It often feels as if much of every year is spent waiting and dreaming about that day when we walk out of the office on a beautiful summer day, head home to pack, and then climb on a plane to fly to our summer vacation destination, only for it to end far sooner than we are ready. If you are in the planning stages of your upcoming Tulsa getaway, your favorite moments of every day may be the ones when you sit down in front of your laptop, a glass of wine in hand, planning all the details that will make this summer in Tulsa, OK one you will never forget. And because we understand the excitement of the planning stages, we at StayInTulsaOK have created this guide to a Tulsa adventure that you will wish never had to end, so go ahead, pour that glass of wine, and prepare to get lost in the magic of Tulsa.
What to See in Tulsa
If you didn’t see the Eifel Tower in Paris, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, or the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, could you really say you had visited those places? Every vacation has at least one landmark (often more) that best reflects the spot you are visiting and in Tulsa, these are the must see landmarks that best represent an Oklahoma vacation.
Golden Driller Statue, Tulsa Expo Center, 4145 E 21st Street
Tulsa was once known as the Oil Capital of the World, and although it is more commonly called T-Town today, the Golden Driller Statue, erected in 1966, reflects that original nickname and is a quirky landmark that needs to be seen to be believed. Standing 75 feet tall and weighing in at a husky 43,500 pounds, this gold structure could be considered the unofficial mascot of Tulsa and is definitely worth viewing.
Center of the Universe, 1 S Boston Avenue
In case you were wondering, the center of the universe happens to fall firmly in the middle of downtown Tulsa, just waiting to be explored by all who visit. Nothing more than a small concrete circle located in the center of a larger circle of bricks, the Center of the Universe is an acoustic anomaly that works as a private echo chamber; every noise while standing in the center of the concrete circle is amplified, and your own voice will sound distorted to those standing outside the circle.
The Outsider’s House Museum, 731 N Louis Avenue
Early in the 1980s, a small movie was made, one that starred a bunch of unknowns and changed the world forever simply by existing. That movie was called the Outsiders, and most of its stars have reached stratospheric heights of stardom, including Matt Dillon, Tom Cruise, Rob Lowe, and Patrick Swayze. Filmed in Tulsa in 1983, the house that belonged to those outsiders still stands today and looks exactly as it did while the movie was being filmed, offering artifacts, exhibits, and a peek into the world of movie making.
Where to Eat in Tulsa
The vacations we remember most fondly include breathtaking adventures, exciting attractions, and restaurants serving meals so delicious, the foods haunt our dreams for years to come. To ensure that you enjoy those same happy memories during your Oklahoma journey, this guide to some of our favorite restaurants will give your taste buds something to cheer about.
Silver Skillet Family Diner, 8228 E 61st Street Suite 114
Oklahoma is known for a lot of things, but perhaps most of all it is known for its down-home Southern cooking, something that the Silver Skillet Family Diner excels at creating. Open various hours seven days a week, this diner isn’t fancy, but its servers are friendly, its booths and tables are clean and comfortable, and the meals they serve will bring comfort as they fill your belly. The Silver Skillet is one of our favorite places for breakfast with the family.
Roosevelts, 1551 E 15th Street
After a morning of Tulsa explorations, by the time the lunch hour arrives, you will be more than ready to take a seat in one of the booths of Roosevelts, a gastropub serving an eclectic selection of foods that will help you regain your energy. Providing the ambience of a gentlemen’s library with dark paneled walls and a row of bookshelves, the food at Roosevelts includes tapas (small plates) wraps, sandwiches, and burger, with each dish offering something that makes it stand out in a sea of restaurant food.
Boston Title & Abstract, 522 S Boston Avenue Suite B100
Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, Boston Title and Abstract’s name attracted us at first, and then their menu and skill at creating meals ensured that we would return. Or maybe it was the coolness of eating at a speakeasy restaurant that has us returning time and time again, but whatever entices you to visit this unusual place, it is definitely worth a stop during your Tulsa visit. Everything about this restaurant is unique, from its hidden entrance in an alley, to the industrial set of steps that lead guests into an elegant and spacious underground restaurant, and its French inspired menu filled with elevated food offerings making it the perfect special occasion restaurant.
