Max NormanAs someone who works 9 to 5 in Downtown Oklahoma, I always saw the city skyline as a sight for sore eyes after sitting in front of a monitor all day. However, several options are available out there that offer far better views and vibes than our office, which led me to make this list!
Oklahoma City’s skyline is underrated, and to give it its well-deserved flowers and hopefully garner more recognition, we’ve compiled our go-to spots for city viewing!
From observation decks to Ferris wheels, parks (parks Oklahoma City), rooftop restaurants and more, OKC doesn’t fall short of spots for skyline views. Let’s take a closer look to get an idea of what you can expect!
Vast (Devon Energy Centre)
– Media credit: vastokc
Address: 333 W Sheridan Ave
Contact details: +1 405-702-7262
Operating hours:
- Monday: 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Cost: $$$
Vast is located on the 49th floor of Oklahoma’s tallest skyscraper, Devon Tower. To give you a perspective on how high up you’ll be while feasting on Vast’s amazing Western dishes, Devon consists of 50 floors!
Here, you’ll absolutely enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views of the entire Oklahoma City skyline, which is impressive at any time of day! The only thing that may obstruct your views is clouds!
Aside from views, this spot will treat you to delicious food, from roasted lamb chops to salmon, pasta, steaks, cheesecake, tarts, etc. Come sundown, this turns into one of the liveliest nightlife spots in the city, featuring vast selections of cocktails and bar chows!
| Pro tip: Valet parking options are offered by Vast from 5:00 PM for $15 at the new entrance on Sheridan Ave. If you prefer self-parking, you can opt for the Devon Garage at 101 N Harvey Ave. but do keep in mind that this is only available during lunchtime. |
Myriad Botanical Gardens
– Media credit: myriadgardens
Address: 301 W Reno Ave.
Contact details: +1 405-445-7080
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost:
- Adults: $10.50
- Seniors: $9
- Veterans: $9
- Students: $7
- Youth (5 to 17 years): $5.50
- Children (4 and under): Free
Myriad Botanical Gardens combines city views with lush greenery, vibrant flower beds, and a vast field of pasture. It’s located right next to Devon Tower, the tallest building in the state, offering a breath of fresh air for people exploring the downtown area.
One of the main highlights of this garden, which also offers beautiful views of the city, is the Crystal Bridge. This 224-foot-long bridge is surrounded by acrylic panels and features hundreds of plant species and even an indoor manmade pond, complete with lily pads!
Outside, there’s also a dog-friendly area where your furbabies can enjoy the same fresh air as you while they run around off-leash! Meanwhile, kids can play their hearts out at the Children’s Garden, with plants, flowers, and climbing structures waiting to be explored!
| Pro tip: Consider visiting during Spring to let your kids (and yourself) enjoy Mo’s Carousel! Moreover, check out their official website or follow their Instagram to be in the loop of their fun events like the OKC Flower and Garden Festival. |
O Bar
– Media credit: obarokc
Address: Ambassador Hotel, 1200 N Walker Ave, 7th Floor
Contact details: +1 405-898-8170
Operating hours: Daily from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Cost: $$$
One of the best ways to cap off a work-filled week is by grabbing a couple of cold ones with your friends. However, O Bar takes this up a notch by offering its patrons panoramic views of the Oklahoma City skyline thanks to its location at the top of the Ambassador Hotel.
Whether you dine inside or at the al-fresco area, you can expect to see the shimmering city lights. If you visit around 4:00 PM, however, we recommend securing an outside table to catch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the state.
The views are just the tip of the iceberg because the cocktails and quick bites here are fantastic. You can also browse their wine and cigar selection if you’re feeling fancy.
| Pro tip: If you want to make your sightseeing extra memorable, we recommend visiting on Thursdays, as this is when they’ll feature live music. Moreover, their happy hour is extended until 9:00 PM on this day. |
Wheeler Ferris Wheel at Wheeler District
– Media credit: wheelerwheelokc
Address: 1701 S Western Ave
Contact details: +1 405-655-8455
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Cost:
- Single ride: $8
- Day pass: $12
- Season pass: $25
The Wheeler Ferris Wheel at Wheeler District is always a good option for sightseeing because it allows you to view a wide area of Oklahoma City. The wheel is 100 feet tall, and throughout the ride, you’ll see various parts of OKC, from the Oklahoma River to the baseball stadium, etc.
It also makes for a great family day destination because aside from the Ferris wheel, this vibrant urban area offers cycling tracks where you can leisurely explore the district in style. They also provide frisbees and footballs for free, so you can be active and have fun at the same time!
Meanwhile, if you’re just looking to relax, several hammocks are available on-site. Once you’ve used up all your energy, you can refuel at one of the many parked food trucks in the district!
| Pro tip: We recommend visiting at night because this is when the Ferris wheel will be lit up with vibrant lights. It will also give you a different view of OKC’s downtown area that’s shimmering with city lights. |
Lake Hefner
– Media credit: marshalldcooper
Address: 3301 NW Grand Blvd
Contact details: +1 405-297-3882
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Lake Hefner is another great spot for appreciating Oklahoma’s picturesque skyline and natural views. This time, however, you’ll be viewing the city at ground level, which means that you’ll have to make a bit of a drive.
Don’t worry, though, as the rewarding sight is worth it! If you stop at North Lake Hefner Drive, you’ll witness the beautiful silhouette of the towering skyscrapers of Oklahoma reflected onto the water.
Lake Hefner is also a spectacle in itself, offering glistening waters as far as the eye can see. Come sundown, the orange skies bleed into the water, creating a magnificent sight that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.
| Pro tip: If you’re bringing your furbabies, we recommend driving to Lakeshore Park, located on the west side of the lake. This place will still give you views of Oklahoma’s skyline while walking your dog! |
Skydance Bridge
– Media credit: ruby_woo1990
Address: OK 73109
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Skydance Bridge is a perfect example of how mundane structures don’t have to be boring. It’s a pedestrian bridge that serves people crossing the interstate, but what makes it special is its 197-foot structure.
This structure takes the form of the state’s bird, the scissor-tailed flycatcher. It becomes even more breathtaking at night when it’s lit up.
However, crossing this bridge will not only treat you to this magnificent piece of art but also allow you to admire the Oklahoma skyline from afar!
| Pro tip: We recommend stopping by Scissortail Park, which is directly at the end of the bridge. It’s one of the liveliest open spots in Oklahoma, featuring vast green fields, perfect for picnics and fun activities. |
