My Favorite Oklahoma City Attractions
OKC Must-Sees: Oklahoma City attractions you Absolutely must see
Oklahoma City is a destination with a surprising number of attractions for an art- and food-loving cultural traveler. Come along: in my continuing adventures in Oklahoma City, I’ll unveil my personal recommendations for Oklahoma City attractions you cannot miss.
Architecture in Oklahoma City
In part one I freely admitted my addiction to architecture (as well as my propensity to trip over the sidewalk while staring up at interesting buildings).
That post delved into some of the wonderful historic architecture in downtown OKC. In this post we’ll stay downtown (at first!) to explore one of Oklahoma City’s most well-known attractions.
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I.M. Pei’s Crystal Bridge and the Myraid Gardens, one of the top Oklahoma City attractions
In 1964, Oklahoma City commissioned renowned architect I.M. Pei to create a revitalization plan for downtown. His plan included a garden area modeled after the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.
The Myriad Gardens came to fruition over 20 years later, opening, along with the Crystal Bridge, in 1988. A $30 million renovation in 2011 added a restaurant, ice skating rink, amphitheater, children’s play area, and dog park.
A 15-acre urban oasis in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, Myriad Gardens is a beloved public space. The gardens feature multiple tiers of densely landscaped areas surrounding a sunken lake.
Spanning the lake is the Crystal Bridge Conservatory, a 224-foot living plant museum. Escape to a tropical paradise year-round among towering palm trees, multiple waterfalls, and exotic plants and flowers.
Different viewing levels add an extra dimension. It’s a perfect place to spend a chilly day.
The Overholser Mansion: A hidden gem
Since they know I’m architecture geek, the CVB arranged for me to see the Overholser Mansion. The Olverholser is a hidden gem that should be on any architecture, history, and culture lovers list of top Oklahoma City attractions.
I was lucky enough to get a private tour and learn about the mansion’s fascinating history.
The house actually has most of the original contents. Several sets of china and silver, all the furnishings and artwork, the photographs, books, even the clothes in the closets.
This makes it a unique time capsule, not to mention a captivating one. If, like mine, your heart flutters over things like Limoges china, Persian rugs, Chinese vases, Venetian chandeliers, and assorted antique doodads, this place is a slice of heaven.
In another unusual development, the first floor remained largely as the matron of the home initially designed it in 1903. Even the original hand-painted wallpaper survives. The dining room, front parlor, music room, and men’s smoking room are as Anna Overholser conceived them (though they did put in a more comfy couch).
After Henry died in 1915, his widow continued to live here until her death in 1940. Though the house then passed to daughter Henry Ione and her husband David Jay Perry, they didn’t make many changes on the first floor, perhaps because their lifestyle meant they were often away from home.
Second floor suite
Henry Ione and her husband typically entertained on the second floor. She made the bedroom and sitting room her own, redecorating and adding a console television. Take a look at her lushly carpeted pink boudoir.
The Perrys had no children. When Henry Ione died in 1959, Perry was left sole heir.
Realizing its historic value, Perry sought to see the mansion preserved as a living tribute to the 89’ers—the group of people who arrived during the year following the Oklahoma Land Run. In 1972, Perry sold the house and all its contents to the Oklahoma Historical Society.
Preservation Oklahoma (POK), a non-profit membership organization dedicated to protecting and preserving Oklahoma landmarks, manages the mansion now. So glad this beauty has been preserved!
The Oklahoma State Capitol
Celebrated architect Solomon Layton (we saw one of his works in part one) designed the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Constructed between 1914 and 1917 in the classic Greco-Roman (neo-classical) style, the Capitol building is white limestone with a base of Oklahoma pink granite. Layton’s original plans called for a dome, but the outbreak of WWI and state financial woes delayed construction. The dome was added in 2002, built according to Layton’s original designs.
The Capitol has recently undergone a massive 8-year restoration. Be sure to see it in all its restored glory. I visited OKC’s statehouse during the Oklahoma Capitol Restoration Project, which began in 2014 and was completed in 2022.
The Capitol has a famous art collection (100+ artworks) as well as wonderful statuary outdoors in the front of the Capitol and on top of the dome.
