Discover Oklahoma City - Modern Metropolis with Western Roots

Day 1: Reflective Beginnings & Bricktown’s Buzz

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM) Begin your “Weekend Warrior” adventure with a somber and significant visit to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum (620 N Harvey Ave). Start by quietly walking through the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial (free, open 24/7), taking in the Field of Empty Chairs, the Reflecting Pool, and the Survivor Tree. Then, enter the Museum (allow 2-2.5 hours; admission approx. $18 per person), which offers a powerful and moving narrative of the 1995 bombing. This experience typically takes about 3-3.5 hours in total.
  • Practical Tip: Purchase museum tickets online in advance to save time. Parking is available in garages nearby or metered street parking. The Memorial is about 1 mile northwest of Bricktown.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:30 PM) After your museum visit, walk a few blocks south to Kitchen No. 324 Cafe & Pantry (624 N Broadway Ave) for a casual and delicious lunch featuring elevated cafe fare (cost approx. $30-40 for two). Following lunch, make your way to the lively Bricktown Entertainment District (about a 15-20 minute walk or a quick 5-minute rideshare/streetcar ride from Kitchen No. 324). Spend the afternoon exploring the historic warehouse district, strolling along the picturesque Bricktown Canal. Consider taking a Bricktown Water Taxi (optional, approx. $13.50 per person for a 40-minute narrated tour) for a unique perspective on the area’s history and attractions. Browse the local shops and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards) For dinner, enjoy the upscale pub experience at Republic Gastropub (583 E Sheridan Ave) within Bricktown, offering a vast selection of craft beers and elevated American cuisine (cost approx. $60-80 for two). After dinner, you can enjoy a drink at a nearby bar, catch a movie at Harkins Bricktown 16, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk through the illuminated Bricktown.

Day 2: Artistic Flourishes & Sky-High Views

• Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Start your day with an immersion into the arts at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) (415 Couch Dr). Home to a diverse collection, including a significant exhibition of Chihuly glass, the museum offers a stimulating cultural experience (allow 2-2.5 hours; admission approx. $13 per person). From OKCMOA, take a leisurely stroll north along Broadway Avenue through Automobile Alley, admiring the historic buildings and browsing unique boutiques like Plenty Mercantile (801 N Broadway Ave). This revitalized district seamlessly blends historic charm with modern flair.
  • Practical Tip: OKCMOA is easily accessible via a short walk or Oklahoma City Streetcar ride from downtown hotels.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:30 PM) Enjoy lunch at Mary Eddy’s Kitchen x Lounge (900 W Main St), located within the 21c Museum Hotel. This vibrant spot offers modern American cuisine in an art-filled setting, just a short walk or streetcar ride from Automobile Alley (cost approx. $50-70 for two). After lunch, find serenity at the Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno Ave), a beautiful urban oasis. Explore the lush outdoor grounds (free) and consider entering the iconic Crystal Bridge Conservatory (admission approx. $10.50 per person) for a tropical escape. Allow 2-2.5 hours to fully enjoy the gardens.
• Evening (5:00 PM onwards) Conclude your “Weekend Warrior” trip with a memorable dinner at Vast (333 W Sheridan Ave, 49th Floor, Devon Tower). Offering breathtaking panoramic views of Oklahoma City from the 49th floor of the Devon Energy Center, Vast provides a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on modern American cuisine (reservations highly recommended; cost approx. $120-180 for two, excluding extensive drinks). This provides a perfect farewell to the city before heading home.
  • Practical Tip: Dress code is smart casual. Vast is within walking distance of the Myriad Botanical Gardens and many downtown hotels.

Day 1: Reflective Beginnings & Bricktown Vibrancy

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Begin your “Deep Dive OKC” with a serene start at the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Explore the lush outdoor grounds for free, then step inside the magnificent Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory ($10-12/person, allow 1.5-2 hours). This downtown oasis offers a peaceful escape and beautiful photo opportunities. The gardens are centrally located, walkable from many downtown hotels.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:30 PM) After a quick and casual lunch (e.g., a deli or cafe near the gardens), dedicate your afternoon to the profoundly moving Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum ($18/person for museum entry, memorial grounds are free). This essential visit takes you through the events of April 19, 1995, and its aftermath, honoring the victims and survivors. Allow 3-4 hours for a thorough and respectful experience. The Memorial is about a 0.5-mile walk or a short OKC Streetcar ride from the Myriad Gardens.
• Evening Immerse yourselves in the vibrant Bricktown Entertainment District. Take a relaxing Bricktown Water Taxi cruise along the canal ($10-15/person) for an overview of the area. For dinner, you have a wealth of options: for casual local flavor, try Bricktown Brewery (expect $40-60 for 2); for lively Mexican cuisine, Chelino’s Mexican Restaurant ($45-70 for 2); or for a truly upscale steakhouse experience, consider Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse (budget permitting, $100+ for 2). Bricktown is easily accessible via the OKC Streetcar from the Memorial area.

