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Oklahoma City
With nine exciting matches set for Dallas, the Metroplex will be bustling with visitors from around the world. But if you’re looking for a break from the crowds between the games, Oklahoma City is a worthy getaway that’s a straight shot up I-35 from AT&T Stadium.
Affectionately known as OKC by locals, the Oklahoma capital considers itself “the modern frontier.” Here you’ll find over 20 districts that highlight its historic roots, diverse cultures and artistic identity. Visit state-of-the-art exhibits at the First Americans Museum. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of America’s legendary Route 66, part of which runs through downtown OKC. Savor delicious flavors from Vietnamese pho to steakhouse cuisine.
Read on for a three-day itinerary to explore OKC between the games.
OKC’s “modern frontier” identity will be evident in the city's celebration of its First American and Western heritage. The First Americans Museum is in the Horizons District, along the Oklahoma River. State-of-the-art exhibits such as “OKLA HOMMA”, showcasing the histories of 39 different First American Nations in the state, fill the 175,000 square-foot facility. There’s also an immersive FAMily Discovery Center, perfect for kids; a garden; and 39 Restaurant, which celebrates Indigenous foods and flavors, including grilled frybread.
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First Americans Museum
Factory Obscura
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Route 66
Bar Sen
Museum of Art
Wheeler District
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Golden Phoenix
Tower Theatre
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is fittingly located in the Adventure District, on the north end of the city. There are several permanent collections that explore American Cowboy culture; the American Rodeo; galleries of Native American art and of the American West and more. Starting June 5, the museum will host the annual Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition and Sale. The exhibition will last through July 12, and the art sale will take place June 12-13. The event will showcase "original works ranging from historical depictions of the American West to more contemporary and impressionistic pieces,” according to the museum. If you’re visiting both museums, you can save by purchasing a joint ticket in person for $35 per ticket at either location.
Craig's Emporium on Route 66
Riversport
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Top off the day with a visit to Stockyards City, a district on the west side of the city. Find many shops like Little Joe’s Boots and Ol' Glory Hat Company, where you can equip yourself with fine Western wear. It’s also home to the Oklahoma National Stockyards, said to be the largest feeder and stocker cattle market in the world. Live cattle auctions happen every Monday and Tuesday and are open to the public. Now that you look the part, and may have even witnessed a real cattle auction, you’ll be fixin’ to find a hearty meal. Cattlemen's Steakhouse is the state’s oldest continuously running restaurant and has served the likes of presidents and movie stars. Dig into a T-bone steak or opt for a southern classic chicken-fried steak. For a quick nightcap, head to McClintock’s Saloon down the way, where you’ll be welcomed by a 50-foot oak and brass bar ready for you to grab a drink and recap your first day in OKC.
After a day of exploring the city’s historic roots, it’s time to branch out into more districts to see OKC. Automobile Alley is located north of downtown, once home to dozens of car dealerships. With rustic buildings and signature neon signs lighting up the neighborhood as a callback to its past, the area has been revitalized with restaurants, shops and art experiences.
Factory Obscura is one example. This local, collaborative company creates immersive art experiences sure to bring out the whimsy in all ages. Their permanent experience is called “Mix-Tape,” 6,000 square feet of vibrant, colorful, engaging art to walk through.
OKC summers are hot, but thankfully there are options to cool off. The Boathouse District is situated along the north side of the river. Riversport offers water activities like tubing, rowing, kayaking and even surfing. To enjoy the sunshine, the city also has over 100 miles of trails open for walking, running and biking.
The city was changed forever in April 1995 when the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was bombed. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum in Downtown honors the victims, survivors, rescuers and all those affected by the events of that attack. The moving experience includes the stories and memories of that April day, including the bravery of those who rushed in to help; what the city has chosen to learn from it; and an outdoor memorial, with a reflecting pool and the “Field of Empty Chairs,” 168 chairs representing those lost that day.
One aspect of OKC that may surprise visitors is the intersection of cultures that co-exist the city—First American, Western, Latino and Asian among them. The Asian District is northwest of Downtown. You’ll find many authentic Vietnamese restaurants throughout the neighborhood, an indication of OKC’s vibrant Vietnamese community. Golden Phoenix is one such beloved spot, serving up a variety of delightfully warm and flavorful Phos, which is a noodle soup. In Midtown, say hello to Later Bye—a 2026 James Beard Award finalist for Best New Bar. Handcrafted cocktails, mocktails and a bevy of beer and wine options await in this intimate spot that seats just over 30 people.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of America’s iconic Route 66. The state is home to over 400 miles of the highway, and OKC serves as one of its major landmarks. You can retrace some of the historic Route 66 in different neighborhoods around town.
There are only two state capitals along the highway, and one of them is Oklahoma’s (the other is Illinois). The Oklahoma State Capitol is free to visit. It’s also home to hundreds of works of art, some of which you can learn about on the no-cost guided tours available on weekdays.
There is also 39th Street District, considered OKC’s “gayborhood," one of the few on Route 66. The neighborhood showcases LGBTQ+ pride, inclusion and a popular nightlife scene. It’s also home to the “Summer of 66” mural, perfect for a photo opp. The Britton District also has a Route 66 mural painted over brick, perfect for an Instagram-worthy snap.
Stick around that district and head to El Coyote. This locally beloved northern New Mexican restaurant features a menu full of the cuisine’s signature green chili. Green chili queso, green chili chicken nachos—it's even featured in some of their margaritas. Sopapillas are a must when indulging in some New Mexican food, and their sopapilla sundae with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate, pistachio and caramel sauce certainly fulfills the requirement.
More awaits in the Uptown 23rd District, like an eight-foot-tall robot holding up a welcome sign. The local Tower Theatre was opened in 1937, and after closing in 1989, it was revitalized in 2017 to become a music, movie and event venue. It's marked by a classic neon marquee out front. Just around the corner is Cheever's Cafe, a popular bistro with mouthwatering menu items like blue cheese potato chips, roasted chicken and pepper jack strudel and a roasted pecan ice cream ball.
Extend your stay to explore more of OKC, or if you’re looking to get on the road again, hop onto Route 66 and head northeast for Tulsa. If you’ve got another Dallas game to get to, a few hours’ drive south will get you back. Or, fly out of the Will Rogers International Airport to fly nonstop to host cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City and Seattle.
Oklahoma National Stockyards
Shorty's Caboy Hattery
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Surfing at Riversport
Oklahoma State Capitol
Route 66 in Uptown 23rd District
Midtown
El Coyote
39th Street District
Summer of 66 mural | credit: Nick Bayer, muralist
Britton District
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