Following the Oklahoma City Thunder’s thrilling 103–91 victory over Indiana in Game 7 of the NBA Finals — securing their second-ever championship and first since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008 — Australians and New Zealanders are invited to experience the excitement and energy of this historic sporting moment. Celebrate in true Thunder style with an action-packed ‘72 Hours in Oklahoma City’ inspired itinerary, showcasing the home of the 2025 NBA champions.
Oklahoma City is emerging as one of the United States’ most surprising and rewarding destinations with a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming hospitality. Combined with the city’s love for sport, revitalised downtown, thriving food and arts scenes, and a deep-rooted Western spirit – it is a destination that resonates strongly with travellers who are looking for an authentic experience that goes beyond the typical tourist trail.
Centrally located and easy to navigate, Oklahoma City offers the perfect mix of urban energy and laid-back charm — whether it’s watching a sunset over Lake Hefner, exploring Indigenous and cowboy heritage, or riding the wave of excitement following the Oklahoma City Thunder’s historic NBA championship win.
- Getting there: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Grapevine, Texas is the most common international flight hub, just over an hour’s drive from the Oklahoma state line. Hire a car and drive directly to Oklahoma City in under three hours.
- Kick off an Oklahoma City visit with a tour of the Paycom Center, taking in the championship gear and fan lore. Or better still, time your visit with a home game for the Oklahoma City Thunder!
- Enjoy a long Lunch in Bricktown, a former warehouse district now filled with restaurants and entertainment. Walk off lunch with a stroll along the canal, hop on a water taxi or rent a bike to soak up city life. Tip! A 40-minute trip on the Bricktown Water Taxi is the perfect way to tour through Bricktown, from the eastern edge of downtown to the northern edge of the Oklahoma River.
- Check into the brand new OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark – a new world-class resort with a variety of accommodation styles, 11 pools, 13 restaurant outlets, day spa and fitness center.
- In the early evening, explore the Paseo Arts District, known for its eclectic art galleries and studios, shopping and distinctive Spanish Revival architecture that reflects the district’s bohemian vibe. Keep an eye out for the district’s monthly First Friday Gallery Walk, where visitors can mingle with local artists and enjoy live music.
- Plan a morning stop by the Oklahoma City National Memorial, to honor those whose lives were forever changed by the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.
- Immerse yourself in captivating storytelling and interactive exhibits that bring to life the rich heritage of Oklahoma’s 39 distinct First American Nations at the First Americans Museum and nearby First American gallery, Exhibit C, proudly owned by the Chickasaw Nation. Following, browse expansive local art a the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
- For the thrill-seekers, RIVERSPORT Rapids & Adventures is the place to go with its zipline across the river, surfing and snow skiing simulators, kayaking, sky trail and Riversport Rapids which features Class II-IV white water rafting.
- Enjoy a stunning sunset stroll by Lake Hefner, an urban oasis featuring the Lighthouse at East Wharf and over 14 kilometres of trails for wildlife spotting.
- Head to Historic Stockyards City for that classic steak‑and‑cowboy atmosphere – Cattlemen’s steaks are a must, delivering hearty portions and story‑filled walls. It’s home to the Oklahoma National Stockyards, the world’s largest feeder and stocker cattle market, where live cattle auctions take place every Monday and Tuesday and are open to the public.
- Rope up some fun at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum featuring an internationally-renowned collection of Western art and artifacts.
- Catch a local sports game. If an all-American baseball game is your style, head over to the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to see the Oklahoma City Comets hit it out of the park. Or catch a pro softball game at the world’s largest softball-specific stadium when the Oklahoma City Spark take the field at Devon Park.
- Cap it off with a celebratory drink at a rooftop bar downtown, before heading to one of Oklahoma City’s incredible restaurants like Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse and The Mantel serving up tasty meals and local celebrity sightings.
Experience Oklahoma City – home to the OKC Thunder – and continue your Oklahoma adventure in the birthplace state of Route 66. Plan your adventure at travelok.com.
