Exploring a new city is always an adventure, and Oklahoma City turned out to be a wonderful surprise.
It was a short stay, but we thoroughly enjoyed all the city has to offer. Here’s a look at some of the Best of Oklahoma City from our memorable trip.
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Strolling the Riverwalk
Our adventure begins with one of the Best of Oklahoma City, a leisurely stroll along the scenic riverwalk, where the gentle flow of water and the city’s energy meet.
As we wandered through the winding paths, we enjoyed the views of the skyline and the easy access to the lively Bricktown District.
The contrast of the tranquil river against the dynamic urban backdrop sets the perfect tone for our exploration.
Here’s the River Trails map along the south side of the river. You can find other city trails on the official OKC website.
Immersing in Bricktown
Bricktown is one of the Best of Oklahoma City attractions and most well known. It offers plenty of excitement and entertainment in an area of all brick buildings, hence the name.
We encountered talented street performers, charming boutiques, and diverse eateries.
Among many types of food, there are also many vegan choices, such as “The Loaded Bowl,” a cozy eatery known for its mouthwatering vegan comfort food. Their loaded nachos and hearty chili looked really delicious.
Another vegan place was “The Red Cup,” a charming café offering a variety of vegan delights, along with organic coffees and teas for your morning or afternoon pick-me-ups.
Artistic Exploration in Paseo Arts District
Next, we ventured into the Paseo Arts District, one of the top attractions in Oklahoma City, where creativity blossoms.
Our visit to Factory Obscura, an immersive art experience, was a highlight.
The vibrant installations and interactive exhibits of the surreal world are where the art and imagination of the next level are showcased.
One installation, in particular, an enchanting kaleidoscopic tunnel, felt like we were in a dream while being awake!
During our time in Paseo, we stumbled upon a live concert celebrating the release of a new album by local artists.
The air was filled with music, laughter, and the infectious energy of the crowd.
People in colorful and fun costumes danced and celebrated together, creating an unforgettable experience.
We couldn’t help but join in the festivities. This perfect timing is what makes any exploration memorable.
A local artist we met said, “This district is where creativity knows no bounds,” and we couldn’t agree more.
This is definitely one of the Best of Oklahoma City on our journey!
Vegan Dining
One of the Best of Oklahoma City is food. We wanted to explore Oklahoma City’s vegan dining scene, so we visited Betty’s Plant-Based to-go, a soul food-inspired vegan restaurant.
Despite our experience with long wait times and oversalted food, Betty’s has great online reviews.
After all, everyone’s personal experiences are different.
For those willing to give it a try, their menu does have some intriguing options.
I had the fried catfish platter.
The fried catfish was made from the hearts of palm. It actually had some fish texture, which was very interesting.
My husband had the fried chicken platter. The chicken was a bit underwhelming, to be honest.
Both platters came with sides, and I kept the left-over for the next day to eat with steam rice to cut the salt.
So, at least we got double meals out of them.
A Serene Escape at Myriad Botanical Gardens
A hidden gem right in Oklahoma City is the Myriad Botanical Gardens, another Best of Oklahoma City.
It is a sanctuary of serenity with lush greenery and peaceful ponds.
There were plenty of vibrant flowers and creative sculptures to be mesmerized by.
Spend some time sitting by the pond and watching the captivating koi fish swim beneath the surface.
It is truly a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.
Thrilling Moments at Paycom Center
For sports enthusiasts, catching a game at the Paycom Center, previously known as Chesapeake Energy Arena, is part of Oklahoma City culture.
The home to the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, this center buzzes with excitement on game nights, drawing fans from all over.
The sense of community is strong as locals come together to support their team.
In addition to its use as a sports venue, Paycom Center hosts concerts, family and social events, conventions, ice shows, and civic events.
So take a look at their calendar and maybe you’ll catch your favorite performer in town!
Creativity in the Plaza District
Finally, there’s the bohemian Plaza District, a haven for creatives, and Best of Oklahoma City that you can’t miss!
This area is filled with art galleries, quirky shops, and indie cafes.
You can spend an afternoon browsing unique boutiques and chatting with local artists, feeling inspired by the district’s creative energy.
The district’s vibrant murals and eclectic vibe were very magnetic.
