Maya HartleyIt started with a simple stroll through downtown Oklahoma City. No plan, no map—just me, my curiosity, and a craving for something out of the ordinary.
From the calming waters of the Bricktown Canal to the towering elegance of the Skydance Bridge, every corner I turned revealed something new. The city didn’t just show up, it showed off!
So instead of aimlessly wandering like I did, let me give you the shortcut. Here’s my top list of must-visit attractions in Oklahoma City that will spark your wanderlust, fill your camera roll, and leave you with stories worth telling!
Bricktown Canal
– Media credit: downtownokc
Website: https://downtownokc.com/bricktown-canal/
Address: Bricktown
Contact details: 4052348294
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Cost:
- $4.60 to $13.81 (Water Taxi regular service rates)
Bricktown Canal is one of those places where you’ll want to slow down and take it all in. Whether strolling the landscaped paths or cruising the water by taxi, you’ll pass murals, live music spots, and bridges that add character to every turn.
It’s one of the few spots in Oklahoma City where history meets charm, and it’s easy to see why locals keep coming back. The narrated water taxi ride is a fun way to get your bearings, especially if it’s your first visit.
You’ll learn quirky stories about the area while floating past some great dining patios. If you’re around the area in the evening, the vibe totally shifts—string lights come on, restaurants get cozy, and the nightlife buzz begins.
| Pro tip: Skip the big restaurants at first and pop into one of the locally owned gift shops along the canal for unique OKC souvenirs. Some spots carry handmade crafts and fun Bricktown merch you won’t find at the airport. |
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
– Media credit: okcnm
Website: https://memorialmuseum.com/
Address: 620 N Harvey Ave
Contact details: +14052353313
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 12 to 5 PM
Cost:
- $15 to $18 (With free parking space)
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum hits differently. It’s not just about learning history, but it’s about feeling it. You walk through exhibits that make you pause, reflect, and really connect to the lives affected by the 1995 bombing.
Every room in the museum is designed with intention, from the survivor gallery to the haunting artifacts, and you’ll walk out understanding a piece of Oklahoma’s soul. Outside, the memorial grounds are peaceful and humbling.
The Field of Empty Chairs, reflecting pool, and Survivor Tree create a space that’s somber yet healing. It’s powerful during the day, but even more moving if you visit at night when everything is softly lit.
| Pro tip: Don’t skip the museum store—it’s small, but you’ll find thoughtful keepsakes like books, survivor art, and symbolic pins that help support the Memorial’s mission and make meaningful souvenirs. |
Oklahoma City Zoo
– Media credit: okczoo
Website: https://www.okczoo.org/
Address: 2000 Remington Pl
Contact details: +14054243344
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- $20 – Adult (ages 12 to 64)
- $17 – Child & Senior (ages 3 to 11; 65 and older)
- Free- Children 2 and under
The Oklahoma City Zoo is that rare spot where both kids and adults can geek out over animals. With the zoo’s expansive habitats, shady walking trails, and creative enrichment setups for animals, you’ll want to take your time exploring.
The elephant and giraffe areas are major highlights—watching these gentle giants up close is worth the visit alone. If you’re going with kids, the zoo has you covered with splash zones, interactive play areas, and even a behind-the-scenes peek via the zoo train.
It’s laid out well, so even on busy days you can find quiet corners to rest and snack. The newer animal hospital is state-of-the-art, and though you might not always catch a procedure in action, it’s fascinating to see the facilities through the glass window.
| Pro tip: If you’re into unique keepsakes, check out the zoo’s gift shop for eco-conscious souvenirs and animal art created by the zoo’s residents—yes, some animals paint, and it’s adorable. |
Myriad Botanical Garden
– Media credit: myriadgardens
Website: https://myriadgardens.org/
Address: 301 W Reno Ave
Contact details: +14054457080
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- Free Admission
If you’re looking for a peaceful break from Oklahoma City’s buzz, Myriad Botanical Garden is your urban escape. Right in the heart of downtown, it’s a lush 15-acre retreat filled with everything from flowering perennials to a playful children’s garden and carousel.
You can spend hours just wandering the shaded paths, watching the ducks by the lake, or letting the kids run free on the adaptive playground. One of the biggest highlights here is the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory.
After a massive renovation, it now feels like a living museum—with tropical plant collections, changing exhibits, and immersive garden art that’ll have you slowing down and soaking up every moment.
| Pro tip: Stop by the outdoor seasonal ice rink in winter or check their event calendar before your visit—movie nights and food truck festivals make this garden vibe even sweeter. |
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
– Media credit: okcmoa
Website: https://www.okcmoa.com/
Address: 415 Couch Dr
Contact details: +14052363100
Operating hours:
- Wednesday, Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 12 to 5 PM
Cost:
- Free- Members & Children (17 & under)
- $14.95 + tax – Adults
- $12.95 + tax – Seniors (62+) & College Students
- $9.95 + Tax – Military
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art blends classic elegance with modern creativity, making it one of the most inspiring spots to explore in downtown OKC. Stepping into the atrium, you’ll be greeted by the mesmerizing Dale Chihuly glass tower.
The museum’s three floors feature a mix of rotating exhibitions and permanent collections that feel just as enriching as they are eye-catching. Whether you’re a film buff or just in the mood for a quiet escape, you mustn’t skip the Samuel Robers Noble Theater.