The public is welcome to view the Senate Chamber out of session. A friendly employee showed it to me and told me some stories. It has a stunning stained-glass ceiling that the photo in the slider above cannot begin to do justice to.
The first sculpture installed on the grounds of Oklahoma’s State Capitol was a bucking bronco and a steadfast cowboy, Constance Whitney Warren’s Tribute To Range Riders.
As Long as the Waters Flow by Allan Houser refers to President Andrew Jackson’s vow to Native Americans that they shall possess their land “as long as the grass grows and the rivers run.”
The most well-known statue at the Capitol is The Guardian by Enoch Kelly Haney. According to the Capitol’s brochure, the Guardian “embodies the diversity within the proud and strong population of Oklahoma while serving as a reminder of our tumultuous times.”
It stands prominently atop the dome. A copy on the ground floor allows you to see it up close and personal.
Great places to eat: Some of the best restaurants in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is a foodie heaven! I had the pleasure of meeting many folks who are passionate about food. I had the even greater pleasure of eating lots of excellent food.
In part one I shared some casual eats for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here I’ll showcase some options for weekend brunch or a night out.
Brunch in OKC
Do yourself a favor: have brunch at the Museum Café at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. The service is excellent and the ambiance is luxe. This charming restaurant also has a lovely view.
Last but not least, they offer the best eggs Benedict I’ve ever had, made with their delicious crab cakes. Yum!
Oklahoma City fine dining
You’ve choices galore for fine dining in OKC. Mary Eddys in the 21c Museum Hotel, Frida in the Paseo district, and Flint in the Colcord Hotel are three I can enthusiastically recommend.
The farm-to-table Mary Eddys Kitchen + Lounge floored me with delightful dishes created from top-notch local ingredients. I fell in love with the Oklahoma-grown pecans. I regret I couldn’t visit the farm and buy some.
The chefs at Mary Eddys are clearly passionate about food. You basically can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. I should know because I tried a quite a bit of it!
Especially recommended: the sweet potato hummus appetizer, the Brussels sprouts side dish (I could eat just this for dinner. So good!) the scallops with ravioli and cauliflower, and the sorghum pecan pie. Also the pear salad. And the chocolate tart with the hazelnut praline on top. Wowza. I’ll stop now. Just. Go.
In the Paseo Arts District, Frida Southwest fits right into this beautiful and unusual historic district with southwestern flavors done in inventive ways.
Have the namesake salad: unexpected and fabulous taste combinations. Loved the roasted pineapple in there. You can count on a perfectly cooked piece of fish, and their vegan tamales are out of this world.
Flint in the Colcord Hotel is a popular downtown spot for great eats. I had shrimp and grits doused with house-made sherried stewed tomatoes, and the tomatoes totally stole the show. That stuff was so good, I’d like to slurp it up by the vat.
Be sure to leave plenty of room for dessert, because the dee-licous key lime pie is both incredibly creamy and incredibly huge! You’ve been warned!
Oklahoma City art museums
The arts are thriving in OKC, from an abundance of murals to one of the largest collections of Chihuly glass in the world. Absolutely do not miss a visit to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, or OKCMOA.
Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA)
Must See: Chihuly collection
You may wonder how the OKCMOA’s extraordinary Chihuly collection originated. Well, in April 2002, the museum inaugurated its new home in the Donald W. Reynolds Visual Arts Center with an exhibition of Chihuly’s glass and drawings.
The museum purchased the entire exhibit in 2004. Their collection now included works from Chihuly’s best-known series, his drawings, and the spectacular 55-foot Eleanor Blake Kirkpatrick Memorial Tower in the museum’s atrium.
The museum collaborated with Chihuly Studio to redesign the third-floor galleries that now house the collection. The design features a three-dimensional approach, allowing visitors to explore the large Float Boat and Ikebana Boat installations from all sides, for example.
The exhibit has grown to include gifts to the museum from the artist. Today, OKCMOA is home to one of the largest collections of Chihuly glass in the world, representing over 30 years of his finest work.
More in the permanent collection
While the Chihuly collection is certainly a major draw, you’ll find a great deal of other impressive artwork here. I’ll highlight some of my personal faves, though there is something for everyone. (You’ll have to visit to find yours!)
