Source: Lane Pearman
This is probably Oklahoma City’s best-known and most popular party neighborhood. Where once empty warehouses stood, a vibrant entertainment district now holds court. The centerpiece of this neighborhood is the Bricktown Canal, lined with restaurants and bars all centralized around the Oklahoma City Dodgers’ baseball stadium. The new Brickopolis complex, filled with arcade games and miniature golf, is a fun place to spend the evening if you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary. The water taxi cruising up and down the canal adds a unique touch.
Source: Midtown OKC Facebook Page
Just north of the main business district in downtown, Midtown is an exciting and walkable area packed with international cuisine, hip gastropubs and loads of burgers and beers. This is the place to go for indie boutiques, craft cocktails and oh-so-cool lounges and bars. You’ll find a bowling alley, food trucks and vintage clothiers backed up against high-end home decor shops in this hipster haven.
Source: Plaza District Instagram Page
This small section of town has an artsy vibe mostly due to the prolific street murals and funky shops and galleries. The Plaza Walls area hosts a wonderful rotating exhibit of impressive murals curated by local artists. Once outside of this artsy area, the rest of the district is full of restaurants, bars and tattoo shops.
Source: Scissortail Park Instagram Page
The newly opened Scissortail Park sits in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. The space is designed to encourage interpersonal connections and enhance human relationships with nature in an urban environment. It features a variety of engaging experiences across 70 acres, including ornamental gardens,woodlands, native prairie grasses, a lake, playground, grand promenade, water features, outdoor roller rink, dog park and an interactive fountain.
Source: Myriad Botanical Gardens Instagram Page
This serene botanical garden has it all. Artwork, trails, a dog park, an impressive koi pond, an indoor tropical observatory and lush gardens are just some of the draws of this must-see stop in OKC. Take an afternoon and escape the noise of the city in this sanctuary located in the heart of downtown. If you happen to visit in winter, the ice skating rink is well worth a visit. If you’re there in the summer, concerts and outdoor movies are great way to relax in the evening under the stars.
Source: National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Instagram Page
Founded in 1955, many consider this museum a “National Treasure.” The amount of history and cultural significance on display in this structure is overwhelming. There is an abundance of history here and it should be high on your list of OKC destinations. The museum is the premier location for preserving and exploring Western history and regularly hosts fascinating educational exhibits. Sitting firmly in the center of Oklahoma City, it serves as a cornerstone for the regional culture even as things rapidly change. After a visit to this impressive museum you will understand what life was like in the developing Western frontier.
Source: 99s Museum of Women Pilots Facebook Page
This is the only museum dedicated to women pilots in the world. 99’s holds personal artifacts from historic female pilots like Amelia Earhart and its mission is to preserve the (often overlooked) role women played in the development of aviation. There were some impressive personalities who defied the male-dominated world of flight in order to get into the air. This essential museum honors heroic female pilots and the work they did to make aviation what it is today.
Source: Downtown OKC Instagram Page
When most people plan a trip to Oklahoma City, they do not imagine spending their time exploring dark tunnels buried deep below the city. However, The Underground of Oklahoma City covers over 20 city blocks and is jammed with art and history exhibits that focus on the individuality of the state of Oklahoma. There are several entrances to the Underground but it might take a few minutes to find them. Some of the entrances are in the basements and parking garages of major downtown buildings. The basement of the Sheraton Hotel has one of the more accessible tunnels but the Banc First Building also links the tunnels. The Underground first opened in 1974 and was originally called the ‘Conncourse’ in honor of Jack Conn, a prominent Oklahoma City banker. Is there a barbershop down there? Yes.
Source: Red Earth Arts Center Facebook Page
The Red Earth Arts Center was established to promote the rich traditions of American Indian arts and cultures through education, a premier festival, a museum and fine art markets. It celebrates Native American art and dance, now containing over 1,000 works by Native American artists in its collection. The educational aspect is particularly impressive as visitors can learn about the traditions of several different Native American groups and gain a better understanding of the importance of art in their communities.
Source: Factory Obscura Instagram Page
The Factory Obscura is an incredible art collective based on immersive exhibits, collaborate works and the idea that arts education is an essential part of building a healthy community. Visitors enjoy tripped out installations like an interactive boombox or The Flaming Lips’ iconic installation ‘The King’s Mouth’, a dazzling and hypnotic story with LED strands and music.
Source: Oklahoma City National Memorial Instagram Page
No stay in OKC would be complete with a visit to this somber memorial. The memorial’s reflecting pool, empty glass exhibit and bronze chairs all honor the 168 victims of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in 1995 by domestic terrorists Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols. The Survivor Tree – an American elm that withstood the full force of the attack – is also part of the memorial and the circular promontory surrounding the tree provides a comforting place for gathering and viewing the memorial.
