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Famous Landmarks in Oklahoma City

Famous Landmarks in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City Oklahoma, USA Travel Guide

Iconic Landmarks

Certain sites in Oklahoma City are must-visits for their historical depth and cultural resonance.

The city's landmarks tell stories from its founding to significant modern events.

Must-Visit Sites

  • Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
  • Bricktown Canal (enjoyable boat tours).
  • Myriad Botanical Gardens (urban oasis).
  • Skydance Bridge (pedestrian bridge inspired by a bird).

Visitor Information & Insider Tips

Hours & Fees

  • OKC National Memorial & Museum: Mon-Sat 9 AM-6 PM, Sun 12 PM-6 PM.
  • Museum Admission: $18 per adult; audio tours available.
  • Bricktown Canal: Accessible 24/7. Water Taxi tours operate seasonally, fees apply ($15-20 per adult).
  • Myriad Botanical Gardens: Outdoor grounds open daily (free). Crystal Bridge Conservatory Mon-Sat 9 AM-5 PM, Sun 11 AM-5 PM.
  • Conservatory Admission: $10-15 per adult.
  • Devon Energy Center (Devon Tower): Oklahoma's tallest building, home to Vast restaurant.

Best Views & Photography

  • OKC National Memorial: Visit at sunrise/sunset for poignant lighting. Use a Wide-angle lens.
  • Bricktown Canal: Explore in the evening for beautiful illuminated views.
  • Myriad Botanical Gardens: Arrive early for fewer crowds and optimal natural light.
  • Skydance Bridge: Photograph at night when its distinctive shape is beautifully lit.

Most attractions are less crowded on weekday mornings. For unique skyline perspectives, explore views from parking garages in Bricktown or Downtown.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • Oklahoma City Museum of Art: European/American art, Dale Chihuly glass.
  • National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: Western art, Native American artifacts.
  • Science Museum Oklahoma: Interactive exhibits, planetarium.
  • American Banjo Museum: Unique musical instrument history.

Historical Sites

  • Paseo Arts District

    Charming Spanish Colonial-style Revival architecture, listed on National Register of Historic Places.

  • Automobile Alley

    Historic brick buildings of former automotive dealerships, now restored.

  • Stockyards City

    Preserveits vibe of a cattle drive and packing district.

  • Oklahoma Railway Museum

    Collection of antique trains and railway artifacts.

  • 45th Infantry Division Museum

    Focuses on Oklahoma's military history and armed forces.

Natural Attractions

Oklahoma City offers several green spaces and waterways for relaxation and recreation.

Parks, Lakes & Wildlife

  • Scissortail Park

    A large, 70-acre urban park south of the city center, featuring a lake, pavilion, and walking paths.

  • Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge

    Undeveloped area along the North Canadian River, great for bird watching and nature walks.

  • Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (Day Trip)

    Further afield, see bison, elk, and prairie dogs in their natural habitat.

  • Lake Hefner

    Large lake on the northwest side with trails, a lighthouse, restaurants, and sailing.

  • Lake Overholser & Stanley Draper

    Other large urban lakes popular for boating, fishing, and surrounding trails.

  • Scenic City Views

    Vast restaurant in the Devon Tower offers unparalleled panoramic city views.

Hidden Gems

Discover lesser-known spots for unique experiences.

Off-the-Beaten-Path

Factory Obscura Mix-Tape: An immersive, interactive art experience.

Local Favorites

Lake Hefner Lighthouse: Popular for enjoying sunset views and lakeside dining.

Emerging & Photo Opportunities

Explore newly revitalized areas and record unique moments.

  • Uptown 23rd District: Revitalized area with Tower Theatre, restaurants, and shops.
  • Film Row: Historic district becoming a hub for creative businesses and dining.
  • Unique Photo Opportunities: Skydance Bridge at night, Vast restaurant views, Memorial Field of Empty Chairs.

Booking Attractions

Securing tickets for attractions and tours in advance can streamline your visit.

General Booking Tips

Booking ahead is especially useful for popular attractions, during peak season, or for specific time slots.

Advance Planning

  • Many museums and tour operators offer online booking.
  • Print or save digital tickets on your mobile device.
  • Check attraction websites with specific hours, holiday closures, and special events.

Online Booking Platforms

Utilize reputable platforms for a smooth reservation process.

GetYourGuide

  • GetYourGuide is an attraction ticket booking site.
  • It lists various tours, activities, and entrance tickets for Oklahoma City.
  • Offers flexible booking alternatives and often instant confirmation.

Local Tour Operators

Consider supporting local businesses for a more personalized experience.