Day 2: Western Legends & Artistic Passages

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Journey into Oklahoma’s rich Western heritage at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum ($15-20/person). This sprawling museum houses an incredible collection of Western art, artifacts, and historical exhibits, including the famous “End of the Trail” sculpture. Allow 3-4 hours to fully explore. The museum is located northeast of downtown, requiring a ride-share or car (approx. 15-20 minute drive from central OKC).
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) After a quick lunch near the museum or on your way back towards the city, make a stop at the Oklahoma State Capitol. This impressive building features stunning architecture and grounds, including active oil wells! Self-guided tours are free (check hours, allow 1-1.5 hours). From there, head to the charming Paseo Arts District. Spend 1.5-2 hours strolling through this historic district, browsing art galleries, unique boutiques, and colorful murals. The Capitol is about a 10-minute drive from the Cowboy Museum, and the Paseo is just another 5-7 minutes drive.
• Evening Enjoy dinner in the artsy Paseo Arts District. Options include Picasso Cafe (eclectic global cuisine, $50-80 for 2) known for its vibrant atmosphere, or The Pritchard (modern American, $60-90 for 2). Many galleries stay open later on weekends, offering a chance to view more art before or after your meal.

Day 3: Indigenous Roots & Urban Murals

• Morning (9:30 AM - 1:30 PM) Delve into the profound history and vibrant cultures of the 39 tribal nations of Oklahoma at the First Americans Museum (FAM) ($15/person). This stunning museum offers immersive exhibits, traditional art, and compelling narratives that share the story of America’s first peoples. Allow 3-4 hours for a comprehensive visit. FAM is located along the Oklahoma River, southeast of downtown, requiring a ride-share or car (approx. 10-15 minute drive).
• Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:30 PM) Enjoy lunch in the vibrant Plaza District, known for its street art, local shops, and eclectic eateries. Try Empire Slice House (pizza by the slice or pie, $30-45 for 2) or The Mule (gourmet hot melts and sandwiches, $35-50 for 2). Spend 2-3 hours exploring the colorful murals, unique boutiques, and art galleries. Afterwards, if you’re up for unique city views, head to the Wheeler Ferris Wheel ($6-8/person per ride), an iconic landmark from Santa Monica’s pier, now offering fantastic photo ops and views of the OKC skyline (approx. 5-7 minute drive from Plaza).
• Evening Head to the nearby Midtown District for dinner. Options range from the sophisticated Mary Eddy’s Kitchen x Lounge at the 21c Museum Hotel (contemporary American, $70-100 for 2), to the lively Packards New American Kitchen ($60-90 for 2), or the casual pub fare at McNellie’s Public House ($40-60 for 2). Consider a post-dinner stroll through the free art galleries within the 21c Museum Hotel or find a unique spot for a nightcap like The Library of Distilled Spirits for a speakeasy vibe.

Day 4: River Adventures or Art & Departure

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Choose your adventure!
  • Option 1 (Active): Riversport OKC. Embrace the outdoors with an hour of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking on the Oklahoma River (rentals typically $15-25/person/hour, check seasonal availability). Riversport is just south of downtown, a short drive from most hotels.
  • Option 2 (Relaxed): Lake Hefner. Enjoy a scenic drive around Lake Hefner, walk out to the iconic lighthouse, or enjoy the tranquil trails. This is a free activity offering beautiful water views and a different perspective of the city (approx. 20-minute drive from downtown).
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 3:00 PM) Enjoy a final lunch downtown at a popular spot like Kitchen No. 324 (cafe & bakery, $30-45 for 2) or Flint at The Skirvin Hilton (modern American, $50-70 for 2). Afterwards, indulge your artistic side at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) ($12-15/person). The museum features a diverse collection, including European and American art, and a stunning collection of Dale Chihuly glass. Allow 1.5-2 hours. The museum is conveniently located downtown.
• Evening With your “Deep Dive Oklahoma City” complete, head to the airport or your next destination, carrying memories of OKC’s diverse history, culture, and vibrant spirit.