Tulsa

Tulsa is the second-largest city in Oklahoma and the hub of Green Country, the state's lush northeastern region. Known as the "Oil Capital of the World," Tulsa's wealth from the oil boom era built a surprisingly cosmopolitan city with world-class architecture, museums, and cultural institutions. The city's population is approximately 410,000 (2020), with a metropolitan area of over one million.

Tulsa's downtown is renowned for its exceptional collection of Art Deco architecture, rivaling Miami Beach and New York City for the quantity and quality of its pre-war buildings. The city features the Philbrook Museum of Art (set in a stunning Italian Renaissance villa), the Gilcrease Museum (one of the world's largest collections of American Western art), and the Woody Guthrie Center.

The Arkansas River winds through the city, and the surrounding landscape features rolling hills covered with prairie grasses and ancient forests. With miles of biking and walking trails, huge parks, and a wealth of neighborhoods to explore, Tulsa offers a surprisingly rich urban experience.

Climate is humid subtropical with hot, humid summers (average highs around 93°F / 34°C) and cold winters (average highs around 48°F / 9°C). Spring brings the possibility of severe weather including tornadoes. Fall is the most pleasant season, with mild temperatures and colorful foliage.

By Plane

Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is located about 8 miles northeast of downtown. The airport offers flights on major carriers including American, Delta, Southwest, and United. The drive to downtown takes about 15 minutes.

By Car / Road

Tulsa is a major crossroads of interstate highways. I-44 (the Turner Turnpike) connects to Oklahoma City (100 miles southwest). I-44 also runs northeast to Springfield, Missouri. I-40 connects to Fort Smith, Arkansas, and I-244 provides access to the downtown area. US-75 runs north-south through the city.

Tulsa's public transit system, Tulsa Transit, operates bus routes throughout the metropolitan area. The city is spread out, so a car is recommended for exploring beyond downtown. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available. The city has an expanding network of bike trails and lanes, particularly along the Arkansas River.

• Philbrook Museum of Art — A stunning Italian Renaissance villa set on 25 acres of formal gardens. Houses an extensive collection of European, American, and Native American art.

• Gilcrease Museum — One of the world's largest collections of American Western art, including paintings, sculptures, and artifacts.

• Woody Guthrie Center — Dedicated to the life and legacy of the iconic folk musician, with interactive exhibits and archives.

• Tulsa Art Deco Architecture — Walking tours of downtown reveal an extraordinary collection of 1920s and 1930s buildings, including the Philtower Building, the Boston Avenue Church, and the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

• Gathering Place — A 66-acre public park along the Arkansas River with playgrounds, gardens, and recreational facilities.

• Tulsa Zoo — Located in Mohawk Park, one of the largest city parks in the country.

• Brady Arts District — Downtown's premier entertainment area with galleries, restaurants, bars, and live music venues.

• Gathering Place — Activities include climbing structures, skate park, water features, and sports courts.

• Arkansas River Trail — Miles of paved trails for biking and walking along the river.

• Center of the Universe — A small concrete circle in downtown with an unusual acoustic anomaly.

• BOK Center — Major entertainment venue hosting concerts, sports, and events.

• Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame — Located in the historic Tulsa Union Depot, celebrating Oklahoma's jazz heritage.

• Cain's Ballroom — A legendary music venue in the Brady Arts District, hosting live performances since the 1930s.

Tulsa's dining scene has evolved into one of the most diverse and exciting in the region.

• Burn Co. Barbecue — Legendary Oklahoma-style barbecue with brisket, ribs, and sausage.

• Brothers Artisan Meats — Craft charcuterie and sandwiches in the Brady Arts District.

• The Colony — A beloved local bar and restaurant with live music and Southern comfort food.

• Laffa Mediterranean Cuisine — Highly rated Middle Eastern food in the Brookside neighborhood.

• Chuy's — Tex-Mex with a fun atmosphere.

• QuikTrip — While a convenience store chain, QuikTrip is a Tulsa institution and a legitimate dining experience for quick, quality food.

• Cain's Ballroom — Live music and drinks in a legendary venue.

• The Colony — A local favorite for craft beer and cocktails with live music.

• Brady Arts District — Numerous bars and breweries in the entertainment district.

• Broside — Trendy bars and cafes in the Cherry Street corridor.

Tap water in Tulsa is safe to drink.

• Budget — Several motels along I-44 and I-244 offer rooms starting around $60–80 per night.

• Mid-range — Hotels in downtown Tulsa and the Brookside area provide convenient access to attractions. Properties include the Tulsa Marriott, Holiday Inn, and Hampton Inn.

• Upscale / heritage — The Mayo Hotel, a restored 1925 landmark, offers luxury accommodations in downtown. The Ambassador Hotel is a boutique option in a historic building.

• Cherry Street District — Boutique shops, galleries, and locally-owned businesses.

• Utica Square — Upscale shopping center with national retailers and restaurants.

• The BOk Centre area — Shopping and dining in the downtown core.

• Guthrie Green — Farmers market and community events in the Brady Arts District.

• Bartlesville (45 miles north) — Frank Lloyd Wright's Price Tower and oil heritage.

• Broken Arrow (15 miles southeast) — Largest Tulsa suburb with shops and dining.

• Oklahoma City (100 miles southwest) — The state capital with world-class museums.

• Tahlequah (65 miles southeast) — Cherokee Nation capital with cultural heritage sites.

• Route 66 — Follow the historic highway through Tulsa for nostalgic roadside stops.