Oklahoma City is known as the Modern Frontier—where authentic Western heritage meets thriving modern metropolis.
Whether you show up in cowboy boots or a business suit, there’s more common ground in Oklahoma City than you might think. It’s hard to fully experience the city’s rich culture in just one weekend, especially given the four-hour drive from Amarillo. But there are several ways to spend 48 hours in the Modern Frontier and make your trip exactly what you want it to be.
Day One
Where you stay sets the tone for the trip. From a restored motor inn to glamping under the open sky, there’s a wide variety of unique lodging experiences and historic hotels in OKC.
Located in the hub of downtown OKC, the Skirvin Hilton is a sophisticated hotel with luxurious amenities, comfortable furnishings and beautiful décor. The Skirvin Hilton features a charming on-site restaurant and a lavish cocktail bar where you can enjoy live music a few nights a week. The Skirvin is just a few blocks from the Bricktown Entertainment District where you’ll find a mix of dining and retail options lining the Bricktown Canal, plus OKC’s nightlife hub.
If the Arts District is calling your name, 21c Museum Hotel in Oklahoma City will welcome you with contemporary art and excellent amenities. 21c occupies the historic Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant and is home to Mary Eddy’s Kitchen x Lounge where you can enjoy new American cuisine favorites and craft cocktails to please all palates.
From 21c, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art is only a few steps away. At the museum, you’ll find three floors of traveling installations and permanent exhibits, including one of the largest collections of Dale Chihuly glass in the world and the renowned Samuel Roberts Noble Theater that screens international, independent, documentaries and classic films year-round.
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art puts you just a short walk (less than five minutes) or one streetcar stop away from the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Yes, the topic is an emotional one, but you will be amazed at the beauty the city has managed to reclaim in order to pay tribute to the victims and survivors, honor the volunteers and first responders and celebrate the city’s resilience and determination. Access to the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial is always free.
From the Memorial, you can walk over to Automobile Alley, just two blocks east, and spend the afternoon in one of the city’s original districts. Shop for souvenirs at Plenty Mercantile, Shop Good and Tin Lizzies then grab a snack or craft beverage at the Parlor, Sidecar Barley & Wine Bar or Twisted Spike. You’ll also discover one-of-a-kind art experiences: Factory Obscura and Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center.
Dinner at Vast is a must. The wine list is spectacular and the 49-story view is unmatched. As OKC’s leading AAA Four Diamond restaurant, Vast offers fresh fare and inventive cocktails. Dine 726 feet up in the Devon Tower and raise a toast to the best view in OKC.
Day Two
On day two, start with breakfast at Oklahoma’s oldest continually operated restaurant—Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Stockyards City. The diner by day, steakhouse by night concept has been around for more than 100 years and celebrities like John Wayne and Ronald Regan have dined there. Locals especially love it for breakfast—steak & eggs and chicken-fried steak & eggs are two of the favorites.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Adventure District in all its glory. The district is home to many can’t-miss museums and attractions such as the Oklahoma City Zoo, USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium, Oklahoma Railway Museum, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and more. It’s easy to find plenty of ways to entertain the whole family!
Enjoy time outdoors at one of downtown OKC’s urban parks. The beautiful Myriad Botanical Gardens features a wide variety of plants, music stages, a children’s garden with interactive features, a lower pond with koi, duck, geese and water plants, and the outdoor grounds are always free. Nearby Scissortail Park offers paddleboats, playgrounds and year-round programming, plus it’s the perfect spot to catch one of OKC’s show-stopping sunsets.
Finish up the night with an unforgettable dining experience at Grey Sweater. Each night, Chef Andrew Black crafts a rotating tasting menu that highlights the freshest and most unique flavors from all over the world. Dinner spots fill up quickly so be sure to make a reservation before you visit. For after-dinner drinks, stop by Ludivine then head next door to R&J Lounge & Supper Club for perfect classic cocktails.
Fall in love with all that OKC has to offer in just 48 hours or less!
Content and photos courtesy of VisitOKC.com
