Before European settlement, the area that is now Oklahoma City was home to Native American tribes, including the Apache, Comanche, and Wichita. In the 1830s, as part of the Indian Removal Act, several tribes from the southeastern U.S. were forcibly relocated to what became known as Indian Territory.
Oklahoma City was officially founded on April 22, 1889, during the famous Land Run. Thousands of settlers rushed into former Indian territory to claim free land offered by the U.S. government. By 1907, Oklahoma became the 46th state and further prominence came in 1928 when oil was discovered nearby. Today, the modern city on the prairie has plenty to offer travelers.
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The Neighborhoods of Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City has several interesting neighborhoods worth exploring beyond the downtown hub. The city is fairly easy to get around.
Bricktown is a historic district in downtown Oklahoma City that has transformed from an old warehouse district into a vibrant entertainment, dining, and nightlife hub area. Here you’ll find the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, home of the minor league team, the American Banjo Museum, and the Bricktown Water Taxi, which navigates the Bricktown Canal.
Downtown has been transformed from a simple business district into a thriving urban center with skyscrapers, parks, museums, restaurants, sports venues, and entertainment districts. This is where several major businesses are located like Devon Tower, the city’s tallest building.
Film Row was once the site of major Hollywood film distribution offices in the early 1900s and now has murals inspired by the era. These spaces now house art galleries, creative businesses, and performance spaces plus The Jones Assembly, a popular music venue and restaurant.
Oklahoma City Restaurants and Cafes
You’ll find a little bit of everything in Oklahoma City’s dining scene, with the emphasis on local farm-grown ingredients and beef you’d expect from this part of the country.
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse– Open since 1910, the historic steakhouse in Stockyards City is the oldest in town. Menu classics include chicken fried steak, lamb fries, and steak soup. 1309 South Agnew Avenue, (405) 236-0416
Gilded Acorn– Founded by Chef Andrew Black has house-made pastries and sandwiches with coffee and wine. Guests enjoy high tea and cheese & cava pairings at the cafe, set inside The National. 146 Park Avenue, (405) 900-6860
Grey Sweater– Winner of the 2023 James Beard award, this other restaurant from Chef Black crafts upscale tasting menus starting at $137 plus Oklahoma’s first water menu, with iceberg water from Canada, Spain, and Italy. 100 NE 4th Street
Harvey Bakery– Set in a refurbished 1947 Chrysler showroom, this light-filled cafe offers a rotating selection featuring items like cinnamon rolls and almond croissants plus sandwiches and salads. 301 NW 13th Street, (405) 898-8811
Paseo Grill– Named for its location in the Paseo Arts District, this restaurant specializes in classic American cuisine with an international flair. Signature dishes include miso sea bass and lobster and crab cake.2909 Paseo, Suite A, (405) 601-1079
Stock & Bond– The restaurant offers a modern interpretation of the classic steakhouse, specializing in traditional dishes featuring High Plains steaks and an extensive selection of American whiskeys. 138 Park Avenue, (405) 900-6850
Oklahoma City Bars and Nightlife
Oklahoma City boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with a diverse array of bars catering to various tastes.
The Archive– This is one of two exclusive craft cocktail bars located within the Library of Distilled Spirits in the basement level of the First National Center. The menu includes hundreds of liquor choices and classic cocktails. 120 North Robinson Avenue
Bar Arbolada– The stylish downtown cocktail bar offers gourmet small plates, including its double cheeseburger, which Food Network star Alton Brown acclaimed as the best in America. 637 West Main Street
Flamingo Tiki– The vibrant tiki bar located in the historic Paseo Arts District is a tropical escape from the prairie city. Enjoy tropical drinks and tacos from its sister restaurant. 605 NW 28th Street
The Jones Assembly– Housed in a repurposed industrial building, this spot is equal parts bar, restaurant, and music venue. There are also two bars: a full-service downstairs bar and an elevated cocktail bar known as The T Room on the mezzanine level. 901 West Sheridan Avenue
Prairie Artisan Ales– Prairie Artisan Ales is a renowned craft brewery known for its innovative beers and vibrant taproom with a diverse selection of beers brewed on-site using a 3.5 barrel brewhouse. There’s even an onsite pickleball court. 3 NE 8th Street
Things to Do in Oklahoma City
There’s no shortage of things to do in Oklahoma City and even beyond if you don’t mind escaping for a day trip to places like Tulsa and Stillwater.