Events to Attend
The best way to achieve an authentic Tulsa experience is by attending the special events that take place in town each summer, some of which we have listed below.
Tulsa Juneteenth Festival, Greenwood Avenue
Celebrating the emancipation of the slaves, our Tulsa Juneteenth Festival is a community funded festival that celebrates that historic date, providing a safe place for expression while offering a block party, art installation, and musical entertainment that will have you dancing in your seats.
Folds of Honor Freedom Fest, Dream Keepers Park, 1875 S Boulder Avenue
Tulsa’s largest fireworks display is also one where one of the town’s largest celebration is held. Offering food and beverage trucks, and live music, the fireworks display will be set up over the Arkansas River at the 21st Street Bridge.
An Affair of the Heart, SageNet Center
Oklahoma’s largest arts, crafts, and boutiques show offers a fun opportunity to fill the empty spaces in your luggage, lasting three days and selling a variety of products, you won’t be able to keep the smile off your face when you walk in the doors for the first time. Tickets cost $12 and are good for unlimited entry.
Keeping Cool in the Heat of Summer
Summer is known for two things, being too hot and never lasting long enough, and although we can’t help with the latter, we can help you keep cool with a few water adventures that will ensure you stay chill even as the mercury rises.
Paradise Beach Waterpark, 4707 E 21st Street
This beautiful summer adventure opens for the season around Memorial Day Weekend, providing an exciting way to stay cool while the temperatures rise. Offering wave pools, water slides, a lazy river, and more, parents can rent cabanas for a little more privacy and a café ensures you don’t have to leave when hunger pangs strike, enabling this adventure to stretch out and last an entire day.
Mohawk Park Splash Pad, 4301 Creek Drive
Visitors with tiny travelers may not want all the excitement of a big waterpark or may simply not have the time to invest, but still want to enjoy some chill time, and the splash pads at many of our local parks, including Mohawk Park, can be just the answer. Offering a brief respite from the heat, a few moments of giggles and horseplay, and in this case, a friendly whale shooting water in the air from his spout, the splash pad is a beautiful alternative to the pricy and frenetic water park.
Air Conditioned Adventures
On the muggiest of days we Oklahomans sure give thanks to Willis Carrier, the inventor of the first air conditioning system, without which summer life would not be as wonderful. We have learned the tricks of finding air conditioned activities to keep our kids busy and dads from complaining too much, some of which are listed below.
Tulsa Air & Space Museum & Planetarium, 3624 N74th Avenue E
Located in a corner of the Tulsa International Airport, this museum and planetarium offers over 19000 square feet of air & space fun, including artifacts and interactive exhibits. Our favorite part of this unusual museum may be the vintage aircraft, but you may be excited by the full dome planetarium that was added on to the museum in 2006.
Discovery Lab, 3123 Riverside Drive
It can be difficult to find vacation activities that the littles enjoy, but a visit to the Discovery Lab will change all of that. This interactive kids’ science museum will help initiate a love of science in children that do not realize that they are learning while having a blast playing in the interactive exhibits offered here.
Oklahoma Aquarium, 300 Aquarium Drive in Jenks
Jenks is a suburb of Tulsa, located just 12 miles outside of town and offering the wonderful Oklahoma Aquarium, the perfect summer adventure for travelers not used to the heat of an Oklahoma summer day. Offering a peek into the world under the sea, rivers, and lakes, you can travel from the Amazon to Sea Turtle Island to the Polynesian Reef in just a few steps, all without leaving its air-conditioned coolness.
Go Outside and Play
Although the summer is warm in Tulsa, it isn’t too warm to enjoy playing outside and these outdoor adventures will make your Oklahoma vacation that much more enjoyable.