In the OKCMOA’s selection of drawings and prints, dating from the 16th century, you’ll find a Goya, a Homer, a Whistler, and a Grant Wood, among others. I love this lithograph by Claes Oldenburg, who I’m familiar with as the sculptor of “Spoonbridge and Cherry” in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
Post-war and contemporary art
Dominated by 20th century American artists, the museum’s selection of post-war and contemporary art includes pieces by Robert Indiana, Ellsworth Kelly, and Frank Stella.
The museum’s photography collection features greats such as Imogen Cunningham and Alfred Stieglitz.
The collection also boasts over 300 photographs by Brett Weston (1911–1993), widely regarded as one of the 20th century’s leading photographers. Weston’s bold compositions based on Western landscapes and natural forms fit in well with an Oklahoman museum.
21C Museum Hotel
Another art collection I enjoyed was the 21C Museum Hotel. The hotel occupies the former Ford Motor Assembly Plant on Film Row downtown.
Their remarkable contemporary collection is open to public viewing and has a number of thought-provoking pieces.
OKC neighborhoods: Some of the best Oklahoma City attractions
Discovering your own favorite OKC neighborhoods is sure to be a highlight of a visit to Oklahoma City. Each one has unique places to eat. See my dining by district guide to the Best OKC Food.
Paseo Arts District
There are Southwestern architectural influences all over Oklahoma City, but nowhere is it more evident than in the charming Paseo Arts District. The entire neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places. It looks like a little southwestern village in the middle of OKC.
One of the outstanding restaurants here is Frida, which you can read about in the food section above.
When I visited the Paseo, I had great fun at the neighborhood donut shop, Holey Rollers. If you’re looking for a sensible sweet to sustain you as you explore, look no further than their café (complete with attached bookstore).
All their delicious donuts are vegan, and they have several gluten-free selections daily. Thus the “sensible” part. Try the little raised-dough donut holes drenched in honey.
More OKC neighborhoods to see
I spent a little time in the Mansion district and visited the Asian district very briefly, and hope to spend more time exploring both in future. Don’t miss these downtown OKC neighborhoods: Automobile Alley, Film Row, and Bricktown.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial: Outdoor Symbolic Memorial
The National Memorial is a must-see Oklahoma City attraction.
You can visit the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial day or night. It is carefully designed to be a place of quiet reflection, healing, and hope. Where the Murrah Building once stood, symbolic elements honor those who were touched by the bombing.
The Gates of Time
The Gates of Time are two monumental bronze gates that frame the moment of destruction—9:02 a.m., April 19, 1995. The eastern gate, 9:01, represents the last moments of peace, while 9:03, the western gate opposite, symbolizes the first moments of recovery.
The Field of Empty Chairs
Hand-crafted from glass, bronze, and stone, 168 empty chairs represent those who lost their lives. A name is etched in the glass base of each. They sit on the site where the Murrah building once stood. The 19 smaller chairs represent the children killed in the bombing.
Remembering the victims, honoring the survivors
Survivors’ Wall. More than 600 survivors’ names are inscribed on a remaining portion of the Murrah building.
Survivor Tree. Though heavily damaged by the blast, this American elm survived the bombing. It marks the strength and resilience of the people of Oklahoma City, and stands as a symbol of hope.
Exciting things to come
Oklahoma City is undergoing a time of change. You can almost see the landscape transforming right before your eyes.
A one-cent temporary sales tax increase, MAPS3, was designed to fund debt-free projects that will improve the quality of life in OKC.
My local Uber drivers often mentioned MAPS with enthusiasm, usually when the plethora of new construction came up. MAPS3 funded the streetcar lines that connect central attractions downtown.
Here’s a few of the good things that are coming to OKC and adding to the list of Oklahoma City attractions.
Two new museums
In March 2020, Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center will open a world-class arts education campus. Galleries, performance spaces, classrooms, studios, and a café will be housed on a 4.6-acre site downtown.
Oklahoma Contemporary will be a hub for artistic experiences of all kinds, and hopes to provide a “creative commons” where the community can gather, create, and experience art. I look forward to visiting!
In 2021, the First Americans Museum will open after more than 10 years under construction. The museum will have one-of-a-kind exhibits, hands-on educational programs, and an outdoor cultural park where the plains, prairies and wetlands converge.
