Are you looking for a Tulsa Oklahoma itinerary? Tulsa is Oklahoma’s second largest city and is a great place to visit. Located in the Northeast corner of Oklahoma, it is an easy one hour and half drive from Bentonville.
Tulsa is well known for its bustling shopping, entertainment districts, museums, zoo, state-of-the-art venues for national sporting events and major concerts, Tulsa perfectly blends Southern comfort with a cosmopolitan style of living.
It owes its heritage to the oil industry, but has become one of the cultural giants of the area. Your day trip to Tulsa will be exciting and full of things to do:
MUSEUMS
Gilcrease Museum – While in Tulsa visit the Gilcrease Museum, which celebrates the American West, American Indian legend, and the U.S. frontier lore. Wander through the vast galleries filled to the brim with more than 10,000 works of art, including an unparalleled anthropology collection. Before you leave, take the time to stroll through the eleven different themed gardens.
Philbrook Museum of Art – This 72-room mansion surrounded by 23 acres of expansive gardens, houses a major American Indian collection as well as collections from around the globe.
Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium – Enjoy an out-of-this-world experience when you visit this unique museum which celebrates Oklahoma’s aerospace and aviation history. Great fun for the entire family.
SHOPPING
Blue Dome Entertainment District – Tulsa is the shopping mecca of the region. The Blue Dome Entertainment District offers nine blocks of unique shopping opportunities, eateries to tempt even the most discriminating taste buds, indie boutiques, local pubs and trendy nightspots. It is the place to be in Tulsa.
Utica Square – If you long for a full-fledged shopping spree, there is no destination more capable of satisfying your retail cravings than Utica Square. Fashion and home decoration enthusiasts alike enjoy the higher-end boutiques, department stores and unique specialty shops.
Woodland Hills Mall – Huge indoor mall with over a million sq. ft. of trendy boutiques, chain stores, kids play area and a food court. Great place to scratch your shopping itch.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
BOK Center – A state-of-the-art venue for national sporting events and major concerts. The place to catch a live show or major sporting event.
Cain’s Ballroom – This historic live music venue and dance ballroom is known as the home of Bob Wills and The Carnegie Hall of Western Swing. It boasts a steady stream of the biggest acts around and has a full bar.
The Colony – Longtime bar has cozy setting with fireplace & patio. Has a fabulous calendar of local and regional bands.
The Vanguard – The place to experience emerging and independent artists in an intimate setting. A nice venue showcasing excellent bands with quick bar service.
ATTRACTIONS
Tulsa Zoo – Highly rated and one of the finest zoos in the region, it has more than 80 acres of wild exhibits including lions, tigers, jaguars. Hop on the popular safari train. Visit the walk-through caves, petting zoo, recreated Masai village, pre-Columbian ruins and much, much more. Great fun for adults and kids alike.
The Tulsa Theater – Formerly The Brady Theater, now a theater and convention hall. There are 3 bars featuring beer, wine, liquor and soft drinks. Some of the greatest names in show business have played this historic venue.
Gathering Place – 100-acre community park situated along Tulsa’s waterfront of the Arkansas River. Great place to relax, move and have fun with friends and family. Educational as well as fun activities are offered.
Center of the Universe – Located downtown on a Boston Ave pedestrian overpass, this is definitely a one-of-a-kind spot in the universe. Stand in the middle and say something and your words will echo back to you.
GAMBLING
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino – Features state-of-the-art amenities in all of its 454 rooms and suites. Gaming includes electronic games, poker and table games. McGills at 19 on the top floor is the place to go for fine dining. The Eatery features an all you can eat buffet. Hwy 66 Diner features American fare, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Click here for best prices.
River Spirit Casino Resort – Has table and e-games, live music and performances, a great steakhouse, casual restaurants and shows on the weekends. Hotel features 483 luxurious rooms and a pool. Great spot to getaway for the weekend. Click here for best prices.
