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Can't-Miss Spots in Oklahoma

Sep 27, 2023|

Whether you're looking for a fun weekend adventure or planning a lengthy trip, Oklahoma has plenty of great things to do. This state contains countless attractions, and Oklahoma tourism continues to expand. According to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, the state generates over $10.1 billion a year from tourism alone. With more and more organizations creating tourist attractions, it's easy to find the perfect activity for your vacation. Check out our Oklahoma travel guide to discover the iconic marvels and hidden treasures of Oklahoma.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA downtown skyline at twilight
 

Discover Oklahoma's best parks

Oklahoma has a huge spectrum of nature to explore. From forests to lakes to deserts, Oklahoma contains plenty of gorgeous parks.

Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve

This state park has the unique honor of being both the highest and the darkest park in Oklahoma. Not only can you hike among many beautiful mountains, but you can also stargaze and check out constellations in the evening. In addition to campgrounds and trails, Black Mesa also contains an incredible amount of nature. Visitors can expect to see bighorn sheep, antelope, and other beautiful animals.

Gloss Mountains State Park

This park gets its name from the unique mountains that shimmer with selenite crystals. Its wide-open plains and soaring cliffs make it perfect for those who want gorgeous natural vistas. You can hike along the many trails or plan for a horseback ride or fishing trip in the park.

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Boiling Springs State Park

Despite the name, this park doesn't actually have hot springs. Instead, its main feature is a 7-acre lake that bubbles up from freshwater springs underneath the rocks. Visitors can fish in the spring or swim in the public swimming area. The park also contains hiking trails, biking trails, and an 18-hole golf course.

Little Sahara State Park

This park has a unique feature you can't find anywhere else. Due to terrace deposits from an ancient river, Little Sahara has 1,600 acres of sand dunes. When you're in the park, you'll be right in the middle of rolling waves of sand that look just like the Sahara. The park is popular with campers and hikers, but its main attraction is dune riding. People can rent or bring in a variety of motorbikes, ATVs, and dune buggies to ride across the sand. The park also regularly hosts races and competitions for motorsports enthusiasts.

Appreciate Oklahoma's history and culture

Oklahoma is a fascinating state with rich history and culture. If you're interested in learning a little on vacation, check out these interesting spots.

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History

Check out massive dinosaur skeletons and historic Oklahoman artifacts at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum. This interesting museum contains a great blend of history, biology, and archaeology. It's great for families, and it also has plenty of in-depth lectures that will appeal to history buffs.

Waterfall, Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma
 

Myriad Botanical Gardens

If you want to enjoy natural beauty, explore the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City. These 17 acres of land include playgrounds, art installations, several different themed gardens, and a conservatory filled with tropical plants. This is the perfect spot to have peaceful walks, take stunning photos, and learn a little about botany.

Philbrook Museum of Art

This Tulsa museum has one of the largest collections of art in the region. It mainly focuses on Baroque and Renaissance art, but it also houses interesting Native American artifacts. The site itself is also a popular attraction because it's a massive Italian-style villa that once belonged to an oil tycoon.

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

For all things Wild West, explore the National Cowboy Museum. This museum holds a broad range of exhibits related to Native Americans, cowboys, and Western settlers. Visitors can explore the replica of a real Western town, check out artwork featuring Western icons, and learn about things like rodeos and guns.

Tower Theater Neon Lights in Oklahoma City
 

The Toy and Action Figure Museum

This unique site is the only museum in the entire world that focuses on action figures. It holds over 13,000 action figures and provides a lot of interesting details about the history of toys and collectibles. The Toy and Action Figure Museum is a must-visit location for fans of Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and other franchises.

Enjoy Oklahoma's exciting nightlife

No Oklahoma travel guide is complete without taking a look at the state's nightlife. Though this state has a reputation for being fairly laid-back, it also has some world-class entertainment options. Here are some great options to check out on your vacation.

Restaurants

Of course, many of the top restaurants in Oklahoma are in big cities, but there are also some great spots outside of Oklahoma City tourism. Here are some classic restaurants to try:

  • Cattleman's Café: This Oklahoma City icon is popular due to its incredible steaks.
  • Pete's Place: This Krebs restaurant has been making homemade pasta since the 1920s.
  • Ike's Chili House: Martha Stewart says this Tulsa, Oklahoma, tourism spot makes the best chili in the nation.
  • Panevino Wine & Tapas Bar: For a sophisticated take on tapas, try this restaurant in Enid.
  • Salas Mexican Restaurant: Enjoy south-of-the-border flavor at this renowned Laton Mexican restaurant.
  • Vast: This Oklahoma City high-rise restaurant is an elegant space for fine dining.

Entertainment venues

Interested in seeing a stand-up comedy show or watching a concert? These venues regularly host exciting events:

  • Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City
  • The Zoo Amphitheatre in Oklahoma City
  • Diamond Ballroom in Oklahoma City
  • Rodeo Opry in Oklahoma City
  • The Shrine in Tulsa
  • Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa
  • UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond
  • Campus Corner in Norman

Vivint makes it easy to visit Oklahoma

No matter where you go in Oklahoma, Vivint can bring you peace of mind. With a security system from Vivint, you can easily manage your home from anywhere and keep your property safe. Even when you're enjoying Oklahoma City tourism or exploring the wilds of Gloss Mountain, you’ll still know exactly what's happening at home.

Vivint security cameras record high-quality footage and stream views of your property in real time, so you can always see what's happening at home. The Vivint app will alert you to potential problems, and serves as a one-stop-shop for managing all your smart home devices. And, with smart locks, doorbells, and thermostats, you're always in control of your house even if you're far away.

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