Tulsa holidays
Ringed by rolling hills and the Arkansas River, Oklahoma’s second-biggest city was a stop for road-trippers travelling the legendary Route 66 that once spanned America. Its skyline gleams with grand Art Deco buildings, thanks to a 1920s upturn brought on by an oil boom. But Tulsa is not a city frozen in time. Holidays to Tulsa today promise powerhouse museums, innovative public parks and energetic nightlife.
Tulsa holiday highlights
Visit Tulsa
Black history
Tulsa’s Greenwood District was home to Black Wall Street, where Black citizens thrived before it was decimated by a white mob in 1921. That history is explored on the Pathway to Hope, which connects important sites, and at the Greenwood Rising museum. Today’s Greenwood District is a vibrant centre of Black-owned businesses, offering everything from fruit cobbler to art and sneakers.
Music museums
Holidays to Tulsa aren’t complete without visiting a pair of museums devoted to influential American folk singers. The Woody Guthrie Center celebrates the Oklahoman singer with displays of his instruments and handwritten lyrics. Bob Dylan isn’t a local but was an acolyte of Guthrie. The Bob Dylan Center offers a chance to get up close and personal with the reclusive musician’s career.
Where to stay
Downtown Tulsa pulses with restaurants, bars and music venues, making it the perfect base for easy nights out. For close proximity to museums and galleries, aim for the Paseo Arts District. This neighbourhood comes alive once a month with First Friday Art Crawl, when museums offer free or reduced admission.
Tulsa: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT)
High season
July – August
Low season
January – February
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Things to do in Tulsa
Visit Tulsa
Take in the culture
Take in world-class art and stretch your legs at the Philbrook Museum of Art. Its sprawling collection is housed in an Italianate villa surrounded by formal gardens. Want to learn more about the city’s unique architecture? Visit Decopolis, a mini-museum located on Route 66, where you can pick up a free map of the city’s Art Deco gems.
Places to eat
Located in cattle country, Tulsa does hearty well. You’ll find no shortage of juicy steaks with martinis, biscuits and gravy, and ‘coney dogs’ — hot dogs heaped with fixings like chilli, cheese and onions. You’ll also find inventive brasseries and tasting menus. And if you love beer, Tulsa’s craft brewery scene is booming.
Family-friendly things to do
Tulsa is packed with parks, and the crown jewel is Gathering Place, which has achieved national fame for good reason. This 27-hectare riverfront green space offers gardens, playgrounds, boating, public art and so much more. Ready to duck inside? The park’s Discovery Lab is filled with interactive science exhibits that will captivate kids of all ages.
FAQs about Tulsa holidays
English is mostly what you'll hear when chatting with locals. From simple greetings to colourful local lingo, you'll probably add a few new words to your vocabulary during your city break in Tulsa.
During your trip to Tulsa, you'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your spending. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cash and cards to avoid any issues with payments.
With temperatures hitting a maximum of 37ºC (99ºF), July is the warmest month in Tulsa.
Whether you're looking to splurge or keep things affordable, how you travel will partly determine the cost. When budgeting for your Tulsa flights and hotels, consider your choices, from flying first class or economy to booking cheap or luxury stays. The time of year also matters, with some seasons bringing better value for a city break in Tulsa.
Plan your Tulsa holiday for January and you'll be there at the coolest time of the year. -3ºC (27ºF) is as cold as it gets.
Spring and autumn are ideal times for holidays in Tulsa, as you’ll have the best chance of avoiding extreme weather. You can also partake in seasonal events like Mayfest, an annual arts and music festival, or the Tulsa State Fair, which takes place after Labor Day.
Allow at least a long weekend to sample Tulsa’s food and nightlife, tour the many museums and visit Gathering Place park. With even more time, explore the Oklahoma landscape at places like the picturesque Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area, just outside downtown.
Your holiday to Tulsa should be worry-free, as the city is generally seen as safe. Still, it's important to take a few commonsense precautions. Stay alert in crowded places and make sure valuables like your phone and cash are out of sight. An anti-theft bag or money belt provides added peace of mind during your travels.
With its unique architectural heritage, location on historic Route 66 and inventive cultural and culinary scenes, Tulsa is an excellent holiday destination. Flights and hotels to Tulsa are convenient. Tulsa International Airport is just ten minutes from downtown, and accommodation ranges from historic hotels to a converted mansion.
With an average rainfall of 19 cm, May is the wettest month to go on a Tulsa holiday. When the skies turn grey, head indoors and make the most of the city's art exhibits, cafes, shopping centres and more.