Direct Bookings

  • Many local tour companies have their own websites.
  • Booking directly can occasionally provide special local offers or insights.
  • Look for specialized tours like historical hikes or culinary excursions.
  • Personalized service often available with little local groups.

Group & Family Passes

Explore options for discounts or combined passes if traveling with a group or family.

Saving Tips

  • Some attractions offer family rates or group discounts.
  • Check for city passes that bundle numerous attractions at a reduced price.
  • Children's tickets are typically available at a lower cost.

Accessibility Information

Mobility & Access

  • Most major attractions are wheelchair accessible.
  • Check individual attraction websites for specific accessibility details.
  • Some venues offer assistive listening devices or sign language interpretation by request.

Sensory-Friendly Options

  • Certain museums and performance venues offer sensory-friendly visiting hours.
  • Information on visual or auditory aids may be available on the sites.
  • Contact the attraction directly for specific sensory needs.

Transportation for Sightseeing

Navigating Oklahoma City's attractions is straightforward with various transportation choices.

Public Transport

OKC Streetcar connects downtown, Bricktown, Automobile Alley, and Midtown districts.

Ride-Sharing & Taxis

Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city. Taxis are available, especially at the airport and major hotels.

Walking & Cycling

Downtown and Bricktown are highly walkable. Shared bike programs offer easy cycling.

Guided Tours

Bus Tours

Hop-on hop-off bus tours or narrated city tours are available.

Find Bus Tours on GetYourGuide

Water Taxi Tours

Enjoy a scenic an excursion of the Bricktown Canal via water taxi.

Historical Walking Tours

Check out certain districts like Automobile Alley or Paseo Arts District on foot with a guide.

Specialty Tours

Ghost tours, true crime tours, or culinary tours are available for niche interests.

Self-Guided Tours

Utilize apps or local guides for self-paced exploration of historical sites.

Parking in OKC

Parking options are available across the city, especially in downtown areas.

Downtown & Bricktown

  • Numerous parking garages and go surfingace lots.
  • Metered street parking is common; check operating hours.
  • Use parking apps to find available spots and pay.

Traffic & Commute

Traffic can be moderate during peak hours, but generally flows well in comparison to bigger cities.

Best Times to Travel

  • Avoid morning (7-9 AM) and evening (4-6 PM) rush hours for smoother travel.
  • Weekends generally experience lighter traffic.
  • Utilize navigation apps for real-time traffic updates.
  • Major event days can greatly impact local traffic flow.

Tip for Memorial Visitors

Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a more contemplative experience.

Crowds are typically smaller during these times, allowing for quiet reflection.

Shopping & Markets

Discover unique treasures and local crafts while shopping in Oklahoma City.

Artisan & Boutique Shopping

Explore districts known for unique, handmade goods and designer goods.

Unique Finds

  • Paseo Arts District: Numerous independent galleries and studios sell local art and crafts.
  • Plaza District: Boutique shops sell unique, handcrafted goods and local designer items.
  • Automobile Alley: Features boutiques for differentive shopping experiences.

Souvenirs & Local Products

Find memorable gifts and products reflecting Oklahoma's culture.

Gift Ideas

  • Oklahoma-themed gifts and Route 66 memorabilia.
  • Native American crafts.
  • Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA team) merchandise.

Traditional Markets

Seasonal markets offer fresh produce, local goods, and artisanal products.

Market Highlights

  • OKC Farmers Market (seasonal).
  • Various pop-up markets and craft fairs occur throughout the year.
  • Great for fresh produce and local treats.

Check local listings for market schedules and locations.

Luxury Shopping

For high-end fashion and exclusive brands, explore the city's upscale retail destinations.

Upscale Retailers

  • Nichols Hills Plaza offers upscale boutiques and national brands.
  • Classen Curve features designer brands and unique stores.

These areas provide a premium shopping experience with a selection of high-quality goods.

Ethical Shopping & Shipping

Support local communities and manage your purchases for travel.

Guidelines

  • Support local businesses, especially Native American artisans, ensuring fair trade practices.
  • For travelers from other countries, be aware of your home country''s import rules for purchased goods.
  • Major shipping carriers (UPS, FedEx, USPS) are available for sending items home.

This helps maintain cultural integrity and supports the local economy.

Emerging Shopping Areas

Film Row

A historic district with a growing number of creative businesses and unique shops.

Automobile Alley

Beyond boutiques, you'll find specialty retailers and art-focused stores.

Uptown 23rd

Revitalized area offering vintage finds, record stores, and local businesses.

Explore Local Markets

Support local artisans and producers by visiting farmer's markets and craft fairs for unique, genuine souvenirs and goods.