Scissortail Park getting WAY bigger
The first 36 acres of Scissortail Park opened in 2019. Another 40 acres will open in 2021, totaling an astounding 70 acres of green space stretching from the core of downtown Oklahoma City to the shore of the Oklahoma River.
Part of MAPS3, the park will include a concert venue, trails, picnic sites, youth sports fields, a large lake, and lots of public art. Can’t wait to see it.
New Convention Center
Other MAPS3-funded projects include $71 million in upgrades for the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden and the new Oklahoma City Convention Center.
The $288 million, all-new convention center, set to open late 2020, is located near the park and the Chesapeake Energy Arena. The convention center is sure to attract visitors who will be in the perfect location to explore downtown OKC.
In addition, Omni Hotels is building a 17-floor headquarters hotel with 605 rooms to support the new convention center.
In conclusion
In short, Oklahoma City has found a way to flourish. MAPS3, combined with an influx of new private investment, has helped to revitalize the central business district.
Ongoing private and public projects are quite literally transforming the landscape. You’ll soon see new additions to the skyline and dramatic changes downtown.
The airport is expanding to the tune of $89 million, adding 4 new gates. Oklahoma City is growing in leaps and bounds, and becoming ever more of an arts and culture destination.
Travel + Leisure named OKC one of the 50 Best Places to Travel in 2020. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to see OKC now, and am eager to follow the city’s evolution.
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Disclosure: The Oklahoma City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau hosted some of my stay in OKC. My recommendations are personal and genuine. I thank the CVB and the Colcord Hotel for partnering with me to #SeeOKC. For more information about Oklahoma City, visit the CVB website:
Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau
Artwork Credits:
- Claes Oldenburg (American, born Sweden 1929.) Flying Pizza, 1964, Published 1965, from New York Ten. Lithograph. Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer. © 1964 Claes Oldenburg. In the permanent collection of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
- Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987). Fiesta Pig (detail), 1979. Screenprint on Arches paper. 21 1/2 x 30 1/2 in. (54.6 x 77.5 cm). Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer. Image and Artwork © Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
- Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997). Sweet Dreams, Baby!, 1965, published 1966, from 11 Pop Artists. Screenprint. 37 7/8 x 27 5/8 in. (96.2 x 70.2 cm). Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer. © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein.
Your posts never fail to impress. Why should I be surprised that OKC has so much to offer after a visit by Cynthia. THXS for posting
Great post, Cynthia, so much to do in Oklahoma City. I never knew. Chihuly is always brilliant wherever we see his sculptures. I also took note of the pecans. I never liked pecans, but then again, I never liked raw tomatoes until I visited Italy.
Whaaaaaa? How could you not like pecans? You must try a really fresh and delicious variety, which was probably same situation with the tomatoes. 😉 OKC does have do much to see and do, and a wonderful Chihuly collection at the OKCMOA!
Oh, those crab cake benedicts at the OKC Museum of Art Café – they must be ADDICTIVE! We love farm-to-table too – Mary Eddys sounds like paradise with its incredible ingredients and super creative dishes! (Mind you – all three restaurants you reviewed do look quite, quite enticing!). A day in town visiting that amazing public space that includes Pei’s Crystal Bridge, the Myriad Gardens and Conservatory, followed by the OKC Museum of Art with Chihuly’s work and Warhol and Lichtenstein’s Pop Art… the outing of a dream! Great post detailing so many things that make OKC a vibrant, enjoyable place to discover!
Wow! I grew up in Tulsa and didn’t realize all the things I missed in OKC! But I will always remember my first trip to the OKC bombing memorial … thanks for sharing and what a great post filled with love and nostalgia for me
How lovely to hear this Lannie! I really want to get to Tulsa, looks like a lot of interesting things to do there as well.
Excellent post – I feel I know a great deal about Oklahoma City now! Beautiful photos.
Thanks so much! I love learning and sharing about the history of the places I visit!
Who knew OKC was like this! I haven’t been there in over 25 years. It’s changed a little. Great post!
Thanks so much for reading, Heather! I suspect it has changed a great deal in those 25 years with all the exciting public works projects 🙂
Every time I read a blog post, I add another spot to my travel list. Oklahoma City becomes yet one more addition. I might visit to see the Chihuly exhibit alone! And so many other art spots too! But the food scene is definitely another draw – sweet potato hummus, toasted brussels sprouts and chocolate tart sound perfect. I am sure the Survivors Wall is a moving spot to visit. And it looks like some great new attractions to come.
