Oklahoma City Top Attractions -- Quick Reference
| Attraction | Type / Key Fact |
|---|---|
| Scissortail Park | 70-acre downtown park -- walking trails, lake, concerts, farmers markets; free admission |
| OKC National Memorial and Museum | 1995 bombing memorial -- Field of Empty Chairs, Survivor Tree, interactive museum; admission approx. $15 |
| Bricktown Entertainment District | Revitalized warehouse district -- canal boats, OKC Dodgers at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, dining and nightlife |
| Oklahoma City Museum of Art | Dale Chihuly glass installation, European and American masters, film program; downtown location |
| Myriad Botanical Gardens | 15-acre urban garden -- Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, seasonal events, splash pads; free outdoor access |
| National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum | Western art and artifacts -- Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, frontier town recreations |
| Riversport OKC | Boathouse District -- whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip line, Sky Trail, Oklahoma River access |
| Paseo Arts District | Spanish Revival architecture -- 80+ working artists, First Friday art walks, boutiques and cafes |
All attractions are within the Oklahoma City metro. Admission prices and hours subject to change -- verify before visiting.
Oklahoma City continues to evolve as one of the most dynamic urban centers in the Midwest, offering a rich blend of history, innovation, culture, and hospitality. Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, the city is packed with diverse experiences and scenic destinations that reveal why it's become a hub for families, professionals, and travelers alike. From world-class museums and vibrant arts districts to family-friendly parks and iconic entertainment venues, the top attractions in Oklahoma City offer something memorable for everyone.
The city's welcoming atmosphere is paired with a strong sense of community and pride, which comes through in each of its well-maintained public spaces and thoughtfully curated cultural institutions. For those considering relocation or exploring OKC real estate, this guide also covers what it's like to live near these destinations -- because the quality of daily life in Oklahoma City is inseparable from what's accessible outside your front door.
Top 8 Attractions in Oklahoma City
Scissortail Park
Downtown Park -- Free Admission -- 70 AcresStretching across 70 acres in downtown Oklahoma City, Scissortail Park has quickly become a signature landmark. This multi-use green space combines natural beauty with urban design, featuring walking trails, a large lake, gardens, playgrounds, a boathouse, and frequent live performances. Open-air concerts, farmers markets, fitness classes, and food truck festivals are common throughout the year, making this a constant hub of activity for both locals and tourists. Scissortail Park is also a prime gathering place for events tied to nearby Paycom Center (OKC Thunder) and the Oklahoma City Convention Center.
Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
Memorial and Museum -- Admission Approx. $15 -- DowntownThe Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum stands as one of the most powerful and poignant destinations in the city. Created to honor the victims, survivors, and first responders of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, the memorial includes the Field of Empty Chairs, the Reflecting Pool, and the Survivor Tree. Inside the museum, interactive exhibits take visitors through the events of that day with sensitivity and depth. It is one of the most significant historical and cultural sites in Oklahoma -- a place of learning, community healing, and resilience.
Bricktown Entertainment District
Entertainment -- Dining -- Canal Boats -- OKC DodgersNo list of Oklahoma City's top destinations would be complete without the Bricktown Entertainment District, a revitalized warehouse area that now buzzes with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Located just east of downtown, Bricktown offers canal boat rides, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (home of the OKC Dodgers AAA team), Harkins Theatre, upscale steakhouses, local restaurants, live music, comedy clubs, and rooftop bars. For both residents and visitors, Bricktown is one of the most vibrant and walkable attractions in Oklahoma City, perfectly suited for a night out or a weekend afternoon.
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Fine Art -- Dale Chihuly Collection -- DowntownArt lovers will find much to appreciate at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, which houses an impressive permanent collection alongside rotating exhibitions that span genres and centuries. The museum is especially known for its comprehensive Dale Chihuly glass installation, which anchors the collection with color and brilliance. Additional exhibits feature works by European and American masters, contemporary artists, and a well-regarded film program. With its central downtown location, it's an easy stop for visitors exploring nearby Scissortail Park or Bricktown.
Myriad Botanical Gardens
Botanical Garden -- 15 Acres -- Free Outdoor AccessJust steps from Scissortail Park, the Myriad Botanical Gardens provide a stunning escape into nature within Oklahoma City's urban core. This 15-acre public garden features open lawns, water features, seasonal floral displays, and the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, which houses thousands of tropical and desert plants. The gardens host seasonal events including holiday lights, yoga classes, and outdoor movie nights. Children enjoy the interactive play areas and splash pads; adults use the space for fitness, photography, or peaceful relaxation. Outdoor access is free.