Source: Straiin Yelp Page
A highly knowledgeable manager and staff make Straiin a great place to pick up supplies to assist with your medical marijuana needs. The welcoming store has a large selection of tinctures, edibles and a well-curated selection of flower. The staff will gladly take the time to discuss what type of cannabis medicine will work best for your needs. Address: 4041 NW 39th St, Oklahoma City, OK
Source: The Joint Cannabis Club Facebook Page
The Joint opened in December of 2018 and is particularly revered by OKC marijuana patients for the quality and pricing of its top shelf flower. The bright and upbeat vibe of the shop is tough to beat and the variety of concentrates and CBD oils for sale is impressive. Those in search of edibles will not be disappointed as The Joint keeps an abundance in stock. Address: 3628 NW 50th St, Oklahoma City, OK
Source: Terpinz Facebook Page
Terpinz conveniently sits just south of downtown on the eastern edge of Bricktown in a nondescript warehouse. The setup is simple and easy to navigate and there is a nice balance between the THC and CBD products. The best thing about Terpinz is that they are open late. Night owls have until midnight (sometimes later) to access their medicine. Address: 507 E California Ave, Oklahoma City, OK
Source: Langston's Western Wear Facebook Page
This Stockyards City institution has been around for over a century and continues to supply ranchers, cowboys and farmers alike. If you’ve always wanted to get that special pair of boots, a cool cowboy hat or a stiff pair of Wrangler jeans this is the place to do it. Or perhaps you’re after a brown leather cross body satchel with tassels, they have those, too. Langston’s is one of the top independent and locally owned western stores in the country and it’s easy to understand why. Just strolling the aisles is a treat in itself. There is country music on the radio and western wear as far as the eye can see.
Source: Painted Door Yelp Page
One of the older independent stores in Bricktown, the Painted Door has been around for over 25 years and is a cornerstone of OKC culture. This store specializes in all types of quirky gifts and novelties like a flying pig night light and salt and pepper shakers in the shape of a burger and fries. The selection of Christmas tree ornaments is particularly fun. If you are looking for a gift for that friend who has everything you will surely find something for them here. The Painted Door also stocks national specialty brands such as Stonewall Kitchen and Niven Morgan.
Source: Commonplace Books Instagram Page
This is not your regular independent bookstore. It’s eclectic, cozy, well curated and staffed by a huge white dog named “Boz.” The other employees and owners are incredibly helpful and intellectual without being overbearing. The sections of the store uniquely include Fiction, Achiever, Insider and Activist. The furniture is welcoming and customers are encouraged to sit and read. If browsing all the titles makes you peckish, head to their recently opened Kitchen for some light fare (and perhaps a cocktail) to keep you going.
Source: Shop Good Instagram Page
Shop Good is a small and delightful independent shop located in a restored 1920s two-story house in Automotive Alley – another great neighborhood just east of Midtown – and specializes in silkscreened-shirts. The shirts have themes that focus on topics from Oklahoma (“My Heart’s in Oklahoma”) to social justice and activism (“Support Public Schools”). Run by the husband and wife team of Audrey and Justin Falk, Shop Good also carries small gifts, jewelry and paper goods.
Source: Kitchen No 324 Facebook Page
This bright café and craft bakery in downtown OKC does a superb job at classic American fare. The fried chicken pot pie, hand-carved French dip, poached pear salad and scratch biscuit with chorizo gravy are all standouts. Ingredients are locally sourced and organic when possible and everything is made in house beginning at 4:30 a.m. each morning. The sharp and modern décor is inviting and the staff is well trained and on point.
Source: Lip Smackers Facebook Page
Have you ever taken a seat and eaten in a gas station? Here’s your chance. Lipsmackers is an under the radar joint inside a VP Racing fuel station just off an interstate service road. The proprietors claim that they make the best burger in Oklahoma and they have the food to prove it! The meat is never frozen and the patties are made to order, made with a freshness you can taste. If you are feeling famished, try the one-pound double cheeseburger! Lipsmackers also offers a variety of chicken sandwiches and salads.
Source: Mary Eddy’s Kitchen x Lounge Instagram Page
Mary Eddy’s is a restaurant in the 21c Museum Hotel located in what used to house a former Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant. Reclaimed pine and polished metals surround the open and expansive modern industrial dining area. It’s a stunning setting for a meal and the with delicious food to match. The New American cuisine is hearty and comforting with desserts that are a real treat. Don’t miss the key lime semifreddo or the strawberry swiss roll. The restaurant is named for Mary Eddy Jones, wife of the building’s owner and a philanthropist and humanitarian who gave generously to the Oklahoma City community.
Source: Anchor Down OKC Facebook Page
This popular late-night spot is part of the mixed-use development called OKsea, comprised of 17 shipping containers in OKC’s Deep Deuce District. Anchor Down serves up hot dogs, nachos, burgers and more. This restaurant can handle any type of palate with beef, vegan, vegetarian and corn dogs on the menu. Also on the menu are 12 house-crafted cocktails like the Tea-Lo Green (Jameson, peach schnapps, sprite, lime) and the When Harry Met Sally (brandy, luxardo cherry liqueur, simple syrup, lemon juice, topped with champagne and a luxardo cherry).