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City in Oklahoma, United States
Photo: Caleb Long, CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Tulsa calls itself the "Oil Capital of the World." Here, the age of the oil boom found its center. A small town by US standards, metropolitan luxuries such as theater, fine dining, nightlife, and shopping are found in a state known for sparsely populated farming communities. The picturesque downtown is surrounded by rolling hills covered with prairie grasses and ancient forests, a first impression that soon reveals world-class architecture and museums of art, miles of biking and walking trails, and huge parks. With a wealth of iconic sights and neighborhoods to explore, a trip to Tulsa can easily fit several weeks of touring.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
It was under the Creek Council Oak Tree in 1836 that the Lochapoka Creek Indians kindled a ceremonial fire using live coals they had carried from their Alabama homeland. This oak was Tulsa's first town hall, first conference room, first church and first court of law. This tree symbolizes the spirit of Tulsa's early settlers.
There are dozens of 6 ft tall penguin sculptures scattered throughout the city. It is a local art project to raise funds for the Tulsa Zoo. The fundraiser began in 2002 as a way to raise money to build a black-footed African penguin exhibit. As of 2012, you could still find more than 50 of the penguins in and around Tulsa.
The mission of the Tulsa Botanic Garden is to promote the beauty and importance of plants and nature to create a more sustainable and harmonious world.
Serves to promote the history of Tulsa's Greenwood District, which was home to one of the worst racially-motivated massacres in American history (in 1921). Special performances are often held at this center.
Touted as the "Museum of The Americas", has one of the world's largest collections of Western and Native American art and artifacts and constantly changing exhibits on a yearly basis. The gift shop has a good collection of art, jewelry, music and books as well. A must-see attraction for any visit to Tulsa.
Housed in the beautiful Art Deco-style Union Station Depot, many local jazz performances are held here.
In a former residence of local oilman Waite Phillips, has changing exhibits, a sculpture garden, art and artifacts from around the World, and a gift shop unlike anything else in Tulsa.
The largest collection of Judaica in the American Southwest, flagship of The Fenster/Sanditen Cultural Center. As an arts education institution, and the only American Jewish museum in the region, utilizes both art and history to preserve and present Jewish culture.
TASM collection highlights include a WWII German jet engine, an F-14 Tomcat, two of Burt Rutan's experimental aircraft, a locally-built gyrocopter by Spartan Aeronautics, and Art-Deco sections of the original Tulsa International Airport Terminal. TASM also has many historical and interactive exhibits of interest to young and old alike.
formerly Big Splash Water Park
Tulsa's sleek, and modern center is the pride of the city. Opened in 2008, it has hosted such acts as The Eagles, Celine Dion, Elton John, and Billy Joel. With fine dining nearby and numerous hotels to stay at, this center is the centerpiece of Vision 2025, a plan to revitalize Downtown and certain parts of the city.
At the top of a pedestrian bridge in Tulsa. The bridge goes over the railroad tracks from Archer St. to First St. West of the Jazz Depot and immediately north of the Williams Center Tower. If you stand on the opposite side of the brick circle from someone else, you hear their echo, but not your own. If you stand at the center of the brick circle and talk, you will hear yourself echo, but others will not hear any echo. Overlooking the Center of the Universe area is a large, totem-like steel sculpture called Artificial Cloud.
QuikTrip Center
Contains what was once the largest unobstructed indoor area in the world. The "Golden Driller" in front is still pretty impressive. Hosts numerous shows including home and garden shows, arts & crafts events, boat show, gun and knife shows.
Downtown, the "PAC" (pronounced pee-ay-see) shows the annual presentation of The Nutcracker, in addition to various operatic, musical, and dramatic shows throughout the year. Tickets and scheduling available online.
There is a lovely cafe down around 21st and they have live music from time to time when it is warm out. There is a new complex, Riverwalk Crossing at 101st in Riverside. It has a movie theatre and many restaurants, with a wonderful atmosphere.
The University of Tulsa is located nearby, and Tulsa Promenade mall is 2 mi S of the Expo Square, State Fairgrounds and several hotels, all of which provide shuttle service for shoppers.
On Riverside Drive between 15th and 21st, it has shows every Saturday night of "The Drunkard"-America's longest running show-followed by "Olio", an old-fashioned vaudeville affair. Family friendly and very fun, The Drunkard is a must for any Tulsa visit!
A huge park with a lot of attractions.
Catch a baseball game with the Tulsa Drillers. The Drillers, a AA minor league team associated with the Colorado Rockies, play in ONEOK Field, in the Greenwood neighborhood.
Has zebras, giraffes, elephants, penguins, and reptiles, in addition to a Children's Zoo, Tropical American Rain Forest, Wildlife Carousel, and Zoo Train.
Hidden in the woods behind the Tulsa Zoo. Open almost all year. Has a few different habitats built up, such as a mini-prairie, a marsh with a walkover, ponds, woods, and plenty of opportunity for bird-watching.
See the park in the spring when the roses are blooming in the Tulsa Rose Garden.
Excellent location for hiking and mountain biking, with lots of side trails to explore. Features great views of Oral Roberts University and Downtown.
Running the same weekend as the critically acclaimed Mayfest. This festival showcases local Tulsa County area artists and lets them show their colors. Parking is limited, so be prepared to walk a few blocks. Middle of May.
Every Saturday 'til the frost is on the pumpkin from about 7AM-11AM.
If you're looking for that Unique Gift or piece of art you can't find elsewhere, You won't go away Empty-handed From here. with artists from all over the country, Mayfest is Truly the Cultural Highpoint of Tulsa's Yearly Calendar. (Middle of May, Same as Blue Dome Arts Festival)
Tulsa's Annual Anime Gathering is getting off the ground again after losing sponsors. Now sponsored by the Tulsa Library System, It is in good hands and could take a few years to get up to par with other conventions around the country. Has film-showings and merchandise sales (Date of Event Varies Year to Year).
