Botanic Garden is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tulsa. With a floral terrace, children’s discovery garden, lotus pool, lake, and promenade, there is plenty to explore. The garden features over 8000 perennials, trees, roses, and plants. Additionally, it features a visitor center where you can participate in various activities.

• Costs: $8 for ages 13+, $4 for ages 3-12, and children 2 and under are free.
• Timings: Tuesday to Friday: 10 am – 5 pm; Saturday and Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm

The Gathering Place

One of the best things to do in Tulsa is visiting The Gathering Place, a 100-acre public space along the downtown riverfront. With a whole host of different activities like kayaking, hiking, skating, and interactive experiences, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Its nature trails, boathouses,  gardens, and sports courts make it one of the best places to visit in Tulsa if you love the outdoors.

• Costs: Access to the park is free.
• Timings: Open 9 am to 9 pm daily

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The Brady Arts District

The Brady Arts District is an entire district dedicated to the celebration of art and innovation. Furthermore, its beautiful attractions and historic importance make it one of the best places to visit Tulsa for culture lovers. Some of the best sites include Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa’s Glassblowing Studio, and The Brady Theater. Additionally, the Arts District has some of the best coffee shops and restaurants in Tulsa for when you’re ready to take a break from exploring.

Costs and Timings: The area is open to the public, with individual establishments having their own timings and costs.

Tulsa Zoo

A visit to Tulsa Zoo is one of the best things to do in Tulsa if you’re an animal lover. The zoo is home to many unusual animals like the Malayan tigers and Komodo dragons with habitats that are designed to match their natural environments. Furthermore, the chimpanzee exhibit lets you get up close to the zoo’s chimpanzee families, which roam the exhibit. With a focus on conservation and education, there are plenty of programs and special events that you can take part in too.

• Costs: Adults: $14, Seniors: $12, Children: $10; Under 3 yrs free admission
• Timings: 8 am to 5 pm seven days a week; The last entry is at 4 pm.

Tulsa Drillers Baseball

If you’re a baseball fan, one of the best things to do in the city is to catch a game when the Tulsa Drillers take to the field. Played at the ONEOK Field downtown, the stadium also offers tasty food to enjoy while you’re watching the game and there’s even a fireworks display on home game nights.

Costs and Timings: Costs and timings vary as per match fixtures.

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Best things to do in Tulsa: Indoor Activities

Philbrook Museum of Art

The Philbrook Museum of Art is one of the best places to visit in Tulsa. Alongside regularly updated exhibits and tours, the 23 acres of gardens that surround the historic building are a great place to take a quiet walk and get closer to nature. The museum, once a mansion of oil tycoon Waite Phillips, is a 72-room historic building. Thus, be sure to visit and explore the collections of African, European, American, Asian, and Egyptian art and other exhibits.

• Costs: $12 for Adults; Free for Members and Youth 17 and under
• Timings: Wednesdays – Sundays, 9 am – 5 pm, Fridays, 9 am – 9 pm;
  Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

The Gilcrease Museum

A visit to the Gilcrease Museum is one of the best things to do in Tulsa with exhibits to explore and workshops for visitors to get involved with. Exhibits include American West and Native American artifacts with bronze statues by Frederic Remington and original Thomas Moran paintings too. The basket-making and painting classes offered at the museum are also a great way to learn a new skill in a relaxed setting.

• Costs: $8.00 for adults; Free for children under 18, active-duty members of the U.S. Military and Veterans, and K-12 Oklahoma teachers.
• Timings: 6 am – 11 pm daily

Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

This center was established with the aim to educate locals, tourists, and visitors about Oklahoma’s diverse musical heritage. The Jazz Hall of fame also explores the impact of music and celebrates outstanding Oklahoma artists. Located in a historic train depot, this center teaches music history and hosts concerts, classes, camps, and musical programs. Thus, this is one of the best places to visit in Tulsa for music and Jazz lovers.

• Costs: Adults: $15; High school and middle school students $5
• Timings: 7 am – 9 pm

Best restaurants in Tulsa

Tulsa Brisket Company

One of the best restaurants in Tulsa, this local barbecue joint offers food truck service with great food. Furthermore, they specialize in barbecue styles like the central Texas-style brisket and St. Louis-style pork ribs. Additionally, they prepare a variety of unique homemade sides and all of this combined makes them a local favorite.

Timings: Wednesday – Saturday 11 am – 4 pm

Himalayas Aroma of India Restaurant

This joint is one of the finest Indian restaurants in the city with both South and North Indian style food. One of the best places to visit in Tulsa if you love spicy food, the kitchen team here prepares their food traditionally from scratch to create authentic Indian cuisines. Furthermore, they provide vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Halal options, making them perfect for everyone.

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