Gathering Place, 2650 S John Williams Way
There are parks, and then there are PARKS, and the Gathering Place definitely falls into the latter category, offering 66.5 acres of outdoor adventures destined to be some of your favorite parts of your Oklahoma getaway. Offering playgrounds, mist areas, sports courts, open areas used as concerts platforms, skate parks, gardens, picnic pavilions—the list of what you can find at the Gathering Place during your summer vacation in Tulsa.
Tulsa Zoo, 6421 E 36th Street N
Best experienced in the morning hours during the summer, the Tulsa Zoo offers a fun way to get back to nature, providing 84 acres of natural habitat for a wide variety of animals from all over the world, and has been a local tradition since the 1920s. Here you can meet or feed the animals, ride the carousel, even sluice for gems, or take a walking tour of the zoo.
Hanging Out with StayInTulsaOK
However you spend your daylight hours during your summer vacation in Tulsa, some of the best memories will be made right here with us at home with StayInTulsaOK. Offering all the comforts of home along with the most modern of amenities, (Did we mention how much we love Mr. Carrier and his invention of air conditioning?) your stay is destined to be one you will never forget. And because they are such an important part of your vacation adventures, we have included a few more things you can look forward to enjoying in the space below.
Tranquility
Real life can be too loud and too harsh, so the beauty of shutting the door to the noise is one you deserve to enjoy on vacation, and our vacation home rentals in Tulsa, OK are built to bring serenity to your life. Spacious bedrooms anchored by deluxe beds, spa-like baths, many offering deep tubs in the en suite ones, even quiet areas tucked away in corners, providing overstuffed chairs, bright lighting, and the quiet you need to lose yourself in the magic of a good book, are just some of the extras you can expect from StayInTulsaOK.
Amenities
Offering everything from coffee makers on the counter to putting greens in the back yard, our Tulsa vacation homes and Tulsa vacation condos will be a comfortable and fun vacation experience in itself, encouraging guests to stay in, relax, and play for at least one day during your stay.
Reach out today and reserve your favorite StayInTulsaOK summer sanctuary today!
There is something wonderful about exploring the events taking place during vacation explorations, each event, even as they seem familiar, somehow different due to the tastes of the people who live in those towns, offering an authentic peek into the area you are visiting. Tulsa, offering a taste of the south as well as quiet sophistication that seems to contrast with its hey y’all personality, is known as a town that likes a good party and the events in Tulsa, OK we list here will reflect that duality, giving visitors some fascinating adventures to enjoy. Coming home to our StayInTulsaOK sanctuaries after will add to your long list of adventures enjoyed, only these will be comfortable ones you will wish never had to end.
January
The new year brings us hope that the blank pages on our calendar will soon be filled in with exciting adventures and activities, but it also serves as a moment in time when we can let out the breath we have been holding, sink into our comfiest chairs, and take a nap while huddled under a soft and colorful throw, read a book, or just daydream about the possibilities. If January finds you in Tulsa, however, the activities listed below are sure to keep you interested.
The Chili Bowl Nationals, SageNet Center in Tulsa
Often billed as the Superbowl of midget car racing, the Chili Bowl Nationals have appeared in our hometown for over 38 years, generally taking place about two weeks after Christmas. Providing six days of fast driving, food, drinks, and cute little cars driving round and round the outdoor track will bring visitors a quirky kind of joy. The trade show that takes place every day of the show also gives guests a great way to pick out some very unusual car-related souvenirs.
Martin Luther King Day Parade
While the rest of the world seems to have forgotten the appeal of a hometown parade, we in Tulsa try never to miss an opportunity to enjoy one and the Martin Luther King Day Parade has been a staple in the Greenwood District for over 40 years.
February
The temperatures are still snuggly in February, and most of us are still cocooning inside our homes waiting out the chill, but this one festival celebrates cold weather and short days.