National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
Western Art and History -- Frederic Remington -- Family-FriendlyThe National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum blends fine art with regional history in a uniquely Oklahoman way. Home to one of the most extensive collections of Western art and artifacts in the country, the museum includes galleries dedicated to Native American culture, frontier life, and Western film history. Visitors can walk through life-sized recreations of frontier towns, view authentic cowboy gear, and admire the work of Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. Educational programming makes this engaging for all ages and it draws thousands of guests annually.
Riversport OKC
Outdoor Adventure -- Boathouse District -- Oklahoma RiverFor those looking to enjoy high-energy outdoor recreation, Riversport OKC in the Boathouse District offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, ziplining, a Sky Trail, and climbing walls -- all within the Oklahoma City urban core. The facility hosts youth camps and competitive rowing and canoe/kayak training events year-round. Bike paths and access to the Oklahoma River add to the site's appeal. Riversport represents OKC's investment in active lifestyle infrastructure and stands out as one of the most unique urban adventure attractions in the region.
Paseo Arts District
Arts and Culture -- 80+ Artists -- First Friday Gallery WalksKnown for its early 20th-century Spanish Revival architecture and artistic spirit, the Paseo Arts District is a lively community of galleries, shops, and locally owned cafes. With more than 80 working artists in a variety of media, the area supports monthly First Friday art walks and frequent outdoor festivals. The district is home to boutique fashion, artisan pottery, and innovative cuisine. Its creative energy and commitment to local enterprise make it a favorite for both residents and travelers seeking authenticity and artistic inspiration in a walkable neighborhood setting.
The Agency Oklahoma | Wyatt Poindexter
Living Near OKC's Best Attractions
Proximity to downtown OKC, Bricktown, Scissortail Park, and the Paseo Arts District is a real factor in neighborhood value. If you're considering buying in OKC, I can show you which neighborhoods put these destinations within 10 minutes of your front door.
Explore OKC Neighborhoods Search OKC ListingsFrequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma City Attractions
The top attractions in Oklahoma City are Scissortail Park (70-acre downtown park, free), the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum (1995 bombing memorial), Bricktown Entertainment District (canal, restaurants, OKC Dodgers), Myriad Botanical Gardens (15 acres, free outdoor access), the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (Dale Chihuly collection), the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Riversport OKC (whitewater, kayaking, zip line in the Boathouse District), and the Paseo Arts District (80+ working artists, First Friday gallery walks). All eight are within 20 minutes of each other in the OKC core.
Several of OKC's best attractions are free or have free components: Scissortail Park (70-acre downtown park, always free), Myriad Botanical Gardens (outdoor access free; Crystal Bridge Conservatory has a small admission fee), the Paseo Arts District (free to walk and browse; First Friday art walks are free), and the Oklahoma City National Memorial outdoor grounds (free; museum admission approximately $15). The Bricktown Canal area is free to walk; individual restaurants and entertainment venues charge their own rates.
Scissortail Park is a 70-acre urban park in downtown Oklahoma City, opened in 2019 and named after Oklahoma's state bird. It features walking and biking trails, a large lake with pedal boats, community gardens, a boathouse, playgrounds, splash pads, an event lawn, and year-round programming including concerts, farmers markets, fitness classes, and food truck events. Admission is free. It sits adjacent to Paycom Center (OKC Thunder arena) and the Oklahoma City Convention Center and connects to the Myriad Botanical Gardens.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial honors the 168 victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were affected by the April 19, 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The outdoor memorial features 168 bronze and glass chairs representing each victim (smaller chairs for the 19 children killed), a Reflecting Pool, the Survivor Tree -- an American elm that withstood the blast -- and a bronze Gates of Time entrance. The adjacent museum provides an immersive account of the bombing and its aftermath. Outdoor memorial grounds are open 24 hours; museum admission is approximately $15.
Bricktown is a revitalized entertainment district in downtown Oklahoma City, named for the red-brick warehouses that defined the neighborhood in the early 20th century. Today it features a 3,000-foot canal with water taxi rides, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (home of the AAA OKC Dodgers), Harkins Theatre, dozens of restaurants ranging from upscale steakhouses to casual local dining, live music venues, comedy clubs, and rooftop bars. It is one of the most walkable areas in OKC and draws both locals and visitors for dining, sports, and nightlife.
Yes. Oklahoma City has developed into one of the most underrated urban destinations in the south-central United States. The combination of world-class attractions (OKC National Memorial, National Cowboy Museum, Riversport OKC), a genuine downtown entertainment district (Bricktown), a strong local food scene, the NBA's OKC Thunder, and a cost of living approximately 13% below the national average makes OKC a compelling destination for both visitors and people considering relocation. The city has invested significantly in public spaces and cultural infrastructure over the past decade, and the results are visible.
