How to Explore and Have Fun in Oklahoma City

Bricktown in Oklahoma City

Begin exploring Oklahoma City by going to Bricktown. Head straight to the Bricktown Canal for a relaxing stroll with beautiful atmosphere. Boat tours are available, which is an inexpensive and fun way to see the entire canal. There are many restaurants here and dining on a patio canal side is an experience not to be missed. If you are looking for a quick bite, go to Sonic or Marble Slab Creamery. After dark, Bricktown becomes an Oklahoma City night life hot spot. The choices are varied, so there is something for everyone. Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill features live bands Friday and Saturday nights with no cover charge. TapWerks is another favorite because of its extensive beer selection. Day or night, Bricktown is the place to be!

Oklahoma City

I always suggest driving through the downtown area of any city to get a feel for what that city is like. The downtown area of Oklahoma City is relatively small compared to other cities, so it doesn't take long to see it all. Look for Myriad Botanical Gardens, the Oklahoma City National Memorial, and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Stop at the visitor’s center to pick up some maps and brochures.

The Crystal Bridge in Oklahoma City

Myriad Botanical Gardens is a must-see both inside and out. The Crystal Bridge is an unmistakable Oklahoma City landmark. Inside is a lush botanical garden featuring over 1,000 species of plants. Admission is only $6 for adults, and well worth it. After you have gone through the Crystal Bridge, spend some time walking the grounds. It is beautifully landscaped and the pond under the Crystal Bridge is home to ducks and fish.

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, which is dedicated to the April 19, 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The Memorial outside is free and admission to the museum is $10. I highly recommend going inside the museum. The museum does a great job of transporting visitors back to April 19, 1995 to understand the reality of what happened. Haunting stories and artifacts from the bombing are on display.

Stockyards City in Oklahoma City

Take a stroll through Stockyards City. The area comprises only a few blocks, but nicely showcases Oklahoma's western heritage. Browse some of the western wear shops or sit down to a dinner at the famous Cattlemen's Steakhouse. This restaurant has hosted an all-star list of patrons, including George Bush Sr., Ronald Reagan, John Wayne, and Reba McIntyre.

Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City

Take a walk or bike ride along Lake Hefner, which is located in northwest Oklahoma City. Separate walking and biking paths circle Lake Hefner, and it is an ideal place to spend an afternoon. Go on several occasions starting at different points along the lake. It is different depending on which side of the lake you are on. I prefer the east side to watch the wind surfers. Walk out to the lighthouse, but beware of the geese! There are restaurants along the lake that offer patio seating to enjoy an al fresco dining experience.

A great dog park in Oklahoma City

Whether you own a dog or not, Paw Park is highly entertaining! Paw Park is an off-leash dog park near Lake Hefner on the northwest side of Oklahoma City. It was rated as one of the top ten dog parks in America by Dog Fancy magazine. There are separate areas for small dogs and large dogs. Toys and water are provided for the dogs, and the larger dog area even contains a small pond! It is very entertaining to watch the dogs play together and to romp around in the pond. Your dog (and you) will love it!

Club Rodeo is an Oklahoma City gem

Club Rodeo is truly a unique Oklahoma experience. Every weekend features live bull riding in the bar! If you want to have some true Oklahoma cowboy fun, go to Club Rodeo. They have drink specials and events all week long, but the real action takes place Friday and Saturday nights when they have live bull riding. To prove this place actually exists, I have uploaded a video of the action. This is a real Oklahoma City gem, and an experience not to be missed.