Things to do in Tulsa

The second-largest city in Oklahoma, Tulsa is home to well-preserved art deco-style architecture, impressive museums and a diversified economy. Get to know Tulsa by experiencing these popular things to do.

Woody's Place

Folksinger-songwriter Woody Guthrie was an Oklahoma native and social activist, whose music celebrated the best of America with lyrics that captured ideals about equality, economic fairness, human rights and democracy. The Woody Guthrie Center presents educational exhibits about the Dust Bowl era and Woody's travels across the United States. The Center includes a Music Bar, where you can listen to Woody’s songs; a lyric-writing station for composing your own lyrics to one of his melodies; a display of his instruments, including his fiddle, guitar and mandolin; videos; interactive maps; and a Ken Burns documentary. A visit to the Woody Guthrie Center will leave you feeling patriotic and inspired.

Art Attack

March the kids to the Philbrook Museum for a dose of world-class art and antiquities. The impressive works are housed in a lavish, 1920s Italianate mansion and spread throughout 23 acres of landscaped grounds. The museum features classic Greek sculpture; Egyptian mummies; European paintings, drawings and sculptures; American portraits and landscapes; Asian carved jade and painted screens; and African wood carvings. A contemporary building in the Brady Arts District is dedicated to modern works and Native American art. On Second Saturdays every month, there are free tours, scavenger hunts and hands-on family activities to bring out the inner artist in each of you.

Tasty Eats? Yum!

When you’re in Tulsa, go where the locals go for a good meal. Although White River Fish Market and Restaurant has been immortalized in the pages of Gourmet Magazine, it's not overly fancy or stuffy. They've been serving up quality home-style cooking since 1942, and their recipes for fried catfish, shrimp, scallops, stuffed crab, hush puppies and all the trimmings have stood the test of time. Hank's Hamburgers is an old-fashioned eatery that has been satisfying its customers’ appetites since 1949, dishing up such American classics as juicy burgers, crisp fries and thick milkshakes. The "Big Okie" layers four quarter-pound patties with cheese slices, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and grilled onions. Weber's Superior Root Beer Drive-In serves its thirsty patrons glasses of a root beer like no other—its secret recipe was concocted in 1933! This superior root beer is just the thing to wash down one of their sausages or chili hamburgers. The relaxed atmosphere, affordable prices and legendary root beer at Weber’s makes it one of Tulsa’s most popular eateries.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Tulsa, or view our Oklahoma travel guide.