Dark Mode Festival, Tulsa Arts District
There is more than one way to beat the cold and that is by warming up from the inside out with a good beer. The Dark Mode Festival takes place every February, and is hosted by Wellington Brewery, offering the stoutest of beers for the hardiest of drinkers—you know, the ones who ventured away from their fireplaces and blankies to check out what this festival brings to town. The beers are local, and the s’mores will make it impossible to be anything but happy during this fun festival.
March
As the gardens begin to come to life, the heartbeat of Oklahoma begins to beat a little faster in anticipation of warmer days ahead, and the big St. Patrick’s Day celebrations that are held all over town. Visitors may be surprised that our southern roots offer Irish sprouts and the celebrations we offer represent the love we have for this holiday and for being Irish for the day or forever.
Patrick’s Day Block Party
Kilkenny’s Irish Pub hosts the annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party on Cherry Street, offering food, drinks, live music, children’s inflatables and face painting, ensuring that all ages will have a great time at this block party.
Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Arnie’s Bar
For nearly 70 years Arnie’s Bar has hosted a holiday bash for St. Paddy’s day, offering another block party for those who like a choice in their celebrations. Live music, food trucks, and beer are a major part of the reason this party has lasted for as long as it has.
April
April might be our absolute favorite month of the year, offering mild days of sunshine and a few showers (how else will May flowers grow?) making us want to get outside and play as often as possible. We often spend these spring days hanging out at the Gathering Place, participating in events that aren’t often found in parks, but are what makes this one special.
Sunset Social Hours
Occurring on a monthly basis, the sunset social hours offered at the Gathering Place allow the younger generation to make new friends over complimentary drinks at sunset while local DJs provide a musical backdrop.
Dog Play Wednesdays and Sundays
For those staying in our pet-friendly rentals in Tulsa, Dog Play Wednesdays and Sundays will give your pooch a chance to socialize while you get out and enjoy some quality time with your fur baby. But even if you didn’t bring your pet and just wanted to pet some puppies, this event is perfect for your needs.
May
May is the end of the school year in many states and the tourist season starts to ramp up more than a bit with this wonderful festival that we Tulsans look forward to all year.
Tulsa International Mayfest
Mayfest originated as a celebration of spring and has morphed into a three-day festival celebrating families, offering live music, artist galleries, and a kids’ zone (known as Kids’ World) where faces can be painted, balloons will be turned into art, and anything is possible when they use their imagination. Pro tip for first time Tulsa International Mayfest participants, this event is also a fantastic way to pick up some souvenirs to carry home with you as it also offers artwork and merch for sale.
Lager Land Festival at the Philbrook Museum
The Philbrook Museum was once the private home of a local oil baron and his family, but today is one of Oklahoma’s most popular festivals (in addition to being a museum). The Lager Land Festival offers a day of drinking local beers, dancing to live music, and just being happy that it is a beautiful spring day and you are celebrating it while on vacation.
June
Hooray! Summer has officially begun, and the carefree vibe of the summer solstice will ensure you will enjoy every second of your Oklahoma journey, especially when taking part in the events that make June special.
Tulsa Juneteenth Festival
Juneteenth is rapidly become one of the nation’s most popular holidays and Tulsa’s Juneteenth Festival is one of its largest. Lasting several days and taking place in the Greenwood District, this exciting and heartwarming festival celebrates the rich history of emancipation in Tulsa and throughout the nation.
T.E.G. International Jazz Fest
Music and summer go hand in hand and the T.E.G. International Jazz Fest celebrates Jazz Day, a holiday that has been celebrated since 2011. The best jazz artists in the country perform here, bringing a sophistication to our hometown that will bring you pleasure and excitement. Taking place at Guthrie Green in downtown Tulsa, the event is a free one that starts at 6 PM and lasts long into the night.
July
It’s starting to get a little sultry out there, but the heat just makes us love our hometown even more and although we do like to stay inside and enjoy our air conditioning during the height of this season, you know we have to get out there and celebrate the birthday of our nation, with these fun events.
