Last month we decided to do something different and spend a full weekend in Tulsa. Tulsa is about ninety miles from home, and we go pretty frequently for various reasons. Most of the time we go to see family and sometimes we go for the food. Tulsa has a LOT of really great restaurant choices. More on that later.
This trip to Tulsa was a little different though. This time we decided to visit Tulsa as tourists and explore more of what the city has to offer. It’s amazing what you can discover close to home if you just take the time to view your own city or state through a fresh lens. Huge thanks to Visit Tulsa who sponsored our stay and gave us the opportunity to share with you some of the best things to do in Tulsa this weekend – or today!
This post was originally published in August 2018 in partnership with Visit Tulsa. I am an Oklahoma native and occasionally get to hop over to Tulsa on the weekend. As of May 2019, it has been updated to include more of my favorite things to do in Tulsa.
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A Visitors Guide to Some of the Top Things to Do in Tulsa this Weekend, Today, or Any Day of the Week…
From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, here are a few of the best things to do this weekend on a day trip to Tulsa.
Visit an Art Museum in Tulsa
Tulsa has some fantastic art museums. In particular, the Philbrook MOA and Gilcrease Museum both offer beautiful art and in-depth history. Museums are kind of my thing and I’m surprised I hadn’t visited either of these sooner. Art Deco enthusiasts should pay a visit to the trendy downtown DECOPOLIS Tulsa Art Deco Museum and Gift Shop.
Meanwhile, families with children can enjoy the Discovery Lab Children’s Museum or even the Tulsa Air and Space Museum for an interactive and fun learning experience. If you’re looking for interesting and fun things to do in Tulsa this weekend, the selection of museums won’t disappoint.
Philbrook Museum of Art
The Philbrook Museum of Art features several art collections housed in a lavish Italian-style residence that was once occupied by oil mogul Waite Philips and his wife, Genevieve. I tend to like to get into the historical side of things, so this is where I will tell you about why this house is a big deal in Tulsa. The name, Waite Philips, may not ring a bell but Philips Petroleum might.
Oil was discovered in Tulsa way back in 1901. Waite planted himself right in the middle of the oil boom by partnering with his brothers to create Phillips Petroleum Company in 1917. Long story short, Phillips donated his 72-room Italian Renaissance-style home to the city of Tulsa in 1938.
The home was modified into the current Philbrook Museum of Art providing a space for both locals and tourists to enjoy nature, art, and native culture. Visit the Philbrook official website for more information on what exhibits are currently on display.
Cost: $9 General Admission. $7 Seniors Admission
Location: 2727 S. Rockford Road, Tulsa
Hours: Closed Monday & Tuesday. Open 9am to 5pm Monday through Sunday. Open 9 am to 9 pm on Fridays.
Gilcrease Museum – A Glimpse into the American West
I have to admit the Gilcrease Museum caught me by surprise. I had no idea we had such a gem right here in Tulsa. The Gilcrease Museum boasts the largest collection of art of the American West in the world and is home to 18 of 22 original Frederic Remington bronze sculptures.
Thomas Gilcrease, the man behind the name, was another oil mogul with a passion for art. His collection is not only extensive but one of the most impressive you will find in Oklahoma. In his lifetime, his collection grew to over 350,000 pieces which include many fine artworks, Native American artifacts, and rare documents such as a certified copy of the Declaration of Independence. Some of the pieces found here are so limited and rare, you would have to travel to the Louvre in Paris to see them elsewhere!
Thomas Gilcrease founded his beloved museum to share his passion with the public. Another love of Mr. Gilcrease was that of the city of Tulsa to which he later gifted his precious collection. The admission fee is small (and well worth it) but, if you’re in town on a budget, come on the first Tuesday or the third Sunday of the month when admission is free!
Cost: $8 Adult Admission. $6 Senior & Active-Duty Admission. $5 College Student Admission with valid ID. Free Admission for children 18 & under.
Location: 1400 N. Gilcrease Museum Rd. Tulsa. (5 minutes from Downtown Tulsa)
Hours: Open 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Check Out Some of the Murals in Downtown Tulsa
If the museums aren’t enough to convince you that Tulsa’s art scene is worth a trip, let’s talk about outdoor art. Downtown Tulsa has undergone a bit of a transformation in recent years and that transformation is quite colorful. Dotting the streets of downtown are beautiful, brightly colored murals painted on the sides and back of many city buildings.