Art + Architecture Tour– Explore the city on two wheels with this local company, which showcases iconic murals and landmark buildings. Location varies
Factory Obscura– The local art collective is known for its flagship installation, Mix-Tape. This is a 6,000-square-foot interactive art space. 25 NW 9th Street
Myriad Botanical Gardens– The 17-acre urban park surrounds a tropical greenhouse called the Crystal Bridge. The property is filled with sculptures and the park is open for free, but the greenhouse has an admission fee. 301 West Reno Avenue
Oklahoma City Museum of Art– The museum houses a comprehensive collection of American and European art, with notable strengths in postwar abstraction. Most famous among its collection is several Chihuly glassworks, including a 55-foot piece in the atrium. 415 Couch Drive
Oklahoma History Center– The museum offers visitors a comprehensive look into the state’s past through diverse exhibits and interactive displays on iconic residents of Oklahoma, historic periods, and state-made products. 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum– This somber site is where a domestic terrorist attack bombed the federal building, killing 168 people and causing many more injuries. It’s a place to reflect and learn about the people lost. 620 North Harvey Avenue
Scissortail Park– The massive 70-acre park with walking trails, a lake, and gardens running from downtown Oklahoma City to the Oklahoma River. 300 SW 7th Street
Shopping in Oklahoma City
Browse the shops around the city, where you’ll find handcrafted goods and vintage clothing.
23rd Street Antique Mall– The sprawling antique mall has a wide range of vintage items, collectibles, and unique treasures. 1715 NW 23rd Street
Dead People’s Stuff– The playful architectural salvage and antique store has plenty of room to wander and treasures abound. 1900 Linwood Boulevard
Decades Revisited, a Vintage Mall– This vintage mall offers a curated selection of clothing, accessories, and home décor from various eras. 1000 North Broadway Avenue
Painted Door– Painted Door is a locally owned gift boutique located in the heart of Oklahoma City’s Bricktown district. Established in September 1991, the store offers a diverse selection of products like children’s clothing and ornaments. 124 East Sheridan Avenue
RetrOKC– If it’s midcentury modern decor you’re after, don’t miss this small shop with big personality. 1740 NW 10th Street
Where to Stay in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City boasts a variety of accommodations to suit diverse preferences and budgets, including sleek and modern or boutique and funky.
Ambassador Hotel Oklahoma City, Autograph Collection– Housed within the beautifully restored Osler Building, this boutique hotel retains the 1920s style with a bar and restaurant, outdoor pool, and modern rooms. 1200 North Walker Avenue
Bradford House– Originally a 1912 residence, this boutique hotel blends historic charm with modern elegance with 36 thoughtfully designed guest rooms. The hotel also has a popular cafe and lounge. 1235 NW 38th Street
Colcord Hotel Oklahoma City– Constructed in 1909, it was the city’s first skyscraper, standing 145 feet tall with 14 floors. The building was designed by architect William A. Wells, a protégé of Louis Sullivan. It reopened as a hotel in 2006 with perks like in-room coffee makers. 15 North Robinson Avenue
Fordson Hotel, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt– Situated in a historic building that once served as a Ford Motor Company assembly plant, the West Village hotel masterfully blends rich history with modern luxury. It has 135 spacious rooms and suites. 900 West Main Street
The National, Autograph Collection– Situated within the iconic First National Center, a 33-story Art Deco skyscraper completed in 1931, has 146 meticulously designed guest rooms and suites with multiple bars and restaurants. 120 North Robinson Avenue
The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City– Established by William Balser “Bill” Skirvin, the hotel opened its doors in 1911. The hotel offers 225 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, featuring amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and luxurious bathrobes. 1 Park Avenue
Transportation in Oklahoma City
The best way to get around Oklahoma City depends on your preferences, the area you’re visiting, and your schedule. Most travelers will reach the city by Will Rogers World Airport (OKC), a short drive from downtown.
If you prefer to drive, you’ll likely access major highways like I-35, I-40, and I-44. Parking is generally easy to find. The OKC Streetcar connects most neighborhoods you’ll want to visit, including Bricktown, Midtown, and Automobile Alley. The EMBARK bus system also has a wide network.
Many neighborhoods are walkable but rental bikes and scooters help connect the dots. OKC has a bike-sharing program called Spokies, which allows you to rent bikes at stations throughout the city. Lime scooters are also found, along with rideshare apps.
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