They screen indie gems, foreign films, and old-school classics—perfect for a cultured night out. When you need a break from the exhibits, the rooftop terrace is a chill spot to reset, and the museum store downstairs has some truly artful souvenirs!
| Pro tip: Visit on a Thursday evening—entry is often discounted. At times, you can even pair a museum stroll with a film screening and a glass of wine. |
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark
– Media credit: okc_comets
Website: https://www.milb.com/oklahoma-city
Address: 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr
Contact details: +14052181000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- $12 (Comets’ single-game ticket price)
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark brings the classic charm of baseball into the heart of downtown OKC, and honestly, it’s hard not to get swept up in the excitement. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tagging along for the vibe, the experience is top-notch!
From the affordable ticket prices to the buzz of the crowd and the smell of fresh popcorn in the air, you’ll love being here. Every seat has a solid view, but if you’re not a fan of the sun, aim for the third base side where the shade kicks in early.
Food-wise, you’re in luck because classic stadium snacks are plentiful, and there’s even a solid selection of local eats nearby if you want to grab dinner before or after the game. For a fancier treat, Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse is just across the street.
| Pro tip: Plan a weekday evening game for lighter crowds and better parking access. Bonus: the midweek games often come with find promos like $2 hot dog night of fireworks after the game. |
Scissortail Park
– Media credit: scissortailpark
Website: https://www.scissortailpark.org/
Address: 300 SW 7th St
Contact details: +14054456277
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 11 PM
Cost:
- Free
Scissortail Park feels like OKC’s backyard—wide open, green, and always buzzing with something new. From the lake’s paddleboats to the splash pads and sports courts, the space is designed to keep you moving, relaxing, or simply soaking in the sun.
Whether you’re solo with a cup of coffee or wrangling kids for an afternoon of fun, there’s always a corner of this park that fits your vibe perfectly. The farmers market is a weekend highlight, packed with local goodies and fresh finds.
If you’re into photography or just love a scenic stroll, don’t miss the garden trails and flower beds, especially in spring. There’s also a seasonal roller rink and live concerts on the Great Lawn, so you’ll want to check their calendar before heading out.
| Pro tip: Want a chill view of the OKC skyline? Head to the hill near the performance stage at golden hour. Bring snacks, sit back, and thank yourself later for that low-key city sunset moment. |
Wheeler Ferris Wheel at Wheeler District
– Media credit: wheelerdistrict
Website: https://www.wheelerdistrict.com/
Address: 1701 S Western Ave
Contact details: +14056558455
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4 to 9 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 12 to 9 PM
Cost:
- $6 (Single ride)
Wheeler Ferris Wheel has a charm that sneaks up on you. Originally from the Santa Monica Pier, this 100-foot-tall beauty now spins against the Oklahoma River, giving you the kind of skyline views that make you pause and take it all in.
The vibe here is super laid-back—think of hammocks under the sky, lawn games like cornhole, and jazz floating from speakers while families and couples lounge on picnic tables.
You’ll want to grab a selfie at the big “OKC” letters—it’s basically a rite of passage. The plaza itself has an artsy feel, with murals, sculptures, and cool little touches that make even a casual visit feel memorable.
| Pro tip: For a romantic touch, hop on the Ferris wheel right as the sun dips behind the city. Bonus points if you bring your own snacks and catch the evening breeze up top. |
Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine
– Media credit: rothershrine
Website: https://www.rothershrine.org/
Address: 700 SE 89th St
Contact details: +14054219800
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- Free
The Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine feels like a true spiritual oasis. From the moment you walk up the hill to Tepeyac, where statues of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Juan Diego greet you, there’s a calming sense of reverence.
It’s not just a place of worship—it’s a pilgrimage site that honors the life of the first U.S.-born priest to be beatified. Inside, the chapel’s Spanish Mission architecture is absolutely stunning, echoing Father Rother’s beloved church in Guatemala.
The museum is surprisingly emotional, filled with real artifacts from his life, and it does a great job telling his story in both English and Spanish. And don’t skip the gift shop—you’ll find meaningful keepsakes, from handcrafted rosaries to books about his legacy.
| Pro tip: Plan your visit close to sunset to catch the golden light spilling over the shrine—it’s the perfect time for photos and quiet reflection without the daytime heat. |
Skydance Bridge
Website: https://www.okc.gov/departments/public-works/resident-community-resources/skydance-bridge
Address: I-40 near Robinson Ave S
Contact details: +14052973882
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost:
- Free
Skydance Bridge isn’t just a pedestrian bridge, it’s a striking work of public art that gives you one of the best skyline views in Oklahoma City. Inspired by the flight of the scissor-tailed flycatcher, it’s both functional and poetic.
This bridge stretches 380 feet across I-40 with a 197-foot-tall sculpture that glows beautifully at night. If you’re walking from Upper to Lower Scissortail Park, this is your iconic midpoint.
You’ll love the way the bridge lights up after sunset, especially if you visit lines up with a themed lightning event—color change for holidays, cultural celebrations, and city-wide causes.
| Pro tip: Swing by after dinner on a weekend—the bridge tends to be less crowded, and you’ll catch the lights in full effect without the midday glare. Don’t forget to bring your camera! |