Osage Casino – Nothing fancy casino offering electronic games and card tables. The hotel located in downtown Tulsa, includes a pool and nice guest rooms. Click here for best prices.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Are you looking for a stylish and comfortable hotel option for your next trip to Tulsa? Look no further than the newly opened BRUT Hotel. This chic boutique hotel offers eighty-two guest rooms across nine stories of full-service hospitality experience.
Located in the newly revitalized 18th & Boston district, it’s perfectly situated near some of Tulsa’s most exciting attractions, including the Gathering Place, Cherry Street District, and more. Plus, with a rooftop bar featuring gorgeous panoramic views of historic neighborhoods and the Arkansas River, you can relax in style after exploring all that downtown Tulsa has to offer. Click here to learn more and book your stay now. You can read more about the Brut Hotel, here.
How about staying at Vrbo? Here is the Madison! Experience elevated living in the heart of Tulsa’s historic Brookside district with The Madison, boasting a boho-modern style with luxurious finishes throughout.
The Madison: New in Brookside, Walk to The Gathering Place! – Image courtesy of Vrbo
Located just 5 blocks from the entrance to The Gathering Place: Tulsa’s Riverfront Park, voted USA Today’s Best City Park in 2021, and within walking distance to Tulsa’s historic Brookside district, one of the city’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations, The Madison offers convenient access to everything you need.
The open concept living and kitchen space of The Madison is perfect for keeping everyone together in one space. The fully equipped chef’s kitchen features GE Cafe appliances, a coffee, tea, and espresso bar, an adult beverage station, and an abundance of everything you’ll need to prepare a perfect family meal.
The living room boasts a 65″ Smart TV, gas-log fireplace, and an audio system that can be heard throughout the lower level. The dining area features a large table that seats 8 comfortably, and a leaf can be added for expanded elbow room.
With its comfortable and luxurious amenities and details, The Madison is the perfect home for those looking for elevated living in Tulsa’s historic Brookside district. Click here to learn more.
EATS
Mahogany Prime Steakhouse – Steaks are cut from the finest custom-aged U.S. Prime Midwestern Beef. Mahogany’s may very well be the best steakhouse in the city. Steaks are tender, juicy and seasoned just the way you like them, appetizers are out-of-this-world and sides are fantastic. Service is impeccable. Who could ask for more? A bit expensive, but well worth the price.
Prhyme – Is a downtown, upscale and modern steakhouse featuring a contemporary decor, the best cuts of USDA Prime beef and chops and an extensive award-winning wine list. Service is exceptional in every way, and the entire staff is keen to have your experience with them, one you’ll long remember.
Trenchers Delicatessen – This popular, lunch only spot (10 am – 3 pm) seven days per week, serves up the very best sandwiches in the city. All breads & sweets are made in house, and meats are roasted in house as well. Try their legendary hot pastrami for a taste sensation you won’t soon forget.
BARS
Valkyrie – Legit destination bar with talented mixologists ready to create the cocktail of your choosing. Has an exceptional bourbon selection, features an entire wall of spirits (700 bottles) and offers a carefully curated craft beer selection. Don’t leave Tulsa without visiting this delightful space.
Arnie’s Bar – Tulsa’s popular traditional Irish pub located in the Blue Dome district serves signature cocktails, shooters and Irish whiskeys. Has the best St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the city. Boasts a patio in the back, live music and a great happy hour.
Inner Circle Vodka Bar -Open Wed – Sat, this fun bar specializes in vodka infused drinks, but also boasts a full bar. The large patio (super view of downtown Tulsa) complete with cabanas is great for relaxing with your friends and playing games.
Tulsa will keep you entertained from daylight until the wee hours of the morning. Take a day trip to Tulsa and you will definitely be back for more!
Check out our other Bentonville Itineraries
Downtown Bentonville ~ Bentonville Itinerary #1
Bentonville Itinerary ~ Museums
Crystal Bridges ~ Bentonville Itinerary #2
Bentonville Day Trip #1 ~ Eureka Springs
Tulsa Oklahoma Itinerary ~ Day Trip
Image at top of the page courtesy of Wikimedia Commons