In addition to murals, downtown Tulsa boasts numerous sculptures representing diversity and bearing cultural significance. There’s even one sculpture made entirely of sticks! Hunting for the various street art around town is a great way to immerse yourself in local culture and learn more about Tulsa.
Eat at One of the Many Delicious, Local Restaurants in Tulsa
From quirky to classy and from burger joints to upscale dining, here are a few local restaurants in Tulsa you won’t want to skip.
Waterfront Grille
The Waterfront Grille is a frequent lunch stop for us and it catches us for the seafood. Great seafood is a hard find in Oklahoma and Waterfront Grille offers fresh, never frozen, in an upscale atmosphere. The Waterfront also serves a fantastic brunch making this restaurant a perfect weekend outing. If the weather is nice, request outdoor seating and start with my favorite – the Crab, Mango & Avocado Stack with a Manmosa.
Ron’s Burgers
Ron Baber and his hamburgers are a Tulsa icon. Ron’s holds a long-standing reputation for one of the best burgers in town and rightfully so. Ron’s serves up perfectly built old-fashioned cheeseburgers oozing with nostalgia. If chili is a favorite, they’re famous for that too. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a draft root beer!
Dilly Diner
Dilly Diner in downtown Tulsa might be the best brunch in Tulsa. Old diner vibes, epic-size plates and, of course, drool-worthy meals make this corner cafe a local favorite. The Bananas Foster French Toast is one of my favorites and is plenty for two if you’re up for sharing. I wasn’t.
Dilly Diner also serves Tulsa’s own Topeca Coffee roasted just down the street. You can’t get any fresher than that and this coffee is my personal favorite. If nothing else, at least grab a cup of coffee and one of their fresh bakery items before heading out of Tulsa.
Cherry Street (15th Street)
Cherry Street is loaded with trendy and fun restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, and local boutiques. I really love this area because, like The Farm, it is also full of locally owned businesses. It’s walkable, making it a really great place to grab lunch and hang out for a few hours.
If you’re looking for some grub, try Andolini’s Pizzeria, recently voted one of the top 10 best pizzerias in the US. Try Chimi’s if you’re in the mood for Mexican food. Kilkenny’s Irish Pub is a hot spot to grab a beer and hang out for dinner. If all you need is a snack, STG offers some of the best coffee and gelato in town.
Explore the City on Two Wheels
Tulsa is one of the most bike-friendly towns in America. An extensive system of bike trails in Tulsa accommodates peddlers downtown, on Route 66, and in various areas of the city. If you don’t have your own set of two wheels, you can rent one from This Machine downtown and along Route 66 or borrow one for free at one of the stations along the River Parks Trail.
You’ll need an id and a credit card to place on file, but thanks to the Tulsa Townies, there’s no charge to borrow one of these bicycles for the day. This Machine provides bike rentals in 30-minute increments for $2 each or unlimited (30-minute) rides for $10 per day.
If you’re looking for things to do in Tulsa this weekend, grab a bike and let the trails lead you.
Whether downtown, along the river, or out in the wild, it’s easy to spend a full day or, at least the afternoon, pedaling some of the top bike trails in Tulsa. So, if you’re looking for more fun things to do in Tulsa, grab a bike and let the trails lead you. The River Parks Trail System extends from downtown to 101st connecting several popular stops.
The Oklahoma Aquarium, Philbrook Museum, and The Gathering Place are just a few of the top locations in Tulsa accessible on the River Park network of bike trails. When it’s time to refuel, pull into Elwood’s on the West Bank Trail for a riverside snack. If you’re further north, Riverside Crossing is home to several Tulsa dining favorites. Carb load on award-winning pizza from Andolini’s or cool down with a margarita at Los Cabos.
Sound fun? Read more about the Tulsa bike trails in my article on Matador!
Jenna Walker is a travel writer from Oklahoma who lives with her husband, two children, and three rescue pets. While out and about in the world, she loves spending time outdoors, exploring local culture, and trying new foods. Jenna knows that, often, we overlook our own backyard. You can also find her stories and guides on the website, The Oklahoma Experience.
Hey! I'm Jenna Walker and this is where I share stories and guides about adventure, culture, and good food. I hope this website inspires you to live your best travel life and encourages you to explore the world with an open mind and adventurous spirit.