The Chihuly exhibit alone is more than enough reason to visit, Linda! Really extraordinary. The variety of great dining options is incredible as well. Don’t miss the pecans 😉 All the new attractions will make future visits all the sweeter!
The Overholser Mansion is amazing and definitely a place I would visit. Seeing how people lived intrigues me and this has been well preserved. I’d also enjoy the art museum, that 55 foot glass piece is stunning.
A superb article Cynthia, I really enjoyed reading it.
So kind of you Wendy! You’d love the the mansion, it definitely gives a behind-the-scenes peek into how these folks lived. It’s fascinating to experience a little bit of history.
Wow – you’ve opened my eyes to why I need to visit Oklahoma city. I’m impressed with their Chihuly collection, especially that mammoth piece. And I LOVE the original oven in the Overholser Mansion. #mymomentsandmemories
You’d love everything in the Overholser mansion. Its a treasure trove. I’d love to get locked in overnight!
WOW! Adventuring Gal, you sure know how to adventure! And if that includes eating in all of those fine establishments with the most delicious looking food, we sure would love to come and tour with you!! The architecture in OKC looks fantastic! We would love to visit too!
Tours are open for all travelbugs! Next stop, OKC. Bring your stretchy pants!
Really enjoyed reading this post, Cynthia! WOW! Would never ever think that there are so many things to see in Oklahoma City, and the food… the food!!! Loved reading about Myriad Gardens, what a great place to escape from the business of a day! And The Field of Empty Chairs is so touching… what a thoughtful memorial. Thanks again for putting OKC on our traveling map!
When you visit, the problem is how to decide what NOT to do, lol! Myriad Gardens have created such an incredible oasis. I ended up there twice in two days.
That eggs benny looks amazing!! I had no idea there was so much to do in OKC!
Oklahoma City has something to offer everyone 🙂
I had no idea Oklahoma City had so many interesting and cool things to see! I would love to visit the memorial and see the Chihuly art! Oh and that eggs Benedict looks to die for! 😁
It was incredibly delicious! Oklahoma City will surprise you, I hope you get a chance to visit, Vanessa.
What a wonderful insight into Oklahoma City! There is so much to see and some fabulous art work. I was not aware of the memorial. I found your pictures of it very moving so would love to visit for real.
Well Jane, Oklahoma City is along Route 66, so you might find yourself nearby in your Southwestern US travels! Spend a couple days in OKC 🙂
Love how comprehensive this post is, Cynthia! The Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Tart were enough to have me Googling flights to OKC, but that Pop Art exhibit is right up my alley too. I really admire the city’s commitment to the arts, we lucky future visitors have so much to look forward to! Thanks for sharing all this great information 🙂
Definitely a great arts and culture destination, Lynn. There’s always something happening in the OKC arts community.
So many things to see in Oklahoma City! For me the Oklahoma City Museum of art looks very attractive. 55 foot Chichuly glass sculpture is so special. Thanks for detailed information and beautiful pictures.
Thank you for coming by, Anita. I always make a beeline to art museums and the OKCMOA did not disappoint.
Oklahoma City looks amazing! I’ve never realized there were so many cool things to see! Especially the Crystal Bridge Conservatory, and OKCMOA must be stunning!
There really is an incredible amount of things to do in Oklahoma City, both indoors and out!
The Chihuly collection looks absolutely amazing! Especially that huge sculpture, I can’t believe the museum bought so many pieces, but I can see why considering it’s all so beautiful.
It really is an amazing collection of Chihuly glass. They made a big investment with lots of support from the community.
Such a well researched post again Cynthia. Written with passion and littered with excellent photos. But what’s this? More food? 😉 OKC seems quite the place. The Chihuly exhibit is something else.
So kind of you John. 🙏 The Chihuly exhibit really is extraordinary. Anyone who is a fan of his work should see it. And you know there’s ALWAYS more food!
What a fantastic comprehensive guide to Oklahoma City. The city museum of art looks right up my street! thanks for sharing #feetdotravel
Thank you, Garth! So much to see and do in OKC. The OKCMOA was certainly one of my favorites.