It's always the third weekend in September.
Which some people say is the largest Oktoberfest in the world outside of Germany.
At the Expo Fairgrounds (near 21st and Yale). It's the last full week in September. "Funnel cakes" are a tradition.
The world's largest gun show. Twice a year at the Expo Building. April and November.
Tasty BBQ run out of an old gas station.
This barbecue place is not to be missed, seeing Bill Clinton and other celebrities among its past patrons. "It be bad."
Tulsa's oldest steakhouse. Known for Lebanese style appetizers (Tabouli, hummus, cabbage rolls, etc.) and desserts, along with traditional steakhouse fare.
Remarkably successful joint from midtown. Opened in 1992, but has managed to franchise into 8 states. The original location burned down a few years back, but they rebuilt this in its place.
Fantastic bistro cuisine.
Some of the largest and best steaks. Very upscale and some of the best food in town. A great place to take an expense account.
Fine dining restaurant featuring freshly prepared, local cuisine.
Serves traditional and fusion Indian/Chinese cuisine. Ask the large Filipino working behind the counter, William, for his "pineapple warrior" special. It's fantastic!
This little hole-in-the-wall is among Tulsa's best Indian restaurant. Try any of the dishes here, you can't go wrong.
Italian restaurant with very good pasta, family oriented.
Toy train delivers sushi.
Expensive sushi.
Yokozuna is an Asian restaurant and sushi bar located in the historic Blue Dome District. Enjoy delicious food, unique drink selections, and relaxing atmosphere in Tulsa's great downtown.
Renovated in 2020, it has a sushi bar. Has a good mix of authentic Cantonese cuisine and American favorites like lemon chicken.
Good for big groups, or solo trips. Menu is loaded with Mexican classics, and ranges from adult beverages to kid menus.
Since 1957.
New York style slices at a good price. Amazing specialty pizzas.
An "Authentic Chicago Style Pizzeria" that serves deep dish pizza. They stay true to Chicago style pizza by making that the theme of the entire restaurant. In the mood for a bar? Check out "The Friendly Confines" on the lower level of the restaurant. Accessible from the parking lot, this is the sports bar section of the restaurant open to anyone until night time when the bar closes to anyone under 21. The bar stays open later than its restaurant counterpart on the floor above.
It has and is a restaurant and amusement park, includes an all-you-can-eat pizza and salad buffet, indoor go-kart races, bumper cars, miniature golf, bowling, and a game arcade.
Has a "college" atmosphere--not upscale but friendly. Motto: "We toss ‘em, they're awesome."
Considered the gourmet pizza chain in Tulsa, and thus a bit pricier, but the pizza is excellent.
Thai buffet with lots of vegetarian options.
Thai food with live band some nights.
formerly Nelson's Buffeteria
offers some vegan and vegetarian choices with luche libre or wrestling playing in the background.
Tulsa's Irish bar since 1956.
Late 1980s-early 1990s themed bar and arcade, featuring Skeeball and tons of arcade cabinets many Gen X'ers will remember from their childhood. Also featuring gourmet junkfood.
Has a nice selection of beers, nice atmosphere and good food. Pours the best Guinness. A little more upscale than McNellie's.
An Irish pub with over 60 beers on tap.
A very authentic pub in South Tulsa. The proprietor brought much of the furniture and decor from an actual pub in England. They serve English food and drink. Make sure to try the "Brown Bitter" ale.
Cherry Street
Local coffee roaster and barista, DoubleShot caters to Tulsa's coffee snobs and neighbourhood residents. Be sure to ask the staff about their trips to origin.
Tulsa only late night coffee house downtown, great desserts and the best espresso. Good deli-style food. Free wi-fi.
Offers quality coffee in a friendly environment. They feature local art on display, with a different artist every month. They also have live music in the evenings.
Rockabilly music with a $5 beer and shot special.
Hyatt Place Tulsa Southern Hills
Also housing the excellent Chalkboard restaurant.
Once regarded as the preeminent Tulsa luxury hotel when she opened in 1925, the Mayo Hotel has convenient amenities, superior services and an exclusive address in the heart of downtown.
Oklahoma's largest selection of rare comics, trade paperbacks, manga, cards, board games and more. Holds regular Magic: The Gathering tournaments on Saturdays.
One of the best fish markets in Tulsa, sells fish from all over the world.
Laid out in what resembles an old IGA Store, Nam Hai is the closest you'll come to the marketplaces of Asia in Tulsa, Just look for the lion out front.
A farm-themed shopping center with some of the more unique shops and restaurants in Tulsa County.
The very upscale Utica Square has some of the best shopping in Tulsa. The center becomes very festive during the Christmas Season and also throws several events during the course of the year. A must for those with a disposable budget.
The University of Oklahoma is nearby, and the mall is approximately 2 mi south of the Expo Square, State Fairgrounds and several hotels, all of which provide shuttle service for shoppers.
2-level, , super regional shopping center. The center features more than 165 stores, including over 80 stores you won't find anywhere else in Tulsa. Children's play area, a glass elevator and a food court.
By plane
By bus
By car
Most Tulsans drive almost everywhere, although bus, bike, and pedestrian routes are starting to catch on.
By train
There is no passenger train service to Tulsa. The nearest service is in Oklahoma City which has a daily train from Fort Worth, Texas.
By car
"), and OK-364 (Creek Turnpike).
By bus
By bicycle
Tulsa has an extensive interconnected paved bike trail system. Rivertrail follows the Arkansas River from downtown Tulsa south to the suburbs. The Katy Trail runs west to Sand Springs.
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Tulsa · International · TUL
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