Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the American Southwest, with a rich tapestry of culture, history and innovation. Known for its Art Deco architecture and thriving arts scene, the destination is Oklahoma’s second-largest city, and is a mecca for the iconic Route 66 road-trip as the destination where it originated.
Recently, the city has garnered new attention courtesy of the hit series Tulsa King, starring Sylvester Stallone, with the show’s backdrop showcasing both the city and neighbourhoods charm. As Stallone’s character navigates the challenges of life in Tulsa, viewers are treated to glimpses of the city’s iconic landmarks, from its stunning Art Deco architecture to the dynamic arts scene.
Ten things to love about Tulsa:
1. Discover the heart of Route 66 – celebrating 100 years in 2026
Tulsa is officially the Capital of Route 66, the iconic driving route stretching from from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, and offering a glimpse into America’s past with its classic diners, vintage motels and neon signage landmarks along the way.
The “Mother Road” as it’s affectionately nicknamed, first originated in Tulsa in 1926 by Cyrus Avery. There are plenty of picture-perfect photo stops to capture an iconic moment along the route, including the Route 66 Historical Village, at Cyrus Avery Plaza with its sculptures that depict the Avery family riding west in a Motel T Ford, meeting an eastbound horse-drawn carriage. Or, by the famed Route 66 bridge, located downtown on the Arkansas River.
2. Roadside bites and boutique finds at Mother Road Market
Discover why USA TODAY named the Mother Road Market the best food hall in America for two years running, in both 2023 and 2024. Sample delicious bites from the variety of food vendors and Route 66-themed food trucks, seek out chic finds in the market boutiques, book in for a round of mini golf, or catch the variety of entertainment year-round including cooking demonstrations and live music events.
3. Discover a musical legacy at the Woody Guthrie Center
Woody Guthrie (1912-1967) was one of America’s greatest folk singers and most influential songwriters, born and raised in Oklahoma and behind classic hits including This Land Is Your Land. Explore the Centre as a celebration of Woody’s life, music and artistry, with interactive exhibits, archival materials including his personal notebooks, and educational programs that inspire melody and social justice.
4. Scenes from Sylvester Stallone’s Tulsa King
Tulsa Tours run a variety of tours including a self-guided Tulsa King Trail that explores all the recognisable sights made famous by mafia capo Dwight Manfredi, played by Sylvester Stallone. Notable stops include the historic Mayo Hotel, a pit-stop at Triangle Coffee, the business district of Boston Avenue and Centre of the Universe landmark to strut like a boss, along with several more sights. The much-loved show first premiered in 2022 and has recently released its second season.
5. Cultural beauty at the Philbrook Museum of Art
Housed in a stunning Italian Renaissance-style villa on beautiful garden grounds, the Philbrook Museum of Art features an impressive collection of American, European, and Native American art. Originally built as a home for oil tycoon Waite Phillips and his family in 1927, the 72-room mansion and surrounding 23 acres of grounds were dedicated as an art center to the city of Tulsa in 1938.
6. Blowin’ in the Wind with a cultural icon
The Bob Dylan Center is located in the heart of the Tulsa Arts District — a diverse, culturally robust area in the northern section of downtown Tulsa. Offering unprecedented access to the creative life of one of America’s most important and influential artists, the world-class venue houses and exhibits exclusive cultural treasures created and owned by the musician over seven decades. These include handwritten lyric manuscripts, previously unreleased recordings, never-before-seen film performances, rare and unseen photographs, visual art and other priceless items spanning Dylan’s unparalleled career as one of the world’s most important cultural figures.
7. Catch a live show at Cain’s Ballroom
A Tulsa landmark buzzing with music history, Cain’s Ballroom still draws a full house of fans on any given night. It’s known for its vibrant live performances from country to rock and has become something of an entertainment mecca for artists; even Bob Dylan sought a gig at Cain’s as part of his 2004 tour. Cain’s Ballroom was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on September 4, 2003.
8. An immersive space odyssey
For aerospace enthusiasts, the Tulsa Air and Space Museum is a must visit with its hands-on flight simulators, historical display aircraft and regular astronomy shows. Browse over 100 years of Tulsa’s rich aerospace history and enjoy a show at the state-of-the-art planetarium with stunning high-definition visuals in its 50-foot dome.
9. Capture a snap at the Golden Driller
The title of “Oil Capital of the World” is often used to refer to Tulsa, for its early history. By 1920, Tulsa served as the base for over 400 petroleum companies. In recognition of the city’s significant past, the Golden Driller located at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds is a one-of-a-kind monument, weighing in at a whopping 43,500 pounds and standing 76 feet tall – one of the tallest freestanding statues in the United States.
10. Get back to nature at Oxley Nature Center
After a day in the city, head to the hills for a dose of green therapy. Located in Tulsa’s Mohawk Park in the Osage Hills, this nature centre offers plentiful hiking and wildlife viewing, with an interpretive centre offering local ecology exhibits. Explore more than nine miles of trails that amble through forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
Take a virtual road-trip through Tulsa: travelok.com/road-trip/tulsa
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