Local Tips and Insider Insights
- Talk to Locals: We found that chatting with locals provided us with the best recommendations for hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions.
- Best Coffee Shops: Beyond “The Red Cup,” locals suggested trying “Perets Coffee” for their crafted coffee, house-made desserts, and the urban living room atmosphere.
- Live Music Venues: For those who love live music, “The Blue Door” was highly recommended for its intimate setting and great acoustics.
Wrapping Up
Reflecting on our time in Oklahoma City, we realized it’s a place of contrasts—lively and serene, modern and historic, artistic and athletic.
Every corner we turned offered something new and exciting, making our trip a fun and unforgettable adventure.
Oklahoma City was such a pleasant surprise! I’m listening to “Never Been To Spain” now and I have a deeper appreciation for Oklahoma City.
I love listening to songs that represent the place as I write and reminisce about all the life experiences we had there. I hope you enjoy listening to the songs I share as they take another sensory journey with us on our explorations and experiences.
We didn’t know what to expect when we decided to go to Oklahoma City, and it surely was very, very delightful.
The city beautifully blends historic and new buildings, creating a unique urban landscape.
The contrast Oklahoma City provided reminded us of the simple bliss of being present in the moment to take in what comes.
We appreciated how Oklahoma City has a way of capturing your heart and inviting you to discover all that it has to offer.
I hope you enjoyed this Best of Oklahoma City guide and will come experience it yourself one day.
Tips for Your Visit to the Best of Oklahoma City:
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the city.
- Must-See Spots: The Myriad Botanical Gardens, the Paseo Arts District, the Riverwalk, the Bricktown District, the Plaza District are the Best of Oklahoma that you must see!
- Local Favorites: Try “The Loaded Bowl” for vegan comfort food and “Perets Coffee” for a relaxed café experience.
- Interactive Experiences: Check out Factory Obscura for an immersive art experience and catch a game at Paycom Center for some local sports excitement.
Bonus: Skydance Bridge
Don’t miss this creative structure as you drive outside of the city.
Skydance Bridge is a stunning structure inspired by the state bird, the scissor-tailed flycatcher.
It spans the I-40 highway and serves as both a pedestrian walkway and a visual landmark.
The bridge, which opened in 2012, stretches 380 feet in length and stands 197 feet tall at its highest point, making it an impressive sight against the Oklahoma City skyline.
The design of the Skydance Bridge is not only aesthetically pleasing but also symbolically significant.
The graceful, wing-like elements of the bridge evoke the image of a bird in flight, representing freedom and the soaring potential of the city.
At night, the bridge is illuminated with LED lights that change colors, adding a dynamic and vibrant depth to the Oklahoma City skyline.
If you have a little extra time during your visit, we highly recommend taking a moment to see the Skydance Bridge.
It is a magnificent example of Oklahoma City’s architectural innovation and cultural pride.
Now that you’ve seen the Best of Oklahoma City, you need to take a look at the amazing wildlife that’s just outside of the city, Must-Visit Guide for Oklahoma: Exploring the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Wonderland.
Have you been to Oklahoma? What’s your favorite spot? Please let me know in the comments below!
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Photo Credits:
- “Bricktown Oklahoma” by Kool Cats Photography over 15 Million Views is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 ↩︎
- “Myriad Botanical Gardens” by John R Rogers is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ↩︎
- “Multi-Colored” by Kool Cats Photography over 14 Million Views is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 ↩︎
- “Skydance Pedestrian Bridge” by Travel Aficionado is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 ↩︎
This blog post does a great job of highlighting the best Oklahoma City has to offer, from the Oklahoma City Museum of Art to the vibrant Bricktown district. The variety of activities caters to all interests!
Beyond the specific recommendations, the blog mentions Oklahoma City’s unique charm. One aspect that contributes to this charm is the city’s architectural heritage. Are there any specific neighborhoods or areas you’d recommend for experiencing these architectural features? Perhaps a historic district with well-preserved brick buildings or an area known for its blend of architectural styles?
Yes, the Oklahoma City is a beautiful and charming city filled with contrast, between the historic and the modern. It can be seen clearly in the blending of modern structures such as the Skydance Bridge and beautiful and charming historic brick buildings as seen in Bricktown, founded in 1889. You are in a lovely city! Do you have a favorite spot in the city you would recommend to a visitors?