Folds of Honor FreedomFest
Every American deserves a big party when celebrating our country’s birthday and the Folds of Honor FreedomFest is our region’s largest party. Folds of Honor is an organization helping soldiers and their families with whatever issues they may have and FreedomFest is their contribution to the holiday. Offering food trucks, beer, a variety of live bands, and the grand finale, a fireworks extravaganza set off over the 21st Avenue Bridge, your July 4th celebrations from here on out will never match up to your night in Tulsa.
August
Summer reaches its peak in August, with the sun staying out late and the heat straying into the nighttime hours, but as kids prepare to go back to school and real-life dares make its presence
known, one last summer fling in Tulsa can help everyone feel better about summer’s end, especially when participating in our August events.
Caribbean Carnival on the Green, Guthrie Green
The beauty of the Caribbean comes to Tulsa in an explosion of color, music, art, and some delicious food that will quite possibly have you considering a Caribbean vacation for your next journey. This carnival is only in town for one night, but the fun you will experience will last a lifetime in your heart.
Oklahoma Comic Con, Cox Business Center, 100 Civic Center
The first comic con was held in San Diego in 1970, morphing over the years into the country’s largest convention and spawning spin-offs all over the world, with Oklahoma Comic Con providing some healthy competition to the original. Lasting two days and offering the standard stuff you would expect from a comic convention, this is where you can meet and greet with your favorite comic characters, purchase merch and collectibles, or simply immerse yourself in the joy of being around a group of people who share your interests in all thing comic.
September
Shorter days, cooler weather, and the first of the leaves begin to change, fall in Tulsa is quite possibly the most beautiful time of the year and your September vacation will give you the opportunity to participate in the events listed below.
Tulsa State Fair, Expo Square
In the cooler regions of the world, state fairs are often held in the summer months, but for the state of Oklahoma, our fair is held in September. Offering fun rides, games, carnival foods, and the chance to hear your favorite performers perform, this state fair will satisfy your every fair desire.
October
As the air grows cool and the smell of pumpkin spice lattes begin wafting through the air, your fall break in Tulsa is guaranteed to be as relaxing as it is exciting.
Tulsa Oktoberfest, River West Festival Park
For nearly 50 years, River West Festival Park has been the site of the Tulsa Oktoberfest, a four-day celebration of everything German. Providing German food, German beer, and German music, the family friendly activities promise to be your favorite adventure this year, especially the Dachsund Dash, that yes, is exactly what it sounds like.
November
The buzz of the holiday season makes every activity sparkle that much brighter and although not every event is a holiday one, once the lights are lit, you won’t help be able to help falling in love with Tulsa even more.
USA BMX Grand Nationals, SageNet Center
The bikers that come to town Thanksgiving aren’t the hard-core ones of movie fame, they are the boys who have discovered a talent for riding BMX bikes fast. The USA BMX Grand Nationals are the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work for the best bikers in the nation and are probably more exciting than Black Friday shopping.
Light’s On Ceremony, Utica Square
The Christmas season starts on Thanksgiving Day with this fabulous lights ceremony, featuring 700,000 lights, Christmas Carols, and the most beautiful tree you have ever seen.
December
Just like that another year has passed, but before you head home to your comfortable and luxurious StayInTulsaOK vacation escape, be sure to check out these December events.
Winterfest Ice Skating, BOK Center
Starting in November and running through January 2nd, Winterfest Ice Skating offers a fun and romantic way to enjoy the holiday season on an outdoor ice rink. Colorful Christmas lights, your favorite Christmas songs, and Sundays with Santa will make everyone feel all the feels of the season. On Saturdays, the Winter Express Train glides into town from the North Pole, completing everyone’s picture of the perfect Christmas celebration.
New Year’s Eve, Multiple Venues
The whole town puts on its party clothes, offering a variety of spots in which to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another, including a NYE Bash sponsored by NEFF Brewing and NYE Midnight Masquerade at the Roof Sixty-Six Bar. Your favorite NYE activity, however, may be the moments you spend with your family in the warm embrace of our holiday hideaways.
Reach out today and reserve your favorite StayInTulsaOK vacation escape today!