The secret’s out: Oklahoma City (OKC) is one of the most exciting cities in the United States. Often touted as one of the best places to live in the US, the former cowboy town has come into its own, with a fabulous arts and culture scene, restaurants and nightlife, and outdoorsy things to do. A modern metropolis with a Wild West heart, you might call it the next Denver, but really, it’s always been Oklahoma City.
The summertime months of June, July, and August are the most popular time to visit OKC because school is out and festivals, including the Oklahoma City Burlesque Festival, are on. However, locals tout spring and fall as their favorite seasons. You’ll enjoy mild temperatures, colorful outdoor spaces (whether vivid blooms or changing leaves), and a full line-up of things to do without the school holiday crowds.
Scope out the annual Chuck Wagon Festival in May or the Oklahoma State Fair in September. If you visit in the winter months, you don’t need to be worried about frigid temperatures, as most winters are mild. However, generally speaking you’ll probably want to be inside checking out attractions like the American Banjo Museum, the Oklahoma Railway Museum, and FAM.
FAM is the First Americans Museum where you’ll find 175,000 square feet (16,258 square meters) of space dedicated to telling the stories of the state’s 39 First American Nations communities. The FAM store is a great place to pick up unique souvenirs handmade by local indigenous artists. If you visit at the right time, you may also attend classes, workshops, and special events.
Most travelers arrive in Oklahoma City by car—the city sits at the crossroads of I-35, I-40, and I-44, and has been built out to become a highway town. That said, Amtrak buses drop you off right downtown (via the Heartland Flyer), and from there you can take the city’s new green, blue, and pink streetcars through and around Downtown, Bricktown, Automobile Alley, and Midtown. The city’s bikeshare program, Spokies, is also a great option.
Oklahoma City’s airport, Will Rogers International Airport, is the largest airport in Oklahoma. That said, it only has four runways and is relatively small compared to the airports of other major cities. Fortunately, there are at least eight rental car companies that service the airport. You’ll find the shuttle to the rental car parking lots just outside of baggage claim. The shuttle runs 24/7.
Rideshare-wise, Uber and Lyft are the most popular, and they’re allowed to drop off and pick up at the airport. The airport is approximately 11 miles (17.7 kilometers) west of downtown Oklahoma City.
One of Oklahoma City’s most culture-rich neighborhoods is Automobile Alley, named after the city’s first slew of car dealerships. Neon signs from the 1920s still hang from the buildings, and today the glowing district is hailed as the city’s hippest—it’s home to spots such as the always-free Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, the bright and immersive Factory Obscura, Iguana Mexican Grill, and Sidecar Barley & Wine Bar.
If you want to experience some culture, outside of the cowboy culture, hit up Oklahoma City’s Asian District. In the 1970s, during the Vietnam War, approximately 7,000 Vietnamese families sought refuge in the city known as The Big Friendly. Today, they own and operate some of the state’s best Asian restaurants serving up traditional dishes like phở, bánh cuốn, and green papaya goi.
