Hip, energetic, and laid-back all in one, Oklahoma City is both the state capital and the largest city in Oklahoma. This friendly, cosmopolitan city is home to array of things to do, and Oklahoma City travel allows visitors the chance to get out and explore in a city where culture, art, and nightlife all come together.

The list of Oklahoma City attractions includes many places to experience both the cowboy and Native American cultures so important to the history of this state. Just outside of downtown, Historic Stockyards City offers a taste of the West with live cattle auctions, steakhouses, and plenty of places to watch crafters create boots and spurs. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is home to a treasure trove of Western art, and the Oklahoma History Center celebrates all of the people and cultures of America's 46th state.

Those making plans for Oklahoma City travel will have the chance to explore a growing and revitalized city. In thriving the Bricktown entertainment district, visitors will find shops, restaurants, a top-notch minor-league baseball stadium, places to stroll along the canal, and water taxi rides. Nearby is downtown Oklahoma City, home to the new Oklahoma City Museum of Art and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, which honors the memory of those lost in the terrorist attack in 1995.

Oklahoma Map

Because Oklahoma City is state capital, there's a number of things to do in Oklahoma City that can't be duplicated anywhere else in the state. The state capitol building and surrounding plaza are open for tours, as is the governor's mansion, which are as much art museums as symbols of Oklahoma's statehood.

Events in Oklahoma City fill the calendar from January to December. Early in the year, the Arts Council of Oklahoma stages the Vintage Oklahoma Wine & Art Festival, followed by the Festival of the Arts in April. This downtown celebration, one of the best-attended events in Oklahoma City, brings together art exhibits, concerts, dining experiences, and other fun to Festival Plaza. In the summer, the arts council hosts twilight concerts at the Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Other events in Oklahoma City include the Oklahoma Folklife Festival in January, the state fair in September, a Saint Patrick's Day parade, and Christmas celebrations. The Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival, held every June, is a gathering place for nearly 100 tribes and more than 1,000 artists and dancers from all over North America. The festival planners have opened a museum, which OKC visitors can explore all throughout the year.

When creating Oklahoma City travel plans, there will be many things to add to the itinerary, in addition to the attractions, museums, and special events. Oklahoma City hotels, everything from budget hotels to top-notch resorts, are choices for getaways. The vast list of dining options means every visitor can find a tasty meal, and a bevy of nightspots will fill the need for fun and culture.

The city also offers nearly endless options for recreation, including golfing, hiking trails, and equine events. Lake Hefner is a favorite place for bird-watching and for sailing. The urban parks along its shores are criss-crossed by miles of trails, perfect for strolling and biking. At Frontier City theme park, visitors can get outside and find